*** Searcher Technique - Training Suggestions ***

Subject:    Re: Searcher technique training
  Date:     Thu, 20 Feb 1997 01:25:28 -0700 (MST)
  From:     "Howard M. Paul" <hmpaul@ecentral.com>
    To:     sar-l@islandnet.com

Search technique is a combination of several skills, all used together.
I would suggest, among others:

1. Terrain: paying attention -- can your search team read the "lay of the
land" over a period of time (15 - 30 min.) without tracking their location
on the map?

2.  Critical spacing: what distance between searchers is most efficient
and still effective, given the "size of clue" you seek and the terrain?

3.  Navigation: under stress, poor visibility or darkness. Dead reckoning.

4.  Running a true "line" search: giving and following commands (e.g.,
Ready on the right? Ready on the left? Move the line. Stop the line.)
Pacing a line of 10 - 20 people over uneven terrain. Pivoting the line to
follow contours (or catch up)?  While following a compass bearing (see 3
above)?

5. Rationally and *honestly* estimating POD? In our area, POD rarely goes
25% -- because of the terrain. 5% - 10% is common.

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