CSAF’s drivers for change include the development of small teams of multi-capable airmen (MCA) that can support agile combat employment (ACE) via phased force presentation (AFFORGEN). ACE and MCA concepts are now included in the mature, established, means of developing and sustaining ready medics, the Comprehensive Medical Readiness Program (CMRP), with currency built into the phased AFFORGEN presentation model. The AFMS is developing multi-capable medical airmen via four primary initiatives. All members of the AFMS will be trained to at least tier 2 of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), which allows medics to be subject matter experts among teams that are otherwise limited to all service member tier 1 TCCC training. Medics are also trained, and ready for an expanded scope of practice within an expeditionary environment (CMRP Cat 2 requirements). MEDIC-X is a specific program of cross utilization training (CUT) for medics, which provides a means for expanded scope of practice. Additionally, the current medical force structure revision efforts are being informed by MCA, ACE, and AFFORGEN, which will result in updated teams (and CMRP Cat 3 requirements). Finally, there are additional base operational support activities that can be performed by medics while allowing them to maintain a protected non-combatant status in accordance with the Geneva convention.

 The ability to ensure readiness in our medics relies heavily on a strategic and targeted ready medic management process.  The ability to plan and provide the right training for the right medic at the right time, requires a thorough understanding of key ready medic management concepts such as AFFORGEN-phased readiness assessment, CMRP gap analysis and diverse strategies for addressing medic skill development and sustainment.