The coming of age of military nursing research.

An Institute of Medicine (IOM) committee recently reviewed the TriService Nursing Research Program. In its report, The Program for Research in Military Nursing: Progress and Future Direction, the IOM committee ' supported the continuation of the program and made recommendations for improving it. The committee emphasized the importance of developing and supporting programs of research, establishing an environment of scientific excellence, determining areas for future research funding, and allocating resources for program infrastructure, management, and functions. This article expands that theme. It begins with an historical perspective; addresses challenges facing military nurse researchers and the role of programs of military nursing research; and offers a series of conclusions for leadership necessary to establish an environment of scientific excellence.