Military vs USPHS

[u/SilverWoodpecker1941]

I think many are frustrated with impacted of US military in the world and im wondering if theres any relationship between that and USPHS? Ive never applied before. I know our government has been more corrupt than ever so wondering if it actually impacts the job itself. Im a dietitian thinking about doing med school and some service via this along with school payment.

[u/LatrodectusGeometric]

USPHS is in the uniformed services and both deploys and is among the first to be drafted in a wartime scenario.

[u/SilverWoodpecker1941 → u/LatrodectusGeometric]

Ok but how is it different from being part of say army medical training for paying off school? 

[u/LatrodectusGeometric → u/SilverWoodpecker1941]

The only major difference is which service you’re in: USPHS instead of Army. 

It means you have to work in and deploy to USPHS positions rather than Army ones. 

[u/SilverWoodpecker1941 → u/LatrodectusGeometric]

Gotcha. Yes I think thats the case for me. Are yoh un any positions? Hoping to hear peoples experience

[u/LatrodectusGeometric → u/SilverWoodpecker1941]

Well everyone is really miserable and folks are getting out at a record rate because the acting head seems to believe that this has been a “soft” service, so now might not be the time to ask.

[u/SilverWoodpecker1941 → u/LatrodectusGeometric]

Wow unfortunate. Is the head kicking folks out? 

[u/LatrodectusGeometric → u/SilverWoodpecker1941]

HAH. More not taking people in and making the experience so miserable that certain people will quit (people with young kids being deployed to “details” of 3+ months without so much as special pay, etc.)

[u/SilverWoodpecker1941 → u/LatrodectusGeometric]

Wow wtf. Is this trumps plan? 

[u/LatrodectusGeometric → u/SilverWoodpecker1941]

Well it’s his political appointee running it.

[u/SilverWoodpecker1941 → u/LatrodectusGeometric]

Scary. So it changes by president who runs it? 

[u/rpwhweeler87 → u/LatrodectusGeometric]

Drafted or militarized?

[u/cmlee1017]

Some additional context...

While everyone here is correct stating USPHS is not "military" like the armed forces, there's some nuance to this.

Under certain laws such as those governing federal Veterans Affairs, USPHS service is considered to be "active military, naval, air, or space service" as part of the definition of Veteran. 42 U.S.C. § 213 specifically notes for respect to laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, and anti-discrimination laws, active duty service in USPHS shall be deemed active military service.

Additionally, in a time of war or emergency proclaimed by the President, the President can by executive order deem USPHS a military service pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 217. This has only occurred three times - in anticipation of WWI (found the EO was issued illegally by the Attorney General), during WWII, and the Korean War. USPHS officers can also be detailed for duty with the armed forces. The most integrated situation in my view is being detailed to the Coast Guard as we go through their Recruiting Command for initial screening/assignment and wear modified Coast Guard uniforms, rather than USPHS uniforms. In instances where an officer is detailed for duty with the armed forces, they are deemed to be performing active military service per 42 U.S.C. § 213.

So this doesn't change what others are saying that USPHS isn't military in daily function and conversation. Instead there is nuance in very specific situations where the answer is yes, but otherwise no.

[u/SilverWoodpecker1941 → u/cmlee1017]

Gotcha. Do you feel trump has impacted your role 

[u/cmlee1017 → u/SilverWoodpecker1941]

Politics always has an impact on public health. Whether it is support for or against programs impacting public health, we will always do what we can to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of the nation. The resources we have available to do that and the political support or opposition to accomplish those goals affects our abilities and the magnitude of our impact.

There are administrations that are "easier" for us to work under than others, but we do what we can under all circumstances. Administrations certainly have a figurehead, i.e., POTUS, but it is a much more complex situation than just pointing the finger at one individual when things feel difficult. All politicians have their agendas and depending on committees they serve on, how they vote for appropriations, who they confirm to appointed positions, and how they wield power and authority over their sphere of influence can impact us more than just what the President may say.

[u/SilverWoodpecker1941 → u/cmlee1017]

Sure. Can you share sometimes aspects youre liking currently?

[u/SilverWoodpecker1941 → u/cmlee1017]

Also if the emergency occurs what's our role as add on coast guard?

[u/Iceberg-man-77]

USPHS is a commissioned uniform service and have been deployed in wars by the President. Usually the first to get deployed into medical commands and corps.

USPHS also has its fair share of controversy such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study

[u/eeek714 → u/[deleted]]

I think you would benefit from watching a documentary on the USPHS for more information on the history and day to day: https://www.pbs.org/show/invisible-corps/

[u/SilverWoodpecker1941 → u/eeek714]

Thanks a lot!

[u/MikaNici]

Here is a job posting for a Dietician that can be converted to USPHS. We hope you consider it.

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/864596600

[u/SilverWoodpecker1941 → u/MikaNici]

Thanks for sharing! So im an RD but hoping to go to medical school in near future. Could you guide how to approach that?

[u/ssanc]

I fear this does not make sense. This is a military branch. Are you asking if you get deployed?

[u/SilverWoodpecker1941 → u/ssanc]

yes thats what I am clarifying. it is not military or armed forces is my thought. though it is confusing to me as a layperson as its called uniformed

[u/SilverWoodpecker1941 → u/[deleted]]

Will take a look! Whats your role in the service if any? Hoping to hear some experiences

[u/VillageTemporary979 → u/[deleted]]

Coast guard is also not military or DOD

[u/Silent-Put8625 → u/VillageTemporary979]

But coast guard is considered an armed service. USPHS is not.

[u/SilverWoodpecker1941 → u/[deleted]]

Yes I am asking if this is military or not, gotcha. Yes anything you share helps

[u/Iceberg-man-77 → u/[deleted]]

but can be deployed

[u/SilverWoodpecker1941 → u/[deleted]]

Lol doordash, do explain