The Need for an Operational Level Approach to Medical Evacuation
Abstract
The joint force has become dependent on helicopters for medical evacuation. This is because of the speed and flexibility the helicopter brings to the current battlefield against an enemy that does not have the ability to employ the full spectrum of military operations against U.S. forces. The success that air medical evacuation has experienced in both Iraq and Afghanistan has caused operational level commanders to completely negate the ability to conduct ground medical evacuations. These tactics, techniques and procedures not only diverge from doctrine, but also set a dangerous precedent for the future ability of the joint force to conduct medical evacuation missions when faced with a more capable a foe. Additionally, the current practices that are being used in Afghanistan and Iraq have flaws that the enemy can exploit. In order to fix these deficiencies, an operational level approach to the command and control aspect of the medical evacuation mission is needed in order to synchronize both ground and air medical evacuation assets so that the maximum amount of efficiency and effectiveness can be achieved by the joint force. The author of this paper will explore the current command and control system in place for medical evacuation as well as make recommendations for a more sensible one. Additionally, arguments on missions with similar precedence, intangibles and history will be offered. The purpose of this is to better understand the current command and control structure for medical evacuation, its strengths and shortcomings so that operational leaders can integrate their forces to achieve success in a tactical level mission that has operational level effects.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 04, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA545915
Entities
People
- Brian N. Clifton
Organizations
- Naval War College