Joint Aeromedical Evacuation - Why Isn't It Adequate for the Combat Zone
Abstract
This paper examines why current aeromedical evacuation is not adequate for the combat zone. Aeromedical evacuation is an important capability that the Joint Force Commander must have in order to successfully conduct combat operations. This paper deals with the intratheater tactical transportation of wounded personnel via rotary-wing aircraft. The paper summarizes current joint patient movement doctrine from Joint Pub 4-02.2. It also explains the differences in the U.S. Military services' patient movement capability. The paper details three problems with current aeromedical evacuation doctrine. First, attrition of aircraft, due to combat, is not factored in doctrine. Second, because of their medically trained crews and onboard medical suites, dedicated air ambulance capabilities exceed air casualty evacuation in providing lifesaving transportation. Third, although the Army is assigned the responsibility for transfer of patients to afloat medical treatment facilities, this mission is often accomplished by Navy or Marine Corps rotary-wing casualty evacuation assets. The paper proposes a solution to these problems by establishing a standing Joint Intra-Theater Aeromedical Evacuation Task Force (JIAETF) to provide dedicated aeromedical evacuation to the Joint Force Commander.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 17, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA426001
Entities
People
- Eric Shirey
Organizations
- Naval War College