A typical recovery team is made up of ten to 14 people, led by a team leader and a forensic anthropologist. The team leader is responsible for the overall safety and success of the mission, while the civilian anthropologist directs the excavation of the site much like a detective oversees a crime scene. Other members of the team typically include a team sergeant, linguist, medic, life support technician, forensic photographer, and an explosive ordnance disposal technician.

A typical recovery team is made up of ten to 14 people, led by a team leader and a forensic anthropologist. The team leader is responsible for the overall safety and success of the mission, while the civilian anthropologist directs the excavation of the site much like a detective oversees a crime scene. Other members of the team typically include a team sergeant, linguist, medic, life support technician, forensic photographer, and an explosive ordnance disposal technician.