text: Army Health System Command and Control
  commanders to focus on accomplishing their higher commander’s intent and on critical decisions only they
  can make. The medical command and control structure enables the MEDCOM (DS) commander to retain a
  regional focus in support of the CCDR and the operational area engagement plan, while still providing
  effective and timely direct support to the supported operational commanders and providing general support
  on an area basis to theater forces at EAB (such as those conducting aerial ports of debarkation, sea ports of
  debarkation, and operational assembly areas operations or to other temporary or permanent troop
  concentrations). One consequence of the enduring regional focus of the Army AO is to drive specialization
  in its subordinate MEDCOM (DS) since unique health threats, local needs and capabilities, other Service
  capabilities, and geographic factors are distinctly related to a particular region. This characteristic is in
  contrast to some other staff and subordinate unit functions that are performed in much the same ways
  regardless of region.
  COMMAND SURGEON
  2-145. At all levels of command, a command surgeon is designated. This Army Medicine officer is a
  member of the commander’s personal and special staff charged with planning, coordinating, and ensuring
  the AHS mission is executed. At the lower levels of command, this officer may be dual-hatted as an AHS
  unit commander; further, the command surgeon may have a small staff section to assist in planning,
  coordinating, and synchronizing the AHS effort within the operational area. For detailed information
  regarding the surgeon and surgeon section at echelon, refer to Appendix C.
  2-146. The command surgeon is responsible for ensuring that all Army Medicine functions are considered
  and included in running estimates, OPLANs, and OPORDs. The command surgeon retains technical
  supervision of all AHS operations. At the higher levels of command, the scope of duties and responsibilities
  expand to include all subordinate levels of command.
  2-147. Through mission command, the command surgeon may be empowered to act somewhat
  independently; however, the nonmedical commander can retain the authority to make the decisions which he
  feels are critical. Mission command, to be successful, requires an environment of trust and mutual
  understanding which may be challenging to establish for newly assigned staff members who have not had a
  previous supporting relationship with the command.
  2-148. The duties and responsibilities of command surgeons may include, but are not limited to:
  * Advising the commander on the health of the command.
  * Monitoring the three phases of TCCC.
  * Developing and coordinating the HSS and FHP portion of OPLANs to support the CCDRs
  decisions, planning guidance, and intent.
  * Preparing and developing the medical concept of support and medical common operating picture.
  * Determining the medical workload requirements (patient estimates) in coordination with the
  assistant chief of staff, personnel (the assistant chief of staff, personnel’s casualty estimate
  includes only those casualties that require replacements). A patient estimate refers to estimates
  derived from the casualty estimate prepared by the personnel staff officer/assistant chief of staff,
  personnel. The patient medical workload is determined by the Army Health System support
  planner. Patient estimate only encompasses medical casualty (ATP 4-02.55).
  * Determining, in conjunction with the staff judge advocate and the chain of command, the
  eligibility for medical care in a U.S. Army MTF.
  * Maintaining situational understanding. The AHS units/elements to satisfy all mission
  requirements.
  * Recommending policies concerning support of stability tasks.
  * Monitoring the availability of and recommending the assignment, reassignment, and utilization of
  Army Medicine personnel within the AO.
  * Developing, coordinating, and synchronizing health consultation services.
  * Evaluating and interpreting medical statistical data.
  * Monitoring implementation of Army medical information programs.