The 61st Medical Battalion of the Tennessee State Guard (State Defense Forces) has been busy the past few months supporting joint training operations across the state. Earlier this week, they participated in the grueling Norwegian Foot March alongside Tennessee Army National Guard and ROTC soldiers from across the state—demonstrating both endurance and esprit de corps. Now, the unit has added another critical mission to its record: leading medical training as part of a five-day Combat Lifesaver (CLS) course for the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Campbell.
In this latest mission, the 61st played a vital role in elevating battlefield readiness by training and certifying soldiers in Role 1 trauma care—a type of unit-level medical support that spans from the point of injury through treatment at battalion aid stations. This level of care is often the first and most important step in the chain of survival during combat, where every second counts. The 278th, a frontline combat unit, relies on this type of medical capability to save lives in real-world battlefield scenarios.
The stakes could not be higher. In modern combat, severe injuries carry a sobering 54% chance of death. But soldiers of the 278th ACR are being trained to defy those odds. Thanks to the 61st’s expert-led trauma care instruction—complete with hands-on simulations and combat-focused scenarios—these soldiers are learning how to stabilize wounded comrades quickly and efficiently under pressure. This level of preparation not only equips them for the battlefield—it directly increases the chances of survival for their brothers and sisters in arms.
The 61st Medical Battalion brought its extensive capabilities to the table. As one of the premier medical units within the Tennessee State Guard, they specialize in providing both initial and continuing certification in a wide array of lifesaving courses. These include American Heart Association certifications (BLS, ACLS, PALS, PEARS) and NAEMT-accredited trauma training (TCCC, PHTLS, CLS). In addition, they provide SGAUS Field Casualty Care instruction and serve as All-Hazard Disaster Response Liaison Officers, making them a versatile and highly deployable resource during both training and real-world missions.
Over the past few years, the 61st has repeatedly supported the Tennessee Army National Guard in a number of critical training operations and State Active Duty missions. Their professionalism, field experience, and advanced medical qualifications have made them an indispensable partner. The success of this collaboration demonstrates the crucial role State Defense Forces like the Tennessee State Guard play in supporting the National Guard—filling vital roles, enhancing readiness, and delivering highly trained specialists when and where they’re needed most.
Beating the Odds
In combat, a 54% probability of death from injuries is a reality—but our 278th ACR medical personnel are trained to change that. Their mission: act fast, treat efficiently, and give every soldier a chance to survive.
From the point of injury to Role 1 care, they work under pressure, mastering life-saving skills that make the difference between life and loss. This is why they train. This is how we win.
In combat, the probability of death from severe injuries is 54%—but our 278th ACR medical personnel refuse to accept those odds.Through intense trauma care training, they sharpen their ability to stabilize, treat, and save lives—from the point of injury to Role 1 care. Every second counts. Every action matters. This is the difference between life and death.Watch as these warriors train to rewrite the rules of survival and give our soldiers the fighting chance they deserve.
Sources: Tennessee State Guard – Tennessee Army National Guard 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment – Military Medicene – Tennessee State Guard
