Personnel Recovery and the DOTMLPF Changes Needed for the Twenty-First Century

摘要

Perhaps the noblest mission in the nation is the one where tremendous risk is taken to rescue personnel who are isolated from friendly control. Personnel recovery, conducted by every service, involves locating and recovering isolated personnel and returning them to safety. This mission continues to grow in scope and coverage as the global war on terrorism widens the battlespace and more U.S. Government personnel and contractors are placed in harm's way. Therefore, this mission must be transformed to keep pace with the new landscape of conflict. This paper briefly reviews the history of personnel recovery, highlighting areas of concern that have impacted combat operations in the past. A historical perspective is necessary to understand the current posture of today's personnel recovery forces. This historical review is followed by an ample analysis of current service capabilities, required to grasp the issues that shape the personnel recovery mission of today. An in- depth and comprehensive assessment of the existing landscape of landscape is provided to frame the issues for the future of this mission. Seven key areas are addressed to frame the elements needed to help improve the personnel recovery mission. The seven areas are the doctrine, organization, training, material, leadership, personnel and facilities (DOTMLPF) elements of personnel recovery. The DOTMLPF elements are examined in their current state and problems identified. Realistic and sensible solutions are offered to ensure the Joint Force Commander and the Combatant Commanders have a fully robust personnel recovery force for the twenty-first century.