c. The maximum theater stockage objective (see para 5-25) for medical materiel
is normally 60 days. The MEDSOM unit (combat zone) will normally maintain a 10-day
stockage objective. The MEDSOM unit (COMMZ) providing backup support will maintain
the remainder of the theater stockage objective (normally 50 days), plus a full 60 days for
the COMMZ units it supports. Demand data upon which the stockage objectives and
requirements are based are provided to the theater medical ICC by all MEDSOM units
and COMMZ hospitals.
d. Supply point distribution is also used in the COMMZ; however, movement
elements of the transportation command may be used for unit distribution. Movement of
supplies into the corps is normally accomplished by TRANSCOM. In addition, supplies
are shipped into the corps directly from CONUS, using throughput procedures.
e. The MEDCOM commander is responsible for developing the implementing
policy and guidance of the management of medical materiel and medical equipment
maintenance as prescribed by the theater Army commander. The MEDCOM assistant
chief of staff for supply, maintenance, and services exercises staff supervision over
medical equipment maintenance within the COMMZ. The MEDSOM unit (COMMZ)
provides direct and general support maintenance to medical units located within the
COMMZ. MEDSOM units (COMMZ) also provide backup general support maintenance
to the MEDSOM units (combat zone) in the combat zone. Most items of equipment
evacuated to MEDSOM units in the COMMZ can be repaired by those units. Items that
exceed the capability of MEDSOM units (COMMZ) may be returned to CONUS.
6-12. PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
Prevention of disease and injury reduces manpower losses, patient loads, and
evacuation requirements. Specialized preventive medicine teams assist other COMMZ
medical units in conducting the corps and COMMZ preventive medicine programs. These
preventive medicine teams provide services in surveillance and control of health hazards
that are beyond the capabilities of other medical personnel and units.
6-13. LABORATORY SERVICE
Complete laboratory service is provided throughout the COMMZ by medical
laboratory teams organized under TOE 8-650. These medical laboratory teams,
discussed in detail in paragraph 6-24, support medical and nonmedical units throughout
the TO.
6-14. DENTAL SERVICE
Dental service in the COMMZ is furnished through hospital and area dental
facilities. General, station, and field hospitals, as well as dispensaries and convalescent
centers, have organic dental services for the treatment of patients admitted to these
facilities. Other personnel receive dental support from cellular dental service
detachments distributed throughout the COMMZ based on troop population. Dental
service is discussed separately in Section V.
MD0002
6-12