Incoming MRTC Commander visits Global Medic

By Spc. Charlotte Martinez, 345 Public Affairs DetachmentJune 14, 2009

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1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CALIF. - Army Col. (P) Bryan Kelly (far right), Medical Readiness Training Command incoming commander, watches as a Soldier receives a simulated gunshot wound to her forearm during the Global Medic training exercise here June 10... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif - Army Col. (P) Bryan Kelly (center), Medical Readiness Training Command incoming commander, visits the Global Medic training site here, June 9. Kelly, an East Sandwich, Mass., native, talks with members of both the traini... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. - Army Col. (P) Bryan Kelly, Medical Readiness Training Command incoming commander, talks with Soldiers about their role in Global Medic here June 9. The Medical Readiness Training Command is based at Fort Sam Houston, San... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif.- Army Col. (P) Bryan Kelly, incoming commander of the Medical Readiness Training Command, visited the Global Medic training site here June 9. The Medical Readiness Training Command is based out of Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio.

Global Medic, formerly known as Golden Medic, is a medical training exercise comprised of joint forces training in a simulated environment. Soldiers train on different medical skills to include battle trauma, dental and combat stress.

"Global Medic is the premier training that the Army Reserve Command coordinates involving many different components working in a joint venture as would be the case during deployment," said Kelly.

Kelly was able to see the Soldiers in action during a mass casualty exercise, satellite communications set-up and other mission essential tasks.

Global Medic, the largest joint patient training exercise within the Department of Defense, is comprised of two parts.

The servicemembers and observer-trainers participating in Global Medic have the operational side and the training side." "[It] simulates a joint exercise so the components have an opportunity to build their combat service support skills," Kelly said.

Kelly also visited members of the Air Force, who are responsible for operating communications satellites during Global Medic; along with the Marine Corps, who are providing fuel and water support for the exercise.

Inside Contingency Operating Base Mountain Lion, where all of the training is taking place, Kelly was able to observe Soldiers' reactions to simulated medical emergencies.

"I encourage Soldiers to come into this exercise with an open mind and the flexibility to train like they will fight, so when the rubber hits the road, they will be ready," Kelly said.

Global Medic operates on a five-year cycle as part of the Army Force Generation cycle that prepares Soldiers for future deployments. The operation is currently in its second year of the cycle. The different training exercises give Soldiers the opportunity to work collectively with other medical units in a joint environment.

"My hope for the commanders and Soldiers is that they will maintain their objectives so when they leave here, they will be more confident in their Soldier skills," he said.

There are approximately 2,200 servicemembers participating in Global Medic collectively at five different major training sites.