Page 97 - JSOM Spring 2024

An Ongoing Series

Special Operations and Space Medicine for a Joint Future

Michael R. Hetzler, NRP *; Jennifer A. Fogarty, PhD ; Colin Frament, PAC 3
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1

ABSTRACT
This paper is designed to introduce, propose, inform, and ad- and allies may ease operations and enhance support to our
vocate enhanced relationships between the medical communi- advantage—hence the importance of strategic relationships. 1, 2
ties of special operations and space. Although each provides
service support in different roles and functions, similarities in Key Actors
both the operational context and in medical care are notable.
During a recent interaction, significant relationship potential The SOF/Space/Cyber Triad (S/S/C) was introduced by Lieu-
was discovered by both communities, and recommendations tenant General John Braga and his staff at U.S. Army Special
for greater engagement are proposed herein. By identifying Operations Command (USASOC) in 2022 and established the
and appreciating similarities and understanding history, key vision required for engagement and discovery between the
actors, and authorities to analyze and realize opportunities three communities and professions. Analyzing the strategic
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will enable us to find synergy for the development of like ef- environment, finding synergistic solutions for a secure future,
forts and goals. Collaboration in research on the limits of hu- and looking to meet transition requirements, this foresight has
man performance and medical support to the most austere and escalated to consideration by Special Operations Command
challenging operational environments may benefit both com- (SOCOM), the Department of the Army, and to the joint service
munities in different but productive ways. Establishing and in- level. 7–12 These efforts were formalized for 2023 and continue
creasing cooperation will also meet command strategic intent, in 2024 in support of the Convergence Project, a multi year,
explore and advance a policy concept, initiate a relationship multilateral, all-service, international series of exercises and
between unique medical communities, and provide a tangible working groups to evaluate technologies and advanced sys-
success for the advancement of operational support. tems for interoperability in future crisis and conflict. 13–18

Keywords: humans; goals; biomedical research; space flight; The implication of the S/S/C triad concept for security and de-
resource-limited settings; military science; United States fense is yet unrealized as a tool for policy and reducing the risk
National Aeronautics and Space Administration of crisis and conflict. “The nature of space, cyber, and special op-
erations makes them less escalatory, more politically palatable,
and more appropriate to competition and low-intensity con-
flict than conventional or nuclear hard power options,” stated

Introduction
Brigadier General Guillaume Beaurpere, present Commanding
Geopolitical change is driving adaptation in Special Opera- General of Special Warfare Schools and former Commander of
tions Forces (SOF) in primary effort, organization, and the the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. The S/S/C
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application of special operations, as new directions and goals triad concept is being actioned and included in U.S. Army and
evolve to meet requirements. Underscoring this fact are the joint service evaluation, where opportunities for development
newly declared domains of space and cyber in addition to land, and expansion for policy impact are ongoing. As reinforced
sea, and air; which all acknowledge the potential for human by Braga: “We need industry, academia, warriors, and policy
consequence. Similarly, human spaceflight is experiencing a makers to come together in a Whole-of-Nation approach to in-
surge in both international government– and private corporate– novate against future threats. Innovation must be creative, un-
sponsored missions. This recent rapid expansion of human constrained, collaborative, and forward focused.” 3
access to space offers many challenges and opportunities to
provide medical support and develop new medical care solu- The United States Space Command (SPACECOM) was es-
tions for the extreme remoteness and austerity of space. While tablished in 2019 as the newest unified combatant command
the dynamics of global and political operating environments within the Department of Defense for all military space oper-
complicate the engagement arena, factors such as technology ations. Its mission is to increase the ability of the joint force
*Correspondence to jqafdr156@yahoo.com
1 Michael R. Hetzler is an educator at the University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. Dr. Jennifer A. Fogarty is affiliated with Center for Space
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Medicine and Department of Medicine Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX. COL Colin Frament is the Deputy Surgeon for the United
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States Army Special Operations Command.
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