Page 31 - JSOM Summer 2022

20th SFG(A) Non-Trauma Module (NTM) Course

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Lisa Walker, DVM ; Dan Godbee, MD *; Lee Palmer, DVM ;
Michael Share, BSN-RN, NREMT-P ; Michael Mouri, MD 5
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ABSTRACT
The authors describe the 20th Special Forces Group-Airborne The NTM course provides refresher training in wide array of
Non-Trauma Module refresher training for Special Forces subjects, some of which are directed/mandatory and others
medical sergeants and Special Operations combat medics. that are ancillary. Specific course content varies based on latest
medical developments, relevant lessons learned, and identified
Keywords: 20th Special Forces Group-Airborne Non-Trauma upcoming deployment needs. Examples of NTM topics in-
Module refresher training; training clude dentistry, physical therapy, surgery, preventive medicine,
psychology, and veterinary medicine. In addition to satisfying
sustainment requirements and providing relevant and practical
training, the NTM fosters collaboration and provides reach-
Introduction back access to medical subject matter experts (SMEs). It also
serves as a platform for developing a “one team” perspective,
For over two decades, the 20th Special Forces Group-Airborne where medics and other SOF Operators, healthcare providers,
[20th SFG(A)] has conducted Non-Trauma Module (NTM) and enablers can network and share experiences and lessons
refresher training for Special Forces medical sergeants (SFMS, learned to enhance casualty care.
Military Occupational Specialty code 18D), and Special Opera-
tions combat medics (SOCM, Military Occupational Specialty The 20th SFG(A) Group Surgeon section in conjunction with
codes 68WW1 and 68WW4). This USASOC-designed, Special the Group Support Battalion (GSB) Charlie Med Company de-
Forces Group command–sponsored multidisciplinary event is signs, develops, and executes one or two NTM courses annu-
presented by the Group Surgeon and Group medical staff, most ally. Over the past 5 years, the team has strived to expand the
of whom are board-certified specialists in their field of exper- scope, relevance, and quality of the course, to include engaging
tise. The NTM course was designed with an inherent flexibility in collaborative relationships with active-duty Special Forces
in the program to allow for changing emphasis and priorities groups, other SOF military organizations, and nonmilitary ac-
as well as the ability to introduce other medical subjects of mil- ademic experts and SMEs. Each course is carefully designed
itary importance. Unique highlights for 20th Group training to reflect state-of-the-art knowledge, lessons learned from the
were the Unconventional Warfare Guerrilla Hospital scenarios field, and the needs of the units supported. The training is a
conducted in multiple foreign languages; Medical Stakes Ori- mixture of hands-on training, wet labs, and didactic learning.
enteering Course, where each pair of medics used land navi- Additionally, to address other training and sustainment needs,
gation skills to traverse terrain efficiently and then challenged 20th SFG(A) routinely offers Special Forces dive medical tech-
by a medical problem at each waypoint; and airborne opera- nician (DMT) and dive refresher/requalification training and
tions inserting medical teams to locate injured personnel and combat trauma management (CTM) the weekends either be-
transport them using a field expedient travois with low and fore or after the NTM (Figure 1).
high angle rope belaying techniques en route to an extraction
point. Over time, the training has been improved, refined, and FIGURE 1 SF Dive medical technician refresher being conducted on
expanded in an effort to provide critical skills and knowledge a weekend either before or after NTM.
in support of the medical mission deployment requirements.

Overview
The NTM is a 1-week (40-hour) medical sustainment train-
ing course, which all 18Ds and 68WW1/W4s are required to
complete every 2 years to maintain their MOS qualification.
While priority has been given to 20th SFG(A) members, other
student participants have included medics from 3rd, 5th, 7th,
and 19th groups plus international tier 1 and NATO Special
Operations Forces. Physician assistant (PA) students in the
military Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) and
civilian law enforcement tactical medics have also participated
when space has permitted. Previous classes had several recon
corpsman, SARC corpsman, Navy SEALs, and civil affairs/ Facilities and Instructors
psychological operations (CA/PsyOps) medics registered;
however, due to COVID-19 restrictions, some were unable to Historically, 20th SFG(A) has hosted NTMs at Fort McClel-
participate. Our most recent class had corpsmen and a physi- lan’s Pelham Range, Alabama. However, in the past 2 years,
cian from Force Recon in attendance. 20th has also conducted the course at Auburn University and
*Correspondence to MedicalEditor@JSOMonline.org
1 LTC Lisa Walker is a 20th SFG(A) veterinarian. COL Dan Godbee is the 20th SFG(A) surgeon. LTC Lee Palmer is a 20th SFG(A) veterinarian.
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4 2LT Michael Share is the 20th SFG(A) preventive medicine NCO. COL (Ret) Michael Mouri is a retired/former 20th SFG(A) surgeon.
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