JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. –
The Walson Medical Support Element provides medical clearance for mobilizing and demobilizing servicemembers.
The staff's job here is never done as they ensure the unyielding multitude of servicemembers are mission-ready.
Soldiers and Airmen from across the country arrive at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst year-round on the final leg of preparation for a deployment. It is here the servicemembers receive their final medical screening.
The two main tasks of the personnel at the WMSE include providing medically ready, deployable forces as well as restoring the physical and mental well-being of servicemembers throughout mobilization, training and demobilization. The medical screening process, whether pre- or post-deployment, could be completed in a matter of hours.
"It is very important and dynamic work," said Lt. Col. Leonetta Oliphant, WMSE deputy commander for health services from New Orleans, La. "With the tools we are given, we make absolutely sure these men and women are fit to fight."
Servicemembers go through a battery of tests during their processing period. These tests are meant to assess the subject's physical condition including hearing, sight, mobility and fitness.
Servicemembers also receive mental-health screenings to ensure they are psychologically fit to accomplish tasks and duties unique to a particular operation and the ability to tolerate environmental and operational conditions of the deployed location.
Oliphant explained the staff of military and civilian personnel work many weekends and holidays to guarantee each unit passing through will be processed in timely fashion.
"The staff understands the importance of our mission here," said Oliphant. "They are compassionate and truly put the needs of the servicemembers in our care first."
All deploying personnel receive any necessary immunizations such as anthrax and smallpox as part of the medical process. The pharmacy also dispenses 180 day supplies of prescribed medications to each servicemember deploying for 12 months.
The personnel at the WMSE have mobilized and demobilized more than 15,000 servicemembers from Jan. 1 to Nov. 15. They have filled 19,579 prescriptions and administered more than 13,000 immunizations during this period as well.
Some of the extensive tests include HIV testing, pre-and post-deployment serum specimens, pregnancy testing, tuberculosis skin testing, DNA specimen, hearing readiness, vision readiness and a glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency screening. All of which are used to determine whether the servicemember is cleared for duty.
Multiple units move through the WMSE at one time, filling the waiting area to capacity with Soldiers and Airmen. Lt. Col. Michael Rollin, WMSE nurse practitioner said even with this high ops tempo, the staff still aims to provide the highest quality care possible.
"The staff here is very friendly and they don't try to hurry you along through the medical process," said Army Sgt. Laura Bonano, 350th Public Affairs Detachment public affairs specialist from Ft. Wayne, Indiana. "Before a deployment, everything seems so busy and rushed - but here they take the time to check every little thing."
Bonano is part of an Army unit processing through the WMSE on her way to a deployment.
A deployment can be a troubling time for servicemembers regardless of their branch of service. The WMSE staff analyzes every aspect of a servicemember's well-being before getting the green light for mobilization to ensure they have left no stone unturned.
"The fact the staff is so thorough in their assessment process is comforting to me," said Army Spc. Chelsea Russell, 350th Public Affairs Detachment public affairs specialist from Ft. Wayne Indiana. "Going on a deployment can be a stressful experience but this gives me some peace of mind."