National Health Service Comissioned Corps

• Unique Role: The National Health Service Commissioned Corps (now known as the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, USPHS) is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States, but it is non-military and dedicated to public health. • Origins: The service traces its roots back to 1798, when Congress created the Marine Hospital Service to provide care to sick and injured merchant seamen. • Formal Corps Established: The Commissioned Corps was formally established in 1889, making it one of the oldest uniformed services in the U.S. • Surgeon General: The head of the Corps is the Surgeon General, who serves as the nation’s top spokesperson on matters of public health. • Commissioned Officers: The Corps is composed entirely of commissioned officers (no enlisted ranks), with ranks equivalent to those in the U.S. Navy. • Global Service: Officers have served worldwide, including during international health crises such as Ebola outbreaks and natural disasters like the Haiti earthquake. • Wartime Service: USPHS officers have served alongside the military in every major conflict since World War I, providing medical and public health support. • COVID-19 Response: The Corps played a critical role in the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic, deploying officers across the country for vaccination, testing, and emergency care. • Notable Members: Famous members include Dr. C. Everett Koop and Dr. Vivek Murthy, both of whom served as Surgeon General of the United States. • Distinct Uniforms: USPHS officers wear uniforms similar to the U.S. Navy, but with unique insignia and devices that set them apart, such as the caduceus and anchor.