Ex-US pilot details how downed aircrew survive and avoid capture

Insights

• An F-15E crashed in southwestern Iran on April 3; the pilot was rescued and the weapons operator remains missing.
• Retired Brigadier General Houston Cantwell says SERE training begins during parachute descent when crewmembers can best survey the landing area.
• First tasks after landing are self-assessment, concealment, and searching for water in desert conditions.
• Move at night and seek extraction-friendly locations such as rooftops in cities or clear fields in rural areas.
• Pilots carry small survival kits with water, basic sustainment items, and radio equipment to signal for rescue.
• Combat Search and Rescue teams will attempt recovery but will not undertake suicidal missions, so concealment and signalling increase survival chances.