Public health jobs in the U.S. military

I'm passionate about public health and considering a career in the military. What kinds of public health roles exist and what qualifications are typically needed to secure one of these positions?

Public health is critical to the military, as part of its mission is to ensure the well-being of servicemen and servicewomen and contain diseases that can hinder military operations. As a result, there are numerous public health roles in the U.S. military across all branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, including the newest branch, Space Force.

Many roles hone in on different facets of public health. Positions may include Public Health Officer, Epidemiologist, Health Educator, Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene Officer, Preventive Medicine Officer, and Environmental Health Officer.

In terms of qualifications, a bachelor's degree in public health or a related field such as biology or health sciences is typically the minimum requirement. Some roles, like that of an Epidemiologist or Public Health Officer, may require a master's degree or even a Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) or a related field. Having specific certifications, like Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), could also be beneficial.

Besides academic qualifications, candidates usually need to go through Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS) before commissioning as officers unless they're entering through a program that commissions them automatically.

Work experience in public health can strengthen your application, especially if it's through internships, co-op positions, or entry-level roles in relevant areas such as disease control, health regulation enforcement, healthcare administration, or health education.

Lastly, meeting the general criteria for military service, including age restrictions, physical fitness requirements, and U.S. citizenship, is mandatory. It's advisable to contact a military recruiter in your area to get more precise information given your specific circumstances and career aspirations.

Remember that serving in the military is a significant commitment and not a decision to be taken lightly. While it can provide great opportunities for public health professionals, you should consider all aspects and commitments involved.