Page 9 - JSOM Summer 2024

In the wake of the last conflict, we have increased survivability Although TCCC has contributed greatly to medics’ overall
among combat casualties. It has been proved definitively that success in stabilizing casualties, it is not the definitive solution.
fast access to surgical care is key to survival. We have spent the We now need to focus on advancing and sustaining a level of
past 25 years trying to bring surgical teams closer to targets medic education that will increase their competence and con-
or within an hour’s proximity. This success has created an ex- fidence in treating disease and nonbattle injury (DNBI) and
pectation of near zero defects in operations. This expectation providing prolonged care where there are delays in evacuation
when compounded by lack of communication and informa- or greater distance to surgical assets due to safety concerns
tion about the surrounding situation can cause leaders at all or where the environment doesn’t allow surgical teams close
levels to default to become risk adverse. Risk aversion leads to proximity to where the operation is taking place. The need
a failure to act or failure to try, which can accelerate the law for emphasis on expanding the medic’s critical task list and
of impermanence. We must protect our surgical assets, as they holding our medics to stringent standards of skills sustainment
cannot be mass produced in a time of crisis. is a gap we are still attempting to address. We can’t say that
we have the best medics in the world if we don’t train them to
The development and implementation of Tactical Combat a level of mastery in their field. Several challenges to accom-
Casualty Care (TCCC) has greatly contributed to increased plishing this goal relate to time, funding, retention, facilities,
survivability on the battlefield. Among the many challenges manpower, and command support; our biggest is that the ed-
faced were getting warfighters and support Servicemembers ucation and experience to develop a competent medic directly
to accept that mastering TCCC was critical and carrying an conflicts and competes for time with the noncommissioned
individual first aid kit (IFAK) was to their benefit. Prior to officer (NCO) professional development model.
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), only SOF had adopted
IFAKs. Most general-purpose units would balk at carrying In closing, I look forward to continuing to help find innovative
medical supplies. Many times, medics and Corpsmen would and novel solutions to support all those who continue to serve
hear, “Doc, that’s your job” when they were asked to carry our communities. Remind your coworkers, “if you are going
medical supplies. However, it was totally acceptable for them to train to take a life, then you need to train to save a life.”
to give the medic extra link for the squad or crew-served At the same time, if your expertise is saving lives, you need to
weapons systems. strive for mastery of tactical and defensive skills, so that you
are not a liability to those you support.

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SOMA President’s Message | 7