How to Become a Military Doctor: Rank, Salary & Benefits
Gain insight into the career of military medicine and the opportunities it presents. Find out the requirements, the education and training needed, how military doctors are paid, and more by continuing below.
Military Doctors: Career Overview
Military doctors perform the same tasks as civilian doctors, just in a military context. While they may work in field hospitals treating the injured on the front lines, most doctors in the military work at hospitals stateside or in military bases, providing the mundane services typically expected of them, diagnosing illnesses and injuries as well as performing preventative checkups.
| Education Required | Doctorate (M.D.) |
| Education Field of Study | Medicine |
| Training | Internship and residency |
| Key Skills | Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, compassionate nature, and the ability to communicate effectively |
| Job Growth (2020-2030) | 3% (all physicians and surgeons)* |
| Median Salary | Determined by rank* |
Source: *United States Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Do Military Doctors Do?
Military doctors are always commissioned officers, in addition to being doctors. The Air Force, Army, and Navy all have medical corps which employ doctors in a wide number of specialties, from psychiatry to urology. They work on military bases, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships at sea, and at advanced hospitals like Walter Reed Military Medical Center, where presidents receive medical care. Military doctors can be active duty, or serve in the reserve while working in civilian hospitals. Their day-to-day responsibilities are much like those of civilian doctors, treating patients, diagnosing sicknesses, and prescribing medicine.
What Are the Requirements to Be a Military Doctor?
Military doctors must go through medical school, the same as any other doctor. This means they will need to acquire a bachelor's degree, apply to medical school, and be accepted, completing seven to eight years of postsecondary schooling total. After graduating from medical school, new doctors will be expected to complete a residency to learn their specialty, which can take three or more years. It is only at this point that service in the military will actually begin. Military doctors must also be US citizens between the ages of 21 and 64, and typically must commit to at least two years of active duty service.
Do You Need to Graduate Medical School Before Joining the Military?
No; as military doctors are highly in demand, the military may be willing to help finance medical school, offer scholarships, supplement pay during your residency, or help pay off loans in exchange for a contract promising a certain amount of service after receiving your M.D. The amount of financial assistance that medical students can expect varies significantly, largely determined by your planned specialty and how much each branch of the military needs that particular specialty. Those who are already practicing physicians can join, however, and may also see large bonuses upon signing up. All doctors joining the military will need to attend the Navy's Officer Development School (ODS), the Air Force's Officer Training School (OTS), or the Army's Officer Candidate School (OCS) to be granted the rank of officer first.
How Are Military Doctors Paid?
As officers, military doctors are paid according to their rank and pay grade. An O-1, the lowest officer pay grade, receives $3,107.70 per month at the basic level, making this the absolute minimum a military doctor could earn, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, there are a number of so-called 'special pay' bonuses that are added on to that for certain roles, including medical professionals. Those with a commitment to at least a year of service will receive Variable Special Pay of up to $12,000 per year, and could receive as much as $75,000 for a four-year commitment, divided up across their usual paychecks (militarypay.defense.gov). A number of other incentives and opportunities for increased pay are available depending on the exact assignment (overseas, hazard pay, etc.) and what branch a doctor serves in.
What Other Careers Are Similar to Military Doctors?
Combat medics are enlisted personnel who specialize in first aid and emergency care, treating injured soldiers, sailors, and airmen in the midst of battle. Nurses, orderlies, and other medical professionals also have a role to play in the medical corps of the armed forces. The obvious alternative is, of course, civilian doctors, and it is possible to transition from military to civilian and back quite easily. For those who wish to work with veterans and military members without joining themselves, medical facilities belonging to the Department of Veteran's Affairs are always looking for qualified doctors and nurses to help treat those who've served.