CSAR stands for Combat Search and Rescue. It denotes military search and rescue activities to recover isolated personnel in the context of combat and hostile threats. Recovery forces, protection and support assets, command organisations and the isolated personnel work together. The precise definition differs between NATO and national systems.
CSAR in the NATO PR framework
In the NATO model, CSAR is a form of Combat Recovery (CR). The personnel being recovered are trained and equipped for SERE. The recovery side uses specifically organised and equipped capabilities nationally designated for Personnel Recovery.
The isolated person's contribution involves concrete tasks: reporting their position, maintaining communications, using signalling equipment and assisting with authentication. Information prepared in an ISOPREP supports identity checks; an Evasion Plan of Action describes intended actions in the event of isolation.
Locating, protection and pickup
Recovery forces must find the personnel or confirm their position, verify their identity and enable pickup. A ground team may establish physical contact, provide emergency medical care and bring personnel to the Recovery Vehicle. Escort and air protection support the operation, while mission command and communications coordinate the effort.
The force is assembled for the particular mission. It may include recovery platforms, ground teams, reconnaissance, escort, air protection, air-to-air refuelling and medical support.
SAR, Combat Recovery and CSAR
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| SAR | Search for and rescue of people in distress on land or at sea using suitable aircraft, watercraft, teams and equipment. The term does not automatically denote a civilian organisation. |
| Combat Recovery | Recovery of non-detained isolated personnel from a hostile or potentially hostile environment using conventional tactics, techniques and procedures. |
| CSAR | Combat Recovery of SERE-trained and equipped personnel using specifically organised and equipped capabilities nationally designated for PR. |
Combat Recovery is not defined in this framework by the isolated personnel being untrained. The distinction concerns the recovery method and, for CSAR, the particular combination of prepared participants. Likewise, a SAR operation does not become CSAR simply because it uses a military helicopter.
National terminology and approaches
United States
The US Air Force defines CSAR through military forces' procedures for recovering isolated personnel during combat. Conventional or special operations forces conduct PR tasks in a contested environment. This definition does not make the same explicit link to the isolated person's SERE training and equipment as the NATO definition. Preparation, trained PR forces and suitable equipment nevertheless form part of the US PR system.
For the US Air Force, CSAR is the preferred military mechanism for the Recover task. This model distinguishes CSAR from non-contested operations, such as humanitarian assistance, civil search and rescue or casualty evacuation. Command and control, recovery forces and isolated personnel are its three cooperating components.
France
France uses the term recherche et sauvetage de combat (RESCo). The French model links it to the rescue of appropriately prepared isolated personnel and emphasises the requirement for local air superiority and a complex, integrated air operation. This may include forces securing the airspace, suppressing enemy air defences and providing airborne command and control.
United Kingdom
The British approach regards CSAR as a subset of Combat Recovery and draws on forces whose primary roles give them suitable recovery capabilities. This model does not seek to develop a dedicated CSAR force.
CSAR within Personnel Recovery
Personnel Recovery extends beyond pickup: preparation, recovery and reintegration may require military, diplomatic and civil contributions. CSAR is one military recovery method within that wider framework. After personnel return to safety, reintegration includes the necessary medical and psychological care.