Army Medical Department (United States)
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Army Medical Department | |
---|---|
Active | 1775 – present day |
Country | United States |
Branch | United States Army |
Motto(s) | "Experientia et Progressus" |
The Army Medical Department of the
The AMEDD is the U.S. Army's healthcare organization (as opposed to an Army Command), and is present in the
The
The current Surgeon General of the U.S. Army and commander of the
History
Both the AMEDD and the
The Army Organization Act of 1950 renamed the Medical Department to "Army Medical Service" and on June 4, 1968. The Army Medical Service was renamed the Army Medical Department.
Heraldry
Coat of arms
A regimental coat of arms was devised for the Medical Department and was most likely first used in 1818. The twenty white stars on a blue background and the red and white stripes represent the U.S. flag of 1818. The green staff entwined with a green serpent combined two symbols: the rod of Asclepius from classical mythology symbolizing medicine and healing, along with the color green associated with the Medical Corps during the last half of the 19th Century. The colors Argent (silver/white) and Gules (red) are associated with the flag of the United States. The rooster is associated with the ancient Greek and Roman god of healing and medicine, Aesculapius. The ancient Greeks believed that the rooster's crowing at dawn drove away the evil disease-spreading demons from the temples so that it could be a place of healing. The torse (twisted rope) below the rooster shows alternating blue and silver colors which were representative of the Army in 1818. The Latin motto Experientia et Progressus (Experience and Progress) is meant to convey the steady and unfailing progress of the Army Medical Department since 1775.
Regimental insignia (crest)
The design of the AMEDD regimental insignia (crest) is derived from the regimental coat of arms. It is one of the US Army's fourteen regimental corps insignias. The insignias are worn over the right breast pocket on the Army Service Uniform (ASU) and signify a service member's branch of service. The "new" AMEDD insignia was approved on October 27, 2014.
Branch (corps) insignia
In 1851, "a caduceus embroidered in yellow silk on a half chevron of emerald green silk" was first authorized and worn by hospital stewards of the Medical Department. The caduceus in its present form was approved in 1902. Today, the AMEDD branch corps insignia is a gold color medal caduceus, 1 inch in height. With the exception of the Medical Corps, each Corps is identified by a black enamel letter (or letters) centered on the caduceus indicative of the specific branch. The insignia for Medical Service Corps is silver.
The caduceus symbolizes the non-combatant role of the AMEDD[5] and not medicine per se. It came into popular use for medicine in the United States after the First World War. As medical professionals returned to civilian practice, they brought the caduceus symbol back with them. Over time, Americans began to associate the caduceus with medicine. The Rod of Asclepius is the more appropriate symbol for medicine in a civilian setting.
Medical special branches
There are currently six special officer branches (corps) in the AMEDD.
Medical Corps (MC)
The Medical Corps consists of
Military physicians serve in one of several general career fields. The three main fields are operational field, clinical field, and research field.
Operational Medicine is the field of Army medicine that provides medical support to the soldier and his/her Chain of Command. Many operational physicians serve as
Clinical Medicine is the field of Army medicine in which a physician in uniform performs similar functions to a physician in the civilian arena. These physicians are assigned to a PROFIS unit in one of the various Army MEDCEN (Medical Centers) and MEDDAC (Medical and Dental facilities). Primary care physicians usually deploy to fill battalion level surgeon positions. Medical specialists deploy to support CSH (combat support hospitals)
Research Medicine is filled by a minority of military physicians. Most of these research physicians are based in larger
Nurse Corps (AN)
The Army Nurse Corps became a permanent corps of the Medical Department under the Army Reorganization Act (31 Stat. 753) passed by Congress on 2 February 1901.[7] Its motto is "EMBRACE THE PAST – ENGAGE THE PRESENT – ENVISION THE FUTURE" and its mission statement declares "All actions and tasks must lead and work toward promoting the wellness of Warriors and their families, supporting the delivery of Warrior and family healthcare, and all those entrusted to our care and ultimately, positioning the Army Nurse Corps as a force multiplier for the future of military medicine."
Dental Corps (DC)
The Dental Corps (DC) consists of commissioned officers holding the
- Advanced Education in General Dentistry
- Comprehensive Dentistry (2-year AEGD)
- Endodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Public Health Dentistry
- Oral Pathology
The US Army currently offers fellowship training in the following areas for Dental Corps Officers (applicants must have already completed a recognized specialty training program):
- Oral-facial pain
- Maxillofacial prosthodontics
- Healthcare Administration
- Dental informatics
The following ADA recognized specialties are not represented in the US Army Dental Corps:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
The chief of the Army Dental Corps is Major General Thomas R. "Rob" Tempel Jr. His father, Major General Thomas R. Tempel Sr. served as Chief of the Army Dental Corps from 1990 to 1994.[8]
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Veterinary Corps (VC)
The U.S. Army Veterinary Corps was established by an Act of Congress on 3 June 1916. Recognition of the need for veterinary expertise had been evolving since 1776 when General Washington directed that a "regiment of horse with a farrier" be raised.[9]
The US Army Veterinary Corps plays a significant role in current operations. Veterinary units are critical in ensuring remarkably low food borne illness rates. This is in great measure a result of veterinary inspection of subsistence in the United States as well as the approval of safe food sources around the world. Army veterinarians ensure the health of military working dogs and assist with host-nation related animal emergencies. Veterinary staff advisors also play key roles regarding issues involving chemical and biological defense.[9]
In the United States, military veterinary supervision of operational ration assembly plants, supply and distribution points, ports of debarkation, and other types of subsistence operations are critical to ensuring safe, wholesome food for our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and their family members. The large segment of the Veterinary Corps involved in Medical Research and Development missions contribute immeasurably to the overall military effort. Vaccine, antitoxin, and antidote development, directed toward the protection of military personnel, has been and will continue to be, heavily reliant on military veterinary expertise.[9]
Today, the Army Veterinary Corps, composed of approximately 800 veterinarians and warrant officers in both active and the Army Reserves, has an over 100 years of historic achievements about which it can be tremendously proud. Accomplishing its broad functions of food safety and security, animal health care, veterinary public health, and research and development, will continue to be essential as long as the need for military forces remain.[9]
The Chief of the Veterinary Corps is Colonel Deborah Whitmer.
Medical Service Corps (MS)
The Medical Service Corps consists of commissioned and
Medical Service Corps officers are drawn from the various Army commissioning sources (
The 20th Chief of the Medical Service Corps is Major General Michael J. Talley effective November 2022.
Medical Specialist Corps (SP)
The Army Medical Specialist Corps consists of commissioned officers. Members hold professional degrees and serve as clinical dietitians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and physician assistants. Members of the SP serve all around the world and at all echelons of the Army. The Chief of the SP Corps is BG Deydre S. Teyhen.[12]
Aviation Section
On 20 December 1971 the Aviation Branch became part of the Force Structure Branch, Force Development Division.[13]
The section controlled a number of units including:
- 45th Medical Company (Helicopter Ambulance)[15]
- 92nd Medical Helicopter Company
- 171st Air Ambulance Company
- 498th Medical Company (Air Ambulance)[16]
- 8th Medical Detachment[17]
- 25th Medical Detachment[17]
- 41st Medical Detachment[17]
- 50th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance)[18]
- 54th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance)[18]
- 57th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance)[19]
- 82nd Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance)[16]
- 83rd Medical Detachment[20]
- 94th Medical Detachment[20]
- 129th Medical Detachment[20]
- 130th Medical Detachment[20]
- 154th Medical Detachment[20]
- 159th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance)[18]
- 163rd Medical Detachment[20]
- 236th Medical Detachment[20]
- 237th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance)[21]
- 254th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance)[18]
- 283rd Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance)[22]
- 286th Medical Detachment[23]
- 430th Medical Detachment[24]
- 431st Medical Detachment[24]
- 432nd Medical Detachment[24]
- 433rd Medical Detachment[24]
- 534th Medical Detachment[24]
- 546th Medical Detachment[24]
- 571st Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance)[18]
- 755th Medical Detachment[24]
- 756th Medical Detachment[24]
- 758th Medical Detachment[24]
- 759th Medical Detachment[24]
- 772nd Medical Detachment[24]
- 774th Medical Detachment[24]
Enlisted Medical Career Management Fields (CMFs)
There are currently 22
- 68A Biomedical Equipment Specialist
- 68B Orthopedic Specialist
- 68C Practical Nursing Specialist
- 68D Operating Room Specialist
- 68E Dental Specialist
- 68F Physical Therapy Specialist
- 68G Patient Administration Specialist
- 68H Optical Laboratory Specialist
- 68J Medical Logistics Specialist
- 68K Medical Laboratory Specialist
- 68L Occupational Therapy Specialist
- 68M Nutrition Care Specialist
- 68N Cardiovascular Specialist (Deleted 1 Oct 2021)
- 68P Radiology Specialist
- 68Q Pharmacy Specialist
- 68R Veterinary Food Inspection Specialist
- 68S Preventive Medicine Specialist
- 68T Animal Care Specialist
- 68U Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist (Deleted 1 Oct 2021)
- 68V Respiratory Specialist
- Combat MedicSpecialist
- 68X Behavioral Health Specialist
- 68Y Eye Specialist
- 68Z Chief Medical NCO
In addition, outside the
Museum
Badges
-
Flight Surgeon Badges
See also
- United States Army Medical Department Museum
- United States Army Medical Command (MEDCOM)
- Order of Military Medical Merit (O2M3)
- Surgeon General of the United States Army (TSG)
- 68W (91W) (medic; U.S. Army)
- List of General Officers of the United States Army Medical Department in World War II
- List of ships of the United States Army#Hospital ships
- United States Army Ambulance Service (World War I)
- Battlefield medicine
- Combat Support Hospital(CSH)
- Field hospital
- Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH)
- Military medicine
- U.S. Navy Dental Corps
- U.S. Air Force Dental Corps
- U.S. Navy Medical Corps
- U.S. Air Force Medical Corps
- U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps
- U.S. Air Force Biomedical Sciences Corps
- U.S. Air Force Medical Service Corps
- U.S. Navy Nurse Corps
- U.S. Air Force Nurse Corps
- United States Army Hospital Corps
References
Citations
- ^ "Fort Sam Houston" (PDF). United States Air Force. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 January 2014. Retrieved 13 February 2011.
- ^ "Fort Sam Houston". GlobalSecurity.org. 21 August 2005. Archived from the original on 13 March 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2011.
- ^ "Medical Service Corps". The Days Forward (thedayrsforward.com).
- ^ AMEDD Corps History Archived 2 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Office of Medical History. U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD). Retrieved 2011-08-26.
- ^ "Frequently Asked Questions". U.S. Army Medical Department Office of Medical History. U.S. Army. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
- ^ Army Medical Department (AMEDD), "Training, history, education, FAQ"; Available from www.amedd.army.mil/
- ^ Carolyn M. Feller; Debora R. Cox, eds. (2000). Highlights in the history of the Army nurse corps. CMH Pub 85-1 (Revised and Expanded ed.). Washington, DC: United States Army Center of Military History. p. 103.
- ^ Valencia L. Dunbar (5 June 2014). "The Tempel Legacy: Approaching a Century of Service to Army Medicine". The Official Homepage of the United States Army. United States Army. Archived from the original on 21 April 2016. Retrieved 3 June 2016.
- ^ a b c d "U.S. Army Veterinary Corps History". US Army Medical Department. 2014. Archived from the original on 25 April 2017. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ "Medical Service Corps". medicalservicecorps.amedd.army.mil. Archived from the original on 22 August 2017. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
- ^ AR 600-20, Army Command Policy
- ^ "AMSC". amsc.amedd.army.mil.
- ^ "Annual Report 1972". The Surgeon General United States Army. 20 February 2020. p. 124.
- ^ "General Orders 1969 - No. 46" (PDF). U.S. Army. 20 November 2019. p. 3.
- ^ Dunstan 1988, p. 140.
- ^ a b Dunstan 1988, p. 137.
- ^ a b c "General Orders 1969 - No. 46" (PDF). U.S. Army. 20 November 2019. p. 3.
- ^ a b c d e Dunstan 1988, p. 139.
- ^ Dunstan 1988, p. 132.
- ^ a b c d e f g "General Orders 1969 - No. 46" (PDF). U.S. Army. 20 November 2019. p. 4.
- ^ Dunstan 1988, p. 147.
- ^ Dunstan 1988, p. 136.
- ^ "General Orders 1969 - No. 46" (PDF). U.S. Army. 20 November 2019. p. 5.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "General Orders 1969 - No. 46" (PDF). U.S. Army. 20 November 2019. p. 6.
Further reading
- Ashburn, Percy M. (1929), A History of the Medical Department of the United States Army, Houghton Mifflin.
- Bayne-Jones, Stanhope (1968), The Evolution of Preventive Medicine in the United States Army, 1607–1939, Washington, D.C.: Office of the Surgeon General.
- Dunstan, S (1988). Vietnam Choppers. UK: Osprey Publishing Ltd. ISBN 0-85045-572-3.
- Gillett, Mary C. (1981), The Army Medical Department, 1775–1818, Washington, DC: United States Army Center of Military History, United States Army. (Series: Army Historical Series)
- Gillett, Mary C. (1987), The Army Medical Department, 1818–1865, Washington, DC: Center of Military History, United States Army. (Series: Army Historical Series)
- Gillett, Mary C. (1995), The Army Medical Department, 1865–1917, Washington, DC: Center of Military History, United States Army. (Series: Army Historical Series)
- Gillett, Mary C. (2009), The Army Medical Department, 1917–1941, Washington, DC: Center of Military History, United States Army. (Series: Army Historical Series)
- Hume, Edgar Erskine (1943), Victories of Army Medicine: Scientific Accomplishments of the Medical Department of the United States Army, Philadelphia: Lippincott.
- McPherson, Darrell G. The Role of the Army Medical Service in the Dominican Republic. Washington D.C.: Office of the Surgeon General, Department of the Army. Archived from the original on 24 December 2010. Retrieved 14 June 2010. – full text
- Tobey, James A. (1927), The Medical Department of the Army: Its History, Activities and Organization, AMS Press, 1974.
- Vuic, Kara Dixon. Officer, Nurse, Woman: The Army Nurse Corps in the Vietnam War (Johns Hopkins University Press; 2010) 320 pages; Draws on more than 100 interviews
- Wintermute, Bobby A. Public Health and the U.S. Military: A History of the Army Medical Department, 1818–1917 (Routledge, 2011) 283 pp. ISBN 978-0-415-88170-8
- This article also contains information that originally came from US Government publications and websites and is in the public domain.
External links
- Office of Medical History
- U.S. Army Medical Department official webpage (on U.S. Army official website). Retrieved 2009-12-05.
- U.S. Army Medical Corps official webpage (on U.S. Army official website). Retrieved 2009-12-05.
- U.S. Army Nurse Corps official webpage (on U.S. Army official website). Retrieved 2009-12-05.
- Army Nurse Corps History
- Army Nurse Corps history and WWII women's uniforms in color (WAC, WAVES, ANC, NNC, USMCWR, PHS, SPARS, ARC and WASP)
- U.S. Army Veterinary Corps History
- WW2 U.S. Medical Research Centre
- U.S. Medical Protection System
- US Army Nurse Corps Collection
- Digital Military Medicine Collections of the U.S. Army Academy of Health Sciences, Stimson Library
- LTG Schoomaker's blog
- That Men Might Live!: The Story of the Medical Service in WWII
- The short film Big Picture: The Army Medical Service Corps is available for free viewing and download at the Internet Archive.