AMC in airborne Personnel Recovery can stand for Airborne Mission Coordinator. This role coordinates the flying effort of several assets, passes information between recovery forces and command organisations, and arranges the support required. The US Navy also uses Commander terminology; the abbreviation alone does not establish the precise command role.
What airborne coordination provides
Several aircraft may participate in a recovery without performing the same task: some pick up personnel, while others provide protection, communications or fuel. Mission coordination brings together aircraft movements to and from the objective area, air-to-air refuelling and the communications required. In the NATO PR model, the Mission Coordinator should operate from an aircraft whenever possible; the role also includes coordination of fire support.
In the US Air Force model, the AMC acts as an airborne communications and data relay between rescue forces and command organisations. The AMC passes important information about threats, abort decisions and operations in the electromagnetic spectrum to the participating forces and their commanders. The role also coordinates refuelling, advises mission commanders on further support requirements and coordinates the use of fire support coordinating measures.
Working with the RMC and OSC
In the US Air Force, a component PRCC or higher authority may designate the AMC to coordinate a specific CSAR operation. The Rescue Mission Commander (RMC) directs the actual recovery in the objective area, combining planning, locating, support and recovery with protection of the isolated personnel.
The On-scene Commander (OSC) initiates rescue efforts on scene and, in the US Air Force model, passes essential information to the AMC. The OSC role transfers to the RMC or as directed by the RMC or AMC.
Full names and national usage
| System | Name and function |
|---|---|
| US Air Force | Airborne Mission Coordinator: coordination of the flying effort, information relay and support arrangements for a CSAR operation. |
| France | Airborne Mission Coordinator / coordinateur de mission embarqué: a Mission Coordinator working from an aircraft to support the RMC and PRTF in their mission. |
| US Navy SAR training model | Air Mission Commander / Airborne Mission Commander: the communications link between the RMC and participating air and ground forces, with coordination and control of aircraft. |
In the carrier-based Navy training model, the E-2D is a typical platform for this role: its extensive communications equipment and time on station support links between the forces.
Another meaning: Air Mobility Command
AMC also stands for Air Mobility Command, a US Air Force command. Its responsibilities include airlift, air refuelling, aeromedical evacuation and support for global air mobility. Here, AMC denotes a military organisation with its own forces and responsibilities, rather than an airborne coordinating role within a single recovery mission.