Should the medical plan have its own annex to the operations order?

Having a medical plan as its own annex within the operations order is crucial for several reasons. First, a dedicated medical annex ensures that all personnel involved in the operation are fully aware of the procedures, resources, and points of contact related to medical support. This clarity is essential for rapid response in case of emergencies, which can significantly impact the mission's overall success.

A separate annex also allows for detailed planning tailored to the specific operational environment and potential medical scenarios that might arise, including considerations for evacuation routes, medical facility locations, and contingencies for mass casualty situations. By isolating medical protocols and resources in their own section, it reduces the risk of critical information being overlooked or lost in the broader operational order.

While some might argue that the inclusion of a medical plan could depend on the mission's scale or risk, it's more prudent to have a standardized approach that incorporates a medical annex as a matter of course. This ensures that no matter the situation, there is always a clear plan for medical support, increasing efficiency and responsiveness during operations.