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Field Surgeon

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Field Surgeon - 62B


  • Active/Reserve:Both
  • Officer/Enlisted:Officer
  • Restrictions:None

Overview

The field surgeon performs the basic duties of a physician. He or she examines, diagnoses, and treats for the initial phase (Level I and II) of battlefield disease and injury. The field surgeon also provides resuscitative and definitive care for injured and wounded Soldiers. When assigned to a maneuver unit, the field surgeon serves as the principle advisor to the Commander regarding medical force protection and the maintenance of the health of the unit. This is an entry level skill for the Medical Corps and is not awarded as a primary AOC, except to an Officer in a transitional Internship. As an Officer on the U.S. Army health care team, you can build a distinguished medical career while making a difference in the lives of the Soldiers and their families.

Job Duties

  • Performs the basic and fundamental duties of a physician
  • Examines, diagnoses, and treats or prescribes courses of treatment for the initial phase (Level I and II) of battlefield disease and injury
  • Provides resuscitative and definitive care for injured and wounded Soldiers within the capabilities of the unit's organic or attached medical element
  • Serves as the principle advisor to the Commander regarding medical force protection and the maintenance of the health of the unit.

    • Requirements

    Active Duty

  • Current license to practice medicine in the United States, District of Columbia or Puerto Rico
  • Eligibility for board certification
  • Completion of at least one year of an approved graduate medical education internship
  • Between 21 and 42 years of age (may request a waiver, Locate A Recruiter for more information)
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
    • Army Reserve
  • In addition to the above qualifications, permanent U.S. residency is required for Reserve duty officers.

    • Training

    In the U.S. Army, physicians gain experience that far exceeds the medical care environment of the private sector. As an Army Medical Corps Officer, you'll have access to the most sophisticated technology, and you will have the opportunity to consult with experts in both the military and private sector. In addition, you will have exceptional professional growth opportunities, including continuing education courses, seminars and conferences. Physicians may even serve as faculty at one of our prestigious Graduate Medical Education programs.For physicians just starting out, the Army Medical Corps offers first-year graduate medical education, residency and fellowship programs. Qualifying medical school students can also benefit through unique training opportunities exclusive to Army Medical Corps Officers. Medical Corps Officers will also attend certain military short courses designed to develop and enhance the tactical, technical and operational skills unique to the military environment.

    Helpful Skills

  • The normal environment of an Army Medical Corps officer's work requires timesensitive problem analysis with an accurate, sound and immediate decision. Ability to operate under stress, apply critical thinking skills, make decisions and translate these skills to battlefield conditions is critical to medical and mission success.
  • Effective patient care requires the proper balance between technical skills and the ability to apply appropriate treatment. Army Medical Corps Officers have expert knowledge in their area of concentration, patient management, and general support and coordination principles. Physicians gain this knowledge through mentoring, training, continuous selfdevelopment and progressive levels of assignments within their specialty.

    • ASVAB

    The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is an examination that is administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command. It is used to determine qualification and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military.

  • No ASVAB

    • Compensation

    ACTIVE BENEFITS:
    In addition to the many privileges that come with being an officer on the U.S. Army health care team, you'll be rewarded with:

  • 30 days of paid vacation earned annually
  • Noncontributory retirement benefits with 20 years of qualifying service
  • Nocost or lowcost medical and dental care for you and your family
    • RESERVE BENEFITS:
  • Health Professional Special Pay
  • Health Professions Loan Repayment
  • Noncontributory retirement benefits at age 60 with 20 years of qualifying Service
  • Lowcost life and dental insurance
  • Travel opportunities, including humanitarian missions
  • Both active and Reserve duty Officers enjoy commissary and post exchange shopping privileges and a flexible, portable retirement savings and investment plan similar to a 401(k). Officers may also receive pay for continuing education.

    • See the whole list of Army Occupational Specialties here

    To learn more about the Army's rank structure, see our complete list of Army ranks.
    To see a list of military medals and decorations that can be earned by servicemembers in the Army and other branches of the military, see our list of military decorations and medals.