SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES Aerospace medicine is the specialty of medicine concerning the determination and maintenance of the health@ safety@ and performance of those who fly or control systems in the air and space environments. It encompasses aspects of occupational@ preventive@ and primary care medicine. Aerospace medicine supports air operations and is especially effective when employed in a proactive manner; anticipating@ recognizing@ and controlling factors adversely impacting human health@ safety and performance; and promoting those opportunities which may sustain and optimize performance. The military applications of this specialty currently include the support of both manned and unmanned aircraft operations. This includes the aeromedical requirements for aviation personnel of all armed services@ the medical risks for flight passengers@ the standards for aeromedical evacuation@ and the ergonomics and human factors applicable to health@ fitness and safety in the air and space environments. Within the context of NATO@ member nations provide subject matter experts in the field of aerospace medicine to serve as delegates of the Aeromedical Working Group (AMDWG). This working group reports to the Military Committee Air Standardization Board. STANAGs promulgated through the AMDWG promote standardization and interoperability of aeromedical evacuation operations and equipment@ in direct support of the military aviator and air operations. AMDWG coordinates and liaises with Committee of Chiefs of Military Medical Services (COMEDS) and the medical panels of other NATO medical working groups to ensure concordance with and support to the development of general medical standardization documents. This doctrine is written to lay the foundation for what are considered to be the core components of an aerospace medicine capability expected for any NATO nation. This will allow for greater ease of interoperability and set the foundation for future operational partnerships. In furthering interoperability@ NATO nations are working with nations involved in other international fora such as the European Air Group (EAG) and the Air and Space Interoperability Council (ASIC). This doctrine is subordinate to NATO Publication AJP-4.10(B) Allied Joint Medical Support Doctrine and amplifies Section 1.3.2 - Air Operations@ paragraphs 1-4. National military medical services are responsible for organizing@ training@ and equipping aeromedical evacuation forces to provide rapid and flexible response in support of their operational military aerospace commanders@ across a broad range of air and space missions@ to include expeditionary war-fighting@ peacekeeping@ and humanitarian assistance.