The Chicken, Fox, and Grain: Solving the Problem of CASEVAC

Area of Science:

• Military Science
• Medical Logistics
• Operational Strategy

Background:

• Current U.S. Army casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) strategies are insufficient for mass casualty events in large-scale conflicts.
• Future conflicts with peer adversaries pose a significant threat, potentially overwhelming existing evacuation capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the inadequacy of current U.S. Army CASEVAC strategies in large-scale conflict scenarios.
• To propose actionable recommendations for enhancing the Army's CASEVAC capabilities and capacity.

Main Methods:

• Review of current Army CASEVAC doctrine and force structure.
• Analysis of operational requirements for maneuver commanders in high-casualty environments.
• Development of conceptual frameworks for improving CASEVAC operations.

Main Results:

• Current CASEVAC doctrine, training integration, and force structure require revision to meet future demands.
• A "whole of force" approach is advocated, prioritizing maneuver commander needs and operational flexibility.
• Three key concepts—asymmetric outcomes, different thinking, and bias for action—are proposed to enhance CASEVAC.

Conclusions:

• The U.S. Army must fundamentally rethink its CASEVAC strategy to effectively manage mass casualties in great power conflicts.
• Implementing proposed doctrinal, training, and structural changes will improve casualty care and operational readiness.
• Adopting innovative concepts will provide a competitive edge in future high-intensity warfare.