Protecting Public Safety
When threatened by an enemy that would impact the existence of our country, it is natural to think of the uniformed services of the United States such as the Army, Navy, Air Forces, Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard (in addition to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the recently created Space Force. In fighting a hidden enemy such as a pandemic, virus, or major health threat, however, it is important to remember there is actually one other uniformed service of the United States: the United States Public Health Commissioned Corps.
Especially important and vital in the current crisis, the role of the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health service is the protection, promotion, and advancement of health and safety to the public. The Corps is a 6,500-strong cadre of uniformed health officials in a variety of health disciplines. The operational head of the Corps is the surgeon general of the United States. Currently, that Vice Admiral Jerome Adams serves in
