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As the U.S. Army prepares to celebrate its 244th birthday this Friday, I am compelled to elevate the exceptional Americans that have stepped forward to serve our republic. In addition to lifting up those that wear our uniform, it is critical to inspire the next generation of Americans that will continue the legacy of defending democracy and our constitution well into the future.
There are many misconceptions out there about exactly what Army service entails, Hollywood and culture have codified ideas about Army service that reflect both positively and negatively upon the institution. Somehow, the U.S. Army has remained the preeminent land force on the globe, bringing to bear the best trained, best equipped and best led force in the world today.
The question I seek an answer to is how did this advantage come about? Do American’s possess a cultural predisposition that makes our Army greater than all others? There are several variables to consider when examining the strength of our Army, but for brevity, I seek to highlight how Army Medicine has helped our force maintain its competitive edge into the 21st century.
When most contemplate the image of an American Soldier, the image that very often comes to mind is that of the Infantry Soldier, armed with state of the art weaponry who’s ready, willing, and able to win our nation’s wars. With a little bit of help and a closer look, we can reveal some of what makes that infantry Soldier the best in the world.
Consider the lifecycle of Army Medicine. The Army possesses nine major medical research and development commands. Nested within these research facilities are teams of microbiologists, biochemists and clinical lab officers that pour unbridled resources into preparing our forces long before they enter the battle space. From developing innovative medical treatment to improving training, medical research builds the resilience of our force by improving its lethality and survivability.
Every Soldier walks onto the battlefield with the knowledge that every effort is made to preserve life, limb, and eyesight in the event of an injury. Our medical evacuation airlift capability is at the ready to fly in, fly out, and deliver them to state of the art facilities where teams of Physicians, PAs, and Nurses provide excellent care.
The journey continues where occupational therapists and physical therapists begin the rehabilitative process to restore the Soldier back to full health and regular duty. Once again, our Soldiers receive care from the very best who performs their duties with the benefit of cutting-edge research and decades of institutional knowledge.
When that Soldier returns to the formation, he not only reinforces the manpower of that institution, he reinforces the trust amongst his superiors, peers and subordinates that Army medicine will always be there to deliver lifesaving aid.
While we celebrate 244 years of U.S. Army history, let us encourage meaningful dialogue around the merits and accomplishments of all of our medical professionals, past, present and future. Army medicine has been and continues to be an enormous force for good in the world. For those longing for the chance to give back and serve others, I can think of no greater place to consider than the U.S. Army. If you have any interest in joining the Army Medicine Team, please call (617)-753-3015 or visit https://recruiting.army.mil/mrb.
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Captain Michael Schoenen, US Army Medical Recruiting Boston
| Date Taken: | 06.11.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 06.11.2019 15:02 |
| Story ID: | 326710 |
| Location: | BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, US |
| Hometown: | BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, US |
| Hometown: | CLEVELAND, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 124 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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