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TOPIC AREA: CREW MANAGEMENT / UTC STAFFING / STANDARDIZATION OF 
		TRAINING
 
SUBMITTED BY: HQ AFRES/SGXO 
 
ISSUE: Units assigned command and control responsibilities after activation should train with 
units that will be under their command and control after deployment. 
 
OBSERVATION: Multiple units with large numbers of personnel are deployed at one location for 
command and control purposes without having worked together. 
 
DISCUSSION: It was difficult trying to build a single cohesive organization from 
approximately 15 separate units. Many units deploy with senior personnel, to include 
commanders and chief nurses. It was hard to blend these commanders and chief nurses into a 
new composite organization as just another crew member. It is difficult to build an effective 
unit in a short time when key management personnel do not know one another or the strengths 
and weaknesses of most medical crew members. It is difficult to 
select the right person for the right job in these circumstances. 
Also, there is a natural resistance to work for a new commander 
or chief nurse when the member's home unit commander and/or chief 
nurse were deployed with them. The primary issue is "I know who 
I will work for when I go home, so I better stay in line-here." 
It is next to impossible to take command of a unit having five or 
six deployed commanders and/or chief nurses with their personnel 
at the location. These barriers are hard to break down, and a 
single organization is hard to achieve. Mission requirements, 
however, require a new organization instantly. 
 
IMPACT: Enhance command and control structure. Would cause elimination of the time involved 
in getting used to working with "new" people. 
 
RECOMMENDATION: Units having a command and control mission should routinely train with 
personnel from units they will gain after deployment to the extent possible. This could be 
accomplished by matching for training purposes units having an aircrew mission with units 
having a command and control mission. An entire unit should be recalled to the same location, 
if possible. Commanders and chief nurses should be recalled to the same location as their 
unit members only if they will be the commander or chief nurse at that location. 

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