Author: Major Suzanne Palmer
The Medical Evacuation Concepts & Capabilities Division (MECCD) continues to drive capability development and integration within the Medical Evacuation, Medical, and Aviation community. MECCD is making great strides in the future fight by completing updated MEDEVAC fleet analysis, inputs to FLRAA development and training, Multi-Mission Vehicle Interface (MMVI), and fighting for the development of Protected Wheeled Ambulance (PWA).
Vietnam DUSTOFF Crews Congressional Gold Medal
Great work from Senator Cornyn’s team, MG(R) Brady, Steve Vermillion and the Vietnam DUSTOFF Association, the Hunton Group, and countless volunteers on their efforts to get the DUSTOFF crews from Vietnam recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal. This is a wonderful win for the entire DUSTOFF community. A heart-felt congratulations from the MECCD team!
Reductions of the MEDEVAC fleet
For those that have been in the community for some time, you may groan at the idea of MEDEVAC fleet reductions coming up as a topic of discussions. MECCD completed the in-depth analysis of LSCO casualty streams and MEDEVAC requirements to help senior leaders make informed risk decisions on possible MEDEVAC fleet cuts. Throughout the month of September, MECCD partnered with AVN CDID to develop criteria and requirements for analysis for the future battlefield. The numbers are in! DUSTOFF continues to show direct impacts on the battlefield survivability when following the 15-ship design for divisionally aligned units. MECCD and AVN CDID will continue to advocate for the patients about how cuts to the force directly impacts risk to Soldiers.
FLRAA Update
In the summer timeframe, FLRAA reached a positive milestone B decision which now allows for prototyping and experimenting to commence. MECCD worked directly with AVN CDID to write annex B of the FLRAA CDD to fully inform MEDEVAC requirements (Annex pending full funding). Although this is a great accomplishment, more work is needed to bring MEDEVAC FLRAA to the finish line. We will continue to reach out to the force to ensure MEDEVAC FLRAA provides the best platform for the future.
Protected Wheeled Ambulance (PWA)
Informed by observations in Ukraine and the ever-changing characteristics of future war, future ambulances must be protected from collateral damage and direct targeting. We are working with the ground force and the Marines, PWA will be able to maintain speed and maneuverability of the medical formation to support its assigned unit as well as allowing medical assets to maintain proximity. MECCD is working with our joint partners to help standardize the PWA across the armed forces, whenever possible, and ensure the future of ground evacuation meets the needs on the battlefield. MECCD is looking to possibly expand PWA program beyond IBCT based on need. Observations and modeling have also shown an increase requirement for ground evacuation training and execution to help move high casualty streams on the battlefield. Cuts to Aeromedical Evacuation units and delay of PWA will further strain ground evacuation and CASEVAC assets.
MEDEVAC Cabin
MECCD is excited to work with the All American DUSTOFF and PD MEDEVAC to receive feedback on the newly fabricated MMVI prototype. MMVI is expected to be used in the FLRAA cabin to facilitate rapid and tailorable cabin reconfiguration based on mission and provider requirements. MMVI uses a system of rails to allow Medical Equipment Sets (MES) items to be mounted or moved based on what the flight paramedic requires. We are looking forward to the feedback from the unit and the improvement of the program.
Hurricane Helene and Milton efforts from the National Guard
Hurricane Helene made landfall on the Florida Gulf Coast in the evening of September 26. The Category 4 storm caused widespread flooding and damage across the southeastern states, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and billions in property damage. Since then, National Guard Aviation has risen to the challenge of supporting the homeland. At the time of this writing, several ARNG MEDEVAC Companies – including C/1-111 (FLARNG), Det 2/C/1-126 (NCARNG), Det 2/C/2-238 (SCARNG), and Det1/C/2-135 (TNARNG) – have all assisted in search and rescue efforts to support our fellow Americans in the wake of this storm. Collectively, the ARNG Aviation Enterprise totaled over 1,000 flying hours, rescued over 1,200 people, and transported 1.77M pounds of cargo in direct support of the aftermath from Helene and Milton. Recovery and support operations are still ongoing, but please join us in acknowledgement of all the hard work and dedication to these DUSTOFF Soldiers!
