assigned to the COSCOM to direct the health service support system, a medical group
is usually selected to perform the mission and the medical group commander is the
operator of the corps level health service support system.
f. When the corps health service support system is controlled by a medical
brigade, the subordinate command and control headquarters directing the operation of
the attached health service support units are medical groups and separate medical
battalions. When a medical group controls the system, the subordinate command and
control headquarters are usually other medical groups and/or separate medical
battalions.
5-3.
MISSION AND FUNCTIONS
a. The corps health service support mission, in general terms, is to maintain the
health of the Army and to conserve the fighting strength through maximum reduction of
non-effective rates and the provision of the highest possible standards of health
services. The mission also includes the provision for primary treatment, as well as
hospitalization, for the troops in corps areas operating outside the zones of
responsibility of the division health service support system.
b. The functions of corps level health service support are to relieve the divisions
of the responsibility for continued care and treatment of their sick and injured in such a
fashion that the division health service support systems may maintain maximum
mobility, and to provide prompt health service support to other units in the combat zone.
5-4.
TASKS
a. Evacuation of Patients. The medical brigade/group commander, with the
required resources at his disposal, must prevent by adequate and timely evacuation of
patients any undue accumulation of patients in MTFs within the corps. Evacuation is
accomplished by ground and air means and involves patient movement from division
and corps medical facilities. The corps level evacuation system is the dynamic factor in
the accomplishment of this function.
b. Hospitalization. Corps level health service support provides hospitalization
for all classes of patients, injured or ill, in the combat zone. This mission, in its broadest
sense, implies treatment at the dispensary as well as treatment and hospitalization of
the combat wounded and injured. Corps level health service support provides the
majority of primary health service support for corps troops and other troops that may be
in the corps area. The employment of corps level hospitals in the combat zone is
governed by two basic principles:
(1)
First, hospitalization is provided as close as practical to the troops
requiring it.
MD0002
5-4