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When multiple Role 3 facilities are available, TAK can be used TAK has similarly been used in conjunction with counter-
to enhance coordination among medical resources, improving UAS. 12,13 Exercises have integrated TAK for command and
patient care and evacuations. The COMPLAN should remain control uses, similar to the proposed medical applications. 14
flexible and task-organized to meet mission-specific needs but
must align with established medical evacuation pathways to Conclusions
ensure vital communication is prioritized.
TAK significantly enhances medical C2, casualty regulation,
An effective COMPLAN should limit medical decision-makers and patient movement, especially during distributed opera-
to monitoring two to four streams of incoming information, tions across broad theaters. In two real-world exercises, TAK
aligning with the typical organizational structure of U.S. improved the situational awareness of medical units, allowing
Marine Corps infantry units (e.g., a company commander them to track casualties across the battlespace and enable syn-
overseeing 3 to 4 platoons). This approach helps maintain chronous teleconsultation. Its application in prolonged field
the cognitive bandwidth required for casualty care without care and advanced enroute care is particularly valuable.
overwhelming personnel with excessive data. In cases where
communication beyond the established chain is needed, TAK TAK is a low-cost, user-friendly, and versatile communica-
allows higher echelons to directly consult with point-of-care tions platform that improves the efficiency of casualty-care,
providers. A unit corpsman may request teleconsultation with resupply operations, and medical C2. Given its advantages, we
a BMO, who can then consult a Role 2 physician if necessary. strongly recommend further evaluation of TAK for adoption
This approach maintains continuity of care, with the ability to by the Joint Force as the primary communications tool for
escalate to higher echelons if specialized expertise is required medical operations in combat.
(e.g., neurosurgery or ophthalmology). This method mirrors
civilian trauma systems and is especially beneficial in non- Author Contributions
permissive combat environments. AB, JC, SH, JK, KC, CT, DA, and AL conceived the study
concept, developed the implementation, collected the data/
Consultations should take place in ad-hoc chat rooms to avoid outcomes, and analyzed the data. All authors contributed sig-
cluttering primary casualty care communications. This decen- nificantly to the development of the manuscript and had final
tralized, flexible approach improves continuity of care across approval.
the JTS by utilizing TAK’s ability to “federate” across differ-
ent units and provide dynamic, real-time communication even Disclaimer
in highly mobile and fluid combat settings. In a COMPLAN, The views expressed in this article are those of the authors
it is essential to predefine casualty evacuation pathways to and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of
streamline communication and ensure rapid teleconsultation the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, or the
at lower echelons. Medical personnel should be familiar with United States Government.
the capabilities of both higher and lower echelon units to
avoid redundancy, ensure timely assistance, and enhance ca- We are military service members. This work was prepared as
sualty survivability. A clear MEDCON structure within the part of our official duties. Title 17 U.S.C. 105 provides that
COMPLAN facilitates the coordination and flow of casualties. “Copyright protection under this title is not available for any
work of the United States Government.” Title 17 U.S.C. 101
In addition to communication improvements, TAK can enhance defines a United States Government work as a work prepared
casualty reporting with standardized procedures. Casualties are by a military service member or employee of the United States
represented by color-coded icons in TAK, indicating severity, Government as part of that person’s official duties.
which helps medical decision-makers rapidly prioritize cases
and direct patients to the most appropriate medical unit. For Disclosures
instance, if a casualty initially treated at a Role 1 unit develops The authors have nothing to disclose.
a pneumothorax, TAK allows the Role 1 provider to quickly
update the receiving Role 2 unit so they can prepare for surgery. Funding
No funding was received for this work.
TAK also supports Class VIII (medical) resupply, including
blood and other medical supplies. By integrating TAK Tracker, References
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3. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Team Awareness
Kit fact sheet. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Sci-
Previous studies have demonstrated the value of TAK in a vari- ence and Technology Directorate (S&T). Published April 10, 2025.
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