MEDEVAC 9-LINE REQUEST
Conditions: You have been directed to request MEDEVAC for a wounded teammate. Wartime, non-CBRNE environment.
Understanding This Task
The 9-line MEDEVAC is a standardized radio request for medical evacuation. Lines 1-5 are transmitted first on the MEDEVAC frequency (urgent info the aircraft needs). Lines 6-9 go on the operational frequency after switching.
You must derive information from the TCCC cards, SOI, and map — nothing is given to you. No cheat sheets or GTAs during testing.
100% accuracy with proper brevity codes and RTO pronunciation. Say "Break" between categories and "Over" to end.
Common NO-GO Mistakes
- 100% accuracy required — any wrong brevity code = NO-GO
- Not deriving info from TCCC cards (it must not be given to you)
- Forgetting to switch to operational frequency for lines 6-9
- Not saying "Break" between categories or "Over" at end
- No cheat sheets or GTAs allowed during testing
Starting Configuration
Equipment: Protractor, military map with location plotted, SOI, two operational radios, two TCCC cards, signaling devices, laminated paper with alcohol pens.
Radio: Set to operational frequency — candidate must change to MEDEVAC frequency from SOI.
Task Basis: 081-COM-0101
Video Resources
ATP 4-02.11 Doctrine
From Army Techniques Publication 4-02.11, 23 March 2026 — Chapter 15: Casualty Monitoring and Evacuation Preparation
DD Form 1380 and MIST documentation (para 15-13 to 15-15): Medical documentation may be difficult in tactical prehospital settings, but every effort must be made to document care provided from point of wounding to definitive care. The DD Form 1380 (TCCC Card) is provided in each first aid kit. Complete all entries as fully as possible — it is the first, and sometimes only, record of treatment of combat casualties. Accuracy and thoroughness are of the utmost importance.
MIST Report (para 15-15): The MIST report transmits medical information to the receiving combat medic, evacuation platform, and MTF to better prepare for specific inbound casualties: Mechanism of injury, Injuries sustained, Signs and symptoms, Treatment given.
Evacuation precedence (para 15-18, DD Form 1380): Mark an "X" on the casualty's evacuation precedence: Urgent (requires immediate evacuation within 2 hours), Priority (evacuation within 4 hours), or Routine (evacuation within 24 hours). Document pulse rate and location, respiratory rate, AVPU level of consciousness, and pain scale (0–10) on the form.
Casualty reassessment (para 15-2): After initial treatment, reassess every 15 minutes, or if seriously wounded every 5 to 10 minutes, using the MARCH-PAWS sequence until the casualty is transferred to medical personnel. Absence of a radial pulse indicates the casualty is in shock — alert medical personnel immediately.
Source: ATP 4-02.11, Chapter 15, para 15-2, 15-13 through 15-18
- 100% accuracy required with proper brevity codes and RTO procedures.
- Candidate must derive information from TCCC cards — not have it given to them.
- Must switch radio to operational frequency for lines 6-9.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
0/3 GO-
1
Prepare the MEDEVAC request
- Determine grid coordinates: complete 6-digit grid with grid zone identifier, accurate within 200 meters.
- Determine operational radio frequency, call sign, and suffix from SOI.
- Determine number of patients and precedence from TCCC cards.
- Determine special equipment required based on site, injuries, and guidance.
- Determine number and type of patients (litter/ambulatory) from TCCC cards.
- Determine security of pickup site (given by grader).
- Determine method of marking pickup site (select from available devices).
- Determine patient nationality and status from TCCC cards.
-
2
Transmit lines 1-5 (within 25 seconds) CRITICAL
- State: "I have a MEDEVAC request." (Grader responds within 3 seconds.)
- Line 1: Six-digit grid with grid zone identifier.
- Line 2: Operational frequency, call sign, and suffix.
- Line 3: Patients by precedence — A=Urgent, B=Urgent-Surgical, C=Priority, D=Routine, E=Convenience. Say "Break" between categories.
- Line 4: Special equipment — A=None, B=Hoist, C=Extrication, D=Ventilator.
- Line 5: Patients by type — L=Litter, A=Ambulatory. Say "Break" between categories. End with "Over."
-
3
Transmit lines 6-9 (within 1 additional minute)
- Switch radio to operational frequency. Regain contact with evacuation platform.
- Line 6: Security — N=No enemy, P=Possibly, E=Enemy, X=Enemy (armed escort required).
- Line 7: Marking — A=Panels, B=Pyrotechnic, C=Smoke, D=None, E=Other.
- Line 8: Nationality/Status — A=US Military, B=US Citizen, C=Non-US Military, D=Non-US Citizen, E=EPW.
- Line 9: Terrain description. End with "Over."
From the Ranger Handbook (TC 3-21.76)
Supplementary context — not tested directly, but builds deeper understanding.
9-Line MEDEVAC Breakdown (Table B-1): The Ranger Handbook provides a detailed explanation of each line, including who provides the information, where it comes from, and why it is needed:
| Line | Item | Source / Key Detail |
| 1 | Location of pickup site | 6-digit MGRS grid from map/GPS. Include grid zone letters to prevent confusion. |
| 2 | Radio frequency, call sign, suffix | From SOI/ANCD. Must be the frequency at the pickup site, not a relay frequency. |
| 3 | Patients by precedence | From patient evaluation. Assists in prioritizing missions. "Break" between categories. |
| 4 | Special equipment | Placed onboard before mission starts (None / Hoist / Extraction / Ventilator). |
| 5 | Patients by type | Litter (L) vs. Ambulatory (A). Determines number and configuration of vehicles dispatched. |
| 6 | Security of pickup site | N/P/E/X. Guides crew in assessing approach and whether armed escort is needed. |
| 7 | Marking method | Do NOT transmit color until aircraft contacts you. Crew identifies color, you verify. |
| 8 | Nationality and status | Plans destination facilities and need for guards. English-speaking rep at pickup site. |
| 9 | CBRN contamination (wartime) / Terrain description (peacetime) | Helps plan the mission: which vehicle, when, and route to landing site. |
MIST Report: Sent after the 9-line request — Mechanism of injury, Injuries sustained, Signs/symptoms, Treatment given. Do NOT delay the MEDEVAC waiting for MIST information (Ch. 15, para 15-22).
Source: TC 3-21.76, Appendix B (Table B-1, Figure B-4) & Chapter 15, April 2017
Go Deeper — ATP 4-02.11 Reference
Detailed doctrine from the Army Techniques Publication: