Army Personnel Recovery Practice

Which principle is essential when planning for personnel recovery?

1. Maximizing the number of personnel involved

2. Prioritizing speed and efficiency above all

3. Ensuring comprehensive risk assessment is conducted

4. Executing plans with minimal communication

The correct answer is: Ensuring comprehensive risk assessment is conducted

The essential principle when planning for personnel recovery is ensuring a comprehensive risk assessment is conducted. This principle is critical because it helps identify potential challenges and threats that may arise during a recovery operation. A thorough risk assessment allows planners to understand the operational environment, the capabilities and limitations of available resources, and the welfare of the personnel involved in the recovery mission. By addressing potential risks upfront, response strategies can be developed that enhance the likelihood of successfully recovering personnel while minimizing harm. In the context of personnel recovery, assessing risks supports informed decision-making and allows for the prioritization of resources and actions. It ensures that recovery efforts are not only efficient but also safe, considering possible adversaries, environmental factors, and the health and safety of personnel. This planning stage is fundamental to building effective recovery coordination and execution, making it a cornerstone of the personnel recovery process.