The doctrinal basis for medical stability operations.

This article describes possible roles for the military in the health sector during stability operations, which exist primarily when security conditions do not permit the free movement of civilian actors. This article reviews the new U.S. Army Field Manuals (FMs) 3-24, Counterinsurgency and FM 3-07, Stability Operations, in the context of the health sector. Essential tasks in medical stability operations are identified for various logical lines of operation including information operations, civil security, civil control, support to governance, support to economic development, and restoration of essential services. Restoring essential services is addressed in detail including coordination, assessment, actions, and metrics in the health sector. Coordination by the military with other actors in the health sector including host nation medical officials, other United States governmental agencies, international governmental organizations (IGOs), and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) is key to success in medical stability operations.