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Search + Rescue Graduation

Written by

Kevin Sandlin

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From November through April, these state guard soldiers endured freezing cold temperatures, inclement weather, and the grueling topography of the north Georgia mountains around Dahlonega to earn what we commonly call “The SAR Tab”.

It starts with the understanding that “Search is an emergency!” Everything that follows that mindset is part of the training to be Search+Rescue certified:

* Land naviation
* Wilderness survival
* First Aid / CPR
* Lost person behavior
* Low angle extraction
* Knots
* Rappelling
* Teamwork
* Leadership
* Roles of a search team
* Tracking
* Low light search + rescue
* Patient transport
* Wilderness communication

And much, much more. Relationships are forged, leaders are trained up, and each soldier becomes comfortable being very uncomfortable, whether out in the woods after dark in the winter, or weathering pouring rain in Georgia’s unbearable humidity.

Search + Rescue is the pinnacle of the training offered to all Georgia state guard soldiers. One weekend each month for six months, with study and prep time in between, is the price to pay for top tier training. These soldiers answered the call to help their community and fellow Georgians when the need arises.

Bring ’em home.

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