Although a true CSAR capability requires political will and much Joint resourcing to be used (hopefully) hardly ever, the capability that is crying out to be developed further post the lessons from recent operations is a PEDRO style JPR/CASEVC. I think there have been a few UK Ops that were delayed or in the case of Amphibious ships diverted to pick up PEDRO call signs as they were viewed as essential enablers.
If the situation (including downed aircrew/isolated personnel) can be resolved within 5 minutes to within the 'Golden Hour' then there may not be the requirement for a full blown CSAR capability.
In these times of military resource and capability sharing we should continue to train and develop our MERT/IRT capability (into a PEDRO style) and also rely/contribute where possible to other nations genuine CSAR capability when we cannot resolve whatever issue it is within an hour. CSAR is still very important to those operating behind enemy lines (if there is such a distinction now), but (with apologies to the AWACS groupies) we also need to acknowledge that we do not bring much to this party, but can offer other capabilities instead.
Now that isn't a massive jump in resource requirement, the majority of corporate knowledge is still available and with a little 'school house' assistance from across the pond should see the development from MERT/IRT to PEDRO capability not that big. However, it will take a Joint approach (Fisheads will need to re-find and progress their old IRT skills when the other side of the globe on one of their grey tubs with only a few Wokkas whose lift capability cannot be 'wasted' on a high alert just sat on deck and the AH guys will need to go back to their old skills of the early Sangin days where they use to fire us in/provide protective cover to get us in to some of the more hotter LS'.
Last edited by MaroonMan4; 22nd Sep 2014 at 06:10.