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File: 970207_aadcv_007.txtTOPIC AREA: COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATION (~3) SUBMITTED BY: HQ AFRES/SGXO ISSUE: The aeromedical evacuation chain of command was not followed. OBSERVATION: Air Force level regulations were either not understood or not followed by MTF commanders who attempted to take command of aeromedical evacuation elements assigned to their base. DISCUSSION: The aeromedical evacuation system has a formalized chain of command. The commander of the AECEs were frequently informed by host MTF commander that the AECEs, because they are a medical unit, worked for them. At some locations the host MTF commander delegated this to the ASF commander. The only theory under which a host base MTF commander would assume that ~ aeromedical evacuation units assigned to the base worked for them is in their role as a Director of Base Medical Services (DBMS). However, AFR 168-4, paragraph 3-2 clearly excludes elements of the aeromedical evacuation from the management of the DBMS. IMPACT: Created much confusion over who was in charge, as well as disrupting the chain of command. Also created a noticeable decrease in mission efficiency. RECOMMENDATION: Immediately after activation of an aeromedical evacuation element it must be emphasized to each DBMS that aeromedical evacuation units have their own fixed chain of command. 6
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