Mobile Military Health Formation

The South African Military Health Service Mobile Military Health Formation is the SANDF military special operations health capability. The formation operates two regular force medical battalions, with 7 Medical Battalion Group providing support to the South African Special Forces Brigade and 8 Medical Battalion Group focusing on airborne operations. Three reserve units, 1 Medical Battalion Group, 3 Medical Battalion Group and 6 Medical Battalion Group fall under the command of the formation.

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.

The Mobile Military Health Formation's current structure is the result of extensive restructuring that occurred during the transition to democracy in South Africa and military reforms from the Defence Review 1998. Through its designation as the SAMHS primary force preparation entity, the formation has a broad mandate to ensure the delivery of comprehensive medical health services to the SANDF during conventional operations. In light of recent advancements in warfare and the ongoing threat of global terrorism,  the SANDF recognised a need to shift attention towards more mobile and adaptable military operations, specifically with a focus on disaster response. The SAMHS has adapted its approach to healthcare delivery in tandem with other SANDF services and divisions.

History
The history of the Mobile Military Health Formation dates back to the Boer Wars with ambulance detachments of the Natal Volunteer Medical Corps  (NVMC), the Volunteer Staff Corps in the Cape Colony, and the Transvaal Volunteer Staff Corps.

The Corps played a notable role in the Anglo-Boer War, the Rand Strikes, and World War I. In 1939, they were granted the honour of wearing the Mackenzie Tartan. During World War II, the unit formed part of 10 and 11 Field Ambulances and saw service in the Western Desert and Italy.

As of July 1, 1979, the South African Medical Corps (SAMC), previously a part of the Army, transitioned to become the South African Medical Service (SAMS), which became the fourth arm of the South African Defence Force (SADF). During the military exercise Ex Jumbo in 1980, the formation of 11 Medical Battalion tested the newly developed Medical Battalion concept, which involved combining all field ambulances.

1 Field Ambulance merged with 17 Field Ambulance to become 1 Medical Battalion Group in November 1981. The first special operations medical unit, 7 Medical Battalion Group, was conceptualised in the early 1980s when the South African Defence Force was involved in various unconventional operations such as Project Barnacle  and Project Coast.

8 Mobile Hospital was disbanded on 5 November 1981, when the majority of the serving and active members were incorporated into 6 Medical Battalion Group. Subsequently, all existing Medical Battalion Groups were re-constituted and re-formed to create the Mobile Medical Brigade’s five Medical Battalion Groups in September 1992.

The disbandment of 8 Mobile Hospital occurred on November 5, 1981, with most of the serving and active members being integrated into 6 Medical Battalion Group. Following this, the South African Medical Service formed five Medical Battalion Groups in September 1992 by re-establishing and re-forming existing Medical Battalion Groups.

The Defence Review 2015 emphasised the need for the SANDF to maintain a core Rapid Deployment capability that will consist of Special Forces and Special Operations Forces. While the Defence Review was later criticised for being difficult to implement due to funding concerns, the SANDF has confirmed its commitment to reform into a lighter mobile force 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. In early 2023 the Surgeon General approved a restructuring of the Mobile Military Health Formation to better underscore its status as the ready multidisciplinary rapid deployment health capability of the SANDF.

Structure
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.



The formation has three subordinate multi-role reserve Battalion Groups and two special operations Battalion Groups.

Reserve Battalions
1 Medical Battalion Group

3 Medical Battalion Group 6 Medical Battalion Group

Regular Force Battalions
7 Medical Battalion Group (South African Special Forces Multidisciplinary Health Support)

8 Medical Battalion Group (South African Army Airborne Force Multidisciplinary Health Support)

World War I
The Natal Medical Corps (Hospital London, 1904) was activated in 1914 and served in the South West African Campaign. During this time, they established the 6th Stationary Hospital in Swakupmond and operated the hospital ship 'Ebani'. Another group from the corps participated in the battle for Gideon against German forces. 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 Twezeldown on October 10, 1915. After completing their training, the unit was transported to Egypt on the HMT Corsican and arrived in Alexandria on January 13, 1916.

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.

World War II
During the war, the medical units were combined and given new unit numbers starting from 10. The members of the 1st Field Ambulance became the main personnel of the newly formed 10 and 11 Field Ambulances, distinguishing themselves by wearing the Mackenzie Tartan behind their cap badges. These two units provided medical support in the Western Desert and Italy. 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. After the war, the Field Ambulances returned to their original numbering system.

Domestic Operations
During the Civil Disturbances in June 1913 and 1914, 1 Field Ambulance Transvaal (later known as 6 Medical Battalion Group) was mobilised to provide first aid. They operated from the Drill Hall in Johannesburg and later set up a 50-bed hospital in the Wanderers Club building in the same city.

During the Rand Strikes of 1922, the Natal Medical Corps was mobilized alongside other Natal Regiments and deployed to the gold Reef.

Operation DUIKER and Operation LETABA
In 1959/60, Ops DUIKER saw the mobilization of 1 Medical Battalion Group in response to the Cato Manor Riots. Then, during Ops LETABA in 1961 which took place in Voortrekkerhoogte, helicopters were utilized for the first time to evacuate casualties. This marked a significant milestone as members of 1st Field Ambulance were informed that they were at the cutting edge of modern warfare.

Operation JAMBU
Mobile military Health Formation units deployed during Operation JAMBU (stability operations during South Africa’s first democratic election over the period 15 April to 15 May 1994. All medical task teams were responsible for providing medical support to the elements of the SA Army.

Operation BATA
In 2007, during a long civil service strike, the SAMHS was requested to manage hospitals and other public facilities (known as Operation BATA). The Mobile Military Health Formation was responsible for carrying out the operation. As a recognition of their efforts, the participants of the SAMHS were bestowed with the Tshumelo Ikatelaho medal, which was given to all those involved in this operation.

Operation CHARIOT
Mobile Military Health Formation units deployed forces in support of the SANDF and SAPS during the internal unrest in South Africa and provided medical support during the unrest of July 2021.

South African Border War
In the late 1970s, the 17 Field Ambulance performed Border duties and provided support for conventional operations in Angola. The members of 1st Field Ambulance were assigned patrol duties along the Mozambique border in Northern Natal. In 1978, they were fully deployed to test the new Field Ambulance system in Thabazimbi.

7 Medical Battalion Group offered support to the Parachute Battalions operating in Angola and on the South West Africa (Namibia) Border. Throughout the latter stages of the war, the unit played a role in nearly all major operations. During Operation MODULER, Operation HOOPER, and Operation PACKER, it provided support to its various allocated units, regardless of their deployment locations during the conflict.

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

United Nations Peacekeeping Missions
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. Its main responsibility is to mobilise SAMHS elements and capabilities for UN Peacekeeping Missions. It served as the rear headquarters for SAMHS members deployed on those missions. Notable recent deployments include Operation Fibre in Burundi and Operation Mistral in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mobile Military Health Formation units were also involved in the SANDF deployment as part of the Force Intervention Brigade to the DRC from 2014.

Operation BOLEAS
Operation Boleas, a military operation led by South Africa and sanctioned by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), was conducted to restore stability in Lesotho after a coup d'état. The operation commenced on September 22, 1998, at dawn. The medical support for the task force, consisting of around 700 troops from various units like 1 Special Service Battalion, 1 South African Infantry Battalion (Motorised), 1 Parachute Battalion, a pathfinder platoon of 44 Parachute Regiment, and a battalion of the Botswana Defence Force, was provided by 15 to 20 Ops medics and doctors from 7 Medical Battalion Group.

Tragically, two members of the unit lost their lives during intense combat at Katse Dam on September 22, 1998.

SAMIM
Due to the ongoing instability in Cabo Delgado, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has decided that a multinational intervention is required. South Africa has offered its support to the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), with the involvement of the South African National Defence Force's special operations units, such as the SA Special Forces and 7 Medical Battalion Group. Additionally, 8 Medical Battalion Group is providing assistance to the landward Combat Teams.

Battle of Bangui
Over the period of March 22, 2013, to March 24, 2013, soldiers from 7 Medical Battalion Group were involved in the Battle of Bangui in the Central African Republic. Military experts have referred to this battle as one of the most challenging engagements for the South African National Defence Force, in recent years. The South African paratroopers, consisting of around 200 troops, supported by a small number of Special Forces, were attacked on the outskirts of Bangui by an estimated rebel force of 3,000 individuals. Tragically, 13 South African paratroopers lost their lives during this conflict, with an additional 27 sustaining injuries. The rebels suffered significant losses, estimated to be over 800 casualties. As a result of their bravery, members of the 7 Medical Battalion Group were honoured with various medals.

Honours
In 1935, the Natal Medical Corps changed its name to 1st Field Ambulance and later became known as 1 Medical Battalion Group. 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. This recognition was achieved through the efforts of Colonel G.D. English, with the support of The Countess of Cromach and the Seaforth Highlanders.

On July 6, 1979, 1 Field Ambulance was granted the Freedom of the City of Durban, an esteemed honour. That same year, the unit also served as the Guard of Honour for the inaugural Durban Military Tattoo.

On October 23, 2010, 3 Medical Battalion Group was granted the privilege of freedom of entry into Cape Town. The Volunteer Medical Staff Corps, which preceded this unit, received the King's Colours from King Edward VII for their valuable services during the Anglo-Boer War from 1899-1902. This recognition distinguished them as the only non-combat unit in South Africa to be honoured by the British monarchy in this way.

Additionally, 7 Medical Battalion Group and 8 Medical Battalion Group received battle honours for their involvement in the Battle of Bangui and their participation in United Nations Peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. SANDF unit combat actions in the DRC from 2014, have contributed significantly to the neutralisation of the M23 rebel group.