What are the two main purposes of medical standards in the military?

The primary purposes of medical standards in the military are centered around maintaining health and ensuring that personnel are fit for duty. These standards are critical in determining whether individuals are physically and mentally capable of performing their assigned roles effectively. By setting guidelines and thresholds for health and fitness, the military can ensure that service members meet the necessary criteria to handle the rigors of military service, which may include strenuous physical activity, deployment, and other demanding conditions.

Establishing these medical standards serves multiple functions: it helps prevent health-related issues that could impair performance, reduces the risk of loss of life or injury due to health complications, and ensures overall operational readiness. By focusing on health maintenance, the military can support its personnel in being resilient and effective in their duties.

While aspects like mental health, lifestyle choices, and monitoring substance use are important in a broader sense, they fall under the larger umbrella of maintaining overall health and fitness for duty. Hence, the emphasis on fit-for-duty standards is foundational to military operations and readiness.