-> I would like to help create a SAR for a rural community I work in.  I
-> need to know how to set up the program, where the best information
-> is, what problems
  I'm no expert but I'm part of a SAR unit in a rual community in
Virginia, I can offer a few suggestions.
    1- Find out who the Responsible Agent (RA) for Search operations in
       the area you plan to operate in is. It may be the State Police,
       Sheriffs Dept., Forest Service, Park Service, etc.
    2- I would find out if there is an existing preplan for SAR for your
       proposed area (the RA will know). If there isn't one, see if you
       can get involved in the development of one. A good preplan
       is crucial!
    3- If there is a preplan, don't reinvent the wheel. Find out where
       your group can fit. That may affect the information and the
       equipment you need. If the RA cannot provide much in the way of
       information on SAR itself, contact NASAR in Fairfax, Virginia.
     4- Basic equipment will vary according to the FUNCTION of SAR you
        wish to do. If you want to operate in the management for example
        A set of equipment (Mobility Gear) that supports planning (maps,
        forms, overlays, etc), operations, logistics (resource lists,
        mutal aid agreements, etc).   For a group wishing to work in
        field tasks only (avoiding the management end) personal
        equipment will go a long way.  For all aspects is radio
        communications, co-ordinated with other SAR groups you may work
        with and the local RA/govt/FCC
     5- Problems? The first one that comes to mind beyond whatever
        demons the above may awaken, is dispatching your group, on
        second thought FUNDING, may be the worst and most persistant
        problem. To help resove funding, become visable in the
        community. Our group does Hug-A-Tree presentations at the local
        schools several times a year. Its seems like a small thing, but
        it pays dividends in more than one way.
     These are just a few ideas of things to look at, like I say, I am
no expert by any means. But I hope this will help.
                                           Gary
--- QScan v1.141b / 01-0407
---------------