The United States Army Medical Department in low-intensity conflict.

For 30 years, in rural Texas, rural Kentucky, and in the Army, I have observed a variety of efforts aimed at changing people's health. Recently I participated in one large effort (USNS MERCY), commanded a second (MED EL, JTF-Bravo, Honduras), was "neighbor" and visitor to a third (Medical Assistance Team in El Salvador), and had staff level interface with others (Ahuas Tara 88, Fuertes Caminos 88, and Special Operating Forces Humanitarian Assistance Team, all in Honduras). This article speaks to the philosophies which I believe drive, or should drive, these initiatives. Other articles will explore individual iterations.