TASK FORCE III DESERT SHIELD/STORM

File: aaacf_185.txt
Page: 185
Total Pages: 273

MEDICAL LESSONS LEARNED
DESERT SHIELD/STORM

CATEGORY: TRAINING

ISSUE ITEM #:

SUBJECT: TRAINING-Total Force Integration

BACKGROUND: There were instances of rank structure problems both from a clinical standpoint of reserve providers of care
outranking active duty counterparts, and from an administrative standpoint of the best qualified individual not being in charge because
active duty held all the command positions.

DISCUSSION: The clinical rank structure inversion is a product of the limited command opportunities within the reserves and the
population we recruit from. Older. more entablished physicians and nurees are attracted to the re5erves and come in at higher rank. The
position of the reserves is that, these individuals are to be recalled to provide clinical services and are not expected to be in command or
leadership roles. This position i5 not, always understood by both the individual and active duty personnel. The revqrse situation also
occured in instances where reserve commanders were not allowed to command the troops t,hey normall~y train with and command.

ACTION RECOMMENDED: Reserve providers need continually reminder8 that their role in a call-up is clinical. Active duty personnel
need to be sensitized to the fact that these reservist~ are experienced senior officers and should be treated with respect due their rank
regardle8s of their lack of administrat,ive roles. In regard to command positions. it should be recognized that for certain missions, the
reserves probably have the most experienced and beet qualified commanders. There should be a more flexible policy that would allow
the best qualified officers to be in charge whether they are active or reserve. Mobilized units Should be commanded by their own senior
staff whenever possible.

SUGGESTED OPR(s), OCR(s): OPRs - DPXCX AND ARFC OCRs - SGHR and
REM

COL KOENIGSBERG
AF/REM 693-3657