The formation specialises in various types of operations including emergency medicine, disaster response, medical rescue, hostage negotiation and CBRNE warfare defence.

Similar to most special operations units, the Mobile Military Health Formation has a high attrition rate with most candidates failing to meet the strict physical and academic requirements.

[6] Through its designation as the SAMHS primary force preparation entity,[7] the formation has a broad mandate to ensure the delivery of comprehensive medical health services[8] to the SANDF during conventional operations.

In light of recent advancements in warfare[9][10] and the ongoing threat of global terrorism,[11][12] the SANDF recognised a need to shift attention towards more mobile and adaptable military operations, specifically with a focus on disaster response.

While the Defence Review was later criticised for being difficult to implement[20] due to funding concerns,[21] the SANDF has confirmed its commitment to reform into a lighter mobile force[22] with response capacity for domestic and international operations.

As a result, the SAMHS reviewed its own organisation in order for it to be well established to provide optimal health support for the future defence force.

[24] The Mobile Military Health Formation headquarters consists of command element under a Brigadier General, brigade staff (S1 - S9), and a disaster response/ CBRNE defence Rapid Response Group.

When the SWA Campaign ended, the Field Ambulance joined the 1st Infantry Brigade and travelled on the HMS Kenilworth Castle from Cape Town to receive training at the Royal Army Medical Corps[26] Twezeldown on October 10, 1915.

As part of the Natal Corps of the 1st South African Field Ambulance, the unit actively participated in significant battles such as the Somme, Deville Wood, Ypres, and the Menin Road.

Another unit, 17 Field Ambulance, was formed during the war and served alongside Australian forces, but unfortunately, it was captured when Tobruk fell in 1942.

In 2007, during a long civil service strike,[34] the SAMHS was requested to manage hospitals and other public facilities (known as Operation BATA).

Wouter Basson, the founder of 7 Medical Battalion Group, was also assigned the responsibility of providing a defensive CBRNE advisory role in some operations.

The Mobile Military Health Formation has been providing support to the South African National Defence Force in its peacekeeping efforts across Africa in recent years.

Mobile Military Health Formation units were also involved in the SANDF deployment as part of the Force Intervention Brigade to the DRC from 2014.

Due to the ongoing instability in Cabo Delgado, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has decided that a multinational intervention is required.

Military experts have referred to this battle as one of the most challenging engagements for the South African National Defence Force,[44] in recent years.

In 1939, after receiving approval from various authorities, including the British War Office and the Surgeon General, the unit was allowed to wear the Mackenzie Tartan.