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AETC medical groups second phase of AFMEDCOM transition

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Jonathan Day
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas --  

The Air Force moved all remaining Air Education and Training Command medical groups into the newly formed Air Force Medical Command as part of the second phase of the Air Force Medical Service’s restructure, effective Dec. 2.

The restructuring is part of a broader effort to align medical operations with Department of the Air Force priorities, while working with the Defense Health Agency, to better support the medical readiness of Airmen, Guardians and enhance access to care for them and their families.

The AETC medical groups transitioned into the 359th Medical Wing in Medical Readiness Command-Alpha (MRC-A), headquartered in San Antonio and commanded by Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Thomas W. Harrell.

"The pivotal message is that the mission of the medics at each installation remains unchanged. The medics are responsible for ensuring the installation mission succeeds," said Maj. Gen. Thomas Harrell, Defense Health Network Central director. "I expect the medical group commander to remain a viable and active participant in all Wing endeavors. I expect Wing Commanders to employ their medics in support of mission objectives in both the training and mission execution environments as they see fit.  There is no universe where a Wing Commander is going to need to ask me for permission before employing the medics as required to meet mission expectations.”

The transition to AFMEDCOM was designed to consolidate priorities and administrative requirements for medical personnel in the Department of the Air Force.

Phase 2 of the transition builds on lessons learned from the successful transfer of the 59th Medical Wing, the Air Force's largest medical facility, which moved from AETC to the new command in September.

"The transition to AFMEDCOM will be seamless for patients and families, with the same medical professionals continuing to provide care at each installation," Harrell said.

The new command structure maintains partnerships between DAF, AETC and DHA, while focusing on readiness training to prepare medical personnel for deployment.

Harrell stated that the relationship with AETC will remain strong, “We expect to continue to leverage the medical education and training expertise of AETC.”

AFMEDCOM includes a headquarters, two medical readiness commands and seven medical wings supporting installations worldwide.