New command focuses on medical logistics

By Kimberly HansonJune 12, 2019

New command focuses on medical logistics
A Soldier with the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center-Korea inventories medical supplies in a warehouse. The Army's newest 1-star command will project and sustain medical materiel capabilities and data for the Army and joint force. Army Medical Logist... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The Army's newest 1-star command will project and sustain medical materiel capabilities and data for the Army and joint force. Army Medical Logistics Command, a major subordinate command of Army Materiel Command, reached initial operational capability June 1 and is expected to be fully operational Oct. 1.

The command was developed following the restructuring of Medical Research and Materiel Command. The research, development and acquisition elements of MRMC re-designated to Medical Research and Development Command and transferred to Army Futures Command June 1. Medical logistics functions previously belonging to MRMC remained with Army Materiel Command, under the direction of the new AMLC. The command will remain headquartered at Fort Detrick, Maryland.

This transition better aligns functions under the Army commands with those resident core competencies, said Gen. Gus Perna, Army Materiel Command commanding general. As a subordinate of Army Materiel Command, AMLC is integrated within the Army's primary logistics and sustainment command, and can capitalize on the expertise already inherent within the enterprise. The transition centralizes all classes of supply and sustainment functions under one organization - AMC.

AMLC will maintain U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency, as well as the Medical Materiel Centers in Europe and Korea. Certain USAMMA support staff will transition to AMLC Headquarters to further develop the headquarters staff.

While a 1-star General Officer will eventually command AMLC, until that position is filled, USAMMA Commander COL Timothy Walsh will be dual-hatted as AMLC commander.

"Medical logistics enables readiness, from deployment readiness of service members in garrison to the delivery of medical care in an operational environment," said Walsh. "Army Medical Logistics Command will serve as a critical enabler for planning, preparing and executing medical logistics support for the Army and joint forces."