TEAM 2026 conference bolsters medical readiness across Eurasia and Africa Published March 24, 2026 By Maj. Angelov Lyubomir TRICARE Remote Program Office Eurasia-Africa GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany -- Key military health leaders and strategic partners convened at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort from Feb. 23-26 for the TRICARE Area Office - Eurasia/Africa Meeting (TEAM) 2026. The conference, led by U.S. Air Force Col. (Dr.) Cristina L. Franchetti, TRICARE Area Office-Eurasia/Africa executive director, focused on strengthening healthcare support and ensuring operational readiness for hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries across 110 countries. The event brought together leaders from the Military Health System, U.S. Africa Command U.S. Central Command, U.S. European Command, and industry partners to address the complexities of delivering reliable healthcare in a vast and dynamic region. In her opening remarks, Franchetti reaffirmed the commitment to providing world-class healthcare to service members, their families, and other TRICARE beneficiaries, no matter where they are located. She stressed TEAM 2026 serves as a vital forum to synchronize efforts, share best practices and ensure partnerships are primed to meet any challenge. Franchetti also noted the importance of the conference for ensuring compliance and exceptional healthcare support services. A highlight of the conference was a large-scale International SOS Contingency Operations Tabletop Exercise (TTX) facilitated by U.S. Army Lt. Col. Bradley Redick, Defense Health Agency Tricare Health Plan, medical director for clinical operation. This multi-day, scenario-based exercise simulated a regional crisis to test and validate medical evacuation, patient tracking and treatment plans. The timely exercise was designed to enhance joint readiness and ensure seamless coordination between military medical facilities and civilian partner networks during emergencies. The agenda featured prominent speakers, including Dr. Bryce Slinger, Assistant Secretary of War for Health Affairs chief of staff, who delivered the keynote address on overarching military health policy. In addition, Allison Campitelli, CEO of U.S. Government Services for International SOS, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting the TRICARE Overseas Program. Sessions covered a wide range of vital topics, including telehealth advancements, clinical quality management and provider network operations. The conference concluded with a renewed focus on the strategic partnerships that underpin the delivery of healthcare in the region. The insights and strategies developed at TEAM 2026 will directly contribute to the health, well-being and readiness of U.S. forces and their families throughout Eurasia and Africa.