The RESCUE Act requires the Army's Medical Service Corps to maintain a dedicated aeromedical evacuation capability with specialized personnel, training, aircraft, and equipment for medical transport missions. The bill prevents the Army from restructuring this capability into general-purpose aviation units or making significant changes to its force structure without first notifying Congress, providing a risk assessment of operational impact, and obtaining certification from the Army Surgeon General that any changes meet medical readiness standards. The legislation clarifies that while the Army's aviation branch handles organizing and equipping aircraft, the medical department retains authority over patient care, clinical standards, and medical command during evacuation operations. The law applies to all military medical evacuation needs including combat support, disaster response, and emergencies at military installations, though it allows use of additional civilian or allied aircraft in contingencies when deemed necessary. The bill takes effect 180 days after enactment and is referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee.
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