Task Force Contain: A Descriptive Analysis of Brigade Combat Team COVID-19 Operations.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In March 2020, a Fort Carson brigade combat team established Task Force (TF) Contain in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We offer a descriptive analysis of the TF Contain execution. METHODS: This study comprises a descriptive analysis of the design and execution of COVID-19 response by an infantry brigade combat team. Specific analyses include patient flow and mitigation measures; task organization; and definition of commander decision points as associated with separate lines of effort. RESULTS: TF Contain defined separate teams to address each component of the COVID-19 response, each assigned to subordinate battalions. Team Trace augmented the installation medical activity tracing interviews and data collection. Team Isolation provided lodging and life support; whereas, Team Transportation provided movement assets for soldiers requiring restriction of movement related to COVID-19. Team Clean executed disinfection operations at geographic locations determined to be associated with transmission events. Team Oversight enforced standards of mask wear and social distancing throughout the installation. Team Overflow analyzed installation infrastructure for contingency planning in the event more facilities became necessary for soldiers in isolation or quarantine. Finally, Team Testing augmented medical department activity (MEDDAC) medical manpower to staff providers and medics for support testing operations. CONCLUSIONS: Few personnel assigned to this organization had pre-existing experience or training related to infectious disease prevention or epidemiology. Nevertheless, this organization demonstrated the capacity of the military decision-making and operations processes to build robust procedures in response to public health threats.