Summer - United States Special Operations Command

sion of a physician, and limited preventive medicine.They can directly support combat units, ambulanceteams, or Role 1 medical support facilities. 19The author purposes creating a SOF CombatMedic (SOCM) as a new definition to be applied toNATO SOF medical professionals. A SOCM is a Soldiertrained in advanced medical care directly assignedor attached to SOF and who provides direct health servicesupport to Special Operations Task Units (SOTUs)on operations. SOCMs are trained to initially treat andsustain a casualty from point of injury for up to 36 hoursbefore transfer of the casualty to MEDEVAC or nonstandardmedical treatment facility. SOCMs maintainthe skill set trained to medical first responders, commoncore tasks for conventional medics, advanced tacticalproviders 20 (the DA/SR medical skill sets), preventivemedicine, and environmental/tropical medicine. Initialtraining for SOCMs includes courses in basic humananatomy, basic human physiology, basic medical terminology,pharmacology calculations, and basic math.The SOCM course content should include, but is notlimited to, basic trauma management, pre-hospitaltrauma management and care, advanced trauma life support,BLS, ALS, inpatient/post-operative nursing skills,minor and invasive surgical procedures.The author also purposes creating a SOF medicalprovider (SFMP) as a new definition to be appliedto NATO SOF medical professionals. SFMP was chosento highlight the “independent provider” status of theadvanced training for a SFMP. A SFMP is a SOF Soldiertrained in advanced medical care, or a medical professionaldirectly assigned or attached to SOF and whoprovides direct health service support to SOTUs on operations.SFMPs are trained to operate independentlyfrom the direct supervision of a physician. SFMPs aretrained to initially treat and sustain a casualty from pointof injury for up to 72 hours, and in some mission sets foreven longer periods before transfer of the casualty toMEDEVAC or non-standard medical treatment facility.The SFMPs’ medical skill sets are based on the types ofpatients expected in a conventional forces environment,as well as those in hostile, denied, or politically sensitiveareas. By nature, SOF operations are conducted acrossthe full range of military operations, independently orin conjunction with conventional forces. Political-militaryconsiderations often shape SOF operations, requiringdiscreet, covert, or low visibility techniques thatmay include operations by, with, and through indigenousforces. SOF operations differ from conventionaloperations in degree of physical and political risk, operationaltechniques, modalities of employment, and independencefrom friendly support. These mission requirementsare the nexus for the following list of subjectareas and specific task that are core medical skills to beinitially trained and sustainment training requirementsfor SFMPs. Initial training requirements for SFMPs includeall of the training for SOCMs, with additionaltraining in primary, preventive medicine, anesthesia, andadvanced invasive procedures as described under “primarycare or emergency care doctor.” 21NATO SOFs’ ability to triage, treat, transfer,and recovery of casualties is critical to sustainment andregeneration of the force. Role 2 SOSTs will providethe ability to mitigate death from non-compressiblehemorrhage, the leading cause of death to SOF Soldierswho die of wounds. 22 The Role 2 SOST will be able toperform up to 10 DCSs without re-supply; manage twocritical care patients for up to 48 hours; perform en routecritical care for up to two patients at a time; and integrateseamlessly with SOF. 23SOF medical capabilities have been invaluable inestablishing rapport with allied and coalition regular andirregular forces, assisting the local populace, and counteringenemy propaganda about international motivesand intentions. SOF TCCC, SOCMs, SFMPs, and Role2 SOST capabilities enhance our ability to provide lifesaving treatment to combatants and non-combatants affectingthe outcome of any casualty situation. In additionto saving the lives of SOF Soldiers, coalitionpartners, and non-combatants, it plays a vital role acrossNATO SOF missions. The care provided to indigenouspeople is one of our strongest weapons in the battle for“hearts and minds.” It brings a universal message ofNATO as liberators rather than occupiers and gains popularsupport, willing cooperation, and intelligence. 24With an understanding of the current developmentin defining the capabilities for NATO SOF HSS,let’s review some identified areas that are resistant tochange, or may impede the progress of NSTI withinSOF HSS and FHP.Currently, no centralized knowledge base on allalliance and coalition SOF medical capability exists.The author intends to develop this information for medicalplanning and is continuing dialogue with contributingnations to establish this information. Establishingworking relationships with the ACO MEDAD, JFCs,ISAF, and national SOF medical staff will enable theNSCC to develop this working knowledge, and be ableto advise and assist NATO SOF planners on current andfuture operations.National strategic considerations have limitedwhat information some countries are willing to share inNATO SOF Transformation and the Development of NATO SOF Medical Doctrine and Policy11