At 30,000 feet over Europe, an injured Airman is secured to a litter inside a C-17. Monitors beep steadily. Oxygen flows. It’s a critical care air transport mission, and the nurse overseeing it isn’t just a caregiver - she’s the one making sure the patient gets home alive.

Air Force nurses operate in all medical environments - from hospitals in the U.S. to field tents in remote areas. Many are specially trained for high-pressure roles, such as aeromedical evacuation, where they lead mobile intensive care units in the air.

On the ground, Nurse Corps officers serve as clinical leaders and operational planners. They lead trauma teams, train medics, and provide hands-on care across various specialties - from mental health to obstetrics to critical care. Their flexibility makes them essential to mission success.

In garrison or in conflict, Air Force nurses ensure Airmen and Guardians are medically prepared to accomplish their mission, regardless of altitude.

The AFMS provides seamless health service support and assists in sustaining the performance, health and fitness of every Airman in‐garrison and while deployed within or outside the U.S. in support of global operations.

This capability is summarized by the phrase “global medical readiness,” which includes the full spectrum of medical operations, such as medical deployment operations and support to installation deployers, humanitarian assistance, all hazard response, global health engagement to support building partnerships, and stability operations.

It also includes the necessary planning, training, and readiness support functions, such as readiness reporting, associated with these operations. Components of this global system are fully integrated, with forward‐deployed health services and en‐route care to facilities providing comprehensive, definitive medical care.