3D MCDS Now Charged With CENTCOM Medical Mission

The 3d Medical Command Deployment Support - Forward, U.S. Army Reserve, assumed mission authority from the 8th Medical Brigade during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, July 18, 2019. The Forest Park, Ga. based 3d MCDS provides medical support, supply, and oversight to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility.

The 8th Medical Brigade provided health service support and force health protection to more than 80,000 Department of Defense personnel and coalition forces operating in 11 countries. 8th Med also provided oversight for the capabilities of 13 medical units spread in 10 locations and expanded telehealth capabilities in Afghanistan by installing 15 video teleconferencing systems. With care provided by United States Medical Hospital-Kuwait, there were more than 21,700 outpatients, 900 inpatient, 14,200 specialty services, 12,100 dental services, and 3,300 behavioral health patient encounters, with a 95 percent return-to duty, according to the unit's data.

"I could go on and on about the accomplishments of each individual detachment and team in 8th Medical because each has exceeded the stands again and again. These are all incredible accomplishments by a great team of professionals. Their effort will, without question, have a lasting impact on the future medical readiness of the CENTCOM area of responsibility," said Maj. Gen. John P. Sullivan, commanding general of 1st Theater Sustainment Command.

The 3d MCDS stands ready to continue the work of providing quality care for Soldiers during their time in authority, said Col. Richard Bailey, 3d MCDS commander.

"Soldiers, I promise you your sacrifices will be worth it because we serve the noblest of causes to ensure that if a United States Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airmen is deployed to our area of responsibility, and becomes injures or ill, they will receive world class medical care," said Bailey. "Additionally, we will do everything we can to ensure our service members remain health in mind, body, and spirit. We will do this through the execution of health service support and force health protection across the entire CENTCOM area of responsibility."