Cover letter_JPR JOG_ACT approved - European Defence Agency

56NATO UNCLASSIFIED RELEASABLE TO THE PUBLIC5.6 Locatebe a pre-requisite to launch a recovery mission. Initial location and authentication isnormally achieved using covert electronic means and / or visual location methods:a. The isolated personnel must make every effort to aid the location and authenticationprocess. The correct implementation of the initial contact procedures outlinedin the PR SOP, SPINS or EPA is pivotal to a successful recovery.b. If the initial electronic search fails or is not available to determine the position ofthe isolated person, a more extensive search may be required. In a hostile area,stand-off search techniques may have to be employed. A risk assessment needs tobe conducted before any asset is used to search in hostile environments.0518. Planners should attempt to determine location information using the followingpriority:a. Global Positioning System (GPS) derived and reported coordinates (normally themost accurate).b. Isolated personnel reported position.c. Friendly Forces visual observation.5.6.1 Search methods0519. Whether at sea or on land, obtaining accurate and timely location information ofthe isolated person’s position may present major challenges for PR forces, thus requiringa search. Though the isolated person’s position may be ascertained via radio or visualsearch, other search modes may be more appropriate. If recovery is not imminent, theisolated person’s position should not be compromised. In addition, the search methodshould be decided following consideration of the level of threat.Electronic search0520. If an electronic search is conducted, the following factors should be considered:Altitude. Determine an initial electronic search altitude based on threat and terrain(to maintain line of sight connectivity to Personal Locator System (PLS), beaconsand radio communications).Electronic warfare. OPFOR jamming, deception, monitoring and Direction Finder (DF)intrusion.ADF. Caution should be used with Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) as OPFOR forcesmay also employ DF techniques to locate isolated person. OPFOR DF and intelligencegatheringmethods should be understood by all PRTF participants and isolated personnelprior to utilising DF locating methods.Airborne or surface radar. Airbourne or surface radar should attempt to provide theisolated person’s last known radar position to the JPRC / PRCC.Satellite. Satellite systems such as Cosmicheskaya Systemya Poiska Avariynich Sudov(COSPAS) / Search and Rescue Satellite (SARSAT) visibility and availability schedulesshould be published in ATO SPINS.NATO UNCLASSIFIED RELEASABLE TO THE PUBLIC