Military healthcare experts have raised alarming concerns about the United States' preparedness for handling mass casualties in the event of a large-scale conflict in the Pacific region. In a testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, retired Air Force general and former Joint Staff Surgeon Paul Friedrichs stated that the current Military Health System lacks the capacity to care for the potentially overwhelming number of casualties that could result from a high-intensity war against a major power like China.

The experts emphasized the critical need to revitalize the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS), a program originally designed to enhance national casualty preparedness by improving interoperability between military and civilian medical facilities. This system, which has been overlooked for years, is now seen as crucial for addressing the potential healthcare crisis that could arise from a major conflict.

The challenges facing the military healthcare system are multifaceted. The experts highlighted a severe shortage of medical professionals, with projections indicating a deficit of 300,000 nurses nationally and 130,000 doctors by 2035. This shortage extends to the military, where only 10% of general surgeons are receiving the necessary patient volume and variety to maintain their skills for combat injuries.

Moreover, the logistics of warfare in the Pacific theater present unique challenges. Unlike recent conflicts in the Middle East, where rapid evacuation within the "golden hour" was often possible due to air supremacy and regional support infrastructure, a Pacific conflict would involve complex and potentially compromised evacuation routes. The US Navy's limited number of hospital ships, which are in need of replacement, further complicates the situation.

The experts stressed the urgency of developing stronger partnerships between military and civilian medical institutions, as well as improving joint operations and standardization across different branches of the military. They warned that without significant improvements, the US could face a scenario where up to 1,000 troops are killed or wounded daily for months, overwhelming both military and civilian healthcare capacities.

This stark assessment underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment in medical infrastructure and training to support potential large-scale military operations. It also highlights the intricate relationship between military preparedness, healthcare systems, and energy security, as robust medical support for military operations relies heavily on secure and efficient energy supply chains.