Page 34 - JSOM Summer 2022

evacuation. Additionally, the vestibular and neuro systems are care and the emergency department; he also is a nationally
covered with practical labs to include vestibular ocular motor registered paramedic. He has supported Special Operations
screening (VOMS) and full neuro exams. in Afghanistan and Syria at the SOTF and theater level. Ad-
• Neuromusculoskeletal evaluation begins with a regional ditionally, over the past 20 years, Mike has supported emer-
anatomy/physiology review followed by a systematic gency disaster operations in his home state of Florida during
approach to upper and lower quarter screen. Designed state-supported missions such as hurricanes.
for determining more precisely which region(s) may be
contributing to the patient’s symptoms. Psychology for the 18D
• Signs/symptoms of “red flags” and their importance in This class/interactive discussion explores psychological triage
determining the severity and level of care needed are ad- and combat stress management for Special Forces medics. Em-
dressed. Topics discussed include cervical and thoracic phasis is placed on real-world combat-relevant examples as the
pain, systemic infections, cancer, trauma, and neuro- discussion covers a range of disorders and situational factors
logic involvement to include dermatomal patterns and that medics are likely to see impacting Operators downrange
widespread neurologic deficits. and in garrison. Basic diagnostics and treatment consider-
• Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation Considerations ations are covered for personality disorders, depression, anx-
highlights the importance of joint stability versus mobil- iety, mania, psychosis, substance abuse, combat stress, PTSD,
ity at each level and expands on the evaluation process TBI, high-risk issues, and sleep.
by developing a regional approach through assessing
the joint above and joint below the impaired area. This Instructor
insight provides practical rehabilitation guidance on MAJ Mike Rakow is the group command psychologist for
nonemergent musculoskeletal injuries for rapid return- 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He is a clinical and
to-duty of afflicted personnel. operational psychologist with 28 years of service spanning
• Additional systems presented are both the vestibu- every component of the Army (Active, Reserves, and National
lar and neuro systems. Practical exercises include the Guard). In additional to his clinical and operational expertise,
VOMS as it relates to TBI and concussions, and the full MAJ Rakow leverages his more than 5 years’ experience as a
neuro exam augments the examination and differential commander to assess, develop, coach, and consult with leaders
diagnosis and assists with pinpointing the impairment. to keep Soldiers ready, resilient, and well-supported in their
• Line of duty (LOD) develops the understanding of clini- mission.
cal documentation and the administrative process when
addressing the Servicemember’s injury and subsequent Veterinary
medical care coverage and claims. • Military working dogs (MWDs): 20th SFG(A) provides
comprehensive and cutting-edge training on K-9 health,
Instructor welfare, and medical support to include managing both
CPT Sy Banks is a doctor of physical therapy based out of combat and non-combat related emergency conditions.
Pike Road, Alabama. He practices in outpatient orthopedics Training includes a didactic component, a workshop
with a special interest in advanced sports rehab, postoperative with live K-9s for physical exam, restraint techniques,
rehabilitation, return-to-play, and helping active individuals and FAST ultrasound examinations, and a cadaver lab
stay healthy. for medical procedures.
• K-9 handlers’ demonstration: Handlers from 7th SFG(A)
Preventive Medicine have supported 20th SFG(A) NTMs by bringing their
• Site survey: This class discusses a wide variety of consid- K-9s and providing a capability briefing along with
erations for the planning and constructing of a remote demonstrations showcasing the K-9s working. This
site in deployed settings. Geopolitical, economic, cul- training is paired with the K-9 veterinary medical block
tural, and environmental considerations are explored, of instruction.
and evidence-based strategies are presented. • Meat Science/Field slaughter: Students receive hands-on
• Infectious and emerging diseases: Relevant diseases are training on livestock inspection and selection, slaugh-
covered in a One Health context, with focus on zoo- ter techniques, butchering techniques (carcass defabri-
notic and vector borne diseases. Wet labs are: cation), meat preservation, and preparation on several
o Vector-borne disease: Entomology labs where students species of livestock. Students learn to minimize the risk
place traps to collect, examine, and identify species of of food contamination during the process as well as mit-
ticks and mosquitoes. igate risk for zoonotic disease exposure. This course is
o Microbiology: Students collect samples from the en- usually taught in collaboration with Auburn Universi-
vironment, which they plate, incubate, and examine ty’s Meat Science Program.
microscopically. • Food and water safety and security: Students review
o Blood smears: Students draw blood from each other (af- basic principles of food and water safety and security.
ter consent) to make blood smear slides, which are ex- Unique considerations and risk mitigation measures are
amined microscopically for both blood-borne parasites discussed within the context of procuring food on the
and hematological evaluation. local economy in austere environments where public
• Water sanitation: Water selection, evaluation, testing, health infrastructure is either lacking or substandard.
and purification techniques are discussed and performed • Horsemanship: Using live horses, physical exam and se-
in addition to storage considerations. lection criteria are reviewed, as well as basic husbandry
• Traditional doctrinal methods, field expedient, and and hoof care. This course is often combined with the
commercially available products with an emphasis pack animal training.
on general principles to employ as the ever-mitigating • Pack animals: Students use the equine platform to pro-
clause of the situation is METT-TC dependent. vide infil, exfil, and logistical support to unconventional
warfare operations. Static and live animal models are
Instructor used to demonstrate techniques before students apply
2LT Mike Share is the environmental science officer for 20th these concepts in a practical hands-on situation. Crew-
SFG and a former preventive medicine technician (PMT/68S) serve weapons and ammo transport and CASEVAC
in 3rd Bn. Mike is a registered nurse who works in both critical methods are addressed (Figures 4–6).

32 | JSOM Volume 22, Edition 2 / Summer 2022