Scott strengthens aeromedical readiness with TAES exercise

Published May 23, 2025
By Airman 1st Class Devin Morgan
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --

U.S. Airmen stand inside the open cargo bay of a C-130 Hercules during a Theater Aeromedical Evacuation System exercise at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 15, 2025. They provided security overwatch and situational awareness during simulated patient loading operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Devin Morgan)

From May 12–16, 2025, the 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron led a “TAES” exercise designed to test and enhance the Air Force’s patient movement capabilities, ensuring rapid evacuation of wounded personnel in contested environments.

The Theater Aeromedical Evacuation System (TAES) is a vital element of the Department of Defense’s global patient movement network.

It comprises Aeromedical Evacuation (AE) crews, Aeromedical Evacuation Operations Teams (AEOT), Aeromedical Evacuation Liaison Teams (AELT), Critical Care Air Transport Teams (CCATT), En Route Patient Staging Systems (ERPSS), and Patient Movement Elements (PME). Together, these components enable the safe transport of wounded and ill personnel from forward operating locations to higher levels of care.

The 375th AES along with vital members from the Scott Medical Training Facility have been planning this complex exercise for five months, preparing to simulate real-world conditions and integrate cutting-edge technologies and operational concepts.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Stacie Elliot, 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron flight nurse, documents injuries on a simulated casualty during a Theater Aeromedical Evacuation System exercise at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 15, 2025. The scenario tested in-flight patient triage procedures and medical documentation under operational stress. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Devin Morgan)

At the core of this effort is their TAES Battle Lab initiative—an innovation platform focused on studying and adapting patient evacuation operations to the threats posed by near-peer adversaries. This exercise allowed the AES and joint partners to test new tactics and equipment in a realistic, high-tempo environment.

“This wasn’t simply about rehearsing procedures; it was about pushing the boundaries of how we conduct patient movement in challenging, contested scenarios,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Tara Wilkinson, 375th AES exercise and planning officer in charge. “The TAES Battle Lab enables us to evaluate emerging technologies and tactics, ensuring we are prepared to deliver rapid, reliable care anywhere, anytime.”

During the exercise, these teams moved simulated patients through the full continuum—from point-of-injury across the Pacific theater to evacuation back to the continental United States. Participants encountered scenarios including care under fire, mass casualty triage on the flightline, limited resupply, and degraded communications.

Battle Lab initiatives tested during the exercise included:

U.S. Airmen from the 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron perform in-flight triage procedures on simulated casualties during a Theater Aeromedical Evacuation System exercise at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 15, 2025. The scenario tested in-flight patient triage procedures and medical documentation under operational stress. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Devin Morgan)

Aircraft Wireless Intercom System (AWIS) headsets to improve communication between AE and ERPSS teams aboard aircraft.
Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) to enhance CCATT mission efficiency.
Reduced complement AE crews assessed for operational sustainability.
Trial of a beta version of the Quick Reaction Kit (QRK) alongside crew-directed supply selection based on mission requirements and cargo constraints.
Validation of the Resilient and Agile Patient Distribution System (RAPDS) protocol in partnership with the Theater Patient Movement Requirements Center, improving rapid patient movement allocation.

“These advancements are transforming how we execute patient movement—not just the tools we use, but our operational concepts and decision-making processes. Every insight gained here will improve our ability to save lives in future conflicts.”

U.S. Air Force Capt. Tara Wilkinson, 375th AES exercise and planning officer in charge

U.S. Air Force Maj. Joey Franze, 375th Medical Group ERPSS team chief, highlighted how the integrated, fast-paced exercise sharpened clinical and logistical skills.

“The TAES must be ready to operate globally, supporting humanitarian missions or contested environments against near-peer threats,” Franze said. “This exercise built critical muscle memory while addressing real-world challenges.”

U.S. Airmen carry a training mannequin during a Theater Aeromedical Evacuation System exercise at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 14, 2025. The scenario simulated point-of-injury care and patient movement in a contested environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Devin Morgan)

Joint partners also participated, including the U.S. Army’s 339th Medical Detachment. Their Role 1 aid station provided immediate care and coordination with Air Force patient movement teams.

“My team quickly adapted based on feedback during the exercise, improving our processes in real time,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jayleen Gonzalez, ward master and noncommissioned officer. “This collaboration enhanced the realism and effectiveness of the training.”

Scott, home to one of the Air Force’s busiest AE squadrons and a key node for U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command, continues to shape the future of Joint patient movement operations–the TAES Battle Lab exemplifies the base’s commitment to readiness, innovation, and joint force integration.

“This initiative keeps us ahead of the fight,” Wilkinson said. “It’s our job to ensure our Airmen have the tools, training, and mindset to provide life-saving care under fire—because the mission depends on it.”