11.2 Field Training

Field training exercises may be used to extend the missing child simulation to an imaginary site last seen. See Section on Targeting. Such exercises can be used to train potential Core Group (Section on Core Group) volunteers. Conduct the recovery simulation as realistically as possible.

• If possible, invite news media to the field exercises. This will serve two purposes: it will give volunteers realistic experience with media personnel and it will promote public awareness of preplanning activities. See Public Affairs.
• Appropriate nametags and forms should be used during the simulation. See Organization Chart and Forms.
• Consider the possibility of concealing a mannequin representing a missing child in a location where likelihood of detection is reasonable. Be creative.
• Field exercises should include realistic briefing and debriefing sessions (Section on Briefing) (Section on Debriefing).
• Use special teams if available: dogs, horses, aircraft, etc. (Section on Special Search Methods and Tasks).
• Take note of specific needs or specialized equipment that may be needed in your area.
• At the end of the field training exercises, the core group should conduct a lessons learned meeting. The LRC Team requests feedback as you learn from these exercises (Section on Feedback.