text: Chapter 4
  Considerations for Major Combat Operations
  This chapter discusses general characteristics of major combat operations that
  influence the conduct of personnel recovery. Then it describes typical causes of
  isolation incidents. Finally, it discusses conducting the operations process for
  personnel recovery.
  CHARACTERISTICS OF MAJOR COMBAT OPERATIONS
  4-1. The characteristics of major combat operations increase the complexity and uncertainty of personnel
  recovery operations. Large-scale offensive and defensive tasks involve complex operations against the
  uniformed armed forces of nation-states. Operations against hybrid threats can evolve into major combat
  operations. In Vietnam, from 1954 to 1975, a nationalistic guerilla movement, with outside support, grew
  into an intense conflict involving major ground and air combat. Military operations in Vietnam illustrate
  the ongoing risk of isolation for air and land forces. During major combat, enemies may have large
  standing armies with modern weapons or a combination of conventional and irregular capabilities. Some
  possess nuclear weapons. U.S. forces continue to train for and remain committed to defeating conventional
  enemy forces and hybrid threats in major combat operations. The principles of personnel recovery
  operations guide adaptable Army forces to accomplish successful personnel recovery missions in major
  combat.
  THE COMPLEXITY OF PERSONNEL RECOVERY IN MAJOR COMBAT OPERATIONS
  4-2. The complexity of major combat operations strains military capabilities, including personnel
  recovery capabilities. Major combat operations may cover wide areas and involve large numbers of
  personnel and equipment. Thousands of people and vehicles deploy to hundreds—if not thousands—of
  locations. The enemy may field equal numbers. Battles and engagements may cause hundreds of potential
  isolation incidents. Friendly forces face the risk of isolation daily.
  4-3. Personnel, contractors, and others supporting friendly forces may become isolated. The availability
  of diplomatic, civilian, and military personnel recovery options does not mitigate the risk. Commanders and
  staff understand that the more partners participating in operations, the more complex the situation.
  4-4. Wounds, injuries, and illness complicate isolation incidents, especially in the numbers associated
  with major combat. The raid on the Pangatian prison camp near Cabanatuan, Luzon, in the Philippines
  during World War II illustrates the transportation and medical challenges of rescuing large numbers of
  prisoners held for long periods. On 30 January 1945, a mixed force of Filipino guerillas, Army Rangers,
  and Alamo Scouts rescued over 500 prisoners from the camp. Some had been held since the fall of Bataan
  and Corregidor almost three years earlier. All had been mistreated, most were malnourished, and many
  were sick, wounded, or injured—including those held in the zero ward of the prison hospital, where they
  were judged to have no chance of survival. After the successful fight, the rescue force had to carry the
  liberated prisoners to a location remote from the camp before giving them food and water. From there the
  recovery force put the weakest and sickest on carts. When they reached U.S. lines, Sixth Army trucks met
  them and transported the group to freedom.
  4-5. Even for persons isolated for short periods, personnel recovery operations must include adequate
  transportation, prompt medical aid, food and water, physical security, and behavioral health remediation.
  Captors may hold isolated persons in small groups or large numbers and even in a medical treatment
  facility. Recovering isolated persons protected by the enemy requires adequate personnel, physical security,
  and transportation resources. The terrain and environmental conditions add to the difficulty of transporting
  the sick, wounded, and injured.