When American military pilots’ aircraft are shot down, they are trained in several ways to protect themselves, the most important of which is Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE). Currently, the US Army is searching for a crew member of the F-15E Strike Eagle that was shot down in Iran. The other crew member might be trying to hide in a safe place until he can be safely rescued.

Such fighter jets usually have 2 people, a pilot and a weapons systems officer. Both crew members of the F-15E Strike Eagle had ejected. According to American and Israeli officials, 1 of them has been rescued from Iranian soil. What happened to the other crew member though? It is not clear yet.

What is survival, evasion, resistance and escape?
US military pilots are trained in Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) for situations in which US military aircraft are shot down over enemy territory. The first step in this is to get out of the plane safely through parachute. After reaching the ground, the pilots have to find a safe place to escape from the enemy and tell their location to the American forces through the radio present in their kit.

After this, the American Army makes every possible effort to save the survivors. America’s Central Command deploys several task forces for search and rescue operations in areas around Iran, such as Iraq and Syria, so that if American warplanes are shot down, immediate action can be taken.

What are the chances of the pilot surviving?
In cases where someone is captured by the enemy or taken hostage, pilots have to use their resistance training to withstand extreme stress, interrogation, and possible torture. Iran’s vast and remote area may increase the possibility of pilots hiding. This will be beneficial if the pilots are in a dark area with more hiding places, such as dense forests and away from heavily populated areas. However, lack of food, water, injuries and being pursued by enemies can reduce a pilot’s chances of survival.

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US President Donald Trump, in his first comment on the plane crash, said that the downing of the US military plane will not affect talks with Iran. Trump rejected the suggestion that the incident could derail diplomacy.

According to NBC News report, when Trump was asked whether the new developments would affect the talks, he said no, not at all. This is war and we are at war. These comments are Trump’s first public reaction to the alleged loss of American aircraft during the war.

During the interview, Trump declined to discuss details of the ongoing search and rescue efforts related to the crashed plane, citing the sensitivity of the situation. He also expressed disappointment over the media coverage, calling it a complex and active military operation.

2 American planes crash in the Middle East
Two US military plane crashes occurred in the Middle East on Friday, further increasing tensions in the conflict. First the news came that Iran shot down an American F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft. One crew member was rescued, while search and rescue operations for the other are ongoing. However, different statements are coming out about the other crew members. Some media reports claim that he is in Iranian custody while others say that the search for him is still going on.

What did the American official tell?
An American official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that a second US Air Force fighter plane crashed in the area. It was not immediately clear whether the plane crashed or was shot down, or whether Iran was involved. Information about the condition and exact location of the crew was also not immediately available. The New York Times had earlier reported the crash of a second plane.

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, efforts to achieve a ceasefire between America and Iran have stalled because Tehran has refused to participate in the proposed talks.

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