U.S. and German Military Medical Commands Modernize Public Health Partnership

MUNICH, Germany - Leadership from U.S. Army Public Health Command Europe and the German military, or Bundeswehr, met Aug. 12-13 to prepare a modernized Memorandum of Understanding, renewing a decades-long partnership focused on military public health and veterinary services.

Col. Anastasia McKay, commander of PHCE, along with her deputy, Col. Ross Coniglio and 1st Sgt. Dana M. Cavazos, met with their German counterparts to update the agreement. The German delegation was led by Col. Michael Nippgen, the Bundeswehr's chief veterinarian and Brig. Gen. Prof. Dr. Kehe from the German Armed Forces Medical Supply Command.

The German command, known locally as the Überwachungsstelle Süd, operates much like a specialized military health department. Based in Munich, the unit is responsible for protecting the health of service members across southern Germany. They focus on preventing infectious diseases, overseeing veterinary and food safety and managing military pharmacies and blood supplies.

Because both the U.S. and German medical commands operate in the same footprint - specifically across Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg - this modernized partnership acts as a major force multiplier. It allows both nations to quickly team up and respond to local health threats, environmental hazards and food safety concerns before they impact the force.

At the core of this partnership is the "One Health" concept, a team-based approach that recognizes human, animal and environmental health are all closely connected. By combining U.S. theater assets with German expertise in veterinary medicine and preventive health, the two nations can seamlessly tackle complex health hazards.

The alliance also pays off downrange. Because both U.S. and German public health experts regularly deploy globally to enforce health and food safety standards in austere environments, this agreement helps both commands standardize their field practices.

Moving forward, the U.S. and Germany plan to increase combined tactical training, align their public health guidelines, and conduct shared scientific research. Ultimately, the renewed partnership ensures both nations remain ready to protect the health of their forces today and tomorrow.