Cover letter_JPR JOG_ACT approved - European Defence Agency

NATO UNCLASSIFIED RELEASABLE TO THE PUBLICPREPARATION AND PLANNING259Chapter 2PREPARATION AND PLANNING2.1 General0201. The following paragraphs are intended as an aide memoire to tactical commandersand trained personnel in the Area of Operations (AO) and as a guide to the relevantskills and training required of personnel deemed likely to become isolated.2.2 Preparatory work2.2.1 Personnel0202. The successful recovery of isolated personnel in an AO can only be achieved ifthe personnel requiring recovery are sufficiently trained, equipped, mentally preparedand properly documented prior to the start of their mission, taking into account the differencebetween personnel that is identified as MRIE and HRIE. Pre-emptive operational/ tactical planning and training is the preparatory work, conducted before an incidentoccurs, which facilitates extraction.2.2.2 Next of kin0203. The behavior and statements made by next of kin may seriously endanger personnelthat has become isolated or captured. It is a national responsibility to preparepersonnel and next of kin alike for do’s and don’t’s in particular towards the media inan isolating event.2.3 Levels of training0204. Isolation may occur following a wide variety of causes, from hostile activity, mechanicalfailure or navigational error. All personnel in the AO are to be trained andequipped to evade and be recovered in the event of becoming isolated in enemy territory.The degree of training and the level of equipment will depend on national standardsand the likelihood of isolation applicable to each individual’s role. Definitions of levelsof SERE training are given in Chapter 6 and are contained in STANAG 7196. Minimumstandards of training and equipment to be carried will be identified in the OperationPlan (OPLAN) Annex V / Personnel Recovery (PR) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)/ Special Instructions (SPINS) for the relevant AO.NATO UNCLASSIFIED RELEASABLE TO THE PUBLIC