Battalion surgeon

A battalion surgeon is the chief medical officer of a military battalion in the Army or Marines. Despite the name, most battalion surgeons are primary care physicians or general medical officers, and not actual surgeons who perform invasive surgical operations. The battalion surgeon is a special staff officer who advises the battalion commander on matters pertaining to the health of the battalion. Chief duties include managing a battalion aid station (BAS), performing sick call for members of the battalion, and medical planning for deployment. The battalion surgeon is usually a junior staff physician, and typically carries the United States Army rank of Captain (O-3), Major (O-4), or Navy rank of Lieutenant (O-3) or Lieutenant Commander (O-4). It is often a salient position, lasting no more than a couple of years. Many battalion surgeons are recruited via the Army Medical Department Professional Filler System (PROFIS).

References

* [http://www.brooksidepress.org/Products/OperationalMedicine/DATA/operationalmed/Manuals/FMSS/0301.htm/ Health Services Support Within the Marine Corps Operating Forces] *

External links

* [http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/r601_142.pdf/ Army Medical Department Professional Filler System Army Regulation] *