The main role of the RAMC is to provide healthcare to the British Army in barracks and on operations, however leadership, command and control functions within the Corps are undertaken principally by Medical Support Officers.
Leadership functions however rest with those officers who have gained a Commission either from attending the full Commissioning Course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), or outstanding soldiers Commissioning from the rank of Staff Sergeant who have attend the Late Entry Officers Course at the RMAS.
Wherever the Army deploys, medical planning is always at the top of the agenda - MSOs are responsible for this highly important role.
MSOs will be required to deliver the Medical Recovery Plan for any possible casualties to the Commanding Officer and ensure they do not neglect medical constraints when delivering their own plans.
An MSO in their first appointment may find themselves leading medical teams on the ground in places such as Canada, Kenya and Cyprus.