Officers In Action
A Message from Chief Veterinarian Officer RDML Hale
Becoming a veterinary officer in the USPHS Commissioned Corps
Read full story
Officers are encouraged to grow professionally within their agencies, with pay increases based on promotions and years of service.
Officers and their families receive medical and dental care at little or no cost through TRICARE. Coverage begins on the first day of service. Learn more
Officers are encouraged to expand their knowledge base and pursue professional opportunities across agencies throughout their tenure in the USPHS Commissioned Corps.
The USPHS Commissioned Corps offers a Basic Allowance for Housing, a tax-free amount to cover your rent or mortgage that is calculated by your rank/grade, duty station location, and dependent status.
The USPHS Commissioned Corps also provides a Basic Allowance for Subsistence, which offsets costs for officers’ meals and is adjusted based on the cost of food as measured by the USDA food cost index. (The Basic Allowance for Subsistence does not cover meals for officers’ family members.)
Public Health Service officers have access to the benefits provided in the Post-9/11 GI Bill after 90 days of active duty service, provided they have not used the benefits previously. Benefits include funding for tuition, housing, supplies, and more. Learn more
Public Health Service officers are enrolled in a Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan similar to a 401(k), and a retirement pension plan with benefits eligibility beginning after 20 years of service (each additional year of service garners 2.5%).
The USPHS Commissioned Corps offers a variety of jobs in rural, urban, tribal and international communities. Officers serve in 800 different locations across all 50 states and numerous foreign duty stations.
