Overview

Environmental scientists supervise the scientific research for environmental health and industrial hygiene. As an officer on the U.S. Army health care team, their knowledge helps prevent illness and injury for military personnel.

Job Duties

• Identify, evaluate and recommend the course of action to control potential health hazards
  
• Assess weapons, equipment, clothing and material systems
  
• Develop environmental health and industrial hygiene criteria/standards
  
• Promote policies, programs, practices and operations for the prevention of disease, illness and injury

Requirements

Active Duty

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 30 semester hours in the physical or biological sciences
  
• Master’s degree in public health or related specialty (preferred)
  
• Must be between 21 and 42 years of age (may request a waiver)
  
• Must be a U.S. citizen
  
  

Army Reserve

• In addition to the above qualifications, an unrestricted license to practice and a permanent U.S. residency is required for Reserve duty officers.

Training

Job training for medical service corps officers includes completing an Officer Basic Leadership Course, which introduces you to the Army Health Care system, Army doctrine and basic Soldier/leader skills.

Helpful Skills

• Ability to make accurate, immediate decisions
  
• Perform under stress
  
• Apply critical technical and thinking skills
  
• Tremendous concentration

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

Compensation

Active Duty
In addition to the many privileges that come from being on the U.S. Army health care team, you’ll also be rewarded with:

• Pay for continuing education
  
• 30 days of paid vacation earned annually
  
• Noncontributory retirement benefits with 20 years of qualifying service
  
• No-cost or low-cost medical and dental care for you and your family
  
• Commissary and post exchange shopping privileges
  
• Flexible, portable retirement savings and investment plan similar to a 401(k)
  
  

Army Reserve

• Pay for continuing education and training
  
• Noncontributory retirement benefits at age 60 with 20 years of qualifying service
  
• Flexible, portable retirement savings and investment plan similar to a 401(k)

Education Benefits

In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education.