In November, the Tennessee State Guard’s 61st Medical Battalion dedicated their monthly drill to assist the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment (278th ACR) with their Annual Common Readiness Periodic Health Assessment (PHA). This collaboration highlighted the vital role of the Tennessee State Guard’s skilled personnel—nurses, medics, EMTs, and doctors—in certifying Army National Guard soldiers for continued duty. Their efforts ensured the readiness and health of service members, reinforcing the partnership between the two organizations.
The PHA is a crucial screening tool used by the armed forces to evaluate the individual medical readiness of their service members. Conducted annually, it helps identify medical conditions that could impact a soldier’s ability to serve. The assessment includes a self-reported health status, vital sign measurements (height, weight, and blood pressure), vision screening, a review of current medical conditions with a healthcare provider, and a focused examination of identified issues as necessary. Other components, such as the Cardiovascular Screening Program, behavioral health screenings, laboratory services, and immunizations, are provided as required. This comprehensive evaluation not only certifies soldiers for duty but also offers recommendations for improving identified health conditions.
During the same drill, the Texas State Guard medical unit spent time providing Basic Life Support (BLS) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training to the Army National Guard soldiers. This hands-on training equipped soldiers with lifesaving skills essential for emergency or battlefield scenarios. In combat, the ability to respond quickly to cardiac emergencies or respiratory failure can mean the difference between life and death, not only for fellow service members but also for civilians in disaster response missions.
The Tennessee National Guard Medical Unit has faced a shortage of doctors, nurses, and medics in recent years, making the support of the Tennessee State Guard indispensable. By stepping in to fill this gap, the State Guard ensures that critical medical readiness tasks are completed without delay. This collaboration underscores the importance of a strong State Guard, whose members bring their civilian expertise to military operations, enhancing overall readiness and supporting the mission of the National Guard. Their assistance not only alleviates the burden on the National Guard’s medical units but also demonstrates the value of state defense forces in bolstering the health and operational capability of their counterparts.
We at StateDefenseForce.com commend The Tennessee State Guard and its soldiers for being a vital support element for The Tennessee National Guard.
61st working to get the 278th ACR PHA event completed at BLDG 250 on VTS-S last Saturday.
AHA BLS/AED training provided to the TNARNG JFHQ CIF Members
Source: Tennessee State Guard
