Medical care behind enemy lines: a historical examination of clandestine hospitals

Current medical doctrine states that hospital support to unconventional forces will be provided by conventional medical units in the theater. During such operations, the tactical situation may preclude timely hospital care to the detriment of the patient and his unit's effectiveness. To find a viable solution, this study investigates the concept of clandestine hospitals employed during World War II and by North Vietnamese soldiers and Afghan resistance fighters. A test of the concept by a Special Forces Medical Detachment is also described. The characteristics of successful clandestine hospital operations and lessons learned are discussed.