scope:

SCOPE AND LIMITAIONS

This document covers a brief overview of the political and military background to NATO involvement in Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Operations. It examines the principles involved in assigning medical assets to this type of operation, and identifies areas in which this type of operation differs from those covered by MC 326/1. It also considers some potential options for medical assistance in Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Operations.

The document specifically excludes the provision of medical support to deployed NATO troops where the overall mission is not medical. The principles for such deployments are covered in MC 326/1 and do not alter with the Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Operations setting.