What are military health services jobs like?

I've been thinking about working within military health services. Could someone explain what these jobs entail, and what skills or training are needed? I'm trying to figure out if this is a good fit for me.

Military health services jobs cover an extensive range of roles within the healthcare field. The opportunities are wide-ranging from physicians and nurses to clinical psychologists and pharmacists. As you might expect, these roles involve providing healthcare services to military personnel, their families, and in some cases, civilian populations.

Direct healthcare providers, such as doctors and nurses, diagnose and treat patients. Healthcare administrators manage hospitals or clinics, plan budgets, and execute policy. Support roles like medical technicians and assistants perform critical but often overlooked tasks, from taking patient vitals to maintaining medical equipment to administering medication.

As for the requirements, it varies by job. Physicians and nurses will need to have completed their respective medical or nursing school programs and be licensed. For other healthcare roles like technicians or support staff, an associate or bachelor's degree in a related field may be sufficient. Additionally, specific military training will be required after enlistment.

Soft skills needed generally involve problem-solving, excellent communication, teamwork, and a high degree of physical stamina and emotional resilience, given the often highly stressful and unpredictable environments you might be working in.

Bear in mind that working in military health services also means that you're a soldier. So, you'll have to meet physical fitness standards and complete basic combat training. Being in the military also often means the possibility of deployment to where you're needed most, which can include overseas locations.

Before making a decision, it's crucial to consider if this environment and the demanding nature of the work align with both your professional aspirations and personal circumstances. Also, speaking with individuals who are currently in or have previously worked in military healthcare could provide firsthand insights to help inform your decision.