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        TOPIC AREA: COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATION (~3)

        SUBMITTED BY: HQ AFRES/SGXO

        ISSUE: The aeromedical evacuation chain of command was not
        followed.

         OBSERVATION: Air Force level regulations were either not
         understood or not followed by MTF commanders who attempted to
         take command of aeromedical evacuation elements assigned to their
         base.

         DISCUSSION: The aeromedical evacuation system has a formalized
         chain of command. The commander of the AECEs were frequently
         informed by host MTF commander that the AECEs, because they are a
         medical unit, worked for them. At some locations the host MTF
         commander delegated this to the ASF commander. The only theory
         under which a host base MTF commander would assume that ~
         aeromedical evacuation units assigned to the base worked for them
         is in their role as a Director of Base Medical Services (DBMS).
         However, AFR 168-4, paragraph 3-2 clearly excludes elements of
         the aeromedical evacuation from the management of the DBMS.

         IMPACT: Created much confusion over who was in charge, as well
         as disrupting the chain of command. Also created a noticeable
         decrease in mission efficiency.

         RECOMMENDATION: Immediately after activation of an aeromedical
         evacuation element it must be emphasized to each DBMS that
         aeromedical evacuation units have their own fixed chain of
         command.

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