In October, C Company (Charlie Med) completed a very successful rotation at the National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, Calif., to prepare for a future mission. While the battalion provided the full gamut of medical and logistics support, we also set a new milestone in comprehensive MC4 training in CONUS.
Charlie Med, commanded by Maj. David Zwank, successfully set up a server for the level II facility. We also created the various ancillary clinics in the system, including radiology and laboratory.
We had some assistance from MC4's Michael Briery, Jim Hopkins and Chris Waldschmidt. SFC Lawrence Johannik, the combat trainer assigned to Charlie Med at Forward Operating Base (FOB) King, provided additional support.
We treated more than 150 live patients during sick call and documented the care electronically within AHLTA-T the same system that we'll use in theater. This exercise allowed the medical personnel to gain hands-on experience in every aspect of the patient's electronic medical record.
Another key achievement for this training rotation and MC4 was the successful implementation and operation of a DCAM level 2 server at FOB King. The 334th Brigade Support Battalion is the first unit to set up and use a DCAM level 2 server at NTC. This capability allowed all of the companies within the brigade dispersed at numerous FOBs across the Mojave Desert the opportunity to conduct medical logistics using the same connectivity and reporting features currently used in the theater.
This type of real-world, hands-on training is invaluable. It will allow us to arrive in country far better prepared to use and operate the MC4 systems.