It embraces the values of compassion and service to others, reflecting the care and dedication provided to the wounded and sick.

The history of RAANC can be traced back to the formation of the Australian Army Nursing Service on 13 August 1898 in New South Wales.

The service saw its first action in the Boer war, when the New South Wales and Victorian governments arranged for a detachment of nurses to deploy with their troops to Africa.

[1] More than 2000 - and some say up to 2286[2] - AANS female nurses served overseas in the World War I with 423 serving in Australia, together with 130 Australians who had enlisted with the AANS but were transferred to work with Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve.

[4] In addition, more than 400 nurses served solely in Australia as part of the AANS Home Service (see Nurses on Home Service with AMF)[5] In World War II, more than 3580 women joined the AANS(see Australian nurses in World War II) with 71 members losing their lives (23 in battle and 18 as a result of accident or illness).