The ASAR Tracking Team is a specialty discipline within Search and Rescue. As such, specialized training is required over and above generalized Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) training that is essential for all SAR members. Tracking is used when there is a clearly defined location where the subject of a search was last seen. If it is possible to pick up tracks from that location and establish a direction of travel, the area that must be searched can be reduced dramatically, resulting in a much higher probability of locating the subject and potentially reducing the time of the search significantly.
Tracking Team typically works in groups of three - one lead tracker and two flankers. The positions are rotated regularly as tracking requires a lot of concentration and is physically demanding. General outdoors skills, good visual perception, and a great deal of patience and perseverance are required.
