this officer is heading up a civil military liaison section

facilitate the interactive process of refining the program

that should further expand international capabilities

and improving its effectiveness.  This effectiveness is

for emerging infections surveillance by improved

measured not only though effects on force protection

coordination of relevant military capabilities.  This

and the public health of other beneficiaries, but it is

officer's assignment to the key focal point for interna 

also measured through benefits that inevitably accrue to

tional public health surveillance information has also

the health of the general American population.

already proven invaluable in understanding threats to

Likewise, diverse nations continue to partner with

U.S. forces such as the 2001 outbreak of Crimean 

DoD GEIS in the best spirit of international coopera 

Congo hemorrhagic fever in Kosovo.  

tion and are thus also benefited.  Old partnerships have

been strengthened and new ones continue to bloom.  In

In summary, DoD GEIS is making considerable

many places, the universal value that public health rep 

progress in improving the capabilities of the military

resents has served as a focal point for progress across a

health care system essential to meet the special

spectrum of health, economic, and diplomatic interests

requirements of service families.  The program

where previously there was little collaboration.

evaluation by the Institute of Medicine will greatly

5