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		 (5) MASF Supplies. 
 
Observation. MASF supply/resupply inventories were inadequate and untimely. 
 
Discussion. The TA 903, Column J, MASF supply allowance, was found to be 
antiquated in terms of items provided and quantity. This issue has been 
previously addressed in the Operation JUST CAUSE after action report. For 
example, items such as colostony bags, IV microdrip tubing, and long-length 
IV catheters were not appropriate for the setting. Inadequate supplies of IV 
solutions, IV tubing, suction catheters, pleurevacs, and 4 X 4s were 
identified. The TA 903, Column K, MASF resupply allowance, is in even more 
urgent need of attention. Large supplies of chuxs and colostomy bags, as well 
as quantities of outdated drugs, just begin to underscore the problem. The 
current TA 903 is not appropriate for the modern battlefield and today's 
standard of care. The resupply system was not responsive to the needs of the 
forward MASFs. Some units reported extensive delays in receiving resupply 
pallets. Items sent became lost in the system. This presented a hardship to 
the forward elements. 
 
Recommendation. An interdisciplinary group of MASF personnel with DESERT 
STORM experience should be assembled as soon as possible to modify the TA 
903, using the DESERT STORM MASF Resupply Pallet Listing as a guide. A 
experienced logistics element must be dedicated to aeromedical operations. 
t6) Litters/Litter Straps. 
. .._ 
Observation. The supply and resupply of litters and litter straps was an 
issue of constant contention. 
 
Discussion. Although the resupply of litters is addressed in 
tri-service-regulations, this information is not well known in the field. 
MTFs from all services-constantly badgered MASF and ASF personnel, as well as 
aircrews, to provide litters for exchange. Some MTFs were known to hoard 
litters and expected the MASF to supply their patients with litters. Further, 
patients would sometimes be inappropriately categorized as ambulatory, when 
they were obviously candidates for litters, for the expressed purpose of not 
using litters from available MTF stocks. Under current procedures, litters, 
litter straps, litter pads, blankets, and pillows must be ordered separately. 
As a result, MTFs often ended up with a mismatch of items. Patients would 
arrive at the MASF with litters but not litter straps. When the AOR ASFs 
assumed the responsibility to provide resupply of these items, it did little 
to alleviate the problem. 
 
Recommendation. We need to reiterate to user services the litter resupply 
mechanism. Additionally, litters with accompanying straps, blankets and 
pillow should be ordered and distributed as a packaged item. 
 
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