Summer - United States Special Operations Command

LTC Andrew Landers, MDCOL, USACommand SurgeonI would like to introduce myself as the new US-ASFC(A) Command Surgeon – having made the smallleap across the street from 7th SFG(A). I would also liketo thank COL Pete Benson for giving me the opportunityto continue the great works that he started during histenure with USASFC(A).The Surgeon’s Office is running on all cylinderswith my assigned friends: MSG Oscar Ware, SeniorMedical Enlisted Advisor, leading the way for all 18D,SAV, and CIP issues, and CPT Chad Vermillion, DeputySurgeon, in charge of medical operations and logistics.There are two new additions to the office: SFC Curt Unterreiner(MED TNG NCO) and SFC Fred Ziems (MEDOPS NCO). These are dynamic times, and the need forSpecial Forces Soldiers is on the rise. This means thatflexibility, adaptability, and planning will be the keys toour success.There are a few items that I would like to addressfrom this office. First, the proposed BAND V growthhas been approved by USASOC and is currently beingreviewed at USSOCOM. It includes the expansion of amedical company consisting of 36 personnel for eachGroup. Hopefully, we will be able to push this all theway and gain the medical flexibility and staffing that isneeded at the Group level. Second, as the need for SpecialOperations Forces increases in support of overseascontingency operations, you need to look hard at theJoint Manning Document (JMD) of the Task Force,available resources in theater, and what you will need toprovide Health Service Support (HSS) to your TaskForce. Remember, if you need a capability that US-ASOC cannot resource internally, the request for forces(RFF) must be submitted from theater. Make sure thatyou are talking with your counterparts for the latest andgreatest. We are standing by to assist you, so please, donot hesitate to contact us. If we do not know what youneed, we cannot help you. Third, it is extremely importantto collect and articulate lessons learned from trainingand deployments. We need to stay ahead of thecurve; we cannot afford to practice “status quo” medicine.No one likes to write reports, but it can make areal difference on the future of our battlefield. Fourth, aswe look to the future with the SOMA Conference aroundthe corner, please contact me or MSG Ware with yoursuggestions on topics that you would like covered in theSF breakout sections. The goal is to make it more educationalfor the SF medics and provide the most relevant,and up-to-date information. Lastly, theUSASFC(A) Surgeon’s Office will continue to handleprofessional assignments and staffing of the Groups. Weare working on FY10 slating, so now is the time to contactus with any staffing issues.Again, it is a pleasure to work with each of youin the Regiment and I look forward to the future. Whilewe are all aware of the challenges that operational medicinefaces, we all need to continually remind ourselvesthat with these challenges come numerous opportunitiesto make a real difference in the lives of those who relyupon us. De Oppresso Liber!96Journal of Special Operations Medicine Volume 9, Edition 3 / Summer 09