Realigning Joint Doctrine for Effective Theater Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) Operations

摘要

Combatant Commanders are required by Joint Doctrine to plan for and execute Combat Search and Rescue Operations (CSAR) within their theaters of operation. Doctrine also requires that component commanders and USSOCOM also be prepared to perform CSAR operations in support of their own component operations. Capabilities, polices, budget, and equipment limitations within the component services means that no single service is prepared to under take CSAR operations without support. Since Operation Desert Storm, Special Operations Forces (SOF) have been assigned the responsibility of theater CSAR operations. CSAR is a collateral mission for USSOCOM, assigning SOF the theater CSAR mission violates current Joint Doctrine. The Doctrine needs to be changed, the USSOCOM mission list needs to be modified, CSAR should be moved from a collateral mission to a principal mission The CSAR assets of the US Air Force - aircraft and aircrews should be reassigned to an Air Force SOF unit assigned to USSOCOM. Creation of a Joint Special Operations CSAR Task Force (JSOCTF) under the theater Special Operations Command (SOC) would allow for the development of a C2 structure that would provide the Combatant Commander with a force structure that was trained, manned and equipped to perform CSAR operations anywhere within the theater battlespace.