NATO Logistics Handbook October 1997

Chapter 16: Medical Support Mission of the Medical Service 1602. The mission of the medical services of the Alliance can perhaps best be expressed as "To Preserve The Fighting Strength". They have a dual responsibility, in that they owe the individual patient the best possible care while they owe the commanders their best efforts to ensure that the unit personnel are physically and mentally able to carry out the military mission. Obviously, these are complementary functions. To carry out these duties a full range of medical services must be provided; preventive medicine, clinical care (outpatient and in-hospital), evacuation, dental support, mental health support, and required support services such as laboratory and medical supply. In the light of NATO's new strategy, the medical services of each nation must be fully prepared to operate in a truly multinational environment.