Biomedical research: its mission within the French Military Medical Service

The French Military Medical Service is organized as a distinct corps to support Army, Navy, and Air Force operations. This complex mission is accomplished through five operational components: (1) direct medical support of the force units; (2) hospital nursing and expertise; (3) biomedical research; (4) biomedical training; and (5) medical supply. Additionally, the French Military Medical Service is committed to humanitarian and civil medical support. Advanced biomedical research, particularly on infectious diseases and treatment of injuries, is actively pursued. Fundamental and applied research is needed to anticipate potential threats and improve medical support and care of French forces. The importance of biomedical research was recognized as necessary to develop technological improvements in rescue operations and to provide the military command with scientifically based advice. Biomedical military research has often been the engine of progress in medicine and surgery. Chief among those developments has been a special emphasis on infectious diseases and wound treatment.