The Medical Evacuation Concepts & Capabilities Division (MECCD) continues to drive capability development and integration within the Medical Evacuation Community. As the operational space continues to evolve, MECCD is working on several exciting projects to include Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) MEDEVAC variant, Protected Wheeled Ambulance (PWA), Multi Mission Vehicle Interior and Patient Handling System (MMVI) in cooperation with NAVAIR, autonomous evacuation and class VIII delivery systems, fighting reductions of 15 ship MEDEVAC companies, and participation in Artic experimentation. We are excited about what the MEDEVAC force will look like in the future.
Protected Wheeled Ambulance (PWA)
The war in Ukraine has made it clear that future ambulances must be protected from collateral damage and direct targeting. MECCD is feverishly completing the abbreviated capability development document (A-CDD) for PWA which will include tailorable protection based upon threat. Working with the maneuver CDID, PWA will be able to maintain speed and maneuverability of the IBCT it supports as well as allowing medical assets to maintain proximity to the unit they are supporting. MECCD is working with our joint partners to help standardize the PWA across the armed forces whenever possible.
FLRAA Funding
In conjunction with multiple agencies, FLRAA MEDEVAC is on its way to secure funding through 2026. The Surgeon General (TSG) gave an outstanding speech at AAAA in Denver calling for funding and collaboration with aviation partners. MECCD is fully integrated with AVN CDID to write annex B of the FLRAA CDD to fully inform MEDEVAC requirements for milestone B.
Reductions from 15-12
What was once old is new again. As fiscal constraints continue to strongarm programs, Aviation branch is looking at the effects of reducing MEDEVAC from 15 aircraft to 12. Although modeling and experimentation continues to prove that a 15 ship MEDEVAC company is needed to support a Division, the possibility of reductions is not completely off the table. We will continue to update and refine our messaging and strategies to show the dire impacts these cuts will have on our most important resource, the Soldier.
Mr. Bishop becomes a permanent fixture on the MECCD team
Mr. Michael Bishop is no stranger to the MEDEVAC community, recently retiring from the MEDEVAC community as a SFC 68WF2 after 20 years. Mr. Bishop held many key positions during his career serving as an OC/T in Germany, a 1SG at Ft. Irwin, and Operations NCO at MECCD. He brings a wealth of knowledge to our team. Mr. Bishop came to the team as a civilian contractor and is now our newest GS employee. Not one to stand by idly, Mr. Bishop has already integrated into several projects including MMVI, taking on the MEDEVAC FLRAA project from our newly retired Mark Robinson (after 50 years of service), and CASEVAC proponency and automation policy. Mr. Bishop has already made impactful change to the FLRAA Capability Development Document (CDD), ensuring that the future force is postured to support LSCO wherever or whenever we are called.
Mrs. Jacqueline Miller joins the MECCD team as our newest contractor
Mrs. Miller brings joint understanding to the team having been a 67J in the Army and then becoming a flight physiologist for the Navy and Marines. She has worked on multiple projects to include F35 helmet concerns and V22 training issues. Her previous work in the space is helping inform the Army on issues and concerns within the FLRAA program and our understanding of interoperability challenges and opportunity.
MAJ Suzannah Palmer joins MECCD as the Military Deputy
MAJ Palmer joined our team late in 2023. With almost 15 years of service in MEDEVAC, MAJ Palmer has served in many key positions in the MEDEVAC as well as the General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB). We look forward to her bringing her technical expertise to round out our team!
Recruiting
MECCD, in conjunction with AVN, has stepped into the recruiting realm. Multiple colleges have come to Ft Novosel to receive a brief and try their hand at flying an UH60M or Lakota. This year, the 67J branch received more applicants than available slots on the flight training board. MECCD will continue to participate in the in person and virtual touchpoints with cadets to improve future MEDEVAC officers’ potential!