The brigade deep CASEVAC plan - Letters - Letter to the Editor

Dear Sir:

I read with enthusiasm the article by CPT David Meyer in the September-October 2002 issue of ARMOR. An article on the often-overlooked aspect of CASEVAC is always welcomed and I appreciate his insights on the challenge of "connectivity and access."

I have one question about the platoon sergeant's (PSG) role in the CASEVAC procedure. How does he transport a casualty, or casualties, which is more often the case, in his M1026?

Though I have no experience in a brigade reconnaissance team (BRT), I do have 3 years of experience as an M1026 equipped PSG in the 2d ACR. I found that I could not realistically transport a casualty in my M1026, and I am assuming the BRT PSG would face the same problem.

Nearly every available inch of cargo area in my truck was covered with something. My crew seats contained rucksacks, my cargo area was full of basic issue items and MREs, my back hatch held a spare tire, my tailgate had fuel cans and a tow bar, my hood was covered with concertina wire, and my brush guard carried pickets. All available floor space in the front of the HMMWV was taken up with additional gear and, of course, my gunner also needed a place to put his feet. If I had a few cubic feet of floor space available, I carried notional mortar rounds. In real life, that space would have contained boxes of MK19 ammunition.

Is it time to adopt a different model of HMMWV for the scout platoon sergeant? Would an M1035 or M1038 be a more reasonable choice? It would certainly facilitate CASEVAC and also enable the platoon to move forward with additional class I, III, and V munitions.

JASON A. HASTINGS

Camp Doha, Kuwait

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