SPECIAL OPERATION, COMBAT SEARCH AND RESCUE (CSAR)

 Capt Dompak Hutagalung.

Iswahjudi AFB, SAR crews

        Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) are search and rescue operations that are carried out during war that are within or near combat zones with purpose to save strategic personnel and material from enemies. Since first world war until now, this operation has had some evolutions. Because a high advantages from this operation, all Airforce in the world adapt and commit this operation. Also in Indonesian Air Force, we develop our CSAR doctrine to support air operation.

             History notes that first CSAR was conducted by Squadron Commander Richard Bell-Davies of the British Royal Naval Air Service in first world war. At that time, He used his single-seat aeroplane to rescue his wingman who had been shot down in Bulgaria. After first world war over, German learned that CSAR was needed in military operation. One of German officer, Lieutenant Colonel Konrad Goltz of the Luftwaffe had initiated to build the German Seenotdienst or "Sea-Air Rescue Service". This organization was an innovative emergency response organization tasked with rescuing the personnel of downed airplanes and foundering ships at sea, and they utilized an amphibious aircraft. And during Vietnam war, US made some evolution in tactic and strategic CSAR operation. They start to utilize helicopter and made special operation to conduct CSAR.

            CSAR operation has a crucial portion during military campaign, especially in air power operation. With CSAR operation, we can save our valuable members and materials. No less important, this operation able to reduce the lost of military assets. And the most important purpose is to keep high all members morality during the war.

            Like others air force, Indonesian Air Force also has own CSAR doctrine. In war condition at least we use three aircrafts to implement CSAR. The first aircraft will execute air cover to gain air superiority in that area, and for this mission we can use low-speed fighter or helicopter which have air to ground capability. The second and third aircrafts we use helicopter, and  in first helicopter will bring special force and become a safety team. This team has a task to secure parameter around pick-up point. For second helicopter will bring rescue team who has task to save the survivor. These three of aircraft will manouever in particular sequences when conduct CSAR special operation, but before carry on this operation we need to know current situation and condition in war zone.

            Eventually, CSAR is a special operation and part of air power operation during a war. CSAR has a long history and some evolutions from time to time. This operation has crucial portion in air power operation. And like all air force in the world, Indonesian Air Force also has CSAR doctrine to support our air power operation.