The service also includes administrative and technical officers (OCTASSA), nurses (male and female) and paramedical staff.

The health services of the French army and navy were set up by Louis XIV with the 17 January 1708 edict which established royal doctors and surgeons offices.

On July 2, 2011, the Military School of Medicine (ESA) was established as part of a rationalisation of the armed forces, meaning the closure of Bordeaux.

This makes Lyon the only school of military institution providing the first six years of medical and pharmacist training in the armed forces.

Notable characters in the history of the French military health services include: The primary mission of the SSA is to provide medical support to armed forces personnel.

The humanitarian side of the French Defence Health Services focuses on post-disaster emergency relief and medical support to populations stricken by conflicts.