Balto/GSAR

GSAR

The GSAR exercise editor

GSAR (Ground Search and Rescue) is a non-canine training category for documenting general SAR skills training. This includes radio communications, GPS, land navigation, first aid, and other non-discipline-specific training that handlers need to maintain proficiency in. Balto's GSAR exercise log captures the activity type, topics covered, and notes from the training.

Starting a GSAR Exercise

If you haven't already started a Mission, follow these steps.

1. From the Welcome page, press and hold the begin training button to start a new mission
2. Configure the mission details (date, location, DR number) and tap Start a new task
3. On the Exercise Configuration screen, select GSAR as the training type
4. Tap Set Task Details to begin the exercise

Otherwise, you'll be skipping steps 1 and 2.

The GSAR exercise has two sections that scroll vertically: Setup (Config) and Review.

Setup Section

This section captures what type of training was conducted and what topics were covered.

Activity Type

Select the format of the training:

• Outdoor — Field-based practical training
• Classroom — Indoor instructional training
• Public Relations — Community outreach or demonstrations
• Meeting — Team or organizational meetings

Topic

Check all topics that were covered during the training:

• Radio Communications — Operating SAR radios, protocols, frequencies
• GPS — GPS device use, waypoints, tracks
• Land Navigation — Map and compass, terrain interpretation
• Search Tactics — Search planning, lost person behavior, probability
• Line Search — Ground search techniques, line formations
• Evidence — Evidence recognition, preservation, chain of custody
• Situational Awareness — Environmental and team safety awareness
• Technology — SAR-related technology and tools
• First-aid/WFA — Wilderness First Aid for humans
• K9 First-aid — Canine first aid and emergency care
• Flanker Training — Working as a flanker for K9 teams
• Tracker — Visual tracking skills (not canine)
• Cross-training — Training with other SAR teams or disciplines
• Other — Use the adjacent text field to specify

Multiple topics can be checked for training sessions that covered multiple areas.

Review Section

This section captures notes from the training.

Notes

Free-form text area for activity notes, key learning points, and any follow-up plans. Use this to document specific scenarios practiced, instructors, certifications earned, or topics that need more work.

Finishing the Exercise

When you're done recording the exercise:

1. Scroll to the bottom of the screen
2. Tap Finish & save exercise
3. The exercise will be saved and you'll return to the mission

Tips

• Use GSAR logs to maintain proficiency records for required training topics that your team or certifying organization tracks
• Check multiple topics for cross-discipline training sessions to capture the full scope of what was covered
• The Notes field is ideal for recording who taught what, certifications earned, or specific scenarios that need follow-up
• For annual requirements like First-aid recertification, use GSAR logs to maintain a clear training record
• When attending external SAR training or conferences, use GSAR with the Cross-training topic to log the experience
• Public Relations activities count toward team service hours in many organizations — log them here for proper credit