The battalion medical platoon: a flawed scalpel.

This article discusses the current organization and doctrine for a medical platoon in an armour-heavy task force in light of experience gained in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The organization of and doctrine for the use of the platoon is covered first. This is followed by a discussion of how doctrine was modified based on field exercises, and projected, and actual, combat operations. It concludes with a presentation of lessons learned and recommendations for changes.