Medical Task Force hosts Commanders Conference in Afghanistan

Photo By Capt. Stephanie Vanneman | Maj. Gen. Timothy P. McHale addresses members of Task Force MED-Afghanistan during their Commanders Conference on Bagram Air Field.  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

07.26.2011

Story by Capt. Stephanie Vanneman 

Task Force 44 Medical Brigade

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Senior medical leaders from all branches of military service gathered recently to participate in the Task Force MED-Afghanistan Commanders Conference. According to the TF MED-A commander, Col. Donald R. West, “the conference was an excellent opportunity for the U.S. medical leaders in country to share information to enhance our understanding of complex medical challenges. It served as an excellent forum to discuss our ability to encourage Afghan confidence and reliance in the host nation health care system.”

Commanders, senior enlisted advisors and subject matter experts from across the Afghanistan Theater of operations participated in the conference, held July 26-28 on Bagram Air Field.

Maj. Gen. Timothy P. McHale, Deputy Commander, Support, USFOR-A, was the guest speaker for the conference. McHale spoke to the group regarding the future of U.S. Forces as they begin to transition security to the Afghan government. He stressed that medical forces will not be immune to the upcoming troop withdrawal but he assured commanders that medical assets will remain postured to provide the same high standards of medical care in the future.

Conference attendees had the opportunity to hear from the International Security Assistance Force and ISAF Joint Command medical advisors who detailed their respective medical campaign plans. According to U.S. Army Col. James D. Terrio, IJC Medical Advisor, “It is important to identify ongoing medical initiatives and ensure all the right players are involved.”

This sentiment was echoed throughout the conference attendees as they discussed current Afghan medical partnering initiatives within the Task Force. One of the main outcomes of the conference was the need to identify what areas are lacking in ANSF healthcare development and how members of TF MED-A can work with ISAF, IJC, and National Training Mission-Afghanistan to help fill these gaps.

“I think the conference and week exceeded my intent, providing multiple venues as starting points for discussion and information sharing across the command,” concluded West.

• Date Taken: 07.26.2011
• Date Posted: 08.01.2011 06:54
• Story ID: 74603
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF