Page 3 - NATO Supplement

t is my distinct pleasure to provide This publication shows the value of a
Iintroductory comments to this im- collaborative network focused toward
portant and timely publication of the generating recommendations that im-
findings of the Human Factor and prove SOF specific training, increase
S S
Medicine Expert Panel-224. Sean A. Pybusean AA. PPybbus SOF access to high-fidelity medical sim-
Vice Admiral
Vice Admiral ulation, and develop NATO SOF med-
At the 2006 Riga Summit, NATO Commander, NSHQ ical doctrine. I applaud the work of this
leaders launched an SOF Transfor- highly qualified and specialized panel of
mation Initiative (NSTI) to rectify historical deficiencies experts for their forward thinking in the “art of the possible,”
affecting the collective employment of NATO SOF and which they have appropriately balanced with realistic con-
SOF support. The NATO Special Operations Headquar- straints and limitations faced by the nations.
ters, NATOs primary source for special operations exper-
tise, as a product of NSTI, was established to coordinate I encourage senior military leadership to support realistic
and optimize the employment of SOF. Today, NSHQ is combat medical training and simulation for your SOF using
developing leaders in SOF planning, intelligence analysis, all modalities available. I endorse the recommendation for
and professional development though the NATO SOF Ed- nations to increase their Special Operations Combat Med-
ucation and Training Program (NSTEP). NSHQ’s NATO ics’ (SOCMs) training level and authorizations, starting
SOF Medicine Development Initiative (NSMDI) is the with attending internationally recognized courses like Mil-
command’s multifaceted program to help nations develop itary Prehospital Trauma Life Support. This initial, feasible
their SOF medical support systems. These programs con- step can serve as a foundation for interoperability across
tribute to NATO’s most recent strategic initiative, the Con- NATO SOF medicine on which higher-level SOF-specific
nected Forces Initiative (CFI), launched to help maintain skills can be built that are suited to the increased require-
readiness and combat effectiveness through expanded edu- ments of austere healthcare in the SOF environment.
cation and training, increased exercises, and the better use
of technology. It was NSHQ’s unique honor to host the HFM-224 ex-
pert panel workshop. The findings are timely, as nations
I believe that high-quality, reliable SOF medical support search for cost-effective ways to develop and sustain critical
enables a commander’s ability to saves lives on the battle- medical skills and SOF medical systems required to sup-
field and improve mission success. The NSMDI is building port the fighting capability of our most important resource:
a collaborative network of SOF and non-SOF medical lead- People. I encourage readers to engage with NSHQ and the
ers and academic and industry partners leveraged to meet SOF Allied Centre for Medical Education as a source for
SOF medical requirements. To date, more than 200 NATO SOF medicine expertise. Finally, I look forward to seeing
medical personnel from 20 nations have participated in the the positive impact this panel’s recommendations will have
program through courses, seminars, and engagement in the in the future on NATO SOF medicine development and
online Special Operations Medical Branch network. I en- NATO medicine at large.
courage nations’ continued engagement from both general
purpose and SOF elements as we seek to increase coordina-
tion across the medical footprint that supports SOF.

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