Final answer:
The commanding officer is responsible for preparing unit personnel to navigate isolating situations and coordinating their recovery. This preparation includes providing the necessary training and resources to ensure unit readiness for various emergencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The responsible party for preparing unit personnel to survive isolating situations and recover those who are isolated is (a) The commanding officer. Commanding officers have the overall responsibility for the welfare, training, and preparedness of their unit personnel.
It's the commanding officer's role to ensure that all members of the unit are adequately trained and equipped to handle isolating events, whether they are due to combat, natural disasters, or other emergencies that may require isolation and recovery operations.
While medical personnel are indeed at the front lines of dangerous work, as suggested by FIGURE 19.1 where personal protective clothing is essential for health workers entering an infection zone, they specialize in providing healthcare and support rather than preparing personnel for isolating situations. Unit personnel themselves, while they do have a personal responsibility for their readiness, rely on the structure and training provided by their commanding officer. Civilian authorities may assist in recovery efforts, but their focus is generally on the civilian population rather than military units.