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Scope. a. USSOCOM’s principle function is to prepare SOF to carry out assigned missions. This responsibility is derived from US Code Title 10, Section 167. In addition to organizing, training, and equipping SOF for unique missions, medical education is fundamental to fulfilling this law. Title 10 explicit responsibilities include development of strategy, doctrine, tactics, conducting specialized courses of medical instruction for commissioned and non-commissioned officers, and monitoring the medical education and professional certification of officers and enlisted personnel. USSOCOM’s medical education and certification responsibilities are inherent responsibilities of developing strategy, doctrine and tactics. b. The Commander, United States Special Operations Command (CDRUSSOCOM) has the service- like responsibility of providing joint training and education venues that specialize in the art and science of joint Special Operations and its medical support. These efforts complete the education and training picture within the Department of Defense (DOD). While each of the Services, and the joint community, provide education and training to fill a particular niche (i.e., naval warfare, air warfare, joint warfare, etc.) the Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center (JSOMTC) within USSOCOM and the Air Force’s Pararescue (PJ) course provides training to fill the medical niche of joint SOF core task requirements. SOF medical training and certification is force-wide, designed to initiate, maintain, and/or enhance medical skills of those SOF medics and non-medics who are required to perform the unique, global, multi- discipline mission of USSOCOM. Within the parameters of this directive, as outlined by first reference (Glossary Section III), USSOCOM’s primary responsibility is the medical education and training and certification of SOF. A secondary responsibility is the training and education of select DOD, interagency, and international military personnel in the requirements, capabilities, and limitation(s) of joint special operations organizations. Fostering a mutual understanding ensures the proper application of SOF and the enhancement of joint, combined and interagency medical operations. General. In support of the Global War On Terrorism (GWOT), Special Operations medical personnel often find themselves providing care for both trauma and non-traumatic medical emergencies, beyond the Forward Edge of the Battlefield Area/Forward Line Of Troops, often in non-linear environments that may be far forward of any supporting medical infrastructure. This directive identifies the authority, mission, command relationships, functions, and responsibilities of the United States Special Operations Command as directed under Section 167, Title 10 of US Code to provide SOF medics with the required skill sets. In order to define and administer this SOF Medical skill set, USSOCOM has established a SOF Emergency Medical Services (EMS) State that is administered by the Command Surgeon. Medics who successfully complete the required academic requirements as defined within this directive will thus be known as SOF Advanced Tactical Practitioners (ATP).
