U.S. Army rehabilitation advisors in El Salvador

U.S. Army rehabilitation personnel have served in El Salvador since 1983 as advisors with the U.S. Army Humanitarian Medical Mobile Training Team. During 6-month periods, they assisted in upgrading the rehabilitative skills and capabilities of their Salvadoran counterparts while obtaining experience in combat injuries and enhancing their own medical readiness. This article, authored by three of the physical therapists who served in this role, chronicles the challenges and successes of serving as a rehabilitation advisor in an area of low-intensity conflict and offers preparatory information and recommendations to other health care professionals interested in serving in similar nation-building roles.