Supporting the First Stryker Brigade in Iraq - Army Logistics ...

This departure from the traditional, centrally located
level II care meant a heavy reliance on CSH support.
For example, soldiers requiring nonemergency diagnostic
studies for moderate trauma or potentially
serious illnesses routinely were sent to a CSH for
laboratory or x-ray services. Soldiers needing 24 to
72 hours of observation or intravenous antibiotics
had to tolerate interrupted bed rest and frequent trips
to the closest BAS.
One of the most significant decisions that had to be
made was where and how to locate the level II medical
facility in the mature theater. The primary mission of
a BSMC is to provide immediate lifesaving care to stabilize
casualties for transport. In planning the CHS
battlefield layout, this mission is paramount. Also to
be considered are demands for area support and
augmentation, which are determined by looking at
areas that have little to no coverage and on the population
of each area. In other words, coverage is based on
trauma first and sick call second.
Mental Health Section
The Mental Health Section, which was staffed by a
behavioral science officer (a captain) and a mental
health specialist (a specialist), was responsible for the
well-being of over 5,000 soldiers in 13 different locations.
To cover this large population, the 785th Medical
Company (Combat Stress Control) provided augmentation
in the form of four mental health specialists
(two sergeants and two specialists) and a
behavioral science officer (a captain). The support
concept focused on far-forward care at various locations
to expedite treatment and minimize both lost
time and evacuation of soldiers to the rear of the
brigade sector and out of theater. This battlefield
coverage closely resembled the doctrinal allocation
6
At Outpost Bridges (named for a 3–2 BCT
soldier killed in action) in Samarra, Iraq, an
ambulance is loaded with medical supplies
and equipment.
of one licensed behavioral healthcare provider
for the first 2,500 soldiers, one additional
provider for every 2,000 soldiers, and one mental
health technician for every 1,000 soldiers.
Preventive Medicine Section
The Preventive Medicine (PVNTMED)
Section was staffed by two personnel—an
environmental science officer (a first lieutenant)
and a preventive medicine specialist
(a specialist). The mission of the PVNTMED
Section was to conduct environmental health
surveillance, inspection, and consultation services
for the brigade. In other words, its mission was to
protect soldiers proactively from disease, illness, and
sickness caused by poor sanitation, bugs, animals,
and other organisms.
During the first 5 months in Iraq, the PVNTMED
Section supported 13 different locations, including
logistics support areas, FOBs, camps, and ammunition
supply points. During the sixth month, the 224th Medical
Detachment (PVNTMED) at Fort Hood, Texas,
provided two PVNTMED specialists and a team that
consisted of a sergeant and a specialist. The team was
split—the sergeant was positioned at an FOB with five
outlying sites, and the specialist was responsible for an
FOB with two outlying sites.
The remaining three FOBs and two outlying sites
remained the responsibility of the BSMC’s
PVNTMED Section. Monthly quality assurance
inspections and assessments were made of dining
facilities, water-production sites, ice plants, detention
cells, barbershops, and base camps. The PVNTMED
Section also assisted with soldier education and
awareness through classes, information boards, and
fragmentary orders that kept soldiers informed about
mission changes.
Patient Holding Section
A medical-surgical nurse (a captain) was responsible
for the operation of the 40-bed Patient Holding Section.
There, casualties expected to return to duty within 72
hours were cared for and monitored. The medical-surgical
nurse was responsible for the training of four trauma
specialists (military occupational specialty 91W),
two of whom were sergeants, one a specialist, and one
a private first class. In addition, the medical-surgical
nurse coordinated and supported the certification and
testing of fundamental 91W competencies, such as the
JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2005