Independent Study of Force Mix Options and Service Models to Enhance Readiness of the Medical Force

The Department of Defense has an operational requirement for a deployable medical force. A mix of active component and reserve component military medical providers provide these essential capabilities. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan revealed significant readiness challenges with the current medical force mix and military treatment facility-based training model. This study examines the use of alternative training models such as military-civilian partnerships (MCPs) with civilian trauma centers and alternative force mix models. We find MCPs are highly effective training models and recommend that the Services expand their use of such partnerships.