Medical Corps Readiness for Major Conflict

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Abstract
Readiness of the Medical Corps of the U.S. Armed Forces for war is reviewed and analyzed. The content of C4 (Combat Casualty Care Course) and the Air Force programs of Red Flag and Battlefield are described. Current training in military medicine is primarily delivered in a lecture format with skills stations and a laboratory in animal surgery (C4 & Battlefield Medicine). Such training as given in C4 is the standard Advanced Trauma Life Support course developed by the American College of Surgeons. No advanced or ongoing training in trauma, medical treatment of nuclear and chemical casualties, or deployment infectious disease is being given on a widespread basis to active duty or reserve physicians. It is argued that service-wide review, refresher and ongoing advanced training is needed to insure Medical Corps combat readiness. Use of videotaped lectures and conferences, training of new instructors at a central facility for each medical unit is proposed. These instructors could then return to their units to lead training programs and teach. Other options include the provision of periodic training in animal surgery and “hands on” training in human trauma management by assigning military physicians to work at regional trauma centers in place of other duties for specific periods of time.

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