As far as I can tell, there is no blog or website devoted to personnel recovery issues. So I created one in January 2009–this is it.
Personnel recovery is the sum of military, diplomatic, and civil efforts to prepare for and execute the recovery and reintegration of isolated personnel. That definition is inclusive of US military, Department of Defense civilians and contractor personnel (and others designated by the President or Secretary of Defense) who are separated from their unit (as an individual or a group) while participating in a US sponsored military activity or mission and are, or may be, in a situation where they must survive their isolation, evade capture, resist their captors efforts to exploit them, or escape from captivity.
This is a personal endeavor–information at this site is does not necessarily represent the point of view of the US government.
Thanks for the great site! As my commands Personnel Recovery/SERE Coordinator I check it daily to keep myself and my command informed.
Glad it’s helpful. I’ve been traveling a bunch but intend to step up info collection and distribution.
You might consider putting the Levin SASC Report link on your website — perhaps useful to show the obtuse and unqualified directions where JPRA (the Executive Agent for PR) took Personnel Recovery?
Would you consider the Hostage Negotiation process as part of personnel recovery?
Neil:
I absolutely would. Personnel recovery is not a mission–it is an umbrella term that encompasses all diplomatic, civil, and military actions taken to recover our people (see the Joint Pub 1-02 reference in the link list at right).
Some would disagree with me, but they would probably be making a false choice between “personnel recovery” or “[insert specific mission here]” It can be both at the same time–that’s what trips people up (IMHO)
Great site!
Ron: Coming from you, that’s high praise. Your program was the best across all of EUCOM.
Thank you for the outstanding support and dedication to the Personnel Recovery Community. As a combined effort, we can ensure we return our love ones back home safely and honorably. Look forward in working with the DOD anytime. This allows us in living up to our words.
“These things we do that others may live.”
Great site, now I have to ask Ron R. why he did not point me this way earlier. I believe the PR is not CSAR article is very good and brings to light the distinct differences yet the historical similarities and how this may cnot sit well with even the most seasoned personnel