Hospitals and aid stations in theater know full well the value in having an authority to operate (ATO) for MC4 in their hospitals in aid stations. They’re often unaware of the behind the scenes work that occurs to ensure that all the information assurance requirements are met for an ATO. When the system has met all the security requirements to be on the network, users benefit by having the ability to pick up their MC4 laptop and move around freely to other locations on the same network without having to worry about losing connectivity. After all, MC4 was designed to be a store-and-forward system. The same legwork is being offered to garrison battalion aid stations looking to add MC4 to the mix.
Division surgeons in garrison just need to say the word and we’ll get the information assurance paperwork together, we’ll work with the NEC at your site and we’ll even set it up for you. Then all the unit has to do is use it.
From the time a commander says “Yes, hook us up,” it’s been taking on average 10 to 15 working days to get the system up and running. We’re already working with a handful of units in garrison, including:
- 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas
- 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kan.
- 2nd Infantry Division, Korea
- 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
- 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
- 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
- 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.
The North Carolina National Guard has already jumped on board and many more are to come. In agreement with the III-Corps Surgeons Office, we’re looking forward to working with units at Fort Hood with the 1st Cavalry Division and the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.
This spring we’ll begin working with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, N.Y., Fort Polk, La., and 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and Fort Richardson, Alaska. Future endeavors will also include MC4 implementation at Fort Rucker, Ala., in support of the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape School.
If you’re interested in finding out how to get an ATO for MC4 use in garrison aid stations, tap one of our region support offices for details, and check out our Garrison Use FAQs online.