U.S. ARMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT CENTER AND SCHOOL LP WVBN-04B AMEDD NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER ACADEMY 0196 BASIC NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER COURSE

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2 U.S. ARMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT CENTER AND SCHOOL LP WVBN-04B AMEDD NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER ACADEMY BASIC NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER COURSE LESSON TITLE: Principles of Combat Health Support (CHS) ECHELONS I and II THIS LESSON IS USED IN THE FOLLOWING COURSES: COURSE NUMBERS COURSE TITLE(S) 6-8- C40 AMEDD NCO BASIC (NCOES) SECTION I. - ADMINISTRATIVE DATA TASK(S) TAUGHT OR SUPPORTED: TASK NUMBER 081TTSB-K5 TASK (S) REINFORCED: TASK NUMBER None NA TASK TITLE Principles of CHS, Echelons I and II TASK TITLE ACADEMIC HOURS: PEACETIME MOBILIZATION HOURS /TYPE HOURS /TYPE SMALL GROUP INSTRUCTION 3.0 NA TEST CMF NA TEST REVIEW CMF NA TOTAL HOURS 3.0 LESSON NO TESTING: CMF REVIEW OF TEST RESULTS: PREREQUISITE LESSON(S): CLEARANCE AND ACCESS: CMF Combat Health Support System UNCLASSIFIED REFERENCES: NUMBER TITLE PAGES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FM 63-2 Division Support Command, AR, INF, Mech ID FM Division Operations FM Medical Platoon Leaders Handbook, 16 Nov 90 LP WVBN-04B

3 FM 8-10 Health Service Support in a Theater of Operations,1 Mar 91 FM DMOC, 1 Mar 91 FM Medical Evacuation in a Theater of Operations, 31 Oct 91 FM 8-55 Planning for Health Service Support, 9 Sep 94 FM 8-8 Medical Support in Joint Operations FM Infantry, Airborne, and Air Assault Division Operations STUDENT STUDY ASSIGNMENT: Supplementary Reading #1 INSTRUCTOR REQUIREMENTS: Read and be prepared to discuss Review lesson prior to class ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS: None EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THE INSTRUCTION: Overhead projector, screen. MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR THE INSTRUCTION: INSTRUCTOR MATERIALS: VGTs (8). STUDENT MATERIALS: Supplementary Reading #1. CLASSROOM, TRAINING AREA, AND RANGE REQUIREMENTS: Classroom suitable for 16 students. AMMUNITION REQUIREMENTS: None INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDANCE: This lesson is the second in a series of three on Combat Health Support. Echelons III-V follows. Avoid acronyms. PROPONENT LESSON PLAN APPROVAL AUTHORITY: NAME RANK POSITION DATE PAULETTE H. DUNLAP CSM CMDT JAN 96 AMEDD NCO Academy 2 LP WVBN-04B

4 NOTE: SECTION II. - INTRODUCTION Read the following terminal learning objective statement to the students. At the completion of this lesson you (the student) will: Identify the organizational structure and capability of medical assets in the heavy/light divisions IAW FM 8-10, FM , FM , FM SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: RISK ASSESSMENT LEVEL: None Low ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: None EVALUATION: CMF INSTRUCTIONAL LEAD-IN: This three hour class will provide an overview of the mission, organization, evacuation responsibilities and employment concepts of medical assets found within Echelon I and Echelon II combat health support. SECTION III. - PRESENTATION Enabling Learning Objectives (ELOs): 1. Identify the mission and characteristics of echelon I combat health support in the heavy division IAW cited references. 2. Identify the mission, organization and functions of the medical platoon in the heavy division IAW cited references. 3. Identify the mission of echelon II combat health support in the heavy division IAW cited references. 4. Identify the structure of the division support command (DISCOM) IAW cited references. 5. Identify the characteristics of echelon II combat health support in the heavy division law cited references. 6. Identify the mission, organization and functions of the forward support medical company(fsmc), heavy division, IAW cited references. LP WVBN-04B 3 7. Identify the mission, organization and functions of the main support medical company (MSMC), heavy division, IAW cited references.

5 8. Identify the division medical operations center (DMOC) and its mission IAW cited references. 9. Identify the division support command (DISCOM) and division surgeons and their roles IAW cited references. 10. Identify the mission, organization and functions of echelon I combat health support in the light division IAW cited references. 11. Identify the mission, organization and functions of echelon II combat health support in the light division IAW cited references. 12. Identify the organization and functions of the forward support medical company (FSMC), light division, IAW cited references. 13. Identify the organization and functions of the main support medical company (MSMC), light division, IAW cited references. 14. Identify the medical support structure of the airborne and air assault divisions IAW cited references. SEQUENCE OF ACTIVITIES: INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Throughout the remainder of this course you will expand your combat health support (CES) knowledge while planning the support of the Army Division. Since the planning function requires a working knowledge of the entire military structure, we will begin by reviewing some basic elements for the next three periods. T The contradictory nature of military challenges confronting United States national interests ranges from high to low intensity conflict. A low-intensity conflict (LIC) is highly likely but does not present a catastrophic threat. However,the paradox--we must continue to posture our force to deter all-out war, while realizing that most future conflicts will be limited in their intensity. 4 LP WVBN-04B Just as the tactical commander influences the outcome of his mission by concentrating critical assets at critical times on the battlefield, the health service support planner must provide critical health services at the appropriate place and time in order to reduce morbidity and mortality and to maximize opportunities for soldiers to return to duty. The heavy/light division employs a modular medical support system that standardizes all medical treatment subunits within the division. Far forward care characterizes the design of this system.

6 Capabilities are replicated at each level of health care enabling the medical resources manager to rapidly tailor, augment, or reinforce medical units in support of battle areas. This support system is designed to acquire, receive, prioritize for evacuation, provide emergency medical treatment (EMT), and provide advanced trauma management (ATM) for division personnel and for personnel in units attached to the division. Before we begin, let s look at a diagram of the five echelons of Combat Health Support. As you know, we will be discussing the first two in this lesson. Look at figure 1 at the back of your SR. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Figure 1 is also at the back of this lesson plan. Discuss with the students Echelons I and II, unit and division. Also at the back of the LP and SR is the MF2K graphic (figures 2a and 2b) which illustrates the location of the types of units. Refer to this graphic as necessary throughout the lesson. ECHELON I COMBAT HEALTH SUPPORT: HEAVY QUESTION: What is the mission of echelon I combat health support in the heavy division? Prevent injuries and illness. Provide routine medical treatment; immediately return the soldier to duty. Provide EMT and advanced trauma management to stabilize the patient for evacuation to the echelon of medical treatment required; evacuate the sick and wounded. LP WVBN-04B 5 Characteristics QUESTION: What are the characteristics of combat health support for the heavy division? Echelon I CHS is provided by medical platoon or section which is organic to the headquarters and headquarters company of the respective battalion. Divisional elements without organic medical support are provided CHS on an area basis by the nearest medical platoon treatment facility. The treatment facility is called the battalion aid station (BAS). The medical platoon is 100% mobile but has no holding capability. SHOW VGT #1 (heavy division medical elements) Medical Platoon

7 QUESTION: Now lets look at echelon I medical elements for the heavy division. What can you tell me about the first one, the medical platoon? Mission: Provide Echelon I CHS to the battalion to which it is organic and, on an area basis, to divisional elements without organic CHS. Organization and capabilities: (combat medic, ambulance squad, treatment squad modules, and platoon headquarters) Combat medic module consists of: 1 Combat Medical Specialist (91B10) 1 Aid bag (basic load of medical supplies) Combat medics provide the initial treatment along the forward edge of the battle area/forward line of own troops (FEBA/FLOT). They are capable of making medical decisions using their MOSacquired skills. (Combat lifesavers and selfaid/buddy aid serve as extenders of the combat medic.) 6 LP WVBN-04B Senior medic establishes a company aid post in the company trains. Personnel move patients to the company aid post or patient collection points. Patients are moved from the site of injury to the company aid post by litter teams, by manual carries, or by available vehicles. Ambulance Squad Module QUESTION: What should we remember about the ambulance squad module? The ambulance squad module consists of: 2 Aidmen (91B20) 2 Drivers (91B10) 2 Tracked Ambulances (M113) It evacuates patients from the company aid post to the BAS. Ambulances may be positioned forward with supported maneuver companies or stay with the BAS.

8 Pre-positioning enhances response time and reduces communication requirements. Treatment Squad Module QUESTION: What does the treatment squad module consist of and what does it do? The treatment squad module consists of: One Platoon Leader (CPT/62B Field Surgeon). One Physician s Assistant (GOOA). Four Medical Specialists; Two EMT NCOs. Two Command Post Carriers (M577). The squad provides preventive medical support, routine sick call, and EMT to supported soldiers; operates the BAS. 7 LP WVBN-04B The employment of the BAS is determined by the tactical situation. The treatment squad can be employed as a single unit or it can be split into two treatment teams that provide CHS in two different locations at the same time. Platoon Headquarters INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: SGT, tell me about the platoon headquarters. (ensure points below are covered) The platoon HQ is comprised of: One Medical Operations Officer (LT/67B) One Medical Platoon Sergeant (91B40). The platoon HQ is the command, control, and communications element for the medical platoon The platoon HQ manages the evacuation assets, develops the battalion medical support plan, and develops the medical logistical requirements for the platoon The medical platoon BAS is normally employed 4-10 km behind the FLOT/FEBA in the combat trains within the battalion logistical support area. Medical platoon medical support functions consist of treatment and evacuation. REMOVE VGT #1

9 ECHELON II COMBAT HEALTH SUPPORT: HEAVY QUESTION: What is the mission of echelon II combat health support for a heavy division? Prevent injuries and illness. Evacuate the sick and wounded and continue emergency treatment started at Echelon I. Begin initial resuscitative treatment to return the injured or ill soldier to duty. QUESTION: To improve the command, control, communications, and operational effectiveness of CHS in the armored and mechanized divisions, the division support command has been reorganized. How has the DISCOM been reorganized? 8 LP WVBN-04B The division materiel management center (DMMC) and the headquarters, headquarters company (HHC) are combined into one organization. The AG and the finance functions are moved to the corps. The headquarters of the three functional battalions is eliminated and their operating companies are placed under the headquarters of the main support battalion. The main support battalion (MSB) is responsible for the effective management of logistics assets in the division support area (DSA). The transportation aircraft maintenance company is moved into the DISCOM. Three forward support battalions (FSB) that are organic to the DISCOM are created. Each FSB is responsible for the effective management of logistics assets in the brigade support area (BSA). The new FSB organization absorbs the forward maintenance, supply, and medical companies that were assigned to the parent functional battalions in the DSA. A commander and a staff provide command and to control the operating elements of the battalion. This newly established FSB provides the armored and mechanized division commanders with a single, responsive, multifunctional point of contact to meet high-mobility support needs. Consists of 3 forward support medical companies and a main support medical company. Characteristics

10 CHS within the heavy division is provided by two units. CHS in the brigade support area (BSA) is provided by FSMC of the forward support battalions (FSBs). CHS in the division support area (DSA) is provided by the MSMC of the main support battalion (MSB). FSB's and the MSB are under the direct command and control of the JISCOM commander. The medical companies of the respective battalions share the same support responsibilities, Echelon II LP WVBN-04B 9 and Echelon I CHS, but provide support in different areas of the battlefield (BSA and DSA respectively. The medical companies are l00% mobile. The medical company treatment facility is called the clearing station Medical companies have the capability to hold up to 40 patients who are expected to return to duty within 72 hours. There is no surgical capability at Echelon II. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: End of first hour (approximate) SHOW VGT #2 (elements of echelon II) Forward Support Medical Company QUESTION: On the screen you see elements of echelon II CHS we are about to discuss. Sgt, what is the mission of the forward support medical company and how is it organized? Mission: Provide echelon II and echelon I CHS support to units operating in the BSA. The company operates a clearing station in the brigade support area approximately km behind the FLOT/FEBA. The company provides treatment, evacuation, command and control, dental, lab, x-ray and patient holding. Company Headquarters One Company Commander (MAJ/62B Field Surgeon) One Operations Officer (CPT/67B)

11 17 Enlisted Personnel The commander is dual-hatted as the brigade surgeon for the brigade supported by the FSB. QUESTION There is a treatment platoon and two treatment squads in the FSMC what do we need to know about their organization and functions? 10 LP WVBN-04B Treatment platoon One Platoon Leader (MAJ/62B Field Surgeon) One Operations Officer (LT/67B) One Platoon Sergeant (91B40) This nonmodular element provides command and control for the clearing station. The platoon leader is a physician and also works in the treatment squad of the clearing station. There are two treatment squads and each squad is manned and equipped (two M577s, ATLS set, and sick call set) identical to the treatment squad in the medical platoon (modular design). These treatment squads facilitate reconstitution or reinforcement of the medical platoons BAS. The treatment squad is the modular base of the clearing station which begins initial resuscitative treatment. State the following: Three elements remain in the forward support medical company, the area support section, patient holding squad and ambulance platoon headquarters. Lets discuss the components of each. (ensure points below are covered) Area support section One Dental Officer (CPT/63A) One Dental Specialist One Laboratory Specialist One X-ray Specialist This modular element provides ancillary support to facilitate initial resuscitative treatment, emergency and sustaining dental and limited laboratory and x-ray services. Patient Holding Squad One Wardmaster (91C30) One Practical Nurse (91C20) Two Medical Specialists (91B10) The modular element that provides patient holding for 40 patients that are expected to return to duty within 72 hours. 11

12 LP WVBN-04B Holding capability contributes significantly to the provision of the resuscitative care and return to duty rate. The modules of the area support section combine to form the clearing station. Ambulance Platoon Headquarters One Platoon Leader (LT/67B) One Platoon Sergeant (91B40) This is the nonmodular command and control element of the ambulance platoon; planning, coordinating, and prioritizing evacuation missions. Ambulance squad (tracked)--(three each) identical to medical platoon ambulance squad, allowing reconstitution/reinforcement of medical platoon assets as well as afford equivalent mobility and patient/crew protection when evacuating from forward areas. Ambulance squad (wheeled) --(two each) equipped with M997 (MAXI-HMMWV) vehicles allowing more efficient area coverage of the BSA and supports faster evacuation of patients. The personnel structure is identical to the tracked squad. Shuttle systems or patient exchange systems can be used to expedite patient evacuation. Ambulances assigned to the FSMC have a primary responsibility to evacuate patients from supported BASs. Their secondary responsibility is to evacuate patients from units within the brigade support area. SHOW VGT #3 (MSMC elements) Main Support Medical Company (MSMC) QUESTION: What is the mission of the main support medical company, how is it different from the forward support medical company and where is it employed? Mission: Provide Echelon II and Echelon I CHS support to units operating in the division support area. 12 LP WVBN-04B The MSMC has expanded support capability not found in the forward support medical company. It operates a division clearing station in the DSA approximately km behind the FLOT/FEBA.

13 QUESTION: Lets look at the first two elements, the division medical supply section and the preventive medicine section, how are they manned and what do they provide? Division Medical Supply Section One Health Services Material Officer One Medical Supply Supervisor Three Medical Supply Specialists Three Medical Equipment Repairers One Pharmacy Specialist Procures, stores, and distributes Class VIII (medical) supplies for the division. Performs maintenance on biomedical equipment. Preventive Medicine Section One Preventive Medicine Officer (MAJ/60C) One Environmental Science Officer (CPT/68N) Seven Preventive Medicine Specialists Provides preventive medicine services to divisional elements and conducts field sanitation team training. Ambulance Platoon QUESTION: How is the ambulance platoon organized and what is its responsibility? Ambulance squad (wheeled)--(five each) allows more efficient area coverage of the DSA and supports faster evacuation of patients. MSMC ambulance squads are idential to FSMC wheeled ambulance squads and can reconstitute/reinforce FSMC squads. Ambulances assigned to the MSMC have a responsibility to evacuate patients from units within the DSA. They will also evacuate patients from FSMC clearing stations that require care not available in the BSA, i.e., optometry. 13 LP WVBN-04B Treatment Squads QUESTION: How are treatment squads different in the MSMC than in the FSMC and why?

14 Because of the expanded mission and the number of facilities that may need reconstruction or reinforcement the number of treatment squads has been increased from the two that we find in the FSMC to four in the MSMC. QUESTION: How are the mental health and optometry sections manned and what are their capabilities? Mental Health Section One psychiatrist (MAJ/60W) One Clinical Psychologist (CPT/685) One Social Work Officer (CPT/68R) Seven Behavioral Science Specialists Capability to provide limited psychiatric care to combat stress casualties. Evaluates effects of battle fatigue.establishes and operates division mental fitness program. Optometry Section One Optometry Officer (CPT/68K) One Optical Laboratory Specialist One Eye Specialist Performs routine eye examinations and manufactures single-lens vision devices. REMOVE VGT #3 Division Medical Operations Center (DMOC) QUESTION: What is the division medical operations center (DMOC) and what is its mission? 14 LP WVBN-04B Primary staff section of the division support command (DISCOM) Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC). Mission Develop medical troop basis. (Mission support needs.) Recommend reallocation of divisional medical assets. Manage medical logistics priorities for the division.

15 Plan and coordinate patient evacuation to corps. Request corps-level medical support for the division. Prepare medical support annex of the division operation orders/operation plan (OPORD/OPLAN). QUESTION: Who are the DISCOM and division surgeons and what do they do? DISCOM Surgeon A member of the DMOC who advises DISCOM commander on all matters relating to division level health combat support. He assists in the preparation of the medical portion of the DISCOM operations plans/orders. Division Surgeon The principal staff advisor on medical aspects affecting the command. He advises the division commander on medical matters and provides technical supervision over division medical matters. SUMMARY As we conclude this explanation of CHS of the heavy division, it becomes apparent that the medical elements must support units that operate on a wide front and in great depth while maintaining flexibility to accomplish its vital mission. LP WVBN-04B It becomes further apparent that this CHS must also maintain a capability to operate with as much mobility and flexibility as the division it supports. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: End of second hour (approximate) SHOW VGT #4 (medical platoon, light) 15 ECHELON I COMBAT HEALTH SUPPORT: LIGHT QUESTION: How is echelon I combat health support provided and organized and what is the mission? Echelon I medical support is provided through self-aid/buddy aid, combat lifesaver, and medical personnel assigned to the medical platoon.

16 The medical platoon/section is organic to the headquarters company of the battalion which it supports. Like its heavy division counterpart, it has a modular organizational design. Mission--To provide Echelon I CHS (characterized by prevention, emergency medical treatment, and evacuation) to the battalion it is organic to as well as area support to units without organic medical assets on an area basis. Combat Medic QUESTION: Sgt., what can you tell me about the first module, the combat medic? These medics provide routine medical treatment to prevent illness and return soldiers to duty. They also provide emergency medical treatment to the soldiers of the battalion close to the forward edge of the battle area (FEBA) and prepare them for evacuation. The combat medics are assigned to the light infantry battalion based on one medic per rifle platoon. A combat medic is not assigned to operate a company aid post. A casualty collection point is established in the company aid post and also in the company logistical trains. 16 LP WVBN-04B It can be staffed by a medic from the treatment team. QUESTION: What are the responsibilities of the ambulance squad and the treatment squad? Ambulance Squad Capable of evacuating patients from the site of injury or casualty collection points to the battalion aid station. Treatment Squad Provides Echelon I CHS to the battalion, operates the battalion aid station, conducts sick call and provides emergency treatment. The treatment squad is 100% mobile and may operate as close as 400 meters from the forward line of own troops (FLOT)/FEBA. Because of its close proximity to the battle, and its need for mobility, the battalion aid station has no patient holding capability.

17 The medical platoon is employed in the combat trains of the battalion they are supporting. REMOVE VGT #4 ECHELON II COMBAT HEALTH SUPPORT: LIGHT INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Some references present outdated principles of the organization of Light Divisions. What will be presented is current doctrinal information. Reference publications are currently under revision to meet current applications. QUESTION: How is echelon II combat health support for the light division organized and what is its mission? Echelon II CHS for the light division is the same as that displayed for the heavy division. Modifications are within the organization configurations to meet the needs of Light Divisions. Mission: To provide Echelon II and Echelon I CHS from forward support bases as required. LP WVBN-04B 17 SHOW VGT #5 Forward Support Medical Company (FSMC) QUESTION: The FSMC organizational structure is similar to the medical company of the FSB in the heavy divisions: Company HQ, a treatment platoon, and an ambulance platoon. Where is the FSMC located and what are the functions of these elements? The forward support medical companys operate in the brigade support areas. Company Headquarters A nonmodular element that provides command and control for the company. As in the heavy division, the company is commanded by a physician who also serves as the brigade surgeon. Treatment Platoon The treatment platoon operates Echelon II treatment facility (clearing station) which is located in the brigade support area. It provides ancillary support/medical treatment and has a holding capability. Ambulance Platoon

18 The ambulance platoon is comprised of a platoon HQ, led by a 2LT 67B MSC, an E-7 91B and 4 ambulance squads. The platoon s 8 M997 (HMMV) ambulances evacuate patients from the medical platoon battalion aid stations in the combat trains to the FSMC clearing station in the brigade support area. They also evacuate from other units in the BSA to the FSMC clearing station. Area Support Sections QUESTION: What are the area support sections and how do they operate? The area support sections (three modular elements) area support, treatment, and patient holding. The treatment platoon provides 18 LP WVBN-04B routine sick call support and initial resuscitative care to the members of the brigade and units operating in their area. The platoon HQ is led by a physician that works in the treatment team of the area support section. Treatment squads have several capabilities. Because of their flexibility, these squads may be used to jump forward or to the rear to provide continual medical support when the FSMC has to move. They may also reconstitute or reinforce a treatment squad operating the medical platoon s battalion aid station. The area support section has elements that provide the treatment support. The modules of the area support section make up the clearing station. The area support squad provides emergency dental services as well as limited ancillary lab and x-ray support. The treatment team provides initial resuscitative care characteristic of Echelon II CHS as well as routine medical resupply to the medical platoons. The treatment team has four less medical personnel than the treatment squad. The patient holding squad can provide medical care for up to 20 patients with minor injuries that are expected to return to duty within 72 hours. Patients who are unable to return to duty within 72 hours are evacuated as soon as possible for more definitive care. SHOW VGT #6 (MSMC elements) Main Support Medical Company(MSMC) QUESTION: What are the components of the main support medical company?

19 The Main Support Medical Company operates the clearing station in the DSA. Is is composed of nonmodular sections: preventive medicine, optometry and mental health. LP WVBN-04B 19 In addition to the nonmodular sections, the medical battalion has a maintenance section capable of providing organizational maintenance support for vehicles and light equipment such as generators using contact teams. SHOW VGT #7 (airborne elements) Airborne Division Medical Support Structure Echelons I & II Light Medical Platoon Medical platoon/section. Echelon I medical support is provided much the same as in the other divisions. Medical platoons organic to airborne battalions consist of the same base modules. Combat medics provide emergency medical treatment along the FLOT/FEBA and prepare the patient for evacuation. Treatment squads/teams provide Echelon I CHS to organic units including emergency medical treatment and routine sick call support. Ambulance squads/teams provide evacuation support from casualty collection points to BASs operated by the treatment elements. The HMMWVs that are used in the airborne division are the M996 version that are more air transportable, however, they are limited to 2 litter patients. Echelon II CHS for the airborne division is provided by a medical battalion consisting of three forward support medical companies and a Main Support Medical Company. The FSMC provides Echelon I and Echelon II CHS to soldiers operating in the BSA. It is structured functionally the same as the FSMC in the light division. The area support section has a treatment squad rather than the treatment team found in the LID FSMC.

20 Patient holding squad--capacity increased to 40 patients. Ambulance platoon--organized into four distinctive squads equipped with two M996 ambulances each (8 total) like its medical platoon counterpart. 20 LP WVBN-04B Main Support Medical Company provides Echelon II support to units operating in the division and Echelon I CHS from forward support bases as required. Like the FSMC, it has some differences in structure and support capability when compared to the LID due to operational employment requirements. The Main Support Medical Company has the identical base structure as its LID counterpart. Due to the extreme distances the division may be operating from the corps rear area; it has two organic surgical squads. Surgical squads are organic modular elements that have the capability to provide surgical support for up to 40 procedures in a 48 hour period. Holding capacity is increased to 40 patients for 72 hours. SHOW VGT #8 (air assault elements) Air Assault Division Medical Support Structure Echelons I & II Light INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Lead a discussion on the air assault division medical support structure. Ensure points below are covered. Medical platoon/section. Medical support at the unit level is provided much the same as in the other divisions. Medical platoons organic to battalions consist of the same base modules. Combat medics provide emergency medical treatment along the FLOT/FEBA and prepare the patient for evacuation. Treatment squads/teams provide Echelon I CHS to organic units including emergency medical treatment and routine sick call support. Ambulance squads/teams provide evacuation support from casualty collection points to BSAs operated by the treatment elements. The HMMWVs that are used in the air assault division are the M996 version that are more air transportable, however, they are limited to two litter patients. 21

21 LP WVBN-04B Echelon II CHS for the air assault division is provided by the DISCOM consisting of three forward support medical companies and a Main Support Medical Company. Because of its special mission capability of deep operations, it has an organic air ambulance company. With few exceptions, the FSMC in the air assault division is structured functionally the same as that of the light division. The area support section has a treatment squad rather than the treatment team found in the light division forward support medical company. Patient holding squad--capacity increased to 40 patients. Ambulance platoon--organized into three distinctive squads equipped with the M996 ambulance rather than the four squads in the airborne division. The difference in the number of ground ambulances is due to the organic air ambulance company unique to the air assault division. Main Support Medical Company--Surgical squads organic modular elements have the capability to provide surgical support for up to 40 procedures in 48 hours. Holding capacity is increased to 40 patients for 72 hours. Main Company, air Ambulance--Organized into four elements that include perational as well as organic support capability. Company Headquarters Flight Operations Platoon Ambulance Platoon, equipped with 12 UH-60 air ambulances Aviation Maintenance Platoon The air ambulance company headquarters, maintenance, and flight operations are collocated in the DSA within the battalion headquarters for command and control and operational support and employment. 22 LP WVBN-04B Flight sections from the ambulance platoon are placed forward with the forward support medical companies, battalion aid stations, or aviation

22 task force. The number of air ambulances per flight section is based on mission requirements. SUMMARY By contributing to the Army s strategic flexibility, the light divisions enhance the options available to the national command authority to countermand armed aggression. The medical support for these flexible divisions must be equally aggressive and match the division s ability to deploy quickly and to operate in a variety of environments and close terrain. LP WVBN-04B 23

23 LEGEND ASMC AREA SUPPORT MEDICAL COMPANY EMT EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT ATM ADVANCED TRAUMA MANAGEMENT FSMC FORWARD SUPPORT MEDICAL CO. BN BATTALION FST FORWARD SURGICAL TEAM BSA BRIGADE SUPPORT AMA MASH MOBILE ARMY SURGICAL HOSPITAL CBT COMBAT MEDICAL CLR STA CLEARING STATION MSMC MOBIL SUPPORT MEDICAL COMPANY COMMZ COMMUNICATION ZONE REGT REGIMENT CSH COMBAT SUPPORT HOSPITAL SPT BN SUPPORT BATTALION OSA DIVISION SUPPORT AMA SQDN SQUADRON EAC ECHELONS ABOVE CORPS TRMT TREATMENT Figure 1-1. Echelons of combat health support 24

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