PRCC stands for Personnel Recovery Coordination Cell. Within the NATO PR framework, it is the coordination cell through which a component command carries out its responsibilities for recovering isolated personnel. It connects PR planning, information about personnel at risk or already isolated, and coordination of ongoing recovery missions.
Position within the command structure
A component is a functional part of the deployed forces, such as a land or air component. Its command is responsible for Personnel Recovery within its assigned area. The PRCC, or an equivalent staff element, supports this work with trained personnel. Depending on its responsibilities, a component command may operate at the operational or tactical level.
The term Cell describes a staff function. The cell needs contact with its own units, available recovery forces and the joint command responsible for PR.
Planning and preparation
The PRCC develops and maintains its component's PR plan. This must support the joint command's plan. It includes the procedures, reporting channels and actions designated for the component's area of responsibility. PR guidance is updated and passed to the organisations that need it during operations.
Preparation for possible isolation is also part of the role. The cell provides guidance for personnel at risk, gives specialist SERE support to the relevant instructors and those responsible, and prepares PR procedures within the staff. Rehearsing reporting and response procedures connects this preparation with the later handling of an actual incident.
ISOPREP, EPA and available information
The tasks include managing relevant Isolated Personnel Reports (ISOPREP) and Evasion Plans of Action (EPA), and providing guidance on their preparation. The ISOPREP supports identification and authentication; the EPA makes intended actions and movements understandable. The PRCC incorporates this prepared information into recovery planning.
During an isolation event, current information is added, such as the location, condition and number of personnel, identifiable hazards and available forces. The cell needs an updated operational picture so that planning and coordination match the actual situation.
Coordination during recovery
The PRCC monitors its component's PR missions, coordinates them and remains ready to support other components when directed by the joint command. Coordination and deconfliction aim to prevent plans or the use of available forces from conflicting with one another.
If the person's own unit can recover its isolated personnel immediately with available resources, that opportunity should be used. Its PR representative maintains contact with the PRCC or JPRC and coordinates the relevant records. If further capabilities are needed, the PRCC connects the unit's requirements with the resources of the component and the joint command.
PRCC, JPRC and RMC
The Joint Personnel Recovery Centre (JPRC) coordinates across components on behalf of the joint command. The PRCC works for its component and coordinates its activities with the JPRC. Even a recovery mission conducted with the component's own resources must be included in the joint operational picture and wider coordination. A component may also be tasked to establish a JPRC for the joint command.
The Rescue Mission Commander (RMC), by contrast, plans and conducts a specific PR mission and exercises tactical control over the forces assigned to pickup.