LT John Beagle was in the last two weeks of his Medical Service Officers Basic Course (MSOBC) when he received a call from his National Guard company commander. Beagle had been selected as a follow on mobilization filler for an Infantry battalion in the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) of the Texas Army National Guard. After completion of MSOBC, Beagle reported to Fort Carson, CO and underwent a month of mobilization training with a disparate group of individual fillers. Beagle then flew to Kuwait and subsequently joined his infantry battalion at Talil, Iraq. Beagle spent the next several weeks integrating himself into the battalion staff, and meeting his combat medics, who were scattered out in several smaller bases adjacent to Talil. During his tour, Beagle worked to ensure regular push shipments of medical (Class VIII) supplies to his medic teams; he also frequently reallocated his teams to reinforce medical support to infantry elements in active combat. Beagle notes the importance of working closely with the battalion Executive Officer (XO) and supported company commanders. Beagle also shares how he networked with his peer Medical Support officers to ensure adequate medical support across the brigade battlespace. Beagle relates the importance of the Brigade Medical Operations officer in planning and controlling medical support within an IBCT.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited