Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) Qualification and the Medical Units of the State Defense Force: It Just Makes Sense

摘要

Sponsored by the State Guard Association of the United States and the Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) Academy, the Military Emergency Management Specialist is a qualification that is individually earned and that recognizes personal effort and skills development. During the early and formative days of the Texas Medical Rangers of the Texas State Guard, it seemed a logical step to encourage relevant and ongoing training. This training should provide the military bases necessary for a Uniformed Medical Reserve Corps. At first look, the Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) qualification requirements seemed to fit the bill, however, there were some problems that had to be considered. While many of the EFMB skills are useful for field medical units, many of the military requirements go beyond what is needed or even expected in the Texas Medical Rangers, Texas State Guard, and probably most other State Defense Force (SDF) Brigades. Enter the MEMS Qualification Badge. The skills required, along with the individual nature of the qualification process, makes this the badge of choice for the SDF. Suited for medical and nonmedical line units, the Texas Medical Rangers strongly encourages all of its soldiers to earn at least the Basic Badge. Because this qualification is based on individual achievement, regular unit training schedules can remain intact. Coaching and assistance can be offered to MEMS candidates though the current MEMS Academy organization, but most of the work is left to the individual. Not only is this qualification exactly 'what the doctor ordered' for the Texas Medical Rangers and for all SDF Brigades and Units, but its very nature makes it well suited for all military and military-related units throughout the United States. The inclusiveness of the MEMS Academy and of the MEMS qualification courses may well set the standard in this country for ongoing cooperation in the face of disaster and terrorism.