Security Assistance; and Logistics - Federation of American Scientists

The Military Health System Strategic PlanThe DoD MHS mission is “to provide optimal health services in support of our nation’smilitary mission - anytime, anywhere.” The MHS is a unique partnership of medicaleducators, medical researchers, and health care providers and their support personnelworldwide. “The Military Health System Strategic Plan – A Roadmap for MedicalTransformation,” May 29, 2008, was developed to:[R]e-examine our fundamental purpose, our vision of the future, andstrategies to achieve that vision. We are refocusing our efforts on thecore business in which we are engaged - creating an integrated medicalteam that provides optimal health services in support of our nation'smilitary mission - anytime, anywhere. We are ready to go in harm'sway to meet our nation's challenges at home or abroad - to be a nationalleader in health education, training, research and technology. We buildbridges to peace through humanitarian support when and whereverneeded, across our nation and the globe, and we provide premier carefor our warriors and the military family.Furthermore, the MHS Strategic Plan, under “Purpose, Vision, and Strategy” states:We have a singular opportunity to build bridges to peace in hostilecountries. In many circumstances, the MHS will serve as the tip of thespear and a formidable national strategy tool for the nation. And, wecan take advantage of a one-time opportunity to design and build healthfacilities that promote a healing environment during the clinicalencounter, empower our patients and families, relieve suffering, andpromote long-term health and wellness. We will employ evidencebaseddesign principles that link to improved clinical outcomes, patientand staff safety, and long-term operational efficiencies.Joint Publication 4-02, Health Service Support, October 31, 2006According to Joint Publication 4-02, the purpose of HSS is to maintain the individual andgroup health needed to accomplish a military mission. The intent is to effectively andefficiently use medical capabilities and individual healthful practices to prevent and/orcorrect any human condition that would impair or preclude the joint force from achievingits objectives.Joint Publication 4-02 states that HSS is related to three joint functions: sustainment,movement and maneuver, and protection and adds:HSS promotes, improves, conserves, or restores health within a militarysystem. HSS capabilities are employed across the range of militaryoperations and include the ability to organize, train, and equippreceding deployment and enable the employment of physically fitpersonnel. These capabilities span the operational environment frompoint of injury/illness to the appropriate capability of care.Joint Publication 4-02 continues to state that foremost is the role of HSS in sustainment:the provision of medical support required to maintain health during prolonged operationsuntil successful accomplishment of the joint force objectives. Joint Publication 4-02 alsonotes that one of the HSS operational considerations is stability operations.150