The British Army has amalgamated three of its medical corps into the Royal Army Medical Service (RAMS), according to a press release.
The move unites the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC), the Royal Army Dental Corps (RADC), and the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC) into one unified body, aiming to enhance efficiency and adaptability in modern military healthcare.
The historic transformation was marked by a parade at the Sandhurst Estate in Surrey, where 180 personnel were inspected by General Sir Patrick ‘Roly’ Walker, Chief of the General Staff (CGS).
Speaking at the event, General Walker emphasised the significance of the unification, stating: “The Royal Army Medical Service is now a singular, cohesive Corps… ready to face down the challenges of the modern battlefield.”
The unification, named Project Victoria, reflects a modernisation vision for the Army’s medical services. The initiative honours the legacy of the RAMC, which was formed during Queen Victoria’s reign in 1898. Colonel Graham Johnson, Corps Colonel, explained the rationale behind the move:
“We asked the questions: Is it the most efficient and effective way of doing our business in a modern healthcare setting?… The answer we came out with was no. Coming together and wearing the same cap badge was the right and proper thing to do for a modern Army looking forward.”
The new RAMS beret incorporates elements from the three former corps: the Athol grey from QARANC, the Victoria green cap badge backing from RADC, and symbols like the serpent of medicine from RAMC.
The reorganisation seeks to create a single, agile workforce equipped to deliver advanced medical care in diverse environments.
Major General Hodgetts, Master General Army Medical Services, highlighted the cultural and organisational changes underpinning this effort:
“At the heart of this institutional modernisation will be culture and behaviour change… Personnel will be able to work across all areas of the Royal Army Medical Service, maximising the talents of our people to enhance our fighting power.”
A Symbolic Transition
During the parade, the flags of the three former corps were ceremoniously replaced by the RAMS flag, symbolising unity and shared purpose. General Walker reflected on the vital role of Army medical personnel, noting their contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic and on the battlefield:
“Your efforts and your sacrifices were never more evident to the rest of the nation than during the global Covid pandemic… You now carry forward those successes and with them the opportunity to set new standards of excellence.”
At the UK Defence Journal, we aim to deliver accurate and timely news on defence matters. We rely on the support of readers like you to maintain our independence and high-quality journalism. Please consider making a one-off donation to help us continue our work. Click here to donate. Thank you for your support!
Always interests me how articles like this on the support formations never get many, or any, posts.
Not sexy or warry enough, with no things that go bang?
Med just “happens” in peoples minds.
Or:
A lot of people know just enough to hold an opinion on toothy things tanks or rangers, even if those opinions are extremely inexpert. Most do not hold even that cursory knowledge of med, so can’t comment.
Tbh the only things I’ve seen said online about this has been the bemoaning of a fairly sensible amalgamation, or whinging that the stable belt looks like a WRVS colour scheme that hasn’t been used in decades.
Agreed.
Sorry for late reply, with no notifications it is so, so difficult to survey all ones posts to see if anyone has offered a conversation.
That’s correct in that the last thing people think about is med, but are the first people that get called when something unfortunately goes wrong. It’s a very sensible amalgamation, people can be a little sensitive (cap badge mafia), both the RN and RAF have a med branch not separate corps for nurses , medics, dentist etc