SERE · Combat Survival · Personnel Recovery

Wiki

Terms and abbreviations from SERE, Combat Survival and Personnel Recovery: meaning, military usage and national differences.

Heat strokeHeat stroke during military isolation: impaired brain function, warning signs, cooling with limited means, airway safety and the limits of self-aid.Helicopter Emergency Egress DeviceHEED is a personal emergency breathing device with limited compressed air for escape from a submerged helicopter. Regulators, model differences and readiness.Hide siteHide site explained: purpose, location, observation and rest during military evasion, including the US distinction between a hide site and a hole-up area.Hostage survivalHostage survival addresses life in hostage captivity: captor control of supplies and contact, information protection, self-management and support for fellow captives.HRIHRI denotes a high risk of military isolation. National mission briefings, SERE preparation, suitable equipment and personal tasks during possible recovery.HUETHUET trains escape from a submerged helicopter: orientation, harness and exit operations with changed cabin attitude and limited visibility.HypothermiaHypothermia in military isolation: heat loss, personal warning signs, protection with limited means, safe rewarming and declining ability to act.Immersion footCold immersion foot and trench foot: vascular and nerve injury, early numbness, protective self-care and the consequences of further walking during evasion.Immersion suitImmersion suits: insulation, seals, fit and buoyancy; model-specific checks and actions when cold, water ingress or damage reduce protection.Individual first aid kitAn IFAK is a personal medical emergency kit for self-aid and buddy aid. Bleeding control, wound protection, access after injury and national variants.ISGISG is prepared US Army guidance on recognising and reporting isolation, personal actions and contact with recovery forces.ISOEAn isolation event separates personnel from their unit or organisation and disrupts its intended control. Meaning and reporting within personnel recovery.Isolated personnelIsolated personnel are separated from their unit or organisation and outside its control. Meaning for personal survival tasks and recovery.Isolated Personnel GuidanceIPG is a US information product with country and regional guidance for personnel at risk and recovery planners. Contact decisions and personal evasion planning.ISOPREPISOPREP explained: prepared information for identifying and authenticating isolated personnel, what it contains and how it supports Personnel Recovery.JPRAThe US Joint Personnel Recovery Agency supports operational planning, SERE training and follow-up after military isolation. Roles and practical aids.JPRCA JPRC is the central staff body for planning, information and coordination when recovering isolated personnel across military components.Jungle survivalJungle survival during military isolation: tropical strain, supply, movement and contact, with the training roles used in Brazil and France.LiferaftLiferafts explained: buoyancy and protection, marine and aviation designs, deployment and own actions, drogues, locating and distress alerting.Light disciplineLight discipline in military isolation: control lamps, displays, reflections and fire; sight lines, red light, infrared, thermal imaging and deliberate signalling.LOSLOS describes the direct radio path between antennas. How terrain, antenna height and reflections affect a link, and what relays contribute.MARCHMARCH is a priority scheme for life-threatening trauma: haemorrhage, airway, respiration, circulation, warmth and head injury. Limited self-aid and reassessment.MaydayMayday distress calls: urgency, position, usable voice messages, maritime and aviation procedures, and radio exposure during military isolation.Medical evacuationMEDEVAC is medically supported transport of injured or ill people. Its role during isolation, personal condition reports, required transport resources and care.MGRSMGRS is a military grid reference system for positions. Complete references, common reporting errors and uncertainty about the person’s location.Military ExploitationMilitary Exploitation denotes detention by a foreign state’s armed forces and the risk of exploitation within the Australian captivity model.MISTMIST organises medical handover into four groups: how the injury occurred, identified injuries, signs and symptoms, and treatment already given.Near and Far Recognition SignalsNear and Far Recognition Signals in Personnel Recovery: contact, location, agreed responses, signature and controlled approach by isolated personnel.Noise disciplineNoise discipline during evasion: check and secure equipment, control foot placement and communication, and understand listening conditions and failures.Non-conventional Assisted RecoveryNAR denotes organised recovery using non-conventional means, such as specifically prepared local helpers or specialised forces, when conventional means are unsuitable.