What is a Doctor in the Military Called?
The title "doctor" is typically associated with medical professionals in the civilian world, who hold a doctoral degree and work as physicians, dentists, or other types of specialists. However, in the military, the role of a doctor is still referred to as a medic or medical officer, and there are different titles for doctors serving in various military branches and roles.
The Role of Medics and Medical Officers
In the military, medics are medical personnel who provide frontline medical care to troops. They work in hospitals, clinics, and medical tents, as well as out in the field, caring for soldiers who have been injured in combat or require medical attention. Medics may specialize in areas such as trauma care, preventive medicine, or emergency care, and they often perform surgeries and other medical procedures.
Types of Medics in the Military:
• Combat Medical Technician: A combat medtech is a medic who is trained to provide trauma care, including surgical treatment, and is often dispatched to emergency situations in conflict zones.
• Corpsman: A Corpsman is a medic assigned to naval vessels, coastal installations, and other units where Navy personnel are assigned.
• Aircrew Life Support Specialist: ALS is responsible for the aviation medicine-related duties, aircrew-related medical care and equipment checks.
• Biological, Chemical and Radiological Defense Specialist (BCR): Performs laboratory work, tests of medical surveillance, and disease research for the detection, treatment and prevention of threats related to biological, chemical, or radiological weapon use.
Hierarchy and Titles of Medics in the Military**
Medics in the military are given various titles, which vary depending on rank and experience. Here is a breakdown of the hierarchy of medics in the U.S. military:
{| class=”wikitable”
|+
| Rank (Equivalent)
| Military Equivalent (Years of Service and Time) | Military MOS | Responsibilities
| style=”font-weight: **bold;**”|[Lieutenant](https://www.af.mil/en/careers/officers/career-challenges/mid-level-officer-opportunities/) |- Army & Air Force Officership rank |- **Leading medics, medical leadership**, *Commander rank in Combat Support*
||
|[Captains](https://www.careermap.co/in-the-mil-magazine/can-you-maintain-career-cadence-in-rotation-after-rotation/https:/)
|}
|- Command rank in Medical Administration & leadership |- *Assigning Officers for medics*
* Medical Corps Officer*
||**Lieutenant Senior Grade**(O-4)
*[LieutenantCommander](https://health.usaf.mil)
*
|- (0C) Medical Squadron Officer
|[Lieutenants (O-4)]*
|- *Clinical role at Medical Department Director, Public Health and Welfare
*Military Occupational Specialist*
[Medical Officer **Medical Resident**](Medical Resident|- *Physician (Medical Officer)& Military role
**Examples of Physicians in the Military:**
• **The Flight Surgeon**: He or she is responsible for medical checks and monitoring airmen’s health issues and determining their fitness to fly
• **Deployed Battalion Surgeon:** Deployed battalion surgeon to forward base medical unit performs as principal medical officer performing a comprehensive range of surgery services
• **Battalion Surgeon to Deployed Brigade Combat:** Performs as principal medical officer; provides comprehensive clinical, therapeutic, and surgery services.
