The United States Navy has entomologists serving on active duty in operational and research assignments at fleet and fleet marine force commands worldwide. Commissioned as officers in the Medical Service Corps, Navy medical entomologists provide technical guidance, practical recommendations, and on site assistance to prevent and control disease and damage caused by a variety of medically and economically important insect vectors and pests. Additionally, entomologists evaluate and develop innovative pest control methods and train Department of Defense (DoD) pest management specialists who are responsible for protecting the health and safety of US Armed Forces personnel and their families.

A career in Navy medical entomology offers many professional opportunities, to include:

• receiving specialized training in the surveillance and control of vector-borne diseases;
• providing direct vector control guidance and support to deployed ground forces during both contingency and humanitarian assistance operations;
• conducting research on vector-borne diseases, and on the physiology and taxonomy of medically important arthropods;
• teaching military medical entomology courses;
• providing extension-type entomology guidance, identification, and consultation services to military and civilian organizations;
• planning and directing comprehensive programs on control of pests and animals affecting human health and the environment;
• developing equipment and management strategies for arthropod survey and control;
• developing and evaluating new insect repellents;
• conducting surveys to determine prevalence, distribution, relative abundance and significant habits of medically important insects and other animals;
• evaluating resistance of insects and other pests to pesticides;
• directing pesticide monitoring services, including determining usage levels, environmental contamination potential, and movement, storage and disposal of pesticides;
• inspecting cargo returning from overseas locations for pests and vectors of disease and recommending control procedures;

Entomologists serving on active duty in the US Navy have always benefited from strong career progression and mentoring programs. Entry level assignments usually involve duty at the Navy Entomology Center of Excellence in Jacksonville, FL, where the newly commissioned officer receives educational and military mentoring from experienced Navy medical entomologists. Follow-on assignments as a company grade officer (Lieutenant, Junior Grade or Lieutenant) involve field support, supervisory experience, and career broadening opportunities. Upon promotion to a more senior, field grade rank (Lieutenant Commander, Commander, or Captain), the officer may serve in various research and development, policy, and program implementation positions.

Navy medical entomologists are given military assignments based on service needs, training and experience, and personal desires. The geographical locations of duty stations include California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, DC in the United States, and Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, and Peru outside the United States. Individuals assigned to operational duties may go to one of three Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Units, the Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, or a medical battalion with one of the three Marine Expeditionary Forces. For research assignments, individuals serve at one of the Navy's three overseas medical research laboratories (Egypt, Indonesia, or Peru), at the Navy Medical Research Center in Silver Spring, MD, at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, GA, or at the Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology in Gainesville, FL. Entomologists have served as Company Officers, Department Heads, Professional Assistants, Officers in Charge, Executive Officers, and Commanding Officers at duty assignments ranging from Navy and Marine Corps medical treatment facilities, clinics, and hospitals, to Navy Medical Research and Development commands, Navy & Marine Corps Public Health Center, the Uniformed Services University, and the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.

Navy entomologists are encouraged to keep current with advances in the field and to broaden their professional knowledge and skills by attending appropriate civilian and military education training courses. In addition to attending short courses, workshops, or seminars, individuals may also apply for long-term, out-service training and education to obtain a postgraduate degree. The Navy not only pays tuition, salary, and benefits, but the time in school is also applied toward retirement and promotion. Professional certification and journal publications are encouraged. Maintaining an up-to-date resume is important for initial entry into the Navy, and for follow-on assignments once on active duty.

To be eligible to receive a commission in the Navy Medical Service Corps as an entomologist, applicants must:

• hold a Masters or Ph.D. degree in entomology or a closely related field with an emphasis in entomology (30 or more hours);

• be a US citizen;

• meet medical fitness and security requirements for appointment in the Navy.

• be able to complete 20 years of commissioned service by age 55.

If selected, applicants are appointed as officers in the Medical Service Corps with their entry rank determined by educational degree and prior active commissioned service. Generally, individuals holding the MS degree are commissioned as Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2), while those holding the Ph.D. degree enter the service as Lieutenants (O-3). The salary range depends upon both military rank and length of prior service, if any. The minimum term of service for direct appointment officers is 36 months, beginning with five weeks of training at Officer Development School in Newport, RI.

In addition to providing a rewarding professional career, some of the benefits of active military service include:

• Thirty days paid annual leave plus ten federal holidays.
• Tax-free housing allowance; government housing is provided at some military installations.
• Tax-free subsistence allowance.
• Opportunities for continuing professional education.
• Periodic length-of-service pay increases.
• Non-contributory retirement and disability retirement pay.
• Payment of travel expenses and shipping charges for household goods
• Medical, dental and hospital care for yourself and eligible family members.
• Commissary and post exchange privileges which provide significant savings.
• Facilities such as officers clubs, sports facilities, and theaters which provide no- or low-cost recreational opportunities.
• Low-cost term life insurance and survivor's benefits.
• Military retirement following 20 years of continuous active service; retirees and eligible family members continue to enjoy all health services, post exchange, and commissary benefits.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in Navy entomology, you can get information on how to apply at any Navy Recruiting Command office in the United States. After initial screening, applications are forwarded to the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery in Washington, DC for selection consideration by a specially appointed board. Criteria for selection include scholastic and professional standing; mental, moral and medical fitness; demonstrated interest in a military career; and leadership potential as evidenced by past achievements.

For more information, or to get up-to-date information about Navy entomology please email Commander George Schoeler, MSC, USN.