Leave no one behind: A commitment we must continue to make
Eileen A. Bjorkman
Given the normal cyclical nature of Department of Defense budgets, it is likely that leaner times are approaching regardless of the outcome of the November election. However, military and civilian leadership must resist the temptation to drastically cut or eliminate budgets for fundamental missions. In particular, combat search and rescue (CSAR) capabilities must be maintained to ensure the U.S. military maintains its promise to “leave no one behind.†CSAR is an affordable force multiplier, even in a tight fiscal environment.
The U.S. military has made a sacred commitment to leave no one behind on the battlefield. This ethos is even embedded in the Airman’s Creed (“I will never leave an airman behindâ€) and the Soldier’s Creed (“I will never leave a fallen comradeâ€). CSAR capabilities play a large role in that commitment, particularly for rescuing pilots shot down near or behind enemy lines. If a downed pilot isn’t rescued within an hour, their chance of survival drops to about 50-50 and plummets rapidly. Personnel trained on the best CSAR equipment available are needed to rescue those pilots and other personnel who are separated from their units.
https://www.militarytimes.com/opinion/commentary/2020/08/24/leave-no-one-behind-a-commitment-we-must-continue-to-make/
