text: Army Health System Command and Control
  coordination, synchronization, and integration of AHS support to plans. Refer to Appendix C for detailed
  discussion regarding the coordination, synchronization, and integration of medical support at echelons. The
  chain of medical commanders execute the AHS support to OPLANs, and maintain the medical technical
  channel throughout echelons.
  THEATER ARMY SURGEON'S SECTION
  2-17. The ASCC surgeon is the theater army staff proponent responsible for (in coordination with the
  MEDCOM [DS] commander) the provision of AHS support within the AOR. The ASCC surgeon has staff
  responsibility for medical planning, coordination, and policy development for AHS support to deployed
  forces. This officer advises the ASCC commander concerning the health of the command, recommends
  changes to the theater evacuation policy, and provides input to and personnel in support of the theater patient
  movement requirements center, as required. Organizations from battalion through ASCC level are authorized
  a surgeon. The Army Medicine leverages the chain of surgeon's cells (staff channels) and medical command
  channels (through the MEDCOM [DS], medical brigade [support], and medical battalion [multifunctional]
  to provide AHS support to the deployed force. Integration of these two chains and other elements of
  sustainment occur at command headquarters at echelon and not just between sustainment organizations.
  2-18. The ASCC surgeon and the surgeon cells at each echelon identify, assess, counter and/or mitigate
  health threats across the competition continuum. They advise commanders on medical capabilities and
  capacities necessary to support plans, and interface with logistical, financial management, and personnel
  elements to coordinate AHS support across the warfighting functions. The ASCC surgeon and the surgeon
  cells at each echelon (including the TSC, ESC, and sustainment brigade surgeon cells) work with their staff
  to conduct planning, coordination, synchronization, and integration of AHS support to plans to ensure that
  all 10 medical functions are considered and included in running estimates, OPLANS, and OPORD in
  coordination with the MEDCOM (DS). Refer to Appendix C for more information on the synchronization
  and integration of AHS support at echelon.
  2-19. The MEDCOM (DS) commander is responsible for maintaining a regional focus in support of the GCC
  and ASCC theater engagement plan, while providing effective and timely direct FHP and HSS to tactical
  commanders and general support (on an area basis) to theater forces at EAB. The enduring regional focus
  of the ASCC drives organizational specialization in the supporting MEDCOM (DS) to address unique health
  threats, specific needs of the local populace, availability of other Service medical capabilities, and geographic
  factors that are distinctly related to a particular region. The MEDCOM (DS) coordinates with the ASCC
  surgeon (as the staff proponent with execution through G-3 channels under the authority of the ASCC
  commander) to provide AHS support within the AOR.
  2-20. As the theater medical command, the MEDCOM (DS) integrates, synchronizes, and provides
  command and control of MEDBDE (SPT), MMBs, and other AHS units providing force health protection
  and health service support to tactical commanders. The MEDCOM (DS) employs an operational command
  post (CP) and a main CP that can deploy autonomously into an operational area and is employed based on
  the size and complexity of operations or the support required. Refer to Figure 2-3 on page 2-6 for an overview
  of a theater medical structure. Key tasks of a MEDCOM (DS) in support of the ASCC include:
  * Providing command and control of MEDBDE (SPT) and subordinate medical units assigned and
  attached.
  * Task-organizing medical elements based on specific medical requirements.
  * Monitoring health threats within each operational area and ensuring the availability of required
  medical capabilities to mitigate those threats.