DoD raises status of medical care in war zone

[unhappycamper]

DoD raises status of medical care in war zone
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday May 27, 2010 12:46:46 EDT

In yet another step toward crafting a military that can tackle humanitarian relief to counterterrorism and everything in between, the Pentagon now wants planners and commanders to give medical support missions as much consideration as combat operations during the planning and execution of stability operations.

The new policy, effective May 11, falls in line with the military’s goals of preventing and deterring conflict, a desire to improve capabilities in counterinsurgency and stability operations, and in enhancing newfound coordination with other U.S. and foreign government agencies, nongovernmental groups, and, now, private-sector groups.

Military Health System personnel, the Pentagon says, must be able to operate in every phase of conflict and perform “any tasks assigned” in order to set up, rebuild and maintain local health sector capability when others cannot do so.

“The new policy recognizes what we’ve been learning with our medical missions,” said Cmdr. William Hughes, program director for contingency planning for the Pentagon’s International Health Division. “It hasn’t just been combat casualty care. ... It reflects health’s unique ability to be a beneficial and/or impartial player in the field.

“The line commander’s objectives may not be health, per se, but the strategic end goal is regional stability,” he said. “We need to be able to respond quickly and proficiently throughout the world and have a positive impact on different cultures.”

[PDJane]

1. It's a step.

Of course, a better step would be a humanitarian mission instead of blowing things up.....call me a utopian.