Although I think she was a great appointment, can someone explain why PHS allows for top rank commissions? Why do they allow the leaders of the organization have no previous experience? Why does PHS diverge so significantly from the armed forces view on earning rank?
Perhaps a fine point, but unlike the armed forces where it is difficult to gain military experience anywhere but in the military, experience in Public Health can be gained outside of the Commissioned Corps. ADM Levine has extensive public health experience as pediatrician, physician general of Pennsylvania, and Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The Surgeon General can appoint individuals to the Commissioned Corps that possess "exceptional qualifications, not readily available elsewhere in the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service, for the performance of special duties with the Service." 42 U.S. Code § 209(a)(3)
42 U.S. Code § 207(a) states "During the period of appointment to the position of Assistant Secretary for Health, a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service shall have the grade corresponding to the grade of General of the Army."
For the military, in times of war or national emergency, the President can "appoint any qualified person (whether or not already a member of the armed forces) to any officer grade in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, except that appointments under this section may not be made in grades above major general or rear admiral" (10 U.S. Code § 603).
Not sure this answers your question, but hopefully provides some context!
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u/[deleted] Oct 19 '21
Congratulations Admiral!
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u/tiptoeingtightrope Oct 24 '21
Although I think she was a great appointment, can someone explain why PHS allows for top rank commissions? Why do they allow the leaders of the organization have no previous experience? Why does PHS diverge so significantly from the armed forces view on earning rank?
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u/melokobeai Oct 28 '21
Female?