Evader

Definition

In military operations, “evader” refers to an individual who, while being a part of a military force, separates from his or her unit, either intentionally or due to circumstances such as a battle conflict, with the intent to avoid capture. This term is often applied to service members who are isolated in hostile environments and who actively resist or seek to escape capture. The term is also used in survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) training.

Key Takeaways

1. Evader is a term used in military operations to describe an individual who evades capture in enemy territory. It’s their an intention to avoid captivation by hostile forces and make efforts to return to friendly lines.
2. This terminology is often associated with escape and evasion tactics. This is related to the training provided to service members in techniques to avoid capture, which includes camouflage, stealth, and survival skills in various terrains including forests, mountains, or deserts.
3. Evaders play an important strategic role in warfare. They often serve as valuable intelligence sources, providing information about the enemy’s strategies, locations, and strengths. Their experiences behind enemy lines can provide pivotal information that can mould the direction of a military operation.

Importance

The military operations term “evader” is important as it typically refers to a service member who is separated from their unit behind enemy lines and is actively trying to avoid capture while seeking friendly forces.

Understanding the evader concept is crucial for military training as it shapes strategies for survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE). The notion of evader underlines critical survival skills, evasion tactics, navigation strategies, and communication techniques that can potentially save the lives of soldiers when they are in unfriendly territories.

Thus, the significance of the term evader is deeply embedded in military operations and strategies, ensuring the safety and successful return of isolated personnel.

Explanation

In military operations, the term “Evader” specifically refers to individuals who, in the event of capture during wartime, successfully escape or avoid their captors with the goal of returning to friendly control. The purpose of evaders is crucial in a survival situation during armed conflicts.

They are valuable assets for the military as they have the potential to offer important intelligence due to their first-hand accounts of enemy strategies, terrain, and locations. They are often trained in evasion and survival tactics which can significantly increase their chance of successfully returning to friendly lines.

The role of an evader is not merely about individual survival but is mainly to serve a wider strategic purpose. In order to fulfill their purpose effectively, evaders need to be skilled in evasion tactics, remain undetected, navigate unfamiliar and potentially hostile terrains, survive with minimal supplies, and maintain psychological resilience under extreme conditions.

All these qualities are a testament to the rigorous training and mental preparation that goes into developing an evader. They can communicate invaluable information about the enemy to friendly forces, helping to shape and influence combat strategy, thus providing a vital contribution to the overall success of military operations.

Examples of Evader

Operation Iraqi Freedom: In March 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Private Jessica Lynch was serving as a unit supply specialist with the 507th Maintenance Company when her convoy was ambushed by Iraqi forces. Lynch was injured and captured by Iraqi forces, but managed to evade her captors in the hospital where she was being held. Lynch’s evasion helped her survive until she was rescued by US Special Forces.

Vietnam War – Bat 21: In April 1972, during the Vietnam War, a U.S. EB-66 aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile. The navigator, Lt. Col. Iceal Hambleton, was the only survivor and became an evader behind enemy lines. Hambleton managed to evade capture for 11 days despite being injured and having no survival training. He was eventually rescued by a team of Navy SEALs and South Vietnamese commandos.

World War II – The Great Escape: During World War II, a large number of Allied soldiers held as prisoners of war in the German POW camp Stalag Luft III became evaders during what is now known as the “Great Escape.” In March 1944, 76 men crawled through tunnels they had secretly dug and escaped into the surrounding countryside. Although most were recaptured, three men managed to evade capture and make it to freedom. This bold escape attempt has been immortalized in books and films.

FAQs about Military Operation: Evader

1. What is Operation Evader?

Operation Evader is a military operation. Detailed information about the specific nature, location, and purpose of this operation is classified or may not be publicly available.

2. Who conducts Operation Evader?

Typically, operations like Operation Evader are conducted by the military or intelligence agencies of a country. The specific country or agency responsible may vary.

3. Does Operation Evader involve special forces?

Many military operations involve special forces, but the involvement of such units in Operation Evader would depend on the specific requirements of the operation.

4. Where does Operation Evader take place?

Without specific knowledge of Operation Evader, we cannot provide a location. Military operations can take place in a variety of domestic and international settings.

5. What is the goal of Operation Evader?

The objective of military operations such as Operation Evader can vary widely and could include goals like training, humanitarian support, or combat missions. The exact goal of Operation Evader would depend on the strategy and desires of the command initiating the operation.

Related Military Operation Terms

• POW (Prisoner of War)
• MIA (Missing in Action)
• Debriefing
• Repatriation
• Hostile Force

Sources for More Information

• Joint Chiefs of Staff: This is the official portal of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who are the principal military advisers to the U.S. President, Secretary of Defence, and National Security Council.
• U.S. Department of Defense: U.S. Department of Defense is an executive branch department of the federal government charged with coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government directly related to national security and the United States Armed Forces.
• Air University: This is the U.S. Air and Space Forces’ center for professional military education.
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Encyclopedia Britannica is a general knowledge English-language encyclopedia which covers a wide range of topics, including military operations and terms.