From Sept. 10-12, 2013, the 6th MLMC hosted the Medical Stability Operations Course at the Reserve Center located at Area B. The 6th MLMC coordinated with Defense Medical Readiness Training Institute of Fort Sam Houston, TX to bring the MSOC team to Fort Detrick. This allowed a majority of the unit to attend the course rather than sending individuals to multiple course locations. Other units and agencies in the Fort Detrick area were also invited to attend. In total, 36 military personnel and civilians from the 6th MLMC, the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency, the U.S. Army Medical Research for Infectious Diseases, the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, the Air Force Medial Operations Agency, and the Joint Vaccine Program completed the course.

"We've been maintaining five ready-to-deploy teams at all times to provide strategic medical logistics expertise to major Combatant Commands," said Col. Anthony R. Nesbitt, Commander of 6th MLMC. "Understanding strategic concepts of military to military) and military to civilian health engagements, stability operations, and U.S. government humanitarian and disaster response efforts is very important to accomplish that mission."

The MSOC was developed in response to increasing demands from deployed and returning military health support personnel for more deliberate preparation for Military Health Support for Stability Operations. The engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as responses to humanitarian needs around the globe have moved military action toward a new paradigm. This paradigm supports national security through the development of stable environments that enable durable peace and political, economic, and human security.

In November 2005 the Department of Defense acknowledged the role of the U.S. military in preventive diplomacy with the passage of DODD 3000.05 which elevated "stability operations" to a priority level comparable to combat and defined it as an overarching term encompassing various military missions, tasks, and activities conducted outside the U.S. in coordination with other instruments of national power to maintain or re-establish a safe and secure environment for essential governmental services, emergency infrastructure reconstruction, and humanitarian relief.

"The MSOC curriculum was designed to build a healthcare force that possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to support MSSO," said Dr. Diana Luan, Education Director of MSOC. "This includes humanitarian assistance in the global arena and ensures geographical Combatant Commanders have the capabilities for integrated stability operations."

"This three day course helps me better understand the dynamic requirements of supporting stability operations and the complexity of military medical diplomacy within the context of the U.S. strategy and international relations," said Sgt. 1st Class James T. Baker from 6th MLMC.

This course is open to all military and civilian personnel. More information about the MSOC can be obtained from DMRTI website http://www.dmrti.army.mil