text: Chapter 2
  MEDICAL COMMAND (DEPLOYMENT SUPPORT)
  2-35. The MEDCOM (DS) conserves the fighting strength of the operational commander through
  integration, synchronization of AHS operations and providing command and control of MEDBDE (SPT),
  MMBs, and/or other AHS units assigned/attached to the headquarters providing HSS or FHP to operational
  commanders and AO forces while simultaneously conducting stability tasks.
  MISSION, ASSIGNMENT, AND BASIS OF ALLOCATION
  2-36. The MEDCOM (DS) serves as the theater medical command within the AO. The MEDCOM (DS)
  commander identifies and evaluates health care requirements throughout the AO. Within the MEDCOM
  (DS) AO, medical resources may be dispersed over an extended area and may include numerous areas with
  increased patient densities, transient troop populations, varying levels of hostilities, and significantly
  different health care requirements. To successfully execute medical operations, the MEDCOM (DS)
  commander must have the ability to rapidly task-organize and reallocate medical assets across command and
  geographical boundaries. This ability is crucial to ensure the medical force package is effectively tailored to
  optimize the use of scarce medical resources.
  2-37. The MEDCOM (DS) is composed of an operational command post (OCP) and a main command post
  (MCP) that can deploy autonomously into the AO.
  * The OCP is a deployable and versatile module. The OCP can conduct early entry operations and
  serves as the forward command and control element of the MEDCOM (DS). The OCP expand
  the reach of the MEDCOM (DS) to provide connectivity between the headquarters and
  headquarters company, MEDCOM (DS) in CONUS and/or deployed home station and the medical
  units in the AO. It—
   Provides command and control, administrative assistance and technical supervision of
  assigned or attached medical units.
   Can deploy autonomously into the AO during early entry and theater opening operations.
  Further, the OCP can be deployed to other AOs outside its habitually supported theater to
  provide medical command and control in support of another operation.
   Provides interface and liaison with supported forces in the AO. The OCP has an assigned
  standard requirements code to facilitate the placement of personnel in the command post and
  to integrate the command post into the Time Phased Force Deployment List.
   Can be incrementally expanded or be augmented as the force builds within the AO.
   Builds the structure required to provide campaign-quality health care to the deployed force.
  * The MCP provides appropriate staff sections for command, control, and support to assigned or
  attached units in the theater of operation. The MCP can be deployed to expand or enhance the
  Operational Command Post or remain in a sanctuary as the primary command and control medical
  element of the HHC, MEDCOM (DS). The MCP provides connectivity between CONUS and
  medical units in the theater. If the OCP is deployed and needs additional personnel or clinical
  skills, the MCP can deploy personnel to the OCP to provide more robust command and control
  capabilities. The MCP provides a robust planning, controlling, and coordinating capability to
  facilitate the provision of health care to expanding forces. The MEDCOM (DS) MCP provides—
   Medical staff planning, operational and technical supervision, and administrative assistance
  for subordinate units operating in the AO.
   Increased capability for medical and surgical consultation services, technical advice, and
  policy development in the areas of hospitalization, nursing services, pharmacy, optometry,
  medical laboratory, dental services, COSC, behavioral health, and neuropsychiatric services,
  veterinary services (zoonotic disease control, investigation and inspection of subsistence, and
  animal medicine), nutrition care, and operational public health (entomology, epidemiology,
  occupational and environmental health (OEH) surveillance, potable water inspection, pest
  management, food facility inspection, and control of medical and nonmedical waste).
  2-38. The MEDCOM (DS) possesses the authority to effectively and efficiently task-organize medical
  elements based on specific medical requirements. The MEDCOM (DS) serves as the theater medical