Army Medical Services
Motto
- Life First
The motto emblazoned on the scroll proclaims "LIFE FIRST". This is
the essence of the arduous duty and challenge that has confronted
medical forces labouring on the battlefields of war & peace
throughout history. Remaining steadfast to this mission will mean
the alleviation of pain and suffering, and the safeguarding of the
Army's vital fighting strength.
Army Medical Services Insignia
The Snake
The Army Medical Services logo is made up of a snake entwined
around a sword, the latter resting upon a motto-bearing
scroll.
The snake, or serpent, has traditionally been associated with the
art and science of medicine. Its origin can be traced to Ancient
Greece where temples devoted to worshipping the god of medicine,
Aesealapins, abounded. These temples served also as hospitals and
in each was to be found a circular pit containing a snake.
Retrieved by coiling the serpent from around a wooden rod, it was
believed that applying the snake's forked tongue to the diseased
body brought about healing.
The Insignia
The sword that is central to the logo replaces the rod and is the
recognised symbol of the Army. It is raised in righteousness and
strength, unsheathed in readiness to do battle. The entwining of
the snake evokes the intimate bond between the Army's Medical
Services and its fighting forces.
The Colours
The colours used remain true to those of the SAF's earliest Medical
Services logo, namely maroon and gold. The color of the scroll
hearkens to the flag of our predecessors, the British Royal Army
Medical Corps, whereupon the colours of dull cherry, blue and old
gold are to be found
