THE ROLE OF MILITARY MEDICINE IN MILITARY CIVIC ACTION

We are moving into an era when U.S. military forces will be called upo n frequently to perform military civic action (MCA) projects. Such pro jects. have been used successfully and unsuccessfully, primarily in th e areas of medicine and engineering, to enhance the standing of milita ry forces with indigenous populations. However, the available criteria for planning and assessing MCA projects are not widely known. These r elated and overlapping criteria are supported by facts, interpretative data, anecdotes, and common sense, but none can be considered absolut e. Selected criteria are defined, reviewed, and illustrated with examp les of past successes and failures.