CHAPTER
9 Casualty
Evacuation (CASEVAC) for E-BFV Companies
Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) for E-BFV Companies
by
CPT Greg Rawlings, United States Army Engineer School
Although combat engineers and the infantry execute different tasks and missions, they share common support functions to sustain units on the battlefield. Among the most important combat service support functions on the battlefield are casualty treatment and evacuation. To avoid relearning lessons, heavy division engineers must capture the casualty evacuation and combat service support techniques developed by BFV-equipped infantry units over the years. This chapter addresses casualty treatment and evacuation (CASEVAC) observations for engineer units equipped with the E-BFV.
OBSERVATION: The E-BFV is virtually indistinguishable from Bradleys employed by infantry units.
DISCUSSION: Without modification, the E-BFV looks like any other Bradley. At the NTC, E-BFVs carried externally mounted concertina wire, engineer equipment, and special engineer markings. However, when queried, OPFOR soldiers at the NTC were not able to differentiate between engineer and infantry Bradleys. As an M113-based force, combat engineers presented a minimal threat, and the OPFOR did not generally engage engineer vehicles until the engineers attempted to reduce obstacles. As a Bradley-based force, however, engineers are more likely to be engaged throughout the depth of the battlefield -- potentially increasing engineer casualties.
LESSONS:
- The E-BFV presents a significant, direct fire threat to the enemy and will be targeted similar to other combat vehicles. This may result in additional engineer casualties.
- CASEVAC must be planned, disseminated and rehearsed down to each vehicle commander.
- Combat engineer leaders must be proficient at employing the E-BFV (i.e., tactical maneuver, direct fire planning, movement techniques) to minimize casualties.
OBSERVATION: Combat engineer company first sergeant is the most effective CASEVAC executor and requires an armored CASEVAC vehicle.
| "The
1SG dispatches the armored ambulance to meet and receive patients being transported
by nonmedical vehicles." --FM 5-71-2, Armored Task Force Engineer Combat Operations |
DISCUSSION: In offensive operations, combat engineer companies increasingly execute company-level missions. The company first sergeant assumes primary responsibility for unit CASEVAC. Platoon sergeants in the E-BFV-equipped engineer company operate in Bradleys and are less able to conduct CASEVAC without directly diminishing combat power.
LESSONS:
- The company first sergeant is the primary CASEVAC executor and requires an armored vehicle (M113) to conduct CASEVAC.
- The platoon sergeant coordinates and facilitates CASEVAC with the first sergeant, but continues to move with the platoon. As the senior noncommissioned officer in the platoon, the platoon sergeant assists the platoon leader in executing the tactical mission.
- Squad and team leaders have increased responsibility to coordinate and execute CASEVAC.
- The engineer company requires a comprehensive CASEVAC plan that is disseminated down to, and understood by, each vehicle commander.
- The engineer company CASEVAC plan must be integrated into the maneuver battalion CASEVAC plan.
- If the engineer company does not have an armored CASEVAC vehicle, the maneuver battalion provides it with an armored ambulance from the medical platoon.
OBSERVATION: The E-BFV company attached combat medics to the line platoons which limited unit flexibility for casualty treatment.
DISCUSSION: Divisional engineer companies typically receive two combat medics from the engineer battalion headquarters company. At the NTC, the E-BFV company attached the medics to the line platoons. This limited the unit's ability to triage casualties and orchestrate casualty evacuation. Additionally, as passengers in combat vehicles, the medics were as vulnerable to enemy fires as the combat engineers.
LESSONS:
- Rely on combat lifesavers (CLSs), generally one per squad, section, or crew, to initially treat and stabilize casualties.
- Task the company first sergeant to manage the medics - the first sergeant is responsible for getting the medics to the casualties. Upon arrival, the medic relieves the CLS, completes casualty stabilization, and determines the best method for evacuation. This allows the unit to continue the mission.
- If possible, dedicate more than one vehicle to CASEVAC. This technique disperses the medics, allows the senior medic to establish a casualty collection point, and allows the armored CASEVAC vehicle to go forward to the point of injury to treat and evacuate casualties. Simultaneously, other vehicles can transport casualties to the battalion aid station.
OBSERVATION: The PSG attempted to perform CASEVAC during STX lanes.
DISCUSSION: The platoon sergeant used one of the three operational E-BFVs and the only Pearson Plow to conduct CASEVAC for his platoon. During the reduction phase, the plow was not available, and the platoon did not execute their reduction drill to standard. This also made it more difficult for the platoon leader to control his eight vehicles.
LESSON: CASEVAC must be conducted by the maneuver or engineer CO/TM.
OBSERVATION: Heavy division engineers need to capture the CASEVAC techniques developed by BFV-equipped infantry units.
DISCUSSION: Heavy division engineers transitioning to the E-BFV must apply the infantry lessons in casualty treatment and CASEVAC techniques. A summary of these lessons and the lessons captured at the NTC include the following:
LESSONS:
- E-BFV-equipped engineers are more likely to draw enemy fires.
- The engineer CASEVAC planned must be integrated in the battalion plan.
- The engineer CASEVAC must be disseminated and rehearsed.
- The company first sergeant is the primary CASEVAC executor.
- The company first sergeant requires an armored vehicle to execute CASEVAC.
- Platoon sergeants fight the tactical fight with the platoons.
- The first sergeant is responsible to ensure the medics get to the casualties.
Effective use of the techniques presented here will enable combat engineers to accomplish CASEVAC and improve the chances for wounded soldiers to survive.
Chapter
8: Unit Trainup
Appendix
A: Collection Plan, NTC Rotation No. 98-10
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