Multinational coordination element expands network

Through its recent agreement with the United States Army 30th Medical Brigade the Multinational Medical Coordination Center/ European Medical Command (MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command) is tightening its network of international contacts once again.

On May 11, 30th Medical Brigade Commander Colonel Jason Wieman and MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command Director Surgeon General Dr. Stefan Kowitz signed the protocol for the assignment of a United States Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) Liaison Officer to MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command in Koblenz. Brigadier General Mark Thompson, USAREUR-AF Command Surgeon General and functional superior to Colonel Wieman, spoke of an important and future-oriented step. He considers the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command as an important partner for the future of the Theatre Medical Command Europe.

exchange and assistance

The agreement furthers closer cooperation between the two entities. Initially limited for one year, an officer of the USUnited States Army Medical Service is available once a week as a liaison person and direct link between both sides. The goal is to take advantage of multinational resource management opportunities by improving information sharing. Another focus is on developing standardized medical approaches to promote multilateral, civil-military cooperation with other medical actors.

"We are very happy about this strong connection that has grown for decades and the good camaraderie between our nations and the medical services on which we will continue to build our future cooperation" said the director of the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command, Surgeon General Dr. Stefan Kowitz. He has a long-standing personal connection with the respective USAREUR-AF Command Surgeons, who also hold the position of Commanding General of the Regional Health Command Europe.

The focus of the intensified form of cooperation is on information exchange and harmonization for the development of a detailed, shared medical situation assessment within Europe. In addition, the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command will be supported in the participation of multinational exercises and conferences, planning and coordination of projects. In return, the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command, with its network of experts provides the coordination expertise for multinational and civil-military solution approaches.

by Rico Maderthoner