The Implications of the New Security Environment on the National Health Systems Enterprise

Authors

• Martin Charles Bricknell, King's College London
• Derek Licina, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University

Abstract

This article explores the strategic integration of military and civilian health systems in response to large-scale conflicts, emphasizing the critical role of civil-military cooperation. NATO's experience with the war in Ukraine highlights the importance of interoperable health systems across the Euro-Atlantic region, while the Asia-Pacific presents unique challenges due to its geographic dispersal and alliance structures. The U.S. National Disaster Medical System, strengthened by lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, is positioned to manage medical evacuations and casualties in future contingencies. The article advocates for the U.S. military health system to be considered as strategically vital as the defense-industrial complex, underscoring the need for greater civil-military health coordination at both national and international levels to prepare for potential health emergencies.