Clearing the Battlefield of Wounded in Large-Scale Combat Operations
Abstract
As the Army shifts focus from limited-contingency operations to large-scale combat operations against a peer or near-peer competitor, one continuing theme is the increased lethality of future conflicts. This increase in potential casualties is in stark contrast to recent military experiences beginning with Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1991. During Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, casualties were almost exclusively moved via air medical evacuation and commonly received hospital care within one hour. This monograph explores the question of what happens when that "golden-hour" standard is no longer feasible in future battlefields? In the worst month of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the US military suffered 1,432 casualties; future conflicts have the realistic potential of more than 3,600 casualties per day. The purpose of this monograph is to determine current evacuation capacity and shortfalls and identify options for operational level planners on the division and corps staff in the event of a significant mass casualty situation associated with large scale combat operations. Using the lens of theory, history, practice, and doctrine, this monograph looks at the historical foundations of modern evacuation principles from the Napoleonic Wars to present day. Additionally, there are two case studies: Evacuation operations during the Normandy Campaign and an assessment of current US Army evacuation capabilities. Divisions and corps must be ready to use all tools available from the Combat Aviation Brigade, Sustainment Brigade, and Medical Brigade to allow the Brigade Combat Teams to keep focus on winning the close fight.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 14, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1159094
Entities
People
- Cale T. Hamilton
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College