Preparing for an operational tour as a medical officer in southern

At the time of writing, Afghanistan is the pre-eminent theatre of operations for UK military forces, which form a lead element in the International Security Assistance Force. Many junior medical officers (MOs) can expect to see service on Operation HERRICK in the south of the country, in support of deployed battlegroup formations. MO's will often find themselves supporting Company Group formations, either within the Company Aid Post, or on dismounted/vehicle borne operations. This article presents some of the challenges faced by those deployed in such circumstances, and proposes possible strategies to address them.