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File: 970207_aadcx_026.txt
DESERT SHIELD/STORM LESSONS LEARNED REPORT #S
POC: [(b)(2)]
TITLE: Preassignment of Medical IMAs
OBSERVATION: Preassignment of medical IMAs does not allow
the flexibility necessary in a conflict like Operation
Desert Shield/Storm.
DISCUSSION: Preassignment by mobilization PAS is no longer
valid. During Operation Desert Shield/Storm, preassignment
was too restrictive. We needed the capability to assign
IMAs wherever we had a requirement. This may or may not be
at the MAJCOM of preassignment. Preassignment to the 100
person casualty treatment hospitals was based on a global
scenario. This concept is now outdated. As it turned out,
placing IMAs as near their homes as possible was a
priority. If we were to stick with preassigned location,
this would not have been possible. What often happened was
that we mobilized IMAs to their preassigned MAJCOM and then
the MAJCOM base sent them TDY to a base closer to their
home. This further compounded the problems because the
JUMPS pay system did not catch up with the member, causing
delays in pay. Mobilization to the unit of attachment may
be a viable option where possible.
LESSONS LEARNED: Preassignment of medical IMAs is not an
effective practice.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS: Strongly recommend the elimination of
IMA preassignment. Base medical IMA mobilization
assignments on the needs of the time. Mobilize them to
their unit of attachment whenever possible. If the MAJCOMs
insist on the guarantee of IMAs during a contingency,
provide them AFSCs and numbers, but no names.
HQ ARPC/RC RELATED ITEM: 6
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