TASK FORCE III DESERT SHIELD/STORM

File: aaacf_56.txt
Page: 56
Total Pages: 273
DISEASE AND NON-BATTLE INJURY (DNBI) RATES
REPORTED BY USCENTAF MEDICAL TREATMENT FACILITIES
DURING
OPERATIONS DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM

I. INTRODUCTION. This document provides a chronology of the DNBI reporting system as it 
was developed and directed by USCENTAF, describes the data collection and reporting 
procedures employed, provides case definitions for the syndromes reported, lists and 
interprets the actual data reported, summarizes problems encountered, and recommends 
corrective action for future deployments.

II. REPORTING SYSTEM.

	1. USCENTAF/SG desired theater-wide DNBI reporting to detect disease outbreaks and 
make prompt medical intervention possible. Such data was also recognized as invaluable 
for future medical mobility planning and for medical intelligence uses.

	2. When USAF medical treatment facilities (MTFs) deployed under Operation DESERT 
SHIELD in early August 1990, no DNBI reporting requirement, system or guidance was in 
mace. Needed was specific guidance on the desired data, the rate calculation method, and 
the report format and frequency.

	3. USCENTAF/SG desired a reporting system that would be
compatible with that used by the U.S. Army and Navy forces in the
same theater of operations. However, since no joint service
system was in place, USCENTAF/SG elected to mirror the U.S. Navy
list of reportable DNBI syndromes.

	4. On 7 September 1990, USCENTAF/SG issued instructions for the collection of DNBI 
data to all USAF MTFs deployed in Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates 
(UAE), and Qatar. The USAF squadron medical elements (SMEs) at Cairo West and Diego 
Garcia received this message and also participated. Weekly reporting by message to 
USCENTAF/SG and HQ TAC/SG began as of 10 September 1990. -

	5. The list of reportable syndromes was modified on 18 September 1990 by 
USCENTAF/SG. "Miscellaneous medical conditions" was replaced with "sexually transmitted 
diseases", a syndrome not included in the U.S. Navy list. This modification was sent to 
USAF MTFs by message.

	6. On 15 November 1990, another modification was made. USCENTCOM/CCSG issued 
instructions for a uniform reporting system for use by all U.S. forces. This new and 
final format included case definitions and is reflected in the attached data charts.