The cost of deploying a role 2 medical asset to afghanistan

Abstract

Objectives: The costs of military assets, including medical resources, are necessary for military planners when determining their force make up. The monetary cost of operating a Role 3 unit, the most comprehensive medical asset in the combat theater, has been determined. The cost of operating a Role 2 (R2) facility—the less comprehensive but more common asset—has not been assessed. Here we estimate the cost of operating an R2 medical asset in Afghanistan. Methods: Personnel costs were assessed by combining the U.S. Department of Defense estimate for personnel cost with the replacement costs for deployed staff. Manning was for a U.S. Marine Corps Shock Trauma Platoon and Forward Resuscitative Surgical System. Results: It costs $2,956,873 a month to operate an R2 medical facility in Afghanistan. It also takes the place of a rifle platoon and disrupts the domestic military health care mission. Conclusion: The costs of operating an R2 medical facility are significant and should be considered when the medical benefits of an R2 are unclear.