AFPD10-45 — Support To Civil Search And Rescue

AFPD10-45 governs U.S. Air Force support to civil search and rescue through a coordinated program and assigned responsibilities.

Search AFPD10-45

  • Publication number: AFPD10-45
  • Title: SUPPORT TO CIVIL SEARCH AND RESCUE
  • Date: 2020-09-11

View AFPD10-45 on armypubs.army.mil


It establishes policy for reducing loss of life, suffering, and property damage during emergencies or incidents. It defines responsibilities for Air Force organizations, rescue coordination centers, Civil Air Patrol, and related civil SAR systems.

Applies to: This publication applies to Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units.

Topics covered

  • Civil search and rescue policy
  • Rescue coordination centers
  • Civil Air Patrol support
  • National SAR School training
  • Joint Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking
  • Air Force Auxiliary operational missions

Questions and answers

What does AF/A3 provide for civil search and rescue policy?

Provide oversight and approval of guidance pertaining to United States Air Force support to civil SAR. (paragraph 2)

What training support must Air Combat Command provide for civil SAR?

Provide appropriate instructor staff for the National SAR School for resident and field training in the areas of aeronautical and land civil SAR. (T-0). (paragraph 2)

How must the Joint Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system operate?

Develop, maintain and sustain 24-hour operation of the Joint Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking electronic tracking system. (T-0). (paragraph 2)

What must the tracking system include for rescue coordination centers?

Ensure the system contains a mission management tool for both the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and Alaska Rescue Coordination Center enabling continuous availability to users and responder organizations. (paragraph 2)

What must Air Combat Command identify for fully functional Rescue Coordination Centers?

In coordination with the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, and Federal SAR coordinator, identify requirements, funding and manpower needed to operate fully functional Rescue Coordination Centers to promote efficient organization of SAR services, and coordinate the conduct of civil SAR operations within the inland U.S. Search and Rescue Region corresponding to the 48 contiguous States and Alaska, in accordance with the guidance in DoDI 3003.01. (T-0). (paragraph 2)

Ask Reggie.Bot a question about AFPD10-45