“Victory Medics” host Spanish Army Medical Brigade “BRISAN” officers

Photo By Capt. Jerome Ferrin | RHINE ORDNANCE BARRACKS, Germany — Staff Sgt. Luis Moran, Radiology Technician, describes setting up a radiology unit in a field environment to Spanish Army Capt. Tatiana María Abellán Márquez during a visit by the Spanish Army Medical Brigade to the 212th Combat Support Hospital on Nov 1, 2016.  

SEMBACH, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, GERMANY

11.15.2016

Story by Capt. Jerome Ferrin 

30th Medical Brigade

SEMBACH, Germany –Three officers from the Spanish Army’s Medical Brigade known as the Brigada de Sanidad or BRISAN visited the 30th Medical Brigade from November 1 – 3 as part of an initiative for a direct and strong relationship between the units.

The Spanish visit included engagements at Sembach Kaserne, Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, and Baumholder, Germany.

"We are eager for mutual participation in training and exercises with the 30th Medical Brigade,” said Spanish Army Lt. Col. Ricardo Puente, chief of staff, BRISAN. “We are determined to learn new techniques from each other and strive for superior interoperability."

The 30th Medical Brigade welcomed the Spanish and showcased their headquarters and subordinate units; the 212th Combat Support Hospital and the 421st Multifunctional Medical Battalion. The 212th CSH highlighted their flexibility and expeditionary capabilities unique to the European Theater. Subject matter experts from the combat support hospital displayed operating room and radiology modules, oxygen production, and containerized shipping of the CSH components. Several Soldiers from the 212th CSH were eager to share stories from their experience from Trident Juncture 15 and Anakonda 16 as well as some of the operations in which the 212th CSH is currently engaged.

“It was a privilege to set up and demonstrate our radiology capabilities to one of our NATO partners,” said Sgt. John J. Taziole, radiology technician, who described setting up a field CT scanner to the Spanish visitors. “Getting to compare how our partner nations’ hospitals set up and operate only enhances interoperability, ultimately ensuring better patient care for our military.”

The Spanish also met the 67th Forward Surgical Team and discussed how they compare to a similar Spanish BRISAN Resuscitation Mobile Surgical Team.

On November 2 the Spanish witnessed the rapid mobilization of the 557th Area Support Medical Company of the 421st MMB from Baumholder to the Landstuhl Training Area. This “Shock” even was part of Freedom Shock, U.S. Army Europe’s program to ensure units are trained and ready to mobilize for a mission at any time. The Spanish met Soldiers in the field setting up initial point of care treatment areas and exercising force protection. The Spanish were also given a tour of the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department. Later that day they visited Baumholder to meet the 8th Medical Logistics Company. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Simon K. Ofosu, unit maintenance officer, explained the logistical aspects of establishing a medical presence in field operations and maintaining equipment in a deployed environment.

“I appreciate this opportunity to share with the Spanish Army how we do business with combat logistics,” Ofosu said. “I think this is a golden opportunity for us to work as a team with NATO concepts.”

While visiting Baumholder, the BRISAN soldiers also observed the 71st Medical Detachment Preventive Medicine teaching the Field Sanitation Team Certification Course and met the 64th Medical Detachment Veterinary Service to discuss methods for animal care and food safety in the field.

The Spanish visit concluded with participation in the 30th Medical Brigade’s Senior Leader Forum on November 3 in Sembach.

"I believe the Spanish BRISAN is a very capable ally,” said Maj. Richard Ramos, brigade environmental science and engineering officer, 30th Med. Bde. “As a result of this visit we have greater opportunities for exchange and training that promote interoperability and readiness for future NATO operations."

While the visit is part of a new direct relationship, the two units have a history of working together. In 2015, the 30th Medical Brigade participated in Trident Junction which took place primarily in Spain, Italy and Portugal and was the largest NATO exercise in over a decade. The BRISAN's 3rd Medical Regiment located in Zaragoza, Spain participated alongside approximately 36,000 personnel from more than 30 nations.

Maj. Richard Ramos, contributed to this article.

• Date Taken: 11.15.2016
• Date Posted: 11.15.2016 07:16
• Story ID: 214625
• Location: SEMBACH, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, DE
• Hometown: BRONX, NEW YORK, US
• Hometown: NORTH EAST, MARYLAND, US
• Hometown: PARAMOUNT, CALIFORNIA, US