JP 3-50 National Search and Rescue Manual Vol I - US Navy

the track spacing would be 100 feet, and searchers would be spaced at
100-foot intervals. If searchers were unable to see adjacent searchers
from 100 feet away, then track spacing would have to be reduced.
1. In jungle or thick underbrush, both visual and vocal contact
must be maintained between adjacent searchers. This ensures
full area coverage and protection for inexperienced searchers.
Whenever contact with a lineman is lost, the team leader must
be immediately notified. The searchline will then stop until
complete team contact is reestablished. If the searchline is
more open, only adjacent visual contact must be maintained,
though vocal contact is usually also maintained.
2. The team leader always makes the final determination of track
spacing. Generally, track spacing depends on target
characteristics, weather, and terrain.
3. Track spacing for lost persons is typically between 15 and 25
feet, with search progress through wooded areas conducted at a
slow gait, and each thicket and depression checked. About one
square mile of woods can be searched by a land SRU of 20-25
persons in slightly less than 4 hours.
D. Searchline. Searchers may proceed in a straight line abreast,
a "V" formation, or a right or left slanting formation. "V" and
slanting searchlines are more efficient than line-abreast searchlines
because it is easier for each searcher to keep only the searcher ahead
in visual contact. The team leader takes position in the center of a
straight line-abreast or "V" formation, or as the leading searcher in a
right or left slanting searchline. The "dress" of the searchline is on
the team leader. Two flankers are needed for line-abreast or "V"
searchlines, while only one flanker is needed for a slanting searchline
(see Figure 8-5). Flankers also assist in maintaining searchline dress.
Both the team leader and flanker must continuously check their
compasses, marked base lines, or topographical lineup features to ensure
correct searchlegs are maintained.
825 Recording Search Coverage
A. To accurately plot positions of various finds, a large-scale
grid plot of the search area should be made. As the search progresses,
search sweeps are shown on the plot, providing an exact position of each
sweep. Forward distances may be estimated by pacing off forward
movement of the searchers. Exact locations of finds may then be shown,
as the relative position is known both forward and across each search
sweep or searchleg. These findings may be transcribed from the largescale
to a smaller scale chart as necessary. When search of an area is
completed, the team leader should cross-hatch the areas searched, note
areas not searched, and report these areas to the OSC, IC or SMC, along
with the search results, weather, and other debriefing information.
B. U.S. Geological Survey Charts are best for executing land
searches.