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
- 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