Personal Safety and Rescue Equipment

The Personal Safety and Rescue Equipment program, Air Force Budget Line Item 842990, is structured to procure and sustain a diverse set of equipment that enhances warfighter safety, survivability, and operational effectiveness across global Air Force missions. This line item is funded under the Other Procurement, Air Force appropriation, specifically supporting base maintenance and support equipment. The program's objective is to ensure that Air Force personnel are equipped with modern, reliable, and mission-appropriate safety and rescue gear, addressing both current and emerging operational requirements. Funding allocations for FY 2026 include base and Overseas Operations Costs (OOC), with flexibility to adapt procurements as mission needs evolve.

Guardian Angel is a major component within this line item, focusing on equipment for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and Personnel Recovery operations. The Guardian Angel family of systems supports Pararescue (PJ), Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE), and Combat Rescue Officer (CRO) specialties. The program's goals include procurement and technical refresh of assets across nine critical mission areas: aerial insertion, information management, maritime rescue, ground mobility, technical recovery, medical, visual augmentation, and SERE. Procurements include parachute systems, technical recovery tools, information management systems, software licenses, night vision devices, ground vehicles, maritime boats, and advanced training simulators. The program also addresses Diminishing Manufacturer Source and obsolescence issues through life-of-type or bridge buys as needed.

Guardian Angel Air-Deployable Rescue Vehicle (GAARV) is a specialized subprogram designed to provide air-deployable surface recovery platforms for personnel and equipment extraction in high-threat environments. The GAARV enhances survivability and secure transport for recovery teams and isolated personnel, offering protection against enemy fire and improvised explosive devices. Funding supports procurement, training, upgrades, spares, contractor support, repairs, and deployment packages. The acquisition manager retains authority to redirect funds to meet rapidly changing requirements, ensuring responsiveness to operational imperatives and threat environments.

Special Tactics/Combat Control Equipment is another key element funded under this line item, supporting Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) missions. The Special Warfare Acquisition Growth and Refresh program standardizes equipment for combat controllers, pararescue, Special Reconnaissance operators, and Tactical Air Control Party personnel. Procurements include training simulators, aerial insertion gear, technical recovery equipment, maritime rescue tools, ground transportation, and vehicular support assets. The program is designed to be agile, allowing for adjustments in procurement based on mission-critical needs and managing Diminishing Manufacturer Source and obsolescence risks.

Human Systems Program Office Items Less Than $5 Million covers a broad range of aircrew flight equipment and combat support gear. This includes flight helmets and visors, oxygen equipment, flame and ballistic protective gear, laser eye protection, locator beacons, nuclear flash blindness devices, parachutes, ejection seats, survival systems, night vision goggles, radios, life rafts, anti-exposure coveralls, physiological monitoring devices, and test sets. Notable initiatives for FY 2026 include the Next-Generation Fixed Wing Helmet and Next Generation Ejection Seat, both aimed at improving safety, comfort, and compatibility with advanced display systems. The program also funds equipment to address capability gaps, such as modular scalable vests, female body armor, and cold weather gear.

Across all subprograms, the Personal Safety and Rescue Equipment line item emphasizes adaptability, modernization, and lifecycle management. Procurement quantities and specific items are subject to change based on evolving mission requirements and total force priorities. The program incorporates measures to address short-notice Diminishing Manufacturer Source and material shortages, as well as program management activities. Reductions in advisory and assistance services in FY 2026 align with Executive Order 14222, supporting government efficiency and cost-saving initiatives.