N. Prabhakaran Even after 48 hours, the US has been unable to locate the Air Force officer from the F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet that was ...
N. Prabhakaran
Even after 48 hours, the US has been unable to locate the Air Force officer from the F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet that was shot down by Iran. The search for him is still ongoing. In the event that a US fighter jet crashes in enemy territory, the military plans rescue missions with extreme vigilance to recover pilots and protect secret technologies.
The foundation for such missions is an official document titled 'Personnel Recovery Joint Publication.' One of the most grueling training programs provided to US military pilots and aircrews is SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape). This training enables them to sustain life in enemy territory, evade capture, and resist enemy interrogation if they are caught.
Survival
If a plane crashes or a pilot is forced to eject, the primary priority is staying alive. For this, they follow a principle known as the 'Rule of Threes':
3 minutes without air.
3 hours without shelter in extreme weather.
3 days without water.
3 weeks without food.
They are trained to find what is necessary within these time limits.
Initial Steps: Safely discarding the parachute, self-administering first aid for injuries, and finding a location hidden from enemy eyes.
The Kit: They receive specialized training in using signaling mirrors, water purification tablets, and advanced radios found in the survival kit attached to their flight suits.
Evasion
This phase involves moving through enemy territory to a safe location without being caught.
Movement: Hiding during the day and traveling only at night. They are instructed to avoid main roads or open spaces, opting instead for forests and thickets.
Covering Tracks: They employ tactics to hide footprints and mask their scent so that enemy dogs or patrolling units cannot track them.
Camouflage: They learn to blend into their surroundings by applying mud, charcoal, and leaves to their bodies.
Resistance
This stage teaches how to behave if captured by the enemy. No matter how much the enemy tortures them, they are instructed to reveal nothing more than four pieces of information: Name, Rank, Service Number, and Date of Birth. Through simulations, they are trained to survive the psychological pressure and deception tactics used by enemies during captivity.
Escape
The goal of this stage is to find loopholes to escape from enemy custody.
Tactics: They are trained to pick locks and monitor the routines of prison guards to create a precise escape plan. They are taught that the best time to attempt an escape is immediately after being captured.
Rescue Operations
Units Involved: Air Force Pararescue Jumpers, Navy SEALs, and Army Special Operations units are sent for the rescue. They are supported by helicopters and fighter jets for protection.
Protecting Technology: Preventing the enemy from obtaining the aircraft's radar, weaponry, and communication systems is vital. If these cannot be recovered, the military will not hesitate to completely destroy the wreckage via an airstrike.
Ultimately, this training teaches that a pilot can only return safely from enemy territory by utilizing mental strength and intelligence alongside physical power.
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