Military medical assistance to security sector reform

Abstract

Recent military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have widened the role of military forces to include "stability operations." The US Department of Defense defines "stability operations" as "military and civilian activities conducted across the spectrum from peace to conflict to establish or maintain order in States and regions" (Department of Defense 2005). This operational task includes helping to develop or rebuild indigenous institutions including various types of security forces, correctional facilities, and judicial systems necessary to secure and stabilize the environment - so called "security sector reform." The international community provides this help through a combination of governmental or international organizations and military forces. The chapter will examine the contribution and challenges involved in supporting security sector reform, both in terms of supporting the local security services to develop their own healthcare system and also in terms of providing medical support for the personnel of international military forces who may be involved in supporting the wider development of the local security services.