Mobilization

File: aaabf_33.txt
Page: 33
Total Pages: 51
S u p p 1 y

-Resupply was a critical and persistent problem for nearly all units

-The most dependable resupply mechanism was to request from the home base and ship with bombs and spare 
parts from home

-Difficulty in obtaining contact lens replacements, solutions and spectacles was almost universal

-Inability of the SME's to order supplies directly impeded the resupply process

-Local purchase was a common but costly early method of coping with supply problems

-Bargaining, borrowing, trading, confiscating and stealing were various methods used to procure needed supplies

P a t i e n t C a r e

-At every location, individuals were deployed with significant medical problems beyond the capabilities of the 
ATC to care for them. Many thought this was more common among ARC personnel. ;

-Many individuals were deployed on prescription medications for which refills were unavailable on either the 
ATC or ATH TA. Obtaining these refills within 30 days of deployment was extremely difficult.

-There was almost universal need for better access to dental care although about half the conference participants 
believed more vigorous enforcement of dental standards predeployment would have substantially reduced the 
demand

-Women's health care issues were poorly addressed in deployment supply packages

-More rapid identification of specialty backup was desired.

-It was impossible to keep track of patients once they left a base for care, and there was no system to return 
them when they were released from the referral facility.

Joint Service medical cooperation was variable and usually better doctor to doctor than through formal channels.

-Reports of pyridostigmine side effects far exceeded that predicted by ground-testing studies

-There was a low level of confidence in the aeromedical evacuation system.

-In a deployment, especially a wartime setting, the disadvantages of taking medical records outweigh the 
advantages

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