Medical Support to Irregular Warfare: A Systematic Literature Review, 2000-2024

The advancement in medical care during the past 24 years of IW have enhanced survivability of combatants and noncombatants alike. Unfortunately, challenges remain. The lack of clear IW medicine policy and doctrine has obscured roles, responsibilities, requirements, and capabilities among the various stakeholders within the DoD and beyond. Efforts to advance the provision of medical support in IW have progressed without a cardinal direction or universally shared foundation of knowledge. This research provides a DOTMLPF-P framework to support closing existing gaps and moving forward recommended solutions in the near and long term. Now is the time in this era of potential Large Scale Combat Operations to leverage IW medicine as part of integrated deterrence to mitigate the risk to force and mission while preparing for future conflicts across continents, climates, and geopolitical circumstances.