title: The Afghan Theater: A Review of Military Medical Doctrine From 2008 to 2014.
abstract: This article forms part of a series that will explore the effect that Role 2 (R2) medical treatment facilities (MTFs) had on casualty care during the military campaign in Afghanistan and how we should interpret this to inform the capabilities in, and training for future R2 MTFs. Key aspects of doctrine which influence the effectiveness of R2 MTFs include timelines to care, patient movement capabilities, and MTF capabilities. The focus of this analysis was to review allied doctrine from the United States, United Kingdom, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to identify similarities and differences regarding employment of R2 related medical assets in the Afghan Theater, specifically for trauma care. Several discrepancies in medical doctrine persist among allied forces. Timelines to definitive care vary among nations. Allied nations should have clear taxonomy that clearly defines MTF capabilities within the combat casualty care system. The R2 surgical capability discrepancy between United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organization doctrine should be reconciled. Medical evacuation capabilities on the battlefield would be improved with a taxonomy that reflected the level of capability. Such changes may improve interoperability in a dynamic military landscape.
authors.affiliation: U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, U.S. Army Medical Command, 2748 Worth Road, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX 78234.
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lane
authors.affiliation: Joint Trauma System, 3698 Chambers Pass, STE B, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX 78234-7767.
authors.forename: Zsolt
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Stockinger
authors.affiliation: Joint Trauma System, 3698 Chambers Pass, STE B, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX 78234-7767.
authors.forename: Samual
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sauer
authors.affiliation: 59th Medical Wing, 2200 Bergquist Drive, JBSA-Lackland, San Antonio, TX 78236-9908.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ervin
authors.affiliation: U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, 3698 Chambers Pass, STE B, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX 78234-7767.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wirt
authors.affiliation: Defense Health Headquarters, 7700 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church, VA 22042.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bree
authors.affiliation: Defense Medical Readiness Training Institute, 4270 Gorgas Cir Ste 548, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX 78234-2738.
authors.forename: Kirby
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gross
authors.affiliation: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8955 Wood Road, Bethesda, MD 20889.
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.affiliation: Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham Research Park, Vincent Drive, Birmingham B15 2SQ, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Brig Timothy
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Hodgetts
authors.affiliation: U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, 3698 Chambers Pass, STE B, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX 78234-7767.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mann-Salinas
mesh_terms: D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006291:Health Policy / Q000266:history*; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation / Q000266:history; D008887:Military Medicine / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States