All USCENTCOM bases and facilities should establish a local and regional PACE (Primary-Alternate-Contingency- Emergency) plan for both operational and clinical communication incorporating social distancing and division of labor during the pandemic response period.

The USCENTCOM Component and CJTF teams may have prospectively published local and regional PACE plans for both operational and clinical consultation and communication. Forward-stationed medical teams/medics should identify and test these options PRIOR to needing urgent consultation.

Division of labor and social distancing could strain all routine secure and unsecure DoD communication and collaboration platforms (i.e. teleconferencing video conferencing networks, remote access email), resulting in the incorporation of non-DoD unsecure platforms (e.g., Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp). Operational security and patient privacy must be a primary consideration when selecting communication platforms, especially when using non-DoD platforms.

UPDATE 2.0: In answer to the social distancing challenge in the work place, the DoD has established an approved virtual communication platform to improve personnel connection and information sharing. This platform is approved for controlled unclassified information sharing and is noted HIPAA compliant. It connects with individuals’ regular Non-classified Internet Protocol Router (NIPR) email accounts for ease of communications and scheduling. For more information on how to get connected visit the following link through June 2021: https://www.cloud.mil/CVR/.

RESOURCE

Refer to the Planning and Preparation, p12, DoD COVID-19 PMG v7.0, 3 March 2021