The U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD), often referred to as AMED, is the comprehensive healthcare system of the U.S. Army. Its mission is to provide medical care and support to soldiers, their families, and other beneficiaries worldwide. AMED maintains the health and readiness of the force. It integrates various medical disciplines to deliver healthcare across diverse environments.
What is the Army Medical Department?
The Army Medical Department traces its origins to July 27, 1775, when the Continental Congress established the “Army Hospital” to coordinate medical care for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. It operates as the U.S. Army’s dedicated healthcare organization, functioning within the Active Army, the U.S. Army Reserve, and the Army National Guard components.
AMED’s mission encompasses force health protection, medical readiness, and support for global operations. It safeguards the health of soldiers by preventing illness and injury, and offering sustained medical support throughout their service. The department’s importance lies in its capacity to preserve the fighting strength of the military. It is one of the largest healthcare systems globally.
Branches and Roles within AMED
The AMEDD comprises six Corps, each dedicated to a healthcare specialty. These include the Medical Corps, Nurse Corps, Dental Corps, Medical Specialist Corps, Medical Service Corps, and Veterinary Corps, bringing together medical and administrative professionals.
The Medical Corps consists of commissioned medical officers—physicians holding an M.D. or D.O. degree—who have completed at least one year of post-graduate clinical training and possess a state medical license. They practice in various areas, including operational, clinical, and research medicine, with over 40 specialties. The Nurse Corps includes more than 11,000 soldiers providing care in specialties such as critical care, mental health, perioperative, emergency trauma, and gynecology/obstetrics.
The Dental Corps is composed of commissioned officers who are graduates of accredited dental schools, responsible for the oral health of soldiers, their families, and other beneficiaries. Their duties range from clinical dentistry and laboratory work to supporting casualty identification through dental forensic operations. The Medical Specialist Corps includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, clinical dietitians, and physician assistants, who provide direct patient care, prevention programs, and rehabilitation.
The Medical Service Corps is the most diverse branch, encompassing medical administrative, scientific, and provider specialties. These roles include behavioral scientists, health services administrators, laboratory scientists, optometrists, pharmacists, and podiatrists, supporting the entire healthcare system from direct patient care to logistics and public health. The Veterinary Corps provides veterinary public health capabilities, including medical and surgical care for military working animals, food safety and defense, and biomedical research and development. Army veterinarians address zoonotic diseases and support humanitarian and disaster relief efforts.
Healthcare Services and Research
The Army Medical Department provides comprehensive healthcare services for soldiers and other beneficiaries. This includes primary care, specialty care, and dental care, which aims to ensure optimal oral health. Mental health support is a key component, recognizing the unique psychological demands on military personnel. These services are delivered across military treatment facilities globally.
AMED also plays a role in public health and global health engagements. Its public health efforts extend to preventing the spread of diseases, including zoonotic illnesses, and ensuring food safety for military communities worldwide. These engagements contribute to global health resilience and foster international cooperation by training local professionals and conducting disease surveillance.
The department contributes to medical research and development, focusing on areas relevant to military medicine. This includes advancements in combat casualty care, which aims to reduce mortality and morbidity from battlefield injuries through new strategies. Research targets infectious diseases, contributing to the development of new diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. AMED research supports advancements in prosthetics and other areas that enhance the recovery of injured service members.
Becoming Part of AMED
Individuals interested in joining the Army Medical Department can explore several entry points as medical professionals. One common pathway is direct commissioning, which allows licensed healthcare professionals to become officers without undergoing traditional basic combat training. This option is available across the six corps, enabling individuals to apply their civilian skills directly within a military setting.
Scholarship programs, such as the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), offer financial assistance for medical education in exchange for a service commitment. This program can cover tuition and living expenses for students pursuing degrees in medicine, dentistry, or other health professions. Enlisted medical roles exist, allowing individuals to contribute to healthcare operations and gain valuable experience.
General requirements for joining AMED include holding or pursuing a medical degree, possessing a license to practice, meeting age criteria, and being eligible for a security clearance. Physical fitness standards and a medical physical examination are also required.