The medical care system and Medical Readiness Training Exercises (MEDRETEs) in Honduras

Abstract

Honduras is the second largest and one of the least urbanized of the six Central American countries. Beginning with Big Pine II Military maneuvers in August 1983, U.S. military medical personnel based in Palmerola, Honduras, have been involved with a civic action-type training activity termed the Medical Readiness Training Exercise (MEDRETE). Medical officer and enlisted medics from the three services have had the opportunity to receive military medicine training in a Third World environment. The planning, preparation, and initiation of these training missions and the benefits to the participants and recipients are discussed.