The 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support) hosted a Joint Medical Operations Course – Basic (JMOC-B) at the Western Regional Training Center, Ogden, Utah, Oct. 24-28, 2022.

“JMOC-B is a five-day course providing joint and combined operational and medical planning training that spans the operational environment from the point of injury, or illness, to the appropriate capability of care across the full spectrum of military operations,” said Lt. Col. Robert Craig, Special Projects Manager, G3, 807th MC(DS). “JMOC-B familiarizes students with Joint Operational Planning and the medical planning process.”

For the 807th, this is significant because of the role of its Operational Command Post (OCP). The OCP is a deployable division-level command element that can be placed forward in support of combat operations, to exercise command and control of subordinate medical units in a theater, while maintaining reach back capability for resourcing.

When mobilized, Craig said, “It [OCP] is assigned to a Theater Medical Command (TMC), conducts early entry operations, and serves as the forward command and control element of the TMC. As a TMC, the OCP will oversee the management of all medical commands - all medical installations in general.”

“In the event of a large overseas conflict, the OCP will find itself working in a joint effort. We will be coordinating with the Navy and the Marines and especially the Air Force. Understanding their capabilities and the best way to integrate them gives an edge up when something happens for real,” said Craig. “The skills and knowledge learned in JMOC-B are essential for the Soldiers assigned to the OCP as the course prepares them for these Joint Medical Operations.”

The course affords an exceptional joint classroom environment, providing insight and networking opportunities with the other branches of service. In addition to processes, “JMOC-B is a capability briefing as well. For example, the Navy has a lot of cool stuff we don’t have, like the Mercy and Comfort ships. They tell us how they work and how to use them,” said Craig. “Learning about the different branch capabilities ensures we know how to integrate them for the most effective use. By providing a joint classroom, the 807th is building collaboration, familiarity with terminology, and putting foundational relationships in place,” said Craig. “It’s just a great course.”

A difficult course to get into with only a select number of students from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, National Guard and Reserve, it took Craig 3 years to attend. His prior position in the OCP, made that possible.

With the 807th hosting the event and the Defense Medical Readiness Training Institute (DMRTI) providing a Mobile Training Team (MTT), the number of attendees was more flexible.

Although most students came from the 807th, the course accommodated Soldiers from 18th MEDCOM, 3rd MCDS, and ARMEDCOM. In a training where normally less than a handful of Army Reserve Soldiers can attend, this year’s course provided training to 64 Reserve Soldiers.

“Thirty years in the military, it’s by far one of the favorite courses that I’ve taken,” said Craig. “It’s a great introduction to joint medical in general. It really broadens the horizon of the individuals that can come.”