SERE · Combat Survival · Personnel Recovery
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Terms and abbreviations from SERE, Combat Survival and Personnel Recovery: meaning, military usage and national differences.
Human performance and first aidHeat strokeHeat stroke during military isolation: impaired brain function, warning signs, cooling with limited means, airway safety and the limits of self-aid.Environment and survival fundamentalsHelicopter Emergency Egress DeviceHEED is a personal emergency breathing device with limited compressed air for escape from a submerged helicopter. Regulators, model differences and readiness.Fieldcraft and behaviourHide siteHide site explained: purpose, location, observation and rest during military evasion, including the US distinction between a hide site and a hole-up area.SERE and isolationHostage survivalHostage survival addresses life in hostage captivity: captor control of supplies and contact, information protection, self-management and support for fellow captives.SERE and isolationHRIHRI denotes a high risk of military isolation. National mission briefings, SERE preparation, suitable equipment and personal tasks during possible recovery.Environment and survival fundamentalsHUETHUET trains escape from a submerged helicopter: orientation, harness and exit operations with changed cabin attitude and limited visibility.Human performance and first aidHypothermiaHypothermia in military isolation: heat loss, personal warning signs, protection with limited means, safe rewarming and declining ability to act.Human performance and first aidImmersion footCold immersion foot and trench foot: vascular and nerve injury, early numbness, protective self-care and the consequences of further walking during evasion.Environment and survival fundamentalsImmersion suitImmersion suits: insulation, seals, fit and buoyancy; model-specific checks and actions when cold, water ingress or damage reduce protection.Preparation and documentationIndividual 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.Preparation and documentationISGISG is prepared US Army guidance on recognising and reporting isolation, personal actions and contact with recovery forces.SERE and isolationISOEAn isolation event separates personnel from their unit or organisation and disrupts its intended control. Meaning and reporting within personnel recovery.SERE and isolationIsolated personnelIsolated personnel are separated from their unit or organisation and outside its control. Meaning for personal survival tasks and recovery.Preparation and documentationIsolated 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.Preparation and documentationISOPREPISOPREP explained: prepared information for identifying and authenticating isolated personnel, what it contains and how it supports Personnel Recovery.Training organisations and military rolesJPRAThe US Joint Personnel Recovery Agency supports operational planning, SERE training and follow-up after military isolation. Roles and practical aids.Personnel recovery and rescueJPRCA JPRC is the central staff body for planning, information and coordination when recovering isolated personnel across military components.Environment and survival fundamentalsJungle survivalJungle survival during military isolation: tropical strain, supply, movement and contact, with the training roles used in Brazil and France.Environment and survival fundamentalsLiferaftLiferafts explained: buoyancy and protection, marine and aviation designs, deployment and own actions, drogues, locating and distress alerting.Fieldcraft and behaviourLight disciplineLight discipline in military isolation: control lamps, displays, reflections and fire; sight lines, red light, infrared, thermal imaging and deliberate signalling.Signals and communicationsLOSLOS describes the direct radio path between antennas. How terrain, antenna height and reflections affect a link, and what relays contribute.Human performance and first aidMARCHMARCH is a priority scheme for life-threatening trauma: haemorrhage, airway, respiration, circulation, warmth and head injury. Limited self-aid and reassessment.Signals and communicationsMaydayMayday distress calls: urgency, position, usable voice messages, maritime and aviation procedures, and radio exposure during military isolation.Personnel recovery and rescueMedical evacuationMEDEVAC is medically supported transport of injured or ill people. Its role during isolation, personal condition reports, required transport resources and care.NavigationMGRSMGRS is a military grid reference system for positions. Complete references, common reporting errors and uncertainty about the person’s location.SERE and isolationMilitary ExploitationMilitary Exploitation denotes detention by a foreign state’s armed forces and the risk of exploitation within the Australian captivity model.Human performance and first aidMISTMIST organises medical handover into four groups: how the injury occurred, identified injuries, signs and symptoms, and treatment already given.Signals and communicationsNear and Far Recognition SignalsNear and Far Recognition Signals in Personnel Recovery: contact, location, agreed responses, signature and controlled approach by isolated personnel.Fieldcraft and behaviourNoise disciplineNoise discipline during evasion: check and secure equipment, control foot placement and communication, and understand listening conditions and failures.Personnel recovery and rescueNon-conventional Assisted RecoveryNAR denotes organised recovery using non-conventional means, such as specifically prepared local helpers or specialised forces, when conventional means are unsuitable.