Mission overwatch: Emphasising a Joint One MEDLOG Concept

Abstract

Within the US military, when a soldier is injured on the battlefield, they may observe a US Army Medic submitting a nine-line medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) request which is executed by an Air Force para-jumper rescue team that evacuates them to a US Navy medical facility, where they are treated by a US Navy Corpsmen detailed to the US Marines. The injured soldier ultimately receives their care, thanks to a complex evacuation management system, that, if executed correctly, returns the soldier to duty with limited disruption to themselves, family and branch of service. This scenario is not uncommon, yet includes multiple layers of bureaucracy that goes unnoticed and is underpinned by an equally complex logistics system. Medical supplies and equipment used to treat soldiers originate from a number of locations and sources of supply. Historically, each branch of service has its own distinct medical logistics agency through whom all such requirements are identified, communicated and purchased. This paper is concerned with examining the importance of a Joint One MEDLOG Concept.