Soldiers Undergo Training Preparing for Mass Casualties in Combat
The U.S. military is taking lessons from previous conflicts to improve readiness. At an underground training facility at Fort Hood, soldiers of the 1st Medical Brigade are simulating mass casualties to better prepare for real combat situations.
Recently, the 1st Medical Brigade of the III Armored Corps at Fort Hood, Texas, executed an exercise named “Operation Silver Lightning.” This operation aimed to mimic the difficulties faced when providing medical care in a high-stakes combat environment.
From March 23 to April 1, personnel within the brigade put the tactical arm of the Army Health System into action. This included combat medics, doctors, optometrists, veterinarians, and others, all working together in the base’s underground tunnels to enact scenarios involving mass casualty events in combat.
According to reports, these exercises are vital, as they help medics grasp the new realities of modern warfare. “In the past, they could set up field hospitals spanning several acres with comprehensive medical resources,” said Col. Kamil Starkoper, director of public affairs for the III Armored Corps. “Now, they need to adapt.” The shift is influenced by developments in drone warfare, particularly observed in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Starkoper elaborated, “It’s essential to disperse resources and conceal operations. This means utilizing various locations, such as buildings or warehouses. Our training facility, designed in the 1940s to house nuclear weapons, now serves as an underground hospital.” The miles of tunnels are creatively repurposed as triage areas, operating rooms, and more, avoiding the threats posed by drones.
Around 300 soldiers and role players participated in the training, performing medical drills including evacuating injured personnel from helicopters to medical vehicles before quickly transporting them into the tunnels.
Combat medics practiced treating wounded soldiers—much of it reenacted by role players simulating battlefield injuries. “The key challenge is figuring out how to manage limited resources under pressure,” noted Col. Brad Franklin, deputy commander of the 1st Medical Brigade. As someone who also manages surgical situations, Franklin emphasized the realities faced, including shortages of staff and equipment. “It’s about triage and making tough decisions on who gets treated first.”
Additionally, canine units and their handlers received training in these scenarios, with veterinarians tending to mock injuries sustained by military dogs. Lt. Col. Cynthia Fallnes, commanding the veterinary support unit, described treating a canine with severe injuries, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the training.
William Rothwell, a medic in the brigade, shared a personal connection to his role. His grandfather served as a medic during World War II, and although he never met him, stories of hardship and dedication have deeply influenced Rothwell. “This training is crucial for gaining real medical combat skills before potentially entering combat,” he reflected. “Hearing about my grandfather’s commitment to his fellow soldiers drives me to give my all in this role.
