Federal Executive Branch
Here's a look at documents from the U.S. Executive Branch
Featured Stories
USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Agricultural Producers in Washington Impacted by Recent Flooding
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service issued the following news:
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USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Agricultural Producers in Washington Impacted by Recent Flooding
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SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash., Dec. 23, 2025 - Agricultural operations in Washington have been significantly impacted by recent flooding. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover from these adverse weather events.
"USDA has a suite of programs to support farmers and ranchers
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service issued the following news:
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USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Agricultural Producers in Washington Impacted by Recent Flooding
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SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash., Dec. 23, 2025 - Agricultural operations in Washington have been significantly impacted by recent flooding. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover from these adverse weather events.
"USDA has a suite of programs to support farmers and ranchersas they recover from disasters," said Farm Production and Conservation Deputy Under Secretary Brooke Appleton. "I encourage impacted producers to contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist in their recovery from crop, land, infrastructure, and livestock losses and damages."
USDA Disaster Assistance
Producers who experience livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality or sell injured livestock at a reduced price may be eligible for the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). To participate in LIP, producers will have to provide acceptable documentation of death losses or evidence of reduced sales resulting from an eligible adverse weather event and must submit a notice of loss to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) no later than March 2, 2026, for 2025 calendar year losses.
Meanwhile, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) provides eligible producers with compensation for feed and grazing losses. For ELAP, producers are required to complete a notice of loss and submit a payment application to their local FSA office no later than the annual program application deadline, March 2, 2026, for 2025 calendar year losses.
Additionally, eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers may be eligible for cost-share assistance through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes or vines. TAP complements the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) or crop insurance coverage, which covers the crop but not the plants or trees in all cases. For TAP, a program application must be filed within 90 days of the disaster event or the date when the loss of the trees, bushes or vines is apparent.
"Impacted producers should timely report all crop, livestock and farm infrastructure damages and losses to their local FSA county office as soon as possible," said Stephanie Martin, Acting State Executive Director for FSA in Washington. "As you evaluate your operation, take time to gather important documents you may need to get assistance, including farm records, herd inventory, receipts and pictures of damages or losses."
FSA also offers a variety of direct and guaranteed farm loans, including operating and emergency farm loans, to producers unable to secure commercial financing. Producers in counties with a primary or contiguous disaster designation may be eligible for low interest emergency loans to help them recover from production and physical losses. Loans can help producers replace essential property, purchase inputs like livestock, equipment, feed and seed, cover family living expenses or refinance farm-related debts and other needs.
Additionally, FSA offers several loan servicing options available for borrowers who are unable to make scheduled payments on their farm loan programs debt to the agency because of reasons beyond their control.
The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) provides low-interest financing so producers can build, repair, replace or upgrade facilities to store commodities. Loan terms vary from three to 12 years. Producers who incurred damage to or loss of their equipment or infrastructure funded by the FSFL program should contact their insurance agent and their local USDA Service Center. Producers in need of on-farm storage should also contact USDA.
Risk Management
Producers with NAP coverage should report crop damage to their local FSA office and must file a Notice of Loss (CCC-576) within 15 days of the loss becoming apparent, except for hand-harvested crops, which should be reported within 72 hours.
Producers with risk protection through Federal Crop Insurance should report crop damage to their crop insurance agent within 72 hours of discovering damage and be sure to follow up in writing within 15 days.
"Crop insurance and other USDA risk management options are offered to help producers manage risk because we never know what nature has in store for the future," said Ben Thiel, Director of USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) Regional Office that covers Washington. "The Approved Insurance Providers, loss adjusters and agents are experienced and well-trained in handling these types of events."
Conservation
FSA's Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) can assist landowners and forest stewards with financial and technical assistance to restore fencing, damaged farmland or forests, and remove debris from feed stocks, water supplies and feeding areas. If you have an immediate need to clean up and restore your operation, please call our office before beginning any restoration activities in order to determine program eligibility and to request restoration practice approval before taking any action.
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is available to provide technical assistance during the recovery process by assisting producers to plan and implement conservation practices on farms and working forests impacted by natural disasters. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) can help producers plan and implement conservation practices on land impacted by natural disasters.
"The Natural Resources Conservation Service can be a very valuable partner to help landowners with their recovery and resiliency efforts," said Roylene Comes At Night, NRCS State Conservationist in Washington. "Our staff will work one-on-one with landowners to make assessments of the damages and develop approaches that focus on effective recovery of the land."
Assistance for Communities
Additional NRCS programs include the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program, which assists local government sponsors with the cost of addressing watershed impairments or hazards such as debris removal and streambank stabilization.
Eligible sponsors include cities, counties, towns or any federally recognized Native American tribe or tribal organization. Sponsors must submit a formal request (by mail or email) to the NRCS state conservationist for assistance within 60 days of the natural disaster occurrence or 60 days from the date when access to the sites become available. For more information sponsors should please contact their local NRCS office.
More Information
Additional USDA disaster assistance information can be found on farmers.gov, including USDA resources specifically for producers impacted by flooding. Those resources include the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet, Loan Assistance Tool, and Natural Disasters and Crop Insurance fact sheet. Additionally, FarmRaise offers an FSA educational hub (link is external) with LIP and ELAP decision tools as well as farm loan resource videos. For FSA and NRCS programs, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center. For assistance with a crop insurance claim, producers and landowners should contact their crop insurance agent.
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Original text here: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/state-offices/washington/news/usda-offers-disaster-assistance-to-agricultural-producers-in
USDA Employee Sentenced To Two Years In Prison For Multimillion-Dollar Food Stamp Fraud And Bribery Scheme
NEW YORK, Dec. 23 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York posted the following news release on Dec. 22, 2025:
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USDA Employee Sentenced To Two Years In Prison For Multimillion-Dollar Food Stamp Fraud And Bribery Scheme
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Sean S. Buckley, Attorney for the United States, Acting under Authority Conferred by 28 U.S.C. SS 515, announced today that ARLASA DAVIS was sentenced to twenty-four months in prison for her role in a sprawling fraud and bribery scheme that generated over $66 million in unauthorized transactions under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Dec. 23 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York posted the following news release on Dec. 22, 2025:
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USDA Employee Sentenced To Two Years In Prison For Multimillion-Dollar Food Stamp Fraud And Bribery Scheme
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Sean S. Buckley, Attorney for the United States, Acting under Authority Conferred by 28 U.S.C. SS 515, announced today that ARLASA DAVIS was sentenced to twenty-four months in prison for her role in a sprawling fraud and bribery scheme that generated over $66 million in unauthorized transactions under the Supplemental Nutrition AssistanceProgram ("SNAP")colloquially known as food stamps. DAVIS, a longtime employee of the United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA"), abused her position within the division responsible for identifying SNAP fraud to sell confidential government information to criminals. DAVIS previously pled guilty to bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff, who imposed today's sentence.
"Arlasa Davis exploited her role as a government employee to enrich herself while undermining a program designed to help New York families in need," said Attorney for the United States Sean S. Buckley. "This conviction and sentence send a clear message that exploitation of funds intended for families will result in serious consequences."
According to the Indictment and statements made in public court proceedings and filings:
DAVIS worked within the USDA division responsible for identifying SNAP fraud. She abused her privileged access to federal systems to sell hundreds of Electronic Benefits Transfer ("EBT") license numbers to co-conspirators. DAVIS photographed handwritten lists of license numbers intended for qualifying stores with her personal cellphone and funneled them to an intermediary who sold them to co-conspirators, who in turn used those license numbers to fraudulently obtain EBT terminals for stores that were not authorized by the USDA to process SNAP transactions. In return, DAVIS received substantial bribes that were disguised in communications as, among other things, "birthday gifts" and "flowers."
In addition to her prison term, DAVIS, 56, of Gardiner, New York, was sentenced to two years of supervised release. DAVIS was also ordered to forfeit $48,470 and pay restitution of $36 million.
Mr. Buckley praised the outstanding investigative efforts of the USDA Office of Inspector General and the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This matter is being handled by the Office's General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgia V. Kostopoulos and Joe Zabel are in charge of the prosecution.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/usda-employee-sentenced-two-years-prison-multimillion-dollar-food-stamp-fraud-and
Troemner Roemner Farm Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk, Wheat, and Soy in Pfeffernusse Cookies
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration issued the following recall notice:
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Troemner Roemner Farm Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk, Wheat, and Soy in Pfeffernusse Cookies
Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 22, 2025
FDA Publish Date: December 22, 2025
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Allergens
Reason for Announcement: Undeclared milk, wheat, and soy allergens
Company Name: Troemner Farm
Brand Name: Troemner Family Farm
Product Description: Pfeffernusse Cookies
Company Announcement
Troemner Farm of Atlantic
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration issued the following recall notice:
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Troemner Roemner Farm Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk, Wheat, and Soy in Pfeffernusse Cookies
Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 22, 2025
FDA Publish Date: December 22, 2025
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Allergens
Reason for Announcement: Undeclared milk, wheat, and soy allergens
Company Name: Troemner Farm
Brand Name: Troemner Family Farm
Product Description: Pfeffernusse Cookies
Company Announcement
Troemner Farm of AtlanticMine, MI is recalling Troemner Family Farm branded 6 oz and 12 oz Pfeffernusse Cookies, because it may contain undeclared milk, wheat, and soy. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk, wheat, or soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
Troemner Family Farm branded 6 oz and 12 oz Pfeffernusse Cookies were distributed in retail stores in Hancock and Calumet Michigan.
The product can be identified by brand ("Troemner Family Farm"), name ("Pfeffernusse Cookies"), and weight ("6 oz" or "12 oz"). See enclosed product labels.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
This missing labeling was revealed during routine inspections. Subsequent investigation indicates missing labels were a cause of human error.
Consumers who have purchased Troemner Family Farm brand 6oz or 12oz Pfeffernusse Cookies are encouraged to return it to Troemner Farm at the below address for a full refund or replacement with correct labeling. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 312-497-1361.
Troemner Farm
48649 Larson Rd.
Atlantic Mine, MI 49905
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Original text here: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/troemner-roemner-farm-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-wheat-and-soy-pfeffernusse-cookies
SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Minnesota Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Skyline Tower Apartment Complex Fire and Severe Water Damage
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Minnesota Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Skyline Tower Apartment Complex Fire and Severe Water Damage
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WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for Minnesota businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by the Skyline Tower apartment complex fire and severe water damage occurring Oct. 26. The SBA issued a disaster
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Minnesota Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Skyline Tower Apartment Complex Fire and Severe Water Damage
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WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for Minnesota businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by the Skyline Tower apartment complex fire and severe water damage occurring Oct. 26. The SBA issued a disasterdeclaration in response to a request received from Gov. Tim Walz on Dec. 19.
The declaration covers the primary county of Ramsey and the adjacent counties of Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, and Washington in Minnesota, which are eligible for both physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA.
Businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.
"When disasters strike, SBA's Disaster Loan Outreach Centers play a vital role in helping small businesses and their communities recover," said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "At these centers, SBA specialists assist business owners and residents with disaster loan applications and provide information on the full range of recovery programs available."
SBA's EIDL program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 3% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant's financial condition.
Beginning Monday, Dec. 29, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center in the primary county of Ramsey to answer questions about SBA's disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.
The DLOC hours of operation are listed below:
Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)
Ramsey County
The Sanneh Foundation
1276 University Ave W
St Paul, MN 55104
Opening: Monday, Dec. 29, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed: Sunday
Temporary Closed: New Years Day, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Permanently Closing: Jan. 10, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Feb. 20, 2026. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Sep. 22, 2026.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2025/12/23/sba-offers-disaster-relief-minnesota-small-businesses-private-nonprofits-residents-affected-skyline
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco: 'Financial Market Effects of FOMC Communication: Evidence From a New Event-Study Database'
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Dec. 23 (TNSLrpt) -- The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco issued the following white paper (No. 2025-30) on December 15, 2025, by Miguel Acosta, Andrea Ajello, Michael Bauer, Francesca Loria, and Silvia Miranda-Agrippino entitled "Financial Market Effects of FOMC Communication: Evidence from a New Event-Study Database."
Here are excerpts:
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This paper introduces the U.S. Monetary Policy Event-Study Database (USMPD), a novel, public, and regularly updated dataset of financial market data around Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) policy announcements, press
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Dec. 23 (TNSLrpt) -- The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco issued the following white paper (No. 2025-30) on December 15, 2025, by Miguel Acosta, Andrea Ajello, Michael Bauer, Francesca Loria, and Silvia Miranda-Agrippino entitled "Financial Market Effects of FOMC Communication: Evidence from a New Event-Study Database."
Here are excerpts:
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This paper introduces the U.S. Monetary Policy Event-Study Database (USMPD), a novel, public, and regularly updated dataset of financial market data around Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) policy announcements, pressconferences, and minutes releases. Using the rich high-frequency data in the USMPD, we document several new empirical findings.
Large monetary policy surprises have made a comeback in recent years, and post-meeting press conferences have become the most important source of policy news. Monetary policy surprises have pronounced negative effects on breakeven inflation based on Treasury yields. Risk assets, including dividend derivatives, also respond strongly and negatively to monetary policy surprises, consistent with conventional channels of monetary transmission.
Press conferences have stronger effects than FOMC statements on most asset prices. Finally, the term structure evidence shows peak effects on market-based inflation and dividend expectations at horizons of several years.
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View full text here: https://www.frbsf.org/wp-content/uploads/wp2025-30.pdf
[Category: Fed]
Air Force designates Northrop Grumman's Talon prototype as YFQ-48A
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The U.S. Air Force issued the following news:
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Air Force designates Northrop Grumman's Talon prototype as YFQ-48A
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ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) - The U.S. Air Force announces the designation of YFQ-48A as the Mission Design Series for Northrop Grumman's Project Talon, a semi-autonomous prototype aircraft. This designation marks a key step forward in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, underscoring the Air Force's commitment to rapidly delivering next-generation capabilities that meet the urgent and evolving needs of the warfighter. The MDS designation highlights
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The U.S. Air Force issued the following news:
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Air Force designates Northrop Grumman's Talon prototype as YFQ-48A
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ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) - The U.S. Air Force announces the designation of YFQ-48A as the Mission Design Series for Northrop Grumman's Project Talon, a semi-autonomous prototype aircraft. This designation marks a key step forward in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, underscoring the Air Force's commitment to rapidly delivering next-generation capabilities that meet the urgent and evolving needs of the warfighter. The MDS designation highlightsthe ongoing partnership between the Air Force and Northrop Grumman and acknowledges the continued progress of the YFQ-48A as a strong contender in the CCA program.
The CCA program aims to deliver affordable, advanced semi-autonomous aircraft to complement and augment the Air Force's manned fighter fleet, to enhance operational flexibility and combat effectiveness in an increasingly complex and competitive global security environment.
"We are encouraged by Northrop Grumman's continued investment in developing advanced semi-autonomous capabilities," said Brig. Gen. Jason Voorheis, program executive officer for Fighters and Advanced Aircraft. "Their approach aligns with our strategy to foster competition, drive industry innovation, and deliver cutting-edge technology at speed and scale."
The CCA program's acquisition strategy emphasizes continuous competition, providing multiple on-ramps for industry participation. This open, competitive approach allows the Air Force to leverage the most innovative solutions from across the defense industrial base to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare. The Air Force expects to continually compete for future phases of the program, as it has already done with CCA Increment 1 Engineering and Manufacturing Development and Production contracts, ensuring that the most capable solutions are delivered to the warfighter.
"Northrop Grumman's commitment to innovation, low-cost manufacturing, and calculated risk-taking aligns perfectly with the CCA acquisition strategy and the Secretary of War's Acquisition Transformation Strategy," said Col. Timothy Helfrich, director of the Agile Development Office. "Project Talon is a testament to their ability to push boundaries and experiment with new technologies, ultimately advancing solutions that could enhance the future of airpower."
As the Air Force continues to advance the CCA program, the ongoing collaboration with Northrop Grumman and the defense and aerospace industry will ensure that the Air Force remains at the forefront of airpower innovation. These types of partnerships will help the Air Force meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and competitive global security environment while maintaining the technological superiority necessary to prevail in future conflicts.
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Original text here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4366136/air-force-designates-northrop-grummans-talon-prototype-as-yfq-48a/
Air Commandos Train for Airborne Medical Emergencies
HURLBURT FIELD, Florida, Dec. 23 -- The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command issued the following news on Dec. 21, 2025:
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Air Commandos train for airborne medical emergencies
By Senior Airman Ty Pilgrim, 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
Air Commandos assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing conducted casualty evacuation training aboard an MC-130J Commando II, Nov. 4, 2025.
The training was part of Air Force Special Operations Command's Special Operations Forces - Medical Skills Development, the multi-day course focuses on cultivating highly motivated specialists who
... Show Full Article
HURLBURT FIELD, Florida, Dec. 23 -- The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command issued the following news on Dec. 21, 2025:
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Air Commandos train for airborne medical emergencies
By Senior Airman Ty Pilgrim, 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
Air Commandos assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing conducted casualty evacuation training aboard an MC-130J Commando II, Nov. 4, 2025.
The training was part of Air Force Special Operations Command's Special Operations Forces - Medical Skills Development, the multi-day course focuses on cultivating highly motivated specialists whoprovide trauma assessment, tier four tactical combat casualty care and casualty evacuation in direct support of SOF teams in austere environments.
"The ability to provide patient care in a variety of challenging environments is essential for a SOF medic," a SOF-MSD instructor said. "As AFSOC continues to adapt to rapidly changing global threats, CASEVAC training on a variety of platforms allows SOF medics to be adaptable to the needs of an ever-changing mission."
SOF medics can face high operational tempos, environmental extremes, and physical risks to provide life-saving medical interventions within high-pressure situations, requiring exceptional problem-solving skills and decisive action under duress.
During the training, they work~~ed~~ through realistic trauma scenarios using high-fidelity manikins while exposed to the same aircraft dynamics, noise, and movement they would encounter in a combat environment to understand its effect on both medical providers and patient stability.
The MC-130J Commando II's ability to support infiltration, exfiltration, and emergency medical evacuation across contested and austere locations makes CASEVAC competency a critical skillset for AFSOC personnel, said the instructor.
"CASEVAC is a core component of the SOF-MSD course, and training on an airframe is essential to properly prepare SOF medics to execute their core mission," the instructor explained.
Before takeoff, SOF medics joined the MC-130J aircrew for a mission brief where they coordinated personnel, equipment, and patient weight estimates with loadmasters, aligned communications plans, and reviewed anticipated medical needs such as cabin pressurization and temperature adjustments.
"We learn to provide medical care in the most austere conditions with limited resources," said a SOF-MSD student. "We also develop adjunct skills such as properly securing patients on different airframes. Learning to work as a team is just as important."
The 1st Special Operations Wing supports regular, integrated training events to ensure Air Commandos remain ready to rapidly respond in support of special operations missions around the globe.
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Original text here: https://www.afsoc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4366675/air-commandos-train-for-airborne-medical-emergencies/
