Medical After Action Report

File: 970207_aadcr_008.txt
Page: 008
Total Pages: 15


      run by TAC wings. Although technically there was no differentia-
      tion between MAC and TAC as we all belonged to CENTCOM and CENTAF;
      in reality, that is not how things played out nor would I expect it
      to be different in the future.  MAC assets and TAC assets were
      frequently at odds with each other and obtaining support as a TAC
      asset was easier than it would have been were we a MAC asset. This
      confusion as to whether we were a MAC or TAC asset repIayed itself
      many times throughout the course of our deployment. The resolution
      was that we remained a TAC asset but patient flow was determined by
      MAC (AECC & AECE). This worked well for us while deployed. One of
      the major disadvantages to our identity crises occurs in training
      for deployment and in annual training. As we were a relatively new
      entity, and our operations were not as clearly defined as would be
      desirable, many problems arose that required on the spot solutions.
      These solutions may not have been ideal, but they did work for us.
      Had more emphasis in training for APSS's been placed at command
      level prior to deployment, there would have been fewer problems or
      at least they could have been foreseen. The most glaring example
      is no Table of Allowances (TA) for a Tactical ASF for either supply
      or pharmacy. A TA exists for MASF's and peacetime ASF's but not for
      TASF's.
    
           (3) Recommendation: Further evaluation by higher
      headquarters is necessary to rethink command and control of TASF.
      Whether or not any changes are made, Command guidance needs to be
      improved for manning, training, and equipment. This process is
      underway.
    
    b. Improved Training for APSS:

          (1) Observation: Annual tour and peacetime training was
      inadequate to prepare us for operating a TASF.
    
          (2) Discussion: As this was our first experience with a
     Tactical ASF, there were many learning experiences. We now have a
     much greater appreciation for the training needs of a aeromedical
     patient staging squadron. It is critical that annual tours be
     geared towards operating not just an ASF but a Tactical ASF. This
     should include setup of a TASF much the same as ATM's do.
     Operational considerations also need to be identified and training
     accomplished. Annual tours could be scheduled to get operational
     details from an existing ASF while nearby a Tactical ASF could be
     set. For a short period the operations of the ASF could be run
     from the Tactical ASF. Additionally, all major exercises planned
     should include operating a tactical ASF. This would not only
     provide experience for the units assigned to the TASF but, just
     as important, provide experience for other units involved in the
     exercise to have contact with a tactical ASF. I feel it is
     critical that AE units and other tri-service medical units have as
     much contact with a TASF as possible in order for TASF's to be
     fully integrated into the Tactical Field and aeromedical
     environment.