Operation Desert Storm: Problems with Air Force Medical Readiness

Abstract

Broadly stated, the Air Force medical mission during Operations Desert Shield and Storm was to provide in-theater combat medical trauma care and aeromedical intra- and inter-theater evacuation. In addition, as the lead service for joint regulating, the Air Force was to provide a communications system that regulated the movement of patients to appropriate medical facilities. Tasking requirements for Air Force participation in Operations Desert Shield and Storm were based on casualty estimates provided by the U.S. Central Command Surgeon's staff. To set these requirements, the staff considered factors such as the nature and duration of the operations planned, expected combat intensity and casualty rates, estimates of disease and nonbattle injuries, evacuation policy, and types and capabilities of medical units available. Specific tasking was forwarded to Air Force commands and agencies, which in turn determined how personnel would be mobilized and deployed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1993
Accession Number
AD1167392

Entities

People

  • Mark E. Gebicke

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aeromedical Evacuation
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Air Force Personnel
  • Employment
  • Fixed Wing Aircraft
  • Health Services
  • Hospitals
  • Lessons Learned
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Personnel
  • Military Science
  • Organizational Structure
  • Patient Care
  • Personnel Management
  • Physicians
  • United States
  • Warfare
  • Wounds And Injuries

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Military Mobilization and Reserve Forces Studies.
  • Trauma or Military Medicine