6-5.
COMMAND AND STAFF RELATIONSHIPS
a. With Theater Army Headquarters and Other Theater Army Commands.
The MEDSOM commander reports directly to the theater Army commander. The
coordination of MEDSOM staff matters with the theater Army staff is normally through
command channels, except that health service professional matters are coordinated
directly with the theater Army headquarters surgeon's section. Theater Army
headquarters provides policy direction and broad guidance on health service planning.
The MEDSOM coordinates with other TAACOMs on mutual support requirements and
works closely with TAACOM to determine health service support requirements (to include
rear area protection) within the COMMZ. The PERSCOM automatic data processing
center supports MEDSOM.
b. With Subordinate Headquarters. Staff elements of the MEDCOM
headquarters conduct normal staff relationships (both command and professional) with
the staffs of assigned subordinate medical headquarters. The dental surgeon and
veterinary staff officer may be delegated operational control of subordinate dental and
veterinary units.
c. With Corps. Coordination with corps headquarters is through normal
command channels, except that health service professional and technical matters are
coordinated directly with the corps surgeon(s). Liaison with the major medical
headquarters within the corps is maintained for evacuation of patients from the combat
zone and for required reinforcement to the corps. In addition, direct coordination
concerning professional health service and technical matters is authorized between the
MEDCOM and the major medical headquarters in each corps area (medical brigade or
group).
6-6.
CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
Under the direction of the MEDCOM commander, with advice from his staff, the
medical units of the MEDCOM provide surface evacuation of patients from combat zone
health service facilities and between COMMZ medical facilities. They also provide
supportive and definitive treatment; and dental, veterinary, preventive medicine, medical
supply and maintenance, optical, medical laboratory, medical intelligence, and
consultation services. Health service support with the COMMZ is provided on an area
basis.
6-7.
COMMAND AND CONTROL
The MEDCOM headquarters commands and controls all assigned and attached
units. Its major subordinate command and control units are hospital center headquarters
and medical group headquarters. These headquarters are discussed in Section II.
MD0002
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