Page 20 - JSOM Spring 2026

Observations and Discussion There was also the potential for conflicting medical decision-
making. TAK provides all medical personnel with real-time
TAK proved effective in coordinating casualty movement access to casualty information, which can lead to multiple,
during both exercises, offering immediate and universal ac- sometimes conflicting, opinions on treatment and triage pri-
cess to critical casualty information, such as 9-line casualty orities. For example, a Regimental Medical Officer and a Role
evacuation (CASEVAC) reports. Reports were transmitted 2 physician may disagree on a casualty’s care or evacuation
securely through TAK, eliminating the ambiguity often seen priority, as each has different knowledge of available resources
with voice-based communication over traditional radios. TAK and capabilities. While higher-level officers may have broader
also provided real-time geospatial tracking of casualties across authority and access to tactical data, frontline providers have a
the operational theater, improving overall efficiency and situa- more immediate understanding of the patient’s condition and
tional awareness for medical teams (Figure 2).
the resources at hand.
After-action reports highlighted significant challenges: the lack This potential for conflict underscores the need for clear com-
of dedicated medical communication equipment within the munication protocols and a structured MEDCON system to
units. While TAK’s deployment was limited, its simplicity and ensure efficient information flow and decision-making. Adop-
reliability were praised as significant improvements over con- tion of TAK will require new frameworks to balance auton-
ventional radio systems, which require more manpower and omy with coordination, ensuring that medical teams can act
maintenance. TAK’s low energy consumption and portability, decisively while maintaining unity of command.
using smartphones, tablets, or laptops, allow it to form local
or global networks. It can transmit data through various net-
works, including military radios, Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and Recommendations for Enhancing Combat
satellite communication. Casualty Care Using TAK
Operations in which TAK is used to share combat casualty
Another challenge was the overwhelming amount of infor- data must have a structured and systematic communications
mation presented to medical commanders. In Exercise #1, the plan (COMPLAN). TAK enables communication across differ-
OIC at Role 2 was overwhelmed with simultaneous chats of- ent echelons of care, but this access can lead to data overload
ten not medical-related. This information overload impaired if not carefully managed. We recommend TAK COMPLANs
decision-making, making it harder for the OIC to focus on establish hierarchical chat structures organized by medical
casualty treatment and movement. The unprecedented volume evacuation routes to balance communication and avoid infor-
of information TAK can provide, including text, images, and mation congestion.
live video, can slow decision-making as medical personnel sift
through data for relevant information. Non-medical commu- For example, a Role 1 should maintain a dedicated TAK chat
nications, such as those between ground and aerial units, can that includes the BMO and organic unit corpsmen to coordi-
be important for situational awareness but may not always nate casualty movement within the unit’s battlespace. A Role
be directly relevant to medical care. Streamlining information 2 surgical platoon in support would then maintain a separate
into medical-specific channels would improve the focus on pa- chat to facilitate coordination with the BASs for casualty mon-
tient care and evacuation.
itoring and movement. The higher-echelon Surgical Company
Commander would oversee coordination with Role 3 units
The utility of TAK was also limited in units where only a few via another independent chat. This system ensures clear com-
personnel had access to the platform. In some cases, only line munication within each echelon while minimizing cross-talk.
commanders had TAK devices, hindering quick medical deci- Additionally, a local line commander would have a separate
sion-making. Distributing wearable TAK devices to all medi- TAK chat with all organic medical assets to ensure situa-
cal personnel, including highly mobile teams like ERCs, would tional awareness of imminent enemy threats and other tactical
ensure that everyone has access to critical medical data and concerns.
communication.

FIGURE 2 An example of
the common operating picture
that can be displayed across all
TAK devices within an area of
operations.

An example of the Common
Operating Picture (COP) that
can be displayed across all
TAK devices within an area of
operations. The picture also
highlights the various tools
built into TAK such as tactical
chat, contacts, map overlays,
CASEVAC (9-lines), video
player, reports, and plugins.
Note the pictures associated
with the coordinates of specific
9-lines.

18 | JSOM Volume 26, Edition 1 / Spring 2026