CR stands for Combat Recovery. In the NATO PR framework, it means recovering non-detained isolated personnel from a hostile or potentially hostile environment. The forces use conventional military tactics, techniques and procedures.
The situation covered by Combat Recovery
The isolated personnel are no longer under the intended control of their unit or organisation. CR provides for recovery forces to support their return. Under the NATO definition of CR, they are not detained. At the same time, an adversary may threaten them or the recovery forces. An ongoing exchange of fire is not essential to the definition: a potentially hostile environment is also included.
Conventional capabilities for recovery
Conventional procedures connect the forces' military capabilities with the specific recovery task. They include locating and identifying isolated personnel, communications, protection, medical support where needed, and pickup and transport. A ground element may establish physical contact and bring the personnel to a recovery platform while other forces provide protection.
Ground vehicles, aircraft and maritime assets may be used according to the recovery situation. The personnel's own unit, forces from one component or several components may participate in the recovery.
Immediate or deliberately planned response
Immediate recovery may use forces already nearby, on alert or able to be diverted quickly from other tasks. In the wider PR framework, such a response may take place by land, air or sea.
If the threat, environment or political circumstances prevent an immediate response, commanders may plan a deliberate recovery mission. This allows additional forces and support to be coordinated before pickup is attempted.
Relationship to Combat Search and Rescue
In the NATO model, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) is a particular form of Combat Recovery: SERE-trained and equipped personnel are recovered using specifically organised and equipped capabilities nationally designated for PR. CR is not defined by a lack of SERE or CSAR training.
National usage
The United Kingdom draws on forces whose primary roles give them suitable CR capabilities. British planning considers three factors together: the isolated person's capabilities, equipment and condition; the recovery forces' capabilities; and hostile threats and environmental hazards. Together, these determine force, equipment and support requirements.
German training also connects conventional combat troops with this task. Specially prepared mechanised infantry, for example, practise airborne recovery of isolated personnel as extraction forces. This adds cooperation with transport crews, identity checks, protection of the personnel and recovery to their conventional combat tasks.
The French term is récupération au combat, also abbreviated RC.