armored medical units
TRANSCRIPT
U.S WAR DEPT,
AHMQRSD MEDICAL UNITS.Fk 17-80.
El MlWAR DEPARTMENT FIELD MANUAL
ARMOREDMEDICAL UNITS
WAR DEPARTMENT 30 AUGUST 1944
IV A R D E P A R T M E N T FIE L D M A ,V U A L
F M 17-80
ARMOREDMEDICAL UNITS
WA R D E PA R T M E N T ■ 3 0 AUGUST 1944
RESTRICTED, dissemination of restricted infer-motion contained in restricted documents and the essential characteristicsof restricted material may be given to any person known to be in theservice of the United States and to persons of undoubted loyalty anddiscretion who are cooperating in Government work, but will not becommunicated to the public or to the press except byauthorized militarypublic relations agencies (See also par. 23b, AR 380-5, 1 5 Mar 1944.)
United States Government Printing OfficeWashington: 1944
WAR DEPARTMENT,Washington 25, D.C., 30 August 1944.
EM 17-80, Armored Field Manual, Medical Units, Ar-mored, is published for the information and guidance of allconcerned.
[A.G. SCO.7 (28 Jul 44).]
order of the Secretary of WarG. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.Official:
J. A. ULIO,Major General,
The Adjutant General,
Distribution :
As prescribed in paragraph 9a, FM 21-6 except Gen& Sp Sv Schs (5) except Armd Sch (400), D 2,7(5), 17(10); Bn 17(20); I Bn 2(25), 5(15), 6(20),7(20), 8(60), 9(15); IC 6, 11, 17(5).
IBn2:T/0&E 2-25;I Bn 5: T/O & E 5-215;I Bn 6: T/O &E 6-165;IBn7:T/0&E 7-25;I Bn 8: T/O &E 8-75;IBn9:T/0&E 9-65;IC 6: T/O & E 6-160-1;IC 11: T/O &E 11-57;IC 17: T/O & E 17-20-1; 17-22; 17-60-1.For explanation of symbols see FM 21-6.
III
TABLE OF CONTENTSParagraph Page
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL.
Section I. Characteristics of Armored Med-ical Units 1 1
II. Medical Service of ArmoredGroup and Separate ArmoredBattalion 2-3 3
CHAPTER 2. MEDICAL SERVICE OF AR-MORED DIVISION.
Section I. General 4-8 4II. Division Surgeon 9-12 8
III. Medical Detachment 13-19 10
IV. Armored Medical Battalion ... 20-25 2 5
CHAPTER 3. ARMORED DIVISION MED-ICAL SERVICE IN COMBAT 26-30 38
CHAPTER 4. GENERAL AND SPECIALTRAINING.
Section I. General Training 31 41II. Evacuation of Casualties from
Tanks 32—39 41III. Use of Expedient Ambulance.. 40 63
1
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL
Section I. CHARACTERISTICS OF ARMOREDMEDICAL UNITS
1. GENERAL, a. This manual is designed as a supple-ment to FM 8-10. Herein are contained only those subjectsand procedures peculiar to armored medical units.
b. Armored medical organizations are specially equippedand trained for operations with armored units. (See fig. i.)
(i) The medical detachment of the tank battalion movesin vehicles in close support behind the tank companies, anddirects its principal efforts at emergency treatment, either invehicles or on the battlefield. All casualties are promptlyevacuated to battalion aid stations or to casualty collectingpoints established along the axis of evacuation.
(2) Battalion aid stations wherever established are closedwhen the attack starts and vehicles thereof are distributedto the individual companies to follow them during the at-tack. Aid station vehicles remain within sight distance ofthe attacking troops. For establishment of battalion aidstations, see paragraph 15.
(3) The principal effort of the medical battalion is di-rected toward the prompt evacuation of casualties from bat-talion aid stations or casualty collecting points to the clearingstations established by the medical companies. These clear-ing stations reflect the characteristic high mobility of armor;they are organized and equipped with extremely mobile
For military terms not defined in this manual see TM 20-205
2
FRONT LINES
Tank Bn
Armd Arty Bn
Armd Inf Bn
Medical Bn
Cosuolty Collecting Point
Bn Aid Stotion
Cleonng Stotion
Figure i. Medical installations of the armored division—schematic.
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surgical trucks, and are capable of treating casualties in ashort time after movement has ceased.
c. Armored medical units are closely supported by higherechelons of medical service to preserve their mobility, sinceaccumulated casualties soon render medical units immobile.
Section II. MEDICAL SERVICE OF ARMOREDGROUP AND SEPARATE ARMORED BATTALION
2. GENERAL. Separate tank battalions, armored infantrybattalions and armored field artillery battalions are identicalwith those which are included in the armored division.They are self-sufficient administratively and tactically. Eachincludes a medical detachment. Separate battalions may beorganized into armored groups for purposes of training andtactical control.
3. METHODS OF ATTACHMENT, a. Orders designat-ing attachment of a group or separate battalion may be eitheroral or written. They emanate from higher headquarters.
b. Upon notification of such attachment, it is the re-sponsibility of the surgeons concerned to establish personalcontact with the senior medical officer of the unit to whichattached.
c. Tentative plans are made for the medical support ofattached troops based upon the anticipated employment ofthose troops. It is essential that the surgeon of the attachedunitknow the location, strength, and composition of medicalunits which support and supply his own medical service.
d. Upon learning of the tactical employment of his unit,the surgeon informs the commanding officer of the support-ing medical unit of the axis of evacuation and probable loca-tions of aid stations and casualty collecting points to be usedin the anticipated tactical operation.
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CHAPTER 2
MEDICAL SERVICE OF ARMOREDDIVISION
Section I. GENERAL
4. ORGANIZATION, a. The medical service of the ar-mored division consists of all Medical Department personnelassigned to the armored division under existing Tables ofOrganization, functionally grouped as follows:
(1) Division surgeon’s office. See paragraph 9.(2) Medical detachments. These detachments provide
first echelon medical service for the division and furnish themedical service of the organization to which attached. (SeeFM 8--10.)
(3) Armored medical battalion. This divisional medicalorganization provides second echelon medical service for thedivision and serves the division as a whole.
b. For organization of the armored division medical serv-ice, see figure 2.
5. STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURE, a. Thearmored division operates tactically in two or more com-bat commands. Combat commands are formed for a par-ticular operation. Normally an armored medical companyis included in each of the two combat commands and a partor all of the Third Company in the reserve command.
b. Standing operating procedures are essential in the per-formance of routine administrative and tactical functions.The medical detachments conform to the standing operat-ing procedure of the organization to which attached. The
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medical battalion formulates its own standing operatingprocedure to conform to the basic policies established by thedivision. Included are routine procedures adopted for tac-tical marches, entrance into, occupation of, and egress frombivouac areas, and actions to be taken by separate units andkey individuals following the alerting of the organization.
c. Medical units, both attached and assigned, follow pro-cedures best suited for the medical support of their individualunit. During combat, because of rapidly changing tacticalsituations, it may be found impractical to follow a predeter-mined plan. The employment of the medical detachmentsand the medical battalion is kept flexible and within controlso that unforeseen tactical developments may be dealt withpromptly.
6. PRINCIPLES OF EMPLOYMENT (see FM 8-io). Be-cause of the mobility of armored units, the following prin-ciples are observed by supporting medical organizations:
a. All medical units and personnel maintain close contactwith the organizations or units they serve.
b. Liaison, reconnaissance, and the flow of information tohigher and lower echelons are continuous.
c. A reserve of personnel and supplies is maintained by allmedical unit commanders. Personnel held in reserve maybe used to augment other units or installations, providedthat such reserves may be quickly assembled and committedfor their primary function.
d. Close coordination is maintained between the first andsecond echelons of the division medical service.
e. The mobility of medical units must not be restrictedby excess supplies, equipment, or the unnecessary retentionof wounded in the division medical installations.
f. Casualties in all echelons are quickly evacuated by thesupporting medical units responsible therefor.
g. Measures for temporary care of casualties pending theirevacuation are provided and adequate facilities for emer-
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gency surgical life-saving procedures are available well for-ward.
h. Dispersal of medical# personnel by attachment in unduenumbers to small independently acting combat elements isavoided.
i. Medical officers in command must be acquainted withthe tactical situation and informed of the plans of their com-manding officers.
j. In order to have a correct tactical conception of thesituation, it is essential that the organization surgeon befamiliar with the organization and tactics of the unit towhich he is assigned.
7. NECESSITY FOR CLOSE SUPPORT OF ARMOREDDIVISION MEDICAL SERVICE. Close support of thearmored division medical service by higher medical echelonsis essential. There is no establishment of a single large divi-sion clearing station 10 or 15 miles behind the front lines.The medical company of the armored medical battalionperforms both collecting and clearing functions and may besituated relatively close to the scene of action. Because of itscollecting function, it maintains close contact with the med-ical detachments which it supports. To preserve the mobil-ity of the medical company, army or corps units evacuateeach clearing station of the medical battalion promptly andcontinuously. To accomplish this function, army or corpsmedical units establish personal liaison with each of theclearing stations to be evacuated. This liaison personnelcontrols ambulances which evacuate casualties from theclearing stations of the armored division medical service.
8. RELATIONSHIP OF DIVISION SURGEON, MED-ICAL BATTALION COMMANDER, AND COMBATCOMMAND SURGEONS.
a. The duties of the division surgeon are prescribed inparagraph 9 and FM 101-5. His relationship with the med-
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ical battalion commander and combat command surgeonsis that of a staff officer—the representative of the divisioncommander.
b. The medical battalion commander is responsible to thedivision commander for the training and technical operationof the armored medical battalion and for the division med-ical supply.
c. The combat command surgeon functions for the com-bat command as does the division surgeon for the division.
Section II. DIVISION SURGEON
9. DESIGNATION. The senior medical corps officer as-signed to a division normally is designated as the divisionsurgeon.
10. STAFF RELATIONSHIP. See FM 8-10 and 101-5.
II. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, a. The divi-sion surgeon is a special staff officer. His relationship withother staff officers is covered in FM 8-10 and with sub-ordinate units of the division, in FM 101-5. Unit com-manders are responsible for all phases of planning, training,and execution of activities of their commands; and directionsor instructions must be submitted through proper channelsof command, not directly from one special staff officer tothe corresponding special staff officer in a subordinate com-mand. The division commander prescribes policies andmay delegate within certain prescribed limits, the super-vision of certain activities.
b. In addition to the duties prescribed in FM 101-5, thedivision surgeon—
(1) Makes recommendations for the medical portion ofthe division standing operating procedure and, within lim-its prescribed by the commander, supervises its execution.
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(2) Recommends the method or methods of employmentof the medical battalion and prepares that part of the divi-sion field order and the administrative order concerningmedical matters.
(3) Within limits prescribed by the division commander,supervises the operation of medical units of the division.
12. DIVISION SURGEON’S OFFICE, a. General. Thisoffice is a part of and located with the rear echelon of divi-sion headquarters. It is composed of the commissioned andenlisted personnel provided the division surgeon for assist-ance in his staff functions. Such personnel is attached tothe headquarters company, armored division trains. Trans-portation is provided by the transportation platoon, head-quarters company, armored division trains. To carry outtheir respective functions properly, transportation is allottedto the division surgeon and to the division medical inspector.
b. Functions, (i) Administration of the medical serviceof the division within the limits prescribed by the divisioncommander.
(2) This office is the administrative agency of the divi-sion surgeon to be operated by one of his assistants when heis absent from the office.
(3) This office records the sick and wounded reports andforms which are forwarded by the subordinate medical ele-ments of the division. Records are received, necessary datarecorded, and reports consolidated and forwarded as re-quired to the next higher administrative headquarters.
c. Personnel. (1) Commissioned personnel. ( a ) Divi-sion surgeon. See FM 8-10 and 101-5.
(b) Division medical inspector. See FM 8-10 and AR40-270.
(c) Division dental surgeon. See FM 8-10.( d) Division neuropsychiatrist. The division neuropsy-
chiatrist, acting for the surgeon, advises the division surgeonon all neuropsychiatric matters. During the training period
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he is responsible for the detection, care of, and recommenda-tions for salvage or elimination from the command of actualand potential neuropsychiatric cases. He instructs all offi-cers of the division in the recognition, prevention, and treat-ment of neuropsychiatric casualties. In the combat zone, thedivision neuropsychiatrist sorts and clears neuropsychiatriccasualties so that the maximum number may be returnedto duty,
(e) Office executive. The duties of this officer are theadministration of statistical and sick and wounded pro-cedures of the Medical Department. He supervises thevarious administrative functions of the division surgeon’soffice.
(2) Enlisted personnel. See FM 8-10.
Section III. MEDICAL DETACHMENT
13. STATUS WITHIN PARENT UNIT. See FM 8-io.
14. ORGANIZATION, a. The organization of the med-ical detachments of the battalions of an armored divisionvaries with the type of armored unit. Medical detachmentsinclude a medical officer, several medical noncommissionedofficers, and a variable number of surgical and medical tech-nicians, drivers, and litter bearers. In many detachments,a proportion of the surgical technicians and litter bearersis designated as company aid men. The unit equipment isloaded in a trailer which is towed by a vehicle which maybe used for the transportation of personnel or casualties.During combat all vehicles are utilized whenever necessaryfor the transportation of casualties. Each detachment in-cludes one truck, % -ton, 4x4. It is equipped with an SCR-510 radio set. The channels of this set afford contacts in thebattalion command net and the medical group net, servingall medical units of the division. (See fig. 3.)
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Rodio Communication Among ArmoredDivision Medical Elements
Primary ChannelSecondary Channel
Figure 3. Radio communication among armored division medical units.
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b. The equipment of the medical detachments is limitedto the instruments, vehicles, drugs, food, blankets, splints,and litters necessary for the emergency care and treatmentof casualties. This equipment is considered as combat equip-ment and the vehicles carrying it travel with the organiza-tion combat train. Loading plans are flexible since the dis-position of vehicles and of the personnel and equipmenttransported therein depends ultimately upon the medicalplan selected. In view of this, loading plans often requirechanges.
15. FUNDAMENTALS OF COMBAT EMPLOYMENT,a. General. The fundamental requirements of aid stationsites and the general procedures of operation of the medicaldetachments of armored units are as outlined in FM 8-10.
(1) Emergency medical treatment and the placing ofcasualties at battalion aid stations or casualty collectingpoints, where evacuation by the second echelon of the medi-cal service of the division may be accomplished, are thecombat functions cf the medical detachment. (See fig. i.)
(2) The medical detachment should not be encumberedwith the helplers wounded at any time any longer than isnecessary to make them transportable for evacuation fartherto the rear.
(3) All medical detachments are equally as flexible intheir organization as the unit served. With deep penetra-tion into hostile territory or wide envelopment, collectionand evacuation of casualties are difficult. Under these condi-tions, battalion aid stations can seldom be established infixed locations.
(4) Casualties are given first aid by their fellow soldiersfrom individual first aid packets or from the vehicular firstaid kits carried in the combat vehicles. Such casualties maynot receive further medical attention until arrival at a rally-ing point or assembly area.
(5) The zone of action of the medical detachment cor-responds to the zone of action of the unit it serves. Prior
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to combat, the battalion surgeon remains forward with thebattalion commander where he can be informed of the plansof the commander, make his estimate of the situation, andproperly dispose his personnel.
(6) Attached medical troops usually follow the axis ofadvance, give emergency treatment where needed, and di-rect walking wounded to casualty collecting points on theaxis of evacuation or to aid stations in the rear. They returnslightly wounded personnel to their units, and establishcasualty collecting points, along axial lines, for the seriouslywounded, where they may be evacuated to clearing stationsby ambulances of the supporting medical companies. Acasualty collecting point in this sense is a designated pointalong the axis of evacuation where casualties are collected,pending further evacuation to battalion aid or clearing sta-tions. One or more soldiers of the medical detachment ormedical company left in charge of the casualty collectingpoint administer emergency medical treatment and care forthe wounded pending their further evacuation.
(7) The location of these casualty collecting points maybe made known to the headquarters of the medical com-pany by previous planning, by liaison agents, by returningambulances and, where practicable, by radio.
(8) Commanders designate the axis of evacuation infield orders. This information is disseminated so that alltroops are informed. Ambulatory casualties may be as-sisted to this axis for medical attention.
(9) In the tank battalions, the greatest number of casual-ties is found at the rallying point, since tanks continue withthe execution of their mission unless prevented by mechani-cal failure or inability of the crew to function. If casualtiesare numerous, the battalion surgeon may set up the battalionaid station at the rallying point. If the battalion is to beimmediately recommitted, he may establish a casualty col-lecting point, leaving behind limited personnel and s«im-
plies, pending evacuation of casualties by the supportingmedical units.
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(10) Medical personnel may be attached to battalionmaintenance sections to provide emergency treatment. Theseare assigned from the battalion medical detachment.
(n) In general, personnel of the medical detachmentsoperate from the detachment ambulance vehicles within adistance consistent with safety from enemy fire. Theirfunctions are prompt removal of litter casualties to battalionaid stations, casualty collecting points, or places of relativesafety, the directing and assisting of walking wounded tocasualty collecting points, battalion aid stations, or divisionclearing stations, the searching of the battlefield and areasinaccessible to vehicles for casualties, the administration ofemergency medical treatment to such casualties, and theassistance in maintaining contact with the combat unitbeing supported.
b. Employment of ambulance litter bearer team. Topreserve and protect medical personnel and vehicles, ambu-lance vehicles advance to the rear of the combat unit, at dis-tances governed by the terrain and enemy resistance. Coverand defilade are utilized. Exposure to hostile fire is mini-mized. Flat open terrain which offers no cover or defiladeis avoided. Ridge tops, forward slopes of hills, and sky linesare dangerous terrain for ambulance vehicles. Litter bearerstransported in the ambulance carry casualties from exposedareas to the ambulance, which has advanced as far as cover,concealment and hostile activity permit.
c. Employment of battalion aid station (see FM 8-io).(i) The battalion aid station normally is established atrallying points. First echelon medical service is neededimmediately at rallying points to care for casualties broughtin on combat vehicles. Stations, to the extent necessary tocare for the casualties which occur, are established. Loca-tion in the vicinity of probable enemy targets is avoided.Ambulance vehicles of the detachment transport casualtiesto casualty collecting points along the axis of evacuation or,when feasible, transport them to the battalion aid station
site. Provisions are made to advance the battalion aid sta-tion as far forward as is practicable.
(2) The above procedure is a method for employment ofthe armored medical detachment in the attack. Othermethods for the collection of casualties may be used. Thetype of armored unit, its anticipated plan of action, terrainfeatures, and the presence or absence of close second echelonmedical support dictate the procedure to be followed. Oftenthe battalion surgeon and the medical company commanderplan together the tentative collecting point sites, and themedical company establishes the collecting points. Themedical detachment is not required to leave medical sup-plies and an attendant at each casualty collecting point es-tablished, Property exchange is facilitated, eliminating thenecessity of the medical company carrying forward theequipment and personnel left behind at casualty collectingpoints by the medical detachments.
16. LIAISON AND COMMUNICATION, a. Liaison.(1) The establishment and maintenance of adequate andtimely liaison is a command responsibility shared by allcommissioned officers who command medical units or su-pervise their tactical employment. Both commissioned andenlisted personnel may be used for this purpose. Assign-ments are in accordance with the degree of responsibilitywhich the liaison agent must assume. Plans for the employ-ment of liaison personnel are incorporated in the SOP ofall medical units.
(2) The unit commander maintains liaison with—-(a) Next higher headquarters.(b) All subordinate units.(3) The division surgeon maintains liaison with—-(a) Forward and rear echelons of division headquarters.(b ) The medical battalion.(4) The medical battalion commander maintains liaison
with—
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(а) The command post of the division trains,(,b) Headquarters of each combat command.(5) The medical company commander maintains liaison
with the aid stations of the medical detachments.(б) The combat command surgeon maintains liaison
with—-(a) The forward echelon of division headquarters.(b) The division surgeon.(c) The command post of the medical battalion.(7) Technique. ( a ) To avoid duplication of liaison per-
sonnel at the various command posts of division medicalinstallations, one liaison agent functions for all medical unitsconcerned. The liaison agent dispatched by the divisionsurgeon to the forward echelon of division headquartersmay function in addition as liaison agent of the separatecombat command surgeons and the medical battalion com-mander. The procedure is planned in advance and prac-ticed during training.
(b ) The medical companies may dispatch liaison agentsto each of the medical detachments being evacuated, par-ticularly where there is radio silence. Such liaison may beaccomplished by means of noncommissioned officers of thecollecting platoon, ambulance drivers, and litter bearers.
(c) Liaison is maintained between the clearing stationsand the medical unit evacuating these installations. Suchliaison normally comes from the supporting medical unit.It is active and continuous to prevent immobilization of theclearing stations by accumulated casualties.
b. Communication. (1) Two radio nets are designatedfor use by the medical service of the armored division. (Seefig. 3 and FM 17-70.)
(a) Group medical net (FM). The group medical netis an FM net which controls all the collecting and clearingplatoons of the battalion. Its channel is the primary channelfor all FM radios of the medical battalion, and the second-ary channel for all medical detachments of combat organi-
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zations. Thus, aid stations can communicate directly withsecond echelon units at will or in prearranged schedule.
(b ) Medical battalion command net (CW). The ar-mored medical battalion employs a designated armoredmedical battalion command net, a CW net of moderaterange, which permits intercommunication of the medicalcompanies and the medical battalion headquarters. Thecommand post of the armored medical battalion is also in-cluded by means of CW radio in the trains command netand the division administrative net (rear). For details seefigure 3.
(2) Thorough training is given all medical personnel inradio procedure and security. Rigid radio discipline is exer-cised over medical personnel so that information on numberof casualties, identification of units and other data may notbe intercepted by the enemy.
17. CHARACTERISTICS AND EMPLOYMENT OFINDIVIDUAL MEDICAL DETACHMENTS, a. Cav-alry reconnaissance squadron, mechanized (see FM 2-30).(1) The medical detachment of the reconnaissance squad-ron is confronted with a difficult problem of medical serv-ice. The squadron often operates over a wide front, com-paratively isolated from the division proper. Small recon-naissance units operate far in advance of the main body fur-nishing reconnaissance ahead of and to the flanks of thedivision. Communication lines other than radio are usuallynonexistent and casualties are either treated in place andallowed to continue with the combat vehicles or evacuatedto a casualty collecting point accessible to supporting medi-cal troops to the rear.
(2) The location of such casualty collecting points isradioed to the medical detachment at the first opportunemoment. Company aid men (surgical technicians) may beattached to the reconnaissance troops of this squadron whenit is widely dispersed. Only the major elements of the
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-Primary Channel
- SecondaryChannel
FM (Voice Only)Radio Communication forOrganizational MedicalDetachments
Div Adm(R)Ne1 Fns Comd Net
Figure 4. Organizational radio communication, medical.
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squadron can be closely supported by the medical detach-ment. All other personnel seeks incidental medical serviceor delayed medical service.
b. Tank battalion, (i) The medical detachment of thetank battalion marches with the maintenance section qfeach march unit. A battalion aid station may he establishedat the assembly area or located at the attack position, for theambulance vehicles normally follow the last wave of theassault echelon. A search is made of the entire zone ofaction of the battalion for stalled vehicles and individualcasualties who have abandoned their vehicles. This functionmay be accomplished in several ways, dependent upon thewidth of the battalion front, the terrain, and the anticipatedenemy resistance.
(2) One method entails the assignment of one or moreambulance vehicles to support each tank company. Thesevehicles follow their assigned companies at a reasonabledistance. This distance depends upon the type of terrain,the degree and nature of enemy resistance, and the degreeof dispersal of the tank battalion. Where the battalion frontis narrow and the attack is particularly deep, the medicalvehicles advance to the rear of the last wave of combat vehi-cles.
(3) A second method entails dividing the battalion zoneof action into two sectors, to the right and left of the axisof evacuation, respectively. Ambulance vehicles advancein each sector, evacuating all casualties within the sector tocasualty collecting points on the axis of evacuation, or directto the battalion aid station, when time permits.
c. Armored infantry battalion. For further details, seeFM 17-42.
(1) When the armored infantry battalion operates inde-pendent of tanks, the procedure for the collection of casual-ties is identical with that of the infantry battalion of therifle regiment. Where a tank battalion and an armored in-fantry battalion operate jointly, the service of the medicaldetachments may be combined.
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(2) To prevent duplication o£ medical services, and topromote greater efficiency in the collection and evacuationof casualties with a resulting economy of medical personnel,the battalion surgeons of the units concerned plan in ad-vance the combined medical service of the anticipated opera-tion. The medical detachment of the armored infantrybattalion on the march follows in the rear of the marchunits.
d. Armored field artillery battalion, (i) The medicaldetachment of the armored field artillery battalion normallyfunctions as a consolidated unit under the close control ofthe battalion surgeon.
(2) A company aid man (surgical technician) is nor-mally assigned to each of the firing batteries.
(3) The battalion aid station may be located in the vicin-ity of the fire direction center but at such distance from itas not to be included within any practical enemy target area.
(4) The ambulance vehicles remain near the aid station,being dispatched to the firing batteries upon call. Call formedical assistance may be sent by CW radio to the battalionheadquarters, where the message is relayed by FM radio tothe battalion surgeon.
(5) As an alternative method, generally reserved for emer-gency only, the firing batteries may contact the fire directioncenter by FM radio, requesting a message be relayed to thebattalion surgeon.
(6) The medical detachment marches near the mainte-nance section of each march unit.
e. Armored engineer battalion. (1) For complete de-tails, see FM 17-45. Company aid men are attached fromthe medical detachment to the engineer companies. Theremainder of the detachment remains with the headquarterscompany.
(2) During combat, companies of the engineer battalionmay be widely dispersed within the division area by com-bat command assignment. To render medical support to
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each of the engineer companies when they are utilized onseparate missions is impossible. The combat command sur-geon arranges for necessary medical support for such anattached company, through the-surgeon of a tank, infantry,or artillery battalion, or other organization.
(3) Where the bulk of the battalion is employed on thesame mission, the battalion surgeon divides the detachmentto provide medical support to both the troops committedand to those held in reserve with the headquarters andheadquarters company.
(4) The battalion surgeon or the assistant battalion sur-geon remains within radio range of the battalion headquar-ters so as to be able to intercept calls for medical assistancewhich battalion headquarters may relay from the engineercompanies.
£. Headquarters, armored division. (1) This medicaldetachment marches with and renders first echelon medicalservice to the forward echelon cf division headquarters andheadquarters company of the armored division.
(2) The rear echelon of division headquarters, being at-tached to the headquarters company armored division trains,obtains medical service from the medical detachment of theordnance maintenance battalion.
g. Ordnance maintenance battalion. (1) The medicaldetachment of the ordnance maintenance battalion rendersmedical service to all subordinate elements of the armoreddivision trains except the armored medical battalion.
(2) During combat, dispersal of subordinate elements ofthe trains command may preclude complete medical service.Where this occurs, units or individuals separated from themedical detachment seek local incidental medical service.
h. Headquarters, combat command, (i) The medicaldetachment of headquarters and headquarters marches withthe maintenance section.
(2) The medical corps officer is the combat commandsurgeon.
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Figure5.
Battalionaidstation.
(3) When practicable, the medical detachment of the di-vision headquarters company furnishes medical service topersonnel of combat command headquarters. When thisis not practicable, the combat command commander throughhis surgeon designates a medical detachment adjacent to theunit to furnish incidental medical service. If no troops areavailable in the combat command, the division commanderthrough the division surgeon designates a medical detach-ment for this purpose.
18. SUPPLY, a. In other than combat situations, (i)The battalion surgeon is responsible for the supply of themedical detachment. He submits to the organization supplyofficer the requirements of all articles of equipment author-ized. The organization supply officer requisitions the prop-erty and, upon receipt, issues it to the surgeon.
(2) For further details, see AR 35-6520, FM 8-5, 8-io,and 17-350.
b. In combat. Prior to combat, supply needs are antici-pated and timely requisitions are made. The urgency ofsupply in combat demands both simplicity and flexibilityin methods. The medical detachments procure medical supplies by any of the following methods:
(1) By an informal request sent to the medical unit indirect support, usually a medical company. Such suppliesare delivered by ambulances which are shutding forward.
(2) By an informal request sent to the nearest medicalsupply point. Delivery may be made by ambulance, bytransportation of the division medical supply section, bytransportation of the medical detachment, or by any com-bination of these means.
(3) When there is property accountability, nonexpend-able property procured in emergencies from agencies otherthan the organization supply officer is reported to him assoon as practicable so that he may account for it in the pre-scribed manner.
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(4) The system of exchange of medical property evacu-ated with patients is often difficult to enforce in armoredmedical units. In a rapidly moving situation, the medicaldetachments, by leaving casualties at casualty collectingpoints along the axis of advance, may not have actual con-tact with the supporting medical company for long periods.The medical detachments are soon depleted of necessarymedical property unless steps are taken for their replenish-ment.
(5) In such instances, the medical detachments may carryexcess splints, litters, and blanket sets which have beendrawn from the medical company in support.
(6) The radio equipped liaison vehicle of the collectingplatoon may function as a property exchange vehicle bycontacting the medical detachments in the forward areason call and executing the necessary property replenishment.
(7) Such a system is followed by both the first and secondechelon medical units. This procedure entails thorough co-operation and adequate preplanning by the battalion sur-geons, combat command surgeon, and the medical companycommanders.19. STATUS AND FUNCTIONS OF BATTALIONSURGEON (see FM 8-10 and 101-5). a. During trainingand prior to combat, the battalion surgeon—
(1) Supervises instruction to all personnel of the bat-talion in first aid, personal hygiene, sanitation, malaria con-trol, and personal adjustment.
(2) Inspects all personnel for general physical health reg-ularly and directs such care as indicated.
(3) Keeps aware of the state of health of adjacent civilianand military establishments to prevent contact with com-municable diseases, and recommends necessary action to thecommander.
(4) Initiates and executes surprise but thorough physicalinspections of the command as required, such as care of thefeet, teeth, and food, and venereal control.
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b. The battalion surgeon must keep himself informed ofthe tactical situation and study the terrain over which thebattalion will operate. After having made an estimate ofthe situation, the battalion surgeon informs his subordinates,the combat command surgeon, and the commanding officerof the supporting medical company of the initial tacticalplan of the battalion, including the medical service plan.Future developments affecting the medical service of thebattalion are transmitted to these officers.
Section IV. ARMORED MEDICAL BATTALION
20. ORGANIZATION. The armored medical battalionis a flexible, highly mobile unit capable of accompanyingcombat elements of the armored division. It is composed ofa headquarters and headquarters company and three iden-tical medical companies. (See fig. 2.)
21. FUNDAMENTALS OF EMPLOYMENT, a. Themedical battalion provides second echelon medical serviceby the collection, treatment, clearing, and evacuation of thesick and wounded of the division. It is self-contained ad-ministratively and technically, having its own maintenance,administrative, and supply organization.
b. Flexibility of the medical battalion is always main-tained. The battalion is organized to be responsive to anydemand made upon it for reinforcement or support. It canfunction as a unit, or its several major components may bebroken down into lesser elements to support tactical group-ings. In combat, usually one medical company supportseach combat command. The headquarters and headquar-ters company of the medical battalion, plus the reservemedical company or companies, normally marches with thedivision trains in the position designated by the trains com-mander. The reserve command is supported by elementsfrom the reserve medical company.
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c. On a tactical march, casualties are usually carried inthe organization ambulances to the bivouac area, from whichthey are evacuated to rear medical installations by ambu-lances of the medical companies. Casualties are evacuatedfrom division units by ambulances of the medical battalionsupporting the march column. After such treatment asnecessary, they are evacuated on call by army or corps to thenearest army or corps medical installation.
d. Ambulances organic in the unit are retained since anattack may be made from march column. The medicalcompany or element supporting a combat command followsit and normally is attached during the march. Casualtiesmay be transferred to organizational ambulances duringrest halts. For the support of security elements, detach-ments of medical troops are taken normally from the re-serve medical company.
22. BATTALION HEADQUARTERS, a. Headquar-ters section. This section is concerned with the commandand operations of the battalion and includes the necessarypersonnel and equipment for command, communication,reconnaissance, and liaison. The message center of the bat-talion is established by this section. Communication maybe maintained through the use of radio, telephone, or vehicu-lar messengers. Ambulances moving on designated routesto forward or rear areas may be used.
(i) Battalion commander. ( a) During the trainingperiod, the commander of the medical battalion is responsi-ble to the division trains commander for tactical training ofthe medical battalion. In combat, he is responsible to thetrains commander for the discharge of tactical procedureswhich permit the trains commander to fulfill his commandresponsibilities. This includes primarily driver training andtactical instructions as pertain to security, liaison, communi-cation and such other instructions as may affect the move-ment and security of the division trains.
27
(,b ) The battalion commander is responsible to the divi-sion commander for the technical operation of the secondechelon medical service of the division.
(c) The medical battalion commander keeps the divisionsurgeon informed of the status of medical support andmedical supply, and makes early recommendations for useof supporting medical echelons.
( d) He maintainsliaison always with the forward echelonof division headquarters and the combat command head-quarters. The medical battalion commander usually estab-lishes the battalion command post in the division trainsarea and maintains contact with necessary command eche-lons by liaison officers, radio, and messenger. This does notrestrict the command post to any certain area. The com-mand post is located where it can best perform its controlfunctions and maintain necessary contact, liaison, and com-munication. The headquarters section has radio communi-cation with the division administrative net (rear), the trainscommand net, and subordinate companies of the medicalbattalion.
(2) Executive officer. The executive officer acts for thebattalion commander in his absence. This officer is respon-sible for coordinating the various training or combat activi-ties of the battalion headquarters, carrying out the detailedplanning and operations with other staff officers, supervi-sion of proper execution of directives given to subordinateunits of the battalion, controlling and directing the flow ofinformation to other interested headquarters and to all ele-ments of the medical battalion.
(3) Adjutant (S-i). The adjutant is responsible for thesupervision of administrative matters, the custody and main-tenance of records, requisitioning of personnel replacementsfor the battalion, and the usual details incident to the super-vision of the battalion headquarters office.
(4) Plans and training officer (S-3). The battalion plansand training officer prepares detailed plans for the battalion
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Figure 6. Radio communication, armored medical battalion
based upon announced directives or decisions. This officerprepares maps, overlays, and written orders for the com-mand, and maintains the operations map and preplans tomeet possible future tactical situations. During training,this officer prepares master training schedules for the bat-talion, coordinates company and battalion training, and,under direction of the battalion commander, supervisestraining throughout the battalion.
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(5) Supply officer (S-4). The headquarters and head-quarters company commander is normally designated as bat-talion S-4 and division medical supply officer, and carriesout these functions for the battalion commander. This offi-cer is responsible for the procurement, storage, and issue ofall types of supplies for the medical battalion, and for medi-cal supplies for the entire division. Anticipation of allsupply requirements is essential for an efficient supplyservice.
b. Administrative and personnel section. This sectionis responsible for the service records, pay rolls, officers’ rec-ords, morning reports, the receipt and distribution of mail,and other records and reports pertaining to the battalionpersonnel. In combat, this section remains in the divisiontrains area with the battalion command post. When thecommand post is removed from the trains area, this sectionremains with the headquarters company of the medicalbattalion.
23. HEADQUARTERS COMPANY. For details of or-ganization, see T/O 8-76. The primary functions of thiscompany are motor maintenance for the battalion, the pro-curement, storage, and distribution of all classes of supplyfor the battalion, and medical supply of the armored divi-sion.
a. Company headquarters. This headquarters consistsof a command section, and an administrative, mess, andsupply section. This company operates as a self-sufficientunit. The headquarters is included in the medical battalioncommand net (CW) and the group medical net (FM).(See fig. 3.)
b. Battalion maintenance platoon. The primary func-tion of this platoon is second echelon motor maintenancefor the medical battalion. Third echelon repair work isdone by the ordnance maintenance battalion.
c. General and medical supply section. This section is
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responsible for the procurement, storage, break-down, andissue of all supplies for the medical battalion, and of allmedical supplies for the division.
(i) Battalion supply. This section procures and distrib-utes battalion supplies to include fuel, lubricants, rations,and water. The method for distribution of these items ofsupply varies with the situation and with the division supplypolicy designated (see FM 17-30). Centralized distributionto the medical companies may be made or advanced distrib-uting points may be established at the clearing station. Ra-tions for the battalion may be drawn from a railhead ortruck head at designated times (railhead distribution). Thissection then performs a break-down and delivery of ra-tions, water, fuel, and lubricants to the companies. As analternative, the medical companies may pick up these itemsof supply at distribution points designated by the battalioncommander. The battalion supply officer anticipates theadditional ration requirements of the medical companiesto feed casualties being cared for in the clearing stations.
(2) Division medical supply. This section procures, stores,and issues all medical supplies for the division. For pro-cedures, see FM 17-50.
24. MEDICAL COMPANY. For details of organization,see T/O 8-77. The armored medical battalion includesthree medical companies organized and equipped to be self-contained. The primary function of the medical companyis to assure prompt and continuous evacuation of forwardmedical units, and to render medical care to casualties evac-uated. Each medical company consists of a headquarters, acollecting platoon, and a clearing platoon.
a. Company headquarters. This headquarters consistsof a command section; a maintenance section; and an ad-ministrative, mess, and supply section.
(1) The command section includes the company com-mander and key communication personnel. The company
31
headquarters is included in the medical battalion command(CW) and in the group medical net (FM).
(2) The maintenance section includes mechanics and alight maintenance vehicle. The administrative, mess, andsupply section is responsible for the preparation of pertinentrecords of sick and wounded, property exchange, medicalsupply, and the preparation of food for both company per-sonnel and patients. When the clearing platoon is operat-ing, the mess section is responsible for the preparation ofhot drinks for the wounded.
b. Collecting platoon. (1) This platoon consists of aplatoon headquarters and two identical collecting sections.The platoon headquarters is equipped with a radio-liaisonvehicle included in the group medical net (FM). It iscapable of contacting all division medical units within range,
(2) This vehicle formally operates forward from theclearing platoon, contacting the aid stations and controllingand directing the ambulances of the medical company tobattalion aid stations and casualty collecting points in theforward areas.
(3) Ambulances of the collecting sections operate for-ward from the clearing station to evacuate battalion aid sta-tions and casualty collecting points established by the medi-cal detachments.
(4) Constant patrol and reconnaissance of ambulanceroutes are the functions of the section leaders of the collectingsections to assure liaison with the medical detachments andto maintain control of the separate ambulances.
(5) Litter bearers may be employed in conjunction withvehicles for the evacuation of battalion aid stations and cas-ualty collecting points. They may take charge of thewounded at such installations pending evacuation to free aidstation personnel for movement forward. Such litter bear-ers become liaison agents and transmit information throughambulance drivers regarding the location of casualty col-lecting points and battalion aid stations and the number of
32
casualties remaining to be evacuated. Litter bearers mayalso be used to evacuate medical detachments when ambu-lances cannot reach the battalion aid stations or casualtycollecting points, either because of enemy fire or impassableterrain. In this event, litter bearers carry or guide casual-ties to a point accessible to the medical company ambulances.
c. Clearing platoon, (i) Organization. The clearingplatoon consists of a platoon headquarters and a clearingsection. The platoon headquarters is transported in a vehi-cle equipped with a radio set included in the group medicalnet (FM). Included in the transportation of the clearingsection are two surgical units, each of which is a speciallyconstructed operating room inclosed in a sheet metal panelbody and mounted on a 2 l/2 -ton, 6x6, truck chassis. (Seefigs. 7 and 8 and TM 9-2800 and 9-801.)
Figure 7. Surgical truck.
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rignre 8. Interior of surgical truck-
(2) Each surgical unit contains an operating table withoperating lights, cabinets for supplies, instruments and ster-ile dressings, hot water heater with boiler, a supply of coldwater, a sterilizing unit and facilities for ventilation andheating. Electric power is furnished by a gasoline-operatedgenerator. Each surgical unit includes a specially con-structed blackout tent to provide additional space for thetreatment of casualties. One surgical unit has in additionthe necessary items of equipment to treat gas casualties. Inthe event of an enemy gas attack, this unit operates for theemergency treatment of systemic symptoms incident to toxic
34
gases and the emergency treatment of chemical burns. Itis equipped to perform essential decontamination of per-sonnel and equipment.
(3) Functions and operation. ( a ) This platoon is thenucleus of second echelon medical service in combat. Theclearing station does not attempt surgical procedures betterperformed by specialized units of supporting medical ele-ments. Its primary purpose is to perform emergency sur-gery, including amputation, to combat shock, to administerblood and plasma transfusions, tetanus toxoid, apply splints,and check dressings.
( b ) Mobile medical supplies are maintained normally atthis station by the division medical supply officer. Suchmedical supplies are intended for all medical troops in theforward area and may be delivered to them by any meansavailable. The medical company commander is responsiblethat these medical supplies are moved forward with theclearing station.
Figure 9. Surgical truck, with blackout tent.
35
(r) Personnel of the clearing platoon headquarters recordsand maintains accurate data on casualties. Patients aresorted upon arrival. The slightly wounded are given neces-sary emergency medical treatment and returned to theirunits. Serious cases are prepared for further evacuation tothe rear. When the station moves forward to maintain closesupport, one surgical unit may “leap-frog” the establishedstation, provided the remaining unit is not needed for treat-ment of gas casualties (see (2) above). When the advancesection is functioning in the new site, the rearmost unitupon being evacuated by the supporting higher echelonmoves forward and the station is again complete.
(4) Necessity for sorting casualties (see FM 8-to).Prompt and accurate sorting of casualties upon their arrivalat the clearing station is important. Efficiency in this func-tion prevents confusion and assures that casualties are seg-
Figure to. Blackout tent.
36
regated according to the severity and nature of their dis-eases or injuries.
(5) Location and time of establishment (see FM 8-10).The siting of clearing stations is a command decision dic-tated by the tactical situation. Clearing stations are locatedin close support of organizational medical detachments toassure prompt evacuation and treatment of casualties. Manyfactors are involved in the selection of its site. These includeterrain, mission of the unit supported, road net, proximityto anticipated targets of enemy artillery or aircraft and thetype of action anticipated, that is, attack, defense, or delay-ing action. Usually the clearing station is situated on themain axis of advance, consideration being given to the linesof drift of the wounded. Tactically, the best site is onewhich offers both cover and concealment. Emphasis isplaced upon camouflage. The concealment of vehicles isimportant at all times. Such concealment is complete, aspartial hiding invites further investigation by the enemy.Natural concealment is utilized before resorting to camou-flage.
(6) The clearing station is not normally established untilthe course of the operation has been determined by theenemy reaction. The medical battalion commander, com-bat command surgeon, and supporting medical elements arealways notified of any displacement or movement of theclearing station. Reconnaissance for future sites is essentialprior to movement of the clearing station.
25. EVACUATION OF CLEARING STATION BY SUP-PORTING MEDICAL ECHELON. An essential for theproper functioning of the clearing station is the ability tomove on short notice. This capability is dependent uponwhether the accumulated casualties are being promptly andcontinuously cleared from the clearing station by corps orarmy medical units. Constant liaison by the supportingmedical unit is necessary to insure prompt evacuation ofthe clearing station. Liaison is established and maintained
37
by the supporting medical unit charged with the evacuationof the medical company. Information concerning locationof clearing stations, number of casualties to be evacuated,and anticipated moves is furnished the supporting units atall times through liaison personnel attached to the clearingstation. As many as three separate clearing stations must besimultaneously evacuated.
CHAPTER 3
ARMORED DIVISION MEDICALSERVICE IN COMBAT
26. GENERAL. This section covers the tactical employ-ment of medical elements of the armored division and sug-gests a pattern of operating procedure rather than arbitrarymethods of standardized employment. Since a medicalcompany is included in the normal combat commandgrouping, the medical support of the combat command isfairly well standardized. The same applies equally to themedical detachments of the subordinate elements of thecombat command. The tactical employment of these com-mands follows certain basic principles but their applicationcannot be standardized.
27. OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS, a. In the assembly po-sition, medical detachments are readied and plans are madefor the medical support of the coming operation. Axes ofevacuation in the zone of action of the major attack ele-ment are normally announced in the division order. Sickand wounded are evacuated by the medical company at-tached to the combat command.
b. Supporting first echelon medical elements advance inthe rear of advancing combat elements, evacuating casualtiesof immobilized vehicles, and assembling casualties at cas-ualty collecting points or battalion aid stations at successivesites along the axis of evacuation. The medical battalion,by means of liaison previously established with first echelonmedical units, evacuates casualties from casualty collectingpoints and battalion aid stations established along the axis
39
of evacuation to the clearing stations established by themedical companies.
28. MEDICAL SERVICE IN DEFENSE, a. Medical de-tachments establish centrally located battalion aid stationswhich may be augmented by personnel and ambulancesfrom the medical company.
b. The clearing platoon is partially established in a centrallocation. The medical battalion, being particularly vulner-able to air and ground attack, is secured by adjacent combatelements.
c. Clearing stations, when established, may obtain someprotection by use of the Geneva Cross in marking the instal-lation. Experience in any particular theater of operationsdictates the advisability of such marking.
d. The distribution of forces in depth, as well as the pos-sibility of enemy penetrations of the position, requires thatmedical installations be located generally farther to the rearthan in the attack. If certain sectors are to be defendedrigidly, the medical service of those sectors is planned accord-ingly.
e. Mobility of all medical units, particularly of those at-tached to elements used in the counterattack, is preserved.Medical service of outposts and other security detachmentsis obtained from the attached medical personnel of the unitdefending this sector. In a large outpost, however, themedical service may be operated from a central control. Inany case, the medical service may be reinforced by personneland vehicles of the medical service which, upon terminationof such duty, revert to control of the division medical service.
29. MEDICAL SERVICE IN RETROGRADE MOVE-MENTS. Medical service of retrograde movements is par-ticularly difficult for the medical detachment. The com-mander provides the surgeon with adequate means for thetransportation of transportable casualties. The abandon-
40
ment of casualties and their subsequent capture by theenemy is a command decision. Appropriate recommenda-tions are made by the surgeon concerned. In a retrogrademovement, all vehicles which can be utilized and spared forthe transportation of the sick and wounded are placed at thedisposal of the unit surgeon. For a detailed discussion, seeFM 8-10.
30. MEDICAL SERVICE IN SPECIAL OPERATIONS.In cases where armored units are employed, either inde-pendently or in conjunction with other troops, on specialmissions, the medical service is coordinated with the type oftroops being employed and the mission to be accomplished.For further details of medical service in special operations,see FM 8-10.
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CHAPTER 4
GENERAL AND SPECIAL TRAINING
Section I. GENERAL TRAINING
31. GENERAL, a. Training is covered in FM 21-5. Basicand technical training are as prescribed by pertinent direc-tives of higher headquarters.
b. Tactical training emphasizes field service of medicalunits. Tactical exercises are planned and written to illus-trate and practice correct principles of employment. Theydevelop correct technique and effective service in medicaltroops. When other arms and services participate in atactical exercise, they acquire confidence in medical troops.
c. Command post exercises which involve the employ-ment of medical troops call for realistic procedures by allarms and services. Battalion aid stations and clearing sta-tions are established and manned as if actual casualties werebeing handled. Normal battlefield procedures of steriliza-tion, immunization, and treatment of wounds are carriedout on simulated casualties. Communication and liaisonreceive the attention of all ranks. Realistic hazards andinsecurity of all types of communication are introduced.See figure 11 for typical field exercise.
Section II. EVACUATION OF CASUALTIESFROM TANKS
32. GENERAL. The majority of tank crew casualtiesabandons its combat vehicles without assistance, many timeswith wounds of a serious nature. A small percentage of
699th ARMORED INFAMTRY BATTALIONo/o Postmaster, Louisville, IJy.
1 May 1944
!• PURPOSE The purpose of this exercise is to illustrate theprinciples and technique of employment of the medicaldetachment of the armored infantry battalion.
2. REFERENCES a. Maps required; Hays School Range Map, 1;20,000.
I). Copy of this problem.
3. SITUATION a. Enemy estimated in strength to be one Infantry companywith an antitank platoon attached have moved into posi-tions north of EAYS SCHOOL.
b* This combat command attacks at 0730. This battalionleads the attack. The scheme of maneuver is to holdthe enemy in position with Company A and the assaultgun platoon while Company B outflanks the enemy’s leftflank. The mortar platoon will smoke the draw and thehill to the west. Company C remains in reserve.
c. The axis of maintenance and evacuation is Road 251.
4. REQUIREMENT •• Reconnaissance and map study by the surgeon and recom-
*"
mendation for the site of the aid station.
b. Occupation of the aid station.
c. Treatment and processing of simulated casualties as**
found in the area.
Figure 11. A typical field exercise.
casualties must be extricated from the combat vehicle. Allarmored troops, particularly tank crews, are trained untilproficient in the technique of the extrication of casualtiesfrom tanks.
3 3. BALANCE OF FACTORS INVOLVED (see fig. 12).a. The decision for the method and route to be used forthe evacuation of casualties from an individual tank dur-ing combat is made after evaluating the primary factors
influencing the procedure. These factors are of two cate-gories: those which necessitate immediate abandonment ofthe tank, and those which require preliminary first aid towounded personnel before extrication from the tank.
EVACUATION OF CASUALTIES FROM TANKS
Figure 12. Balance of factors.
b. If the tank is afire or in a position where it is a vulner-able target for additional hostile fire, immediate abandon-ment of the tank by the crew is the rule. First-aid measuresfor the wounded are suspended until individual security isattained. Medical Department personnel usually are notimmediately available and the tank crew evacuates itself.No first-aid measures can be applied in the tank nor canextricating appliances be used.
c. If the tank is able to continue on its mission, woundedcrew members await arrival at a rallying point or a positionof defilade before they are evacuated. Precautions i-n evacua-tion of wounded are important here. First-aid measuressuch as the control of hemorrhage, splinting of fractures,
44
0 Front.Figure / j. Pistol belt hitch.
45
@ Side.Figure ij. Pistol belt hitch—Continued.
46
© Rear.Figure 13. Pistol belt hitch—Continued.
47
@ Extra belt.Figure i j. Pistol belt hitch—Continued.
48
and the relief of pain by morphine or other drugs may beinitiated prior to the removal of wounded personnel fromthe tank. The actual extrication of casualties may be accom-plished with greater concern for the welfare of the individ-ual.
d. If a tan\ remains a vulnerable enemy target or if firebreads out in the tan\, abandon the tan\ immediately, re-
moving injured crew members by the best means available.The vehicular first-aid kit is removed for subsequent care ofcasualties. If the tank is secure from further hostile fire andif there is no danger of fire, use all precautions in evacuatingwounded from the tan\s to prevent further injury to them.
34. EVACUATION EQUIPMENT. a. Only standardarticles of individual equipment are used to assist in theevacuation of casualties from tanks. These devices may beapplied to the injured crew member to enable upward andlateral traction with a minimum of manhandling and com-pression of vital areas. The use of specially developeddevices which cannot be improvised from the soldier’s indi-vidual equipment is impractical.
b. It is more practical to extricate the casualty by means ofhis clothing or by traction upon the arms where no injuriesto the arms exist. A harness is used where the nature andlocation of the wound so require. The harness illustrated,using four pistol belts, is the simplest and most efficient. Afifth pistol belt may be inserted beneath the two shoulderloops to assist in raising or lowering the casualty. (Seefi g- I 3-)3 5. MANUAL TRANSPORT OF WOUNDED (see FM8-35). The movement of casualties without litters or otherequipment is often necessary, particularly when tank crewsevacuate wounded from their own tank, since no litter isavailable to the evacuation team. All tank crews are traineduntil proficient in the manual transport of the wounded,using one or more bearers.
49
36. METHODS OF CASUALTY REMOVAL, a. Dur-ing combat, the fastest method of evacuating wounded froma tank is used. Modification of a single method is dictatedby the position of the tank, the presence or absence of hostilefire, and the variation in location and accessibility of theopenings in the tank.
b. During combat the No. 1 man of the evacuation teamdecides whether extrication devices will be applied.
c. The drill outlined in the following paragraphs is in-tended for instructional use only. During combat, casualtiesare removed from tanks by the most expeditious methodand are immediately placed in an area protected from hostilefire. When it is necessary to leave wounded in a tank dur-ing evacuation of other crew members, all hatches are closed.
37. ORGANIZATION FOR DRILL, a. An evacuationteam consists of four men, designated Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4. No. 1is designated as team commander.
b. Fall in (fig. 14). The team forms facing the tank.No. 1 taking position 4 paces in front of the left track. No. 2
figure 14. full in.
50
Figure 15. Light tank, M 5 series. Evacuation of right turret compartment.
51
Figure /j. Light tank, series. Evacuation of right turret compartment—Continued.
52
takes position at normal interval to the left of No. i. Nos.3 and 4 take position as rear files of Nos. 1 and 2, respec-tively.
38. EVACUATION FROM LIGHT TANK, M5 SERIES.a. The command is: evacuate right turret compartment,prepare to mount, MOUNT (fig. 15). No. i mounts thetank from the front, calls “Friendly troops,” and opensthe right turret hatch. Nos. 2 and 3 mount the tank andtake positions on the right and left sides of the turret, re-spectively. No. 4 opens the litter, places it on motor deck,and takes positions at the rear of the tank. No. 1, afteropening the hatch, examines the gunner and applies thesupporting sling, when necessary. He may have to enter theturret to do this. Nos. 1, 2, and 3 raise the casualty to a sup-ported sitting position on the right side of the turret rim.By a left side carry (No. 3 at the feet, No. 1 supporting thebuttocks and trunk, No. 2 supporting the head and shoul-ders) the casualty is placed upon the litter which is steadiedby No. 4. No. 3 jumps to the ground and assists No. 4 inrotation of the head end of the litter so that only its foot endrests on the motor deck. No. 3 takes position at one side ofthe litter. No. 2 then takes position opposite No. 3 and Nos.2, 3, and 4 lower the litter to the ground. No. 2 removes thesupporting sling. The team then places the litter in a posi-tion of defilade designated by the team commander.
b. The command is: evacuate left turret compartment,prepare to mount, MOUNT (fig. 15). No. 1 mounts thetank in the prescribed manner, unlatches and opens the leftturret hatch, examines the tank commander, and applies asupporting sling where necessary. Nos. 2 and 3 mount thetank and take positions to the right and left of the turret, re-spectively. No. 4 places the open litter cn the motor deck andtakes position to the rear of the tank. Nos. 1, 2, and 3 raisethe casualty to a supported sitting position cn the left side ofthe turret rim. Nos. 1, 2, and 3 lower the casualty to the
53
Figure 16. Evacuation of bow gunner’s compartment.
54
litter by means of a right side carry (No. 3 supporting thehead and shoulders, No. 1 the buttocks, No. 2 the feet).Nos. 2 and 3 jump to the ground and assist No. 4 in lower-ing the litter to the ground. No. 2 removes the supportingsling. The team then places the litter in a position ofdefilade designated by the team commander.
c. The command is: evacuate bow gunner’s compart-
ment, prepare to mount, MOUNT (fig. 16). No. i mountsthe tank and reenters the right turret compartment. Nos.2 and 3 mount the tank and take positions to the right andleft of the right front compartment, respectively. No. 2opens the hatch and locks it. If the hatch is locked fromwithin, it is opened by No. 1 from inside the tank. Wherenecessary, Nos. 2 and 3, assisted from inside the tank byNo. 1, apply the supporting sling. No. 4 places one end ofthe open litter on the tank in front of the open hatch. Nos.2 and 3 raise and rotate the casualty to a supported sittingposition on the rim of the open port facing to the rear. Thecasualty is then placed upon the litter by Nos. 2 and 3, whojump to the ground and assist in lowering the litter to theground. No. 2 removes the supporting sling. The teamthen places the litter in a position of defilade designated bythe team commander.
d. The command is: evacuate driver’s compartment,prepare to mount, MOUNT (fig. 16). No. 1 enters the leftturret compartment. Nos. 2 and 3 take positions to the rightand left of the left front compartment, respectively. No. 4places one end of the litter in front of the open hatch. Thecasualty is extricated, lowered to the ground, and placed ina defiladed position as in the previous drill.39. EVACUATION OF MEDIUM TANK M4. a. Thecommand is: evacuate turret, prepare to mount, MOUNT(%• i?) •
(1) No. 1 mounts the tank from the front, calls “Friendlytroops” and opens the turret hatch. No. 1 examines theinjured and prescribes the order of evacuation of the turret
55
Figure 17. Medium tank, M4. Evacuation of turret.
56
Figure 17. Medium tan!{ M4. Evacuation of turret—Continued.
57
occupants. Nos. 2 and 3 mount the tank and take positionon top of the tank to the right and left of the turret opening,respectively. No. 4 places the litter on the motor deck andmounts the tank from the front. He then places the litteron the turret to the left of the turret hatch. No. 1 appliesthe supporting sling to the casualty. Nos. 2 and 3, assistedby No. 1 inside the turret, raise the casualty to a supportedsitting position on the litter. Nos. 2 and 3 then rotate andlower the casualty to the litter. Nos. 2, 3, and 4 lower thelitter to the motor deck. No. 2 removes the supportingsling and passes it to No. 1 in the turret. Nos. 2, 3, and 4then lower the litter to the ground as in drill for light tank.The team then places the litter in a position of defiladedesignated by the team commander.
(2) No. 1, meanwhile, applies the supporting sling to thenext casualty to be evacuated. Nos. 2, 3, and 4 resume posi-tion and the procedure is repeated for each occupant of theturret.
b. The command is: evacuate bow gunner’s compart-
ment, prepare to mount, MOUNT (fig, 18). No. 1 mountsthe tank from the front, depresses the 75-mm gun, andpoints it to the front. Nos. 2 and 3 mount and take positionto the right and left of the bow compartment, respectively.No. 2 opens the hatch. Nos 2 and 3, assisted by No. 1, whohas now taken position to the rear of No. 2, apply the sup-porting sling, where necessary, and remove the casualtyfrom the tank in the same manner prescribed for the lighttank. The casualty is lowered to the ground and placed ina protected area as in previous drills.
c. The command is:- evacuate driver’s compartment,prepare to mount, MOUNT (fig. 18). Nos. 1, 2, and 3mount the tank. Nos, 2 and 3 take positions to right andleft of the driver’s compartment, respectively. No. 1 takesposition to the rear of No. 3. No. 2 opens and locks thehatch. The patient is removed and lowered to the ground asin previous drills.
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Figure 18. Evacuation of driver’s compartment.
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Figure 18. Evacuation of driver’s compartment —Continued.
d. The command is: evacuate bow gunner’s and driver'sCOMPARTMENT THROUGH TURRET, PREPARE TO MOUNT, MOUNT(fig. 19). No. i mounts the tank in the prescribed manner,opens the turret, enters and rotates the turret so that thebasket opening is opposite the driver’s back. He elevatesthe breech of the 75-mm gun and removes all obstacles inthe path of evacuation. No. 1 then enters the driver’s com-partment through the basket and takes position to the rightof the driver. Nos. 2 and 3 mount the tank, No. 2 enteringthe turret, No. 3 remaining on top of the turret. No. 4mounts the tank and places the open litter to the left of theturret opening. No. 1 applies the supporting sling to thedriver, where necessary, after removal of the back of thedriver’s seat. No. 2, assisted by No. 1, removes the casualtyinto the turret compartment. Nos. 3 and 4 reach down intothe turret opening, lift the casualty to a supported sittingposition on the litter, rotate and lower the casualty to the
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(T) Position of bow gunner; basket is rotated so opening is behindwounded soldier.
@ Position oj driver; basket is rotated so opening is behindwounded soldier.
Figure 19. Evacuation oj bow gunner’s and driver’s compartmentthrough turret.
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litter. Nos. 2, 3, and 4 then place the litter on the motordeck, jump to the ground, and lower the litter to the groundas previously described. No. 2 removes the harness for useon the assistant driver. No. 1 reenters the turret compart-ment and rotates the turret so that the basket opening isopposite the assistant driver’s seat. Nos. 2, 3, and 4 assumeprevious positions as for evacuation of driver. No. 2, afterentering the turret, hands the supporting sling to No. 1, whothen enters the driver’s compartment, removes the back ofthe assistant driver’s seat and applies the supporting sling.No. 2, assisted by No. 1, removes the casualty into the turretcompartment. Nos. 3 and 4 grasp the supporting sling andelevate and place the casualty upon the litter. The litter islowered to the ground, and the patient removed to a positionof defilade as in previous drill.
e. The command is: evacuate through bottom escape
hatch, prepare to mount, MOUNT (fig. 20). No. i mountsthe tank in the prescribed manner and rotates the turretuntil the basket opening is opposite the seat of the bowgunner. No. 1 then enters the forward compartment, ex-poses and opens the escape hatch, allowing the door to fallto the ground. Nos. 3 and 4 from the front of the tank placean open litter on the ground beneath the opening of thefloor escape hatch. No. 1 removes the back of the assistantdriver’s seat and gently lowers the assistant driver throughthe escape hatch on the litter placed beneath. Nos. 3 and 4remove the casualty, placing the litter in a position ofdefilade. Nos. 3 and 4 resume their positions beneath thetank. Nos. 1 and 2 then lower the turret occupants directlyfrom the turret through the floor escape hatch. This isaccomplished either feet first or head first by jackknifing thecasualty to minimize additional damage to him, except incase of fracture of the back or suspected fracture of the back.With an injury of this type the casualty is placed in a posi-tion of extreme extension (opposite of jackknifing) andevacuated through one of the other hatches. After evacuat-
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(T) By sliding soldier sidewise.
(2) By juc/(/(nifing wounded soldier,figure 20. Eradiation through floor hatch.
6 3
ing the turret occupants, No. 2 rotates the turret until thebasket opening is opposite the driver’s seat. No. 2, assistedby No. 1, removes the driver into the turret compartment.No. 2 then rotates the turret until the basket opening isagain opposite the assistant driver’s seat. Nos. 1 and 2 lowerthe driver through the escape hatch to Nos. 3 and 4 below.All casualties are placed in a position of defilade immedi-ately upon being removed from the tank.
Section III. USE OF EXPEDIENT AMBULANCE
40. GENERAL. Where the normal complement of ambu-lances in any organization is inadequate to transport casual-ties in battle, other vehicles are used as ambulance vehicles.(See FM 8-35.)
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INDEX
Paragraph PageAid station:
General x iEmployment 15 12
Ambulances 40 63Armored group 2,3 3
Attachment 3 3Battalion surgeon 18 23Casualties, removal 32-39 4tClearing platoon 23 29Collecting platoon 23 29Combat command surgeon 8 7Communication 25 34Defensive operations 28 39Detachment, medical:
Armored infantry battalion 16 15Armored engineer battalion 16 15Armored field artillery battalion 16 15Employment 15 12General 1,4 1,4Ordnance maintenance battalion 16 15Organization 14 10Status 13 10Tank battalion 16 15
Division medical service:Armored medical battalion 4 4Defensive operations 28 39Medical detachments 4 4Offensive operations 27 38Organization 4 4Retrograde movements 29 39Special operations 30 40
Division surgeon 4, 9—12 4, 8Relationships 8 7
Doctrines of employment 5 4Drill 3-1-39 4iEvacuation;
Casualties from tanks 32—39 41Clearing station 24 30Collecting platoon 24 30
Liaison 25 36Medical battalion:
Employment 20 25Headquarters 21—23 2 5Organization 4,19 4,24
Medical company 23 29
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Paragraph Page
Offensive operations 26 38Principles of employment 6 6Retrograde movements 29 39Special movements 30 40Supply:
General 25 36Medical detachment 18 23
Support, necessity for close 7 7Training 31 41
� 603683—1944
