Page 6 - JSOM Summer 2022

fromthe

SOMA PRESIDENT

SOMA Members and JSOM Readers, James Peake mentioned this process being
difficult over 20 years ago. I am sure that
et me begin by saying thank you to the all components and agencies have similar
SOMA membership and hello to the John Dominguez, MSG (Ret) struggles:
L JSOM readers. I would also like to thank
COL (Ret) Russ Kotwal, MSG (Ret) “Monty” Montgomery, The Army Surgeon General, General James Peake, con-
SOC (SEAL) (Ret) Steve Viola, COL (Ret) Bob Mabry, and the ceived and initiated a program entitled “91 Whiskey”
other past presidents for their vision and leadership. It is truly an (91W), the sole purpose of which is to raise the compe-
honor to serve SOMA, JSOM readers, and the attendees of the tence of the combat medic so that Soldiers are exceed-
Special Operations Medical Scientific Symposium (SOMSA). ingly proficient at those medical skills combat medics
I am humbled to be in your company. I attended my first SOMA need to save lives on the battlefield. It is a bold and
Conference in 1998. We arrived a few days early to attend the aggressive change in our training paradigm that will put
Tactical Management of Urban Warfare Casualties discussion, truly effective combat medics in our line units. It is not
which was held as part of the Casualty Care Research forum without difficulties, however, as resourcing such a pro-
prior to the start of SOMA. At the time, the novel concept of gram is difficult for both the Army Medical Department
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three phases of care articulated by CAPT (Ret) Frank Butler and the brigades and divisions which we serve. It is also
created the framework for our discussions that would shape difficult to get past the emotional turmoil, hard work, and
the future of medicine globally. change in the way we train necessary to bring about this
manner of enhanced combat medic training. 4
SOMA provided us the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and
build relationships between those who are developing and In closing, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all those in medi-
striving to advance Special Operations medicine with those cal logistics and operations. Without them, those operating on
operating on the ground. The SOMA Conference in 1998 the ground wouldn’t have what they need to treat patients and
focused on the many lessons learned from multiple combat track their patients through the roles of care. On that note, if
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deployments and training exercises. COL (Ret) Chris Pappas you enjoy a bit of light reading, LTC (Ret) Marco J. Caraccia’s
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and LTC (Ret) Dan Mosley published articles in 2001 shar- thesis on Guerrilla Logistics has a few points that can be ap-
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ing how their units took these lessons learned and developed plied in current and potential future engagements. Sometimes
training pipelines to address the specific needs of their units. the best way forward is to look back and learn from those who
came before us.
The evolution and complexity of war and non-state actors John C. Dominguez
conducting violent attacks continue to drive requirements SOMA President
for stronger interagency, international, and military/civilian MSG (Ret), SO-ATP
(MIL-CIV) partnerships to enhance medical interoperability
globally. The current and future need for medical support References
to irregular warfare, unconventional warfare, and domestic 1. Butler FK Jr, Hagmann J, Butler EG. Tactical Combat Casualty
counterterrorism has never been greater. The purpose and Care in Special Operations. Mil Med. 1996 Aug;161 Suppl:3–16.
mission of SOMSA and SOMA are more relevant than ever. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-56780-8_1. PMID: 8772308
2. Pappas CG. The Ranger Medic. Mil Med. 2001 May;166(5):394–
400. PMID: 11370201
I hope everyone had a great time at SOMSA 2022. There were 3. Mosely DS, Johnson TR, Swann SW. The Special Operations Avi-
many passionate discussions and some challenges identified. ation Flight Medic. Mil Med. 2001 May;166(5):401–404. PMID:
These lessons and insights will help all of us to strive to find 11370202
and execute action that will increase survivability. Often, there 4. Porr D. Comment on The Ranger Medic. Mil Med. 2001, May;
166(5).
doesn’t seem to be enough time or money or people to advance 5. Caraccia MJ. Guerrilla Logistics. US Army War College, US Army
the training required to support the warfighter. The systems re- Military History Institute. 1966. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA
quired to approve and program funding for increased medical 526242.pdf.
capability tend to compete for the resources mentioned. LTG

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