Deploying expeditionary medical assets

Air Force Journal of Logistics, Fall, 2004 by Robert E. Overstreet

Consolidating all the 31 EMEDS and aeromedical evacuation UTCs at a single site increases the possibility of getting dedicated airlift, which helps ensure the medical capability is attained at the right place, at the right time. Even after deducting the cost of the warehouse, using the capacity already available at Kelly saves the AFMS $298K annually. While there still may be multiple APOEs, especially with smaller deployments, having one unit and one origin for all these UTCs makes the process of sourcing and tasking more straightforward. Another benefit is that reducing the number of points of contact enhances intransit visibility (ITV).

Consolidation of both EMEDS and aeromedical evacuation increases quality control of the UTCs by having a small cadre of personnel whose primary job is to manage these UTCs on a day-to-day basis. Each option may lend itself to other savings such as deferred procurement of shelf-life items. The focused efforts of a small number of personnel managing the buildup, storage, maintenance, readiness reporting, and deployment of this medical capability will lead to economies of scale and scope savings.

Ultimately, the question is whether consolidation will solve the deployment problems experienced by the AFMS during Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. While consolidation goes a long way to improve the management, sourcing, and ITV of aeromedical evacuation and EMEDS UTCs, it is not a deployment panacea. The Air Force still faces an airlift shortfall and, ultimately, the prioritization of cargo and the availability of airlift drive cargo movement.

Notes

(1.) Lt Gen George Peach Taylor, Air Force Surgeon General, memorandum to Lt Gen Michael E. Zettler, Deputy Chief of Staff for Installations and Logistics, subject: Request for AFLMA Study of the Establishment of Central WRM Storage and Deployment Centers for Medical Assemblages, 4 Apt 03.

(2.) Ibid.

(3.) John W. Creswell, Research Design: Qualitative & Quantitative Approaches, Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications, 1994, 2.

(4.) Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Manual 3122.02B, Joint Operation Planning and Execution System, Vol III, 25 May 01, H-A-9.

Captain Overstreet is Chief Mobility and Plans, Readiness Division, Air Force Logistics Management Agency, Maxwell AFB, Alabama.