The United States Army Medical Department announced recently it has reduced the military service obligation period down to two years for experienced health care professionals aged 43 to 60 years old, who are seeking appointment as an Officer in all Army medical corps.

Through its new Officer Accession Pilot Program, qualified health care professionals can now join the Army Medical Department as Commissioned Officers for their initial appointment and upon completion of their initial two-year service commitment will have no further obligation; however, those individuals may seek to extend their term of service in either active or Reserve status should they choose to do so.

"Through this program, the Army is looking to attract highly skilled health care professionals across a variety of fields who want to rediscover their passion for medicine by serving their country and working with one of the best health care teams in the world," said Col. Rafael C. Montagno, Medical Recruiting Brigade commander, U.S. Army Recruiting Command.

To be eligible for service, the volunteer must meet the eligibility criteria outlined below:

• Be a citizen of the United States for Regular Army, or a permanent resident for Army Reserve and able to obtain a Secret Clearance
• Be of good moral character
• Demonstrate an understanding and proficiency in the English language
• Have completed all educational/specialty licensing and certification requirements in the specific medical field in which the individual seeks appointment as prescribed by the Army Surgeon General and applicable law, regulation and policy
• Be capable of completing the full two-year service obligation subsequent to signing a contract (which must be done prior to his or her 62nd birthday)

"For the many practicing health care professionals who are interested in military service, the normal service obligation was just too difficult," said Colonel Montagno. "By reducing the service commitment time, we're able to bring experienced and knowledgeable practicing physicians, nurses, dentists and other medical professionals that have immediate,positive impact on the care we provide for our Soldiers and their Families."

Officers in the Army health care team are free to concentrate on caring for patients and developing innovative new techniques and procedures, while working with the latest technology and life-saving equipment.

Qualified Officers may also be eligible for year-to-year Board Certification Pay, Additional Special Pay and Incentive Special Pay, though they will not be eligible for accession bonuses or multi-year specialty pay incentives.

Benefits of being an Officer in the Army Medical Department also include:

• Opportunities to travel throughout the world
• A comfortable home on-post or a generous housing allowance if you live off-post
• Paid continuing education courses, seminars and conferences
• No-cost or low-cost medical and dental care for you and your family
• A flexible, portable retirement savings and investment plan similar to a 401k
• 30 days of vacation earned each year
• Rank and privileges of an Army Officer
• Low-cost life insurance