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for ensuring that AECMs were oriented on AE equipment, used standardized C-130 
and C-141 configurations' and understood their crew duties. Although the 
program standardized AE procedures throughout the AOR, it could not address 
the more significant issue of AE training programs at home units. Standardized 
procedures must be in place for all AE units, regardless of component, so that 
during any contingency operation, MAC-gained units can quickly form a cohesive 
AE system. 
 
Recommendation. Develop standardized AECM training 
programs for all AE units. These would provide for standardized 
aircraft configuration and crew procedures for AECMs that deploy 
for contingency operations. Fund ARC units for the purchase of 
required AE equipment. 
 
(7) Standardized AE Aircraft Configuration. 
 
Observation. A standard, baseline AE configuration is needed for both C-130 
and C-141 aircraft. 
 
Discussion. With the large numbers of aeromedical evacuation crewmembers from 
a multitude of units, much confusion arose as to a basic standard 
configuration for AE aircraft. This was primarily true for the C-130 AE 
missions. AECMs tended to configure the aircraft based upon configuration 
practices of their home unit. With the mixing of crews from a variety of 
units, the MCD would generally insist on configuration based upon personal 
experience and preference. This would often confuse the remaining AECMs. Most 
of the configurations employed early on did not allow for a maximum 
litter/ambulatory load. Furthermore, they did not allow for air crew and AECM 
bags (A-bag, C-bag, and D-bag), nor did they standardize locations for AE 
equipment (tac/strat kits, PT LOX, and Impact suction). This lack of a 
standardized approach to configuration caused a great deal of anxiety in 
personnel already under stress in-a combat environment. In November, the AECC 
established a Training and Standardization Section to address such problems. 
One of the Section's initial taskings was to develop and publish guidance for 
a standardized configuration. That helped to resolve the standardization issue 
for this particular operation, but a permanent resolution needs to be 
incorporated. 
 
Recommendation. Air Force and HQ MAC directives already provide guidance for 
configuring AE aircraft with respect to litter/ambulatory mix. However, those 
directives do not provide guidance for standardized placement of AE equipment 
under various scenarios. That aspect needs to be incorporated so as to 
.provided needed standardization among the many AE units. 
 
_ (8) Familiarization of AECMs with AE Ground Operations. 
 
Observation. Many AECMs were unfamiliar with the role and operation of a MASF. 
 
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