The first wave of the 40-person medical team from the United States Army Reserve’s 9th Mission Support Command (MSC) arrived last week in Samoa. The reservists are there to increase Samoa’s medical capacity during the Commonwealth Youth Games.

The group comprises specialized physicians, nurses, combat medics, bio-medical technicians and subject-matter experts,  according to a statement issued by the US Embassy to Samoa News this week.

According to the statement, the Reservists are helping Samoa prepare for the Games by conducting First Responder Training with Samoa Red Cross Volunteers and National Health Service staff.

Next week the US Army Reserve team will be working hand in hand with NHS to provide direct medical support to all of the sporting venues and athlete villages.

During the week of Sept. 14, the team will be placed in district clinics as well as at the main Motootua hospital to provide direct care, including dental care, to patients, and to share best practices with Samoa’s medical professionals. They will also take a trip out to Manono Island, as coordinated through the resident Peace Corps Volunteers.

The team also consists of behavioral health specialists who are working with the Samoa Victims Support Group and NHS Social Services Unit to share knowledge on a range of topics involving psychiatric care and counseling.

This is the second U.S. Army Reserve mission to Samoa in as many years, with members of the 1984th U.S. Army Hospital unit of the 9th MSC providing similar support during last year’s UN SIDS conference. 

U.S. Army Reservists perform duties as soldiers one weekend every month and two weeks a year, while they maintain full-time professional careers outside of their U.S. Army Reserve service, according to the statement.