RMC stands for Rescue Mission Commander within the NATO PR framework. The RMC plans and conducts a specific Personnel Recovery mission and exercises tactical control over the forces and assets assigned to pick up the isolated personnel.
Responsibilities and appointment
The appropriate commander designates the RMC for the mission. The role connects tactical planning with execution: assigned forces must work together so that isolated personnel can be reached, recognised, protected and picked up.
A Personnel Recovery Task Force (PRTF) is assembled for a specific recovery mission. In the NATO model, its commander is usually also the RMC. The air, land or sea elements involved depend on the mission.
Command of assigned forces
Under the mission commander's direction, locating, authentication, protection, communication and pickup are coordinated. A ground element may establish physical contact, while a Recovery Vehicle picks up and transports the personnel.
The commander of an escort element may also serve as RMC if designated. The RMC is therefore not automatically the pilot of the helicopter conducting the pickup.
Handover from the On-scene Commander
The On-scene Commander (OSC) directs and coordinates actions in the objective area and maintains contact with command organisations, recovery forces and isolated personnel. This role is particularly important during support before pickup. Proximity to the incident and available communications may enable an immediate response.
Once a suitable RMC can take command of the recovery, the OSC should hand over. During the recovery phase, the RMC also assumes OSC duties in the objective area. The previous OSC need not take part in the pickup.
Relationship with PRCC and JPRC
The Personnel Recovery Coordination Cell (PRCC) coordinates PR within a component; the Joint Personnel Recovery Centre (JPRC) works across components on behalf of the joint command. The RMC is responsible for planning and conducting the specific mission.
French terminology
The French term chef de mission de sauvetage describes the same command function. In the French model, the RMC is responsible for tactical planning and execution of the PR mission. The appropriate commander makes the appointment through the JPRC or PRCC.