A FORM OF HUMAN INTERCOURSE

The philosophical basis of military medicine needs to be understood fu lly before progress can be made in doctrine, organization, training, a nd resourcing. During a time of increased resource constraint and radi cal restructuring of the military, an opportunity arises for a fundame ntal reexamination of the nature and philosophy of military medicine, In order to be effective in the role, a military physician needs to fu lly understand the obligations of the two professions that he or she s traddles, The military physician needs to be fully conversant with the profession of arms as well as being a medical professional. The oblig ations of the two may occasionally be divergent, but the physician has an important role to play in reconciling them. This action may act sy nergistically and produce a maximally effective military system.