Our History & Timeline of Operations
GSMSG: A History of Medical and Operational Support
The Global Surgical and Medical Support Group (GSMSG) was founded by medical professionals and U.S. Special Operations veterans to provide medical, surgical, training, and operational support in complex and resource-constrained environments. Since its founding, GSMSG has grown into a global network of more than 3,000 personnel supporting operations across a range of environments and operating conditions.
Timeline of Impact
2015
Founding & Initial Deployments to Iraq and Syria
GSMSG is established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity and begins deploying surgical and training teams to Iraq and Syria.
- GSMSG teams train over 300 Kurdish Peshmerga and Iraqi military personnel per year in Combat Casualty Care.
- U.S. surgical teams perform over 20 major surgeries per week, including trauma, cardiothoracic, burn, and orthopedic procedures in austere and frontline environments.
- GSMSG was among the U.S. organizations operating on the ground in both Iraq and Syria during active conflict.
2017–2018
U.S. Disaster Response & Expanded Middle East Operations
- GSMSG responds to Hurricanes Maria and Michael by deploying SOF-led disaster relief teams to Florida, delivering over 8,000 pounds of medical supplies to underserved communities.
- In Iraq and Syria, GSMSG expands operations with expanded surgical missions and advanced training of host-nation medics and physicians. Hundreds of surgeries and trauma interventions are performed.
2019
Expansion into South America and Europe
- GSMSG launches new missions in South America and Sweden, delivering trauma care and special operations medical training.
- In Iraq and Syria, large-scale missions continue with full-spectrum surgical services and joint SOF medical training teams.
2020
Global COVID-19 Response: Africa & the U.S.
- GSMSG deploys medical teams to New York City, staffing mobile hospitals and supporting strained health infrastructure.
- In Miami, Florida, GSMSG deploys critical triage infrastructure to Jackson Memorial Hospital, helping expand ICU and respiratory care capacity.
- Teams also deploy to Sierra Leone to conduct advance site assessments and partner coordination for future GSMSG medical operations.
2021
Multi-Regional Missions & Evacuation Support
- GSMSG deploys multiple teams to Guyana, conducting MEDCAP missions in the Essequibo region, serving indigenous populations and people fleeing Venezuela. Tactical trauma training is delivered to Guyanese police and military forces.
- In Sierra Leone, GSMSG trains over 300 Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) personnel in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and supports surgical training for RSLAF physicians.
- In Afghanistan, GSMSG plays a direct role in the coordination and evacuation of 600 individuals to Kabul International Airport, with GSMSG team members also stationed in Doha and Germany to support the safe transit of evacuees.
2022
Ukraine: Initial Deployment and Continued Operations
- GSMSG becomes the first U.S. surgical team to deploy into Ukraine following the Russian invasion.
- Teams lead mass training efforts in Combat Casualty Care for both Ukrainian military and civilian populations.
- GSMSG establishes a sustained deployment of U.S. Special Operations veterans and medical professionals to Ukraine — training over 25,000 Ukrainians in everything from point-of-injury care and TCCC to advanced surgical techniques.
- Simultaneous deployments to Central and South America support partner Special Forces and DEA units with Combat Casualty Care instruction.
2023–2024
Continued Expansion in the Americas
- GSMSG continues sustained operations in South America, conducting large-scale MEDCAP missions treating thousands of patients, and delivering Combat Casualty Care training to approximately 100 members of the Guyanese Defense Force in each cycle.
- GSMSG also begins training select U.S. and NATO partner forces within CONUS, bringing battlefield-proven trauma, surgical, and rescue expertise directly into U.S.-based readiness and interoperability initiatives.
2025
Telesurgical Innovation & Training Advancement
- GSMSG returns to Guyana and demonstrates remote telesurgery by operating a robotic surgical system in the U.S. from a forward base in the jungle.
- ATLS and trauma training is delivered to Guyanese Defense Force medical personnel, supporting regional medical capacity and advancing GSMSG’s work in austere and denied-environment medicine.
Present
Ongoing Global Operations
GSMSG currently maintains active operations in:
- Ukraine
- Iraq and Syria
- South America
- Eastern and Central Europe
- Other locations around the world
Our teams continue to deliver surgical care, training, personnel recovery support, and strategic medical consultation — working alongside partner nations, special operations units, and civilian healthcare providers to build lasting, self-sustaining medical capacity in environments where medical capability is limited or disrupted.