Strategic disaster preparedness and response: implications for military medicine under joint command.

With the end of the Cold War, renewed emphasis has been placed on humanitarian assistance such as disaster relief, refugee management, and humanitarian intervention during conflicts by the military forces of all nations. The role of the military in humanitarian assistance has been the subject of much recent debate, as the ability of the United States to mount an effective emergency response is linked to our nation's strategic policy and planning. This article describes and broadens the understanding of the evolving concepts of strategic disaster management and the role of Joint Military Commands in providing disaster relief. Examples of strategic humanitarian relief operations are discussed.