Operational Medicine from the Sea - A Revolution in Medical Affairs.
Abstract
The demise of the bi-polar world has changed forever the face of future war for the United States. While our nation is no longer threatened by total nuclear destruction, the variety and complexity of future limited wars will produce tremendous security challenges as we move into the next century. If the US is to remain engaged in world affairs, then it must maintain an expeditionary military capability in order to control, when necessary, the littoral regions of the earth. The United States Marine Corps is developing an operational concept, Operational Maneuver From The Sea (OMFTS), that will enable this country to do just that. But the very strength of 0MFTS, with its focus on maneuver, speed, and deception, will in turn demand of Navy Medicine a revolution in medical affairs to overcome considerable combat casualty support challenges. The solutions to those challenges will be found through: the development of new combat care medical doctrine; enhancing the skills and redirecting the focus of those responsible for patient stabilization and evacuation; preparing for a change in casualty profile due to changing weapons and participants; and finally - making the best of technological innovations that will ensure the best care is given to injured Marines. The key to understanding the medical demands of tomorrow's OMFTS lies in gaining an awareness and comprehension of 'operational art' from the warfighter's perspective. Only then will Navy Medicine truly understand its role as provider of combat casualty care.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 13, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA328083
Entities
People
- James T. Need
Organizations
- Naval War College