FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. -- Armed with the latest prosthetic teeth, ears, arms and legs, 300 manikins arrive at Forward Operation Base J-8 fully ready to engage in Global Medic 2010. These manikins will sacrifice every body part in hopes Soldiers will sharpen their medical skills and knowledge. Throughout the stitching and burning, these manikins prove to be invaluable commodities because they provide medical staff with the opportunity to address injuries that occur on the battlefield.

Overseeing this operation is Col. Carla Sosa, a member of the 7306th Medical Training Support Battalion and Contemporary Operation Environment Chief for Global Medic.

“Soldiers from the 7306th Medical Exercise Support Battalion and the Regional Training Site Medical are responsible for the designing and issuing of all the manikins during this event,” said Sosa.

“Live role players are also made up by the same crew, per the special request of individual units,” Sosa added.

With manikins going all over the base, keeping track of them can be a challenge. It is up to the troops from the 7306th MESB to do this expediently and proficiently.

“We have a great system tracking the male and female manikins we send out to the FOBs,” said Spc. Cassie Gonzales, a human resource specialist with the 7306th MESB.
Members of the team working at Mannikinville, which is where manikins with simulated injuries are used in place of people to replicate battle wound scenarios, keep constant tabs on the whereabouts of the manikins used during Global Medic.

“The sketch board is constantly updated which gives us a firm fix on where the manikins are being sent,” said Gonzales.

During Global Medic 2010, Soldiers will be evaluated on how well they complete mission essential skills such as command and control, integrating joint and coalition medical forces, and preparing for hospitalization and outpatient services. Global Medic 2010 coordinates the combined skills of the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, National Guard, Air Force and Marine Corps.

Although the California heat has caused some concerns, Soldiers and Marines stay cool by drinking plenty of water and visiting the Moral, Welfare and Recreation pool. The post also has an internet café, which allows troops to take a break from a hard day at the job.

“Everyday has been a blast here,” said Spc. Brandon Brazzeal, a combat medic with the 7306th MESB.

“Medics whom have participated in past Global Medic exercises have taught me many invaluable lessons that I will carry forward,” Brazzeal added.

Dressed in the latest uniforms affixed with blood, burns or wounds these manikins have come a long way from being used to test heat resistant uniforms and the latest fashion trends. It is through exercises like Global Medic 2010 that doctors, nurses and medics come together to figure out the best ways to address injuries from the battlefield and make them applicable to those on the home front.

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