text: Considerations for Major Combat Operations
  However, it could cause an individual or an aircrew to become isolated from friendly forces and at risk of
  capture. Subsequent rapid decisions may compound the risk. Leaving the initial site of the isolation to
  affect self-recovery, avoid enemy contact, or seek medical attention may exacerbate the situation. Rapid
  decisions may cause forces to become lost. Once isolated, some forces do not receive orders to move, so
  they stay in a vulnerable location. In major combat operations, the number of these types of isolation
  incidents is proportional to the number of forces deployed.
  ISOLATION BY ENEMY ACTION
  4-12. Units sometimes become isolated when an enemy force separates them from other friendly forces.
  Enemy forces observing the isolation incident race to the scene, seeking to kill or capture isolated Soldiers.
  Friendly forces race to recover them. If an unassisted evasion or an immediate recovery by friendly forces
  is not successful, commanders decide whether to mount a deliberate recovery operation. In major combat
  operations, recovery operations compete for resources with other missions. Commanders weigh the
  decision with other tactical decisions based on the current situation. They consider the prospects of success
  against acceptable risk and the possibility of casualties. This decision is among the most difficult a combat
  leader must make. Should isolated forces wait for the outcome of the current operation, or could a reserve
  element not yet committed execute the personnel recovery mission? The decision affects the ongoing
  mission as well as the morale of the organization.
  4-13. In major combat, Army forces isolated by hostile action are frequently in the most dangerous
  personnel recovery situation because they are typically under enemy observation. They may have the
  means to resist, but if cut off from support for extended periods, they eventually may evade returning to
  friendly control or even be forced to surrender. The personnel recovery structure, especially one strictly
  based on search and rescue, can become overwhelmed. In these circumstances, extraction by aircraft is
  generally impractical because of the number of aircraft necessary to move large groups. Furthermore, the
  presence of enemy antiaircraft and other direct-fire weapons makes airborne recovery dangerous for
  aircrews. Aircraft shot down during recovery attempts simply add to the number of isolated persons and the
  complexity of the mission. Recovery of large numbers of Soldiers typically requires ground and air forces
  in a deliberate attack, counterattack, raid, breakout from encirclement, or other tactical operation supported
  by intelligence, fires, and sustainment. In effect, personnel recovery becomes the primary mission.
  4-14. Enemy action threatens the isolation of more than just friendly armed forces. DOD regulations,
  instructions, and directives place DOD civilians, DOD contractors, and other designated persons under the
  protection of U.S. forces. Designated persons may include persons or members of organizations such as
  friendly militias, volunteers, and organized resistance movement members fighting along with U.S. forces,
  embedded journalists and other media representatives, civilian aircraft and seaborne vessel crews, and
  members of intergovernmental or nongovernmental organizations. The recovery of these persons is
  complicated because the Geneva Conventions does not protect them. An enemy force may not give
  designated persons the opportunity to surrender if it regards them as outlaws. Such persons may
  spontaneously take up arms to resist the enemy. The enemy may not recognize designated persons as
  belligerents, but Army leadership may direct their recovery nonetheless. Working with designated persons
  may present significant challenges to the Army force. Their groups may be fragmented. They may not be
  able to make detailed information readily available for identifying or authenticating their members.
  4-15. Prisoners of war are initially isolated persons. All actions taken immediately after capture, before
  movement to a prisoner of war camp, and after detention are personnel recovery activities. The Third 1949
  Geneva Convention defines this status—while under the control of the detaining force but before entering
  an incarceration facility—as being a prisoner of war. Any activity, large or small, involved in the
  repatriation of prisoners of war is considered a personnel recovery operation.
  ISOLATION BY THE ENVIRONMENT
  4-16. The physical environment, including climate and weather conditions, can cause groups or individuals
  to become isolated. Inclement weather, biological contamination, chemical pollution, and the damage to
  terrain from combat cause isolation and complicate personnel recovery operations. A fast-flowing or deep
  river, large lake, wide crevasse, sheer cliff, seemingly impenetrable swamp, or unrelenting mud caused by
  heavy rain can create or contribute to isolation. Contamination, whether natural (such as water infected