Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 5/11/2010

Question
Hi Mr. Howell,
I'm currently a PhD student, and am on track to graduate with my degree in Molecular Biology. I have a BS in Biotechnology with a Chemistry minor, and a MS in the Biological Sciences (Thesis on B vitamin metabolism). I've always wanted to serve in the AirForce, but don't particularly want to enlist (I'd like to go for a postdoc position at a univ. and eventually be a professor.). I'm very much considering the Direct Commissioned Officer program in the AF Reserve, as I'm sure I'd be under the medical heading. My question is: What am I qualified to do there? I'm not an MD, and have a good amount of Biological research experience. I'm able to do medical laboratory testing if required (no license, but I'm sure I could learn it), but am just curious what I might be doing.
Thank you,
-Jason

Answer
Jason,
The closest thing I can imagine would be a biochemist.  The AF has many opportunities for biochemists.  I assume you qualify for that.

Almost every base has a biochemist who is responsible for ensuring the water being provided to occupants and sanitation standards are being met.  They analyze samples of air, water and soil and determine if an area is suitable for habitation, etc.  They also are responsible for inspecting dining facilities and analyzing food products to measure nutritional value and determine the effect of cooking and serving.  The military also has huge stockpiles of Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) sitting in warehouses on every base, in case of war.  Biochemists inspect and sample these MREs every month to ensure are suitable for use by our soldiers.  They also inspect food for sale in commissaries to ensure only the highest quality products are available to military families.  They sample and analyze the swimming pools on bases to ensure health standards are met.

As a base commander, I have two biochemists on my base.  One of them is a key member of my Battle Staff and she reports to me when people or equipment are contaminated with a biological agent and determines when it is safe to resume outdoor activities after an attack (simulated in peacetime).

I also have a biochemist on my base who works as a Forensic Toxicologist.  I recently "loaned" her to the local state police to help in a murder investigation.  She analyzed blood, hair, and saliva samples to assist in identifying the murderer.  This is the twelfth case she has helped solve and I'm proud to say so far she has a 100% record of successfully putting the right guy behind bars.  Her day-to-day job is working with my lawyers on environmental law and my military judges as a member of courts-martial proceedings.

All branches of the military have biochemists as academic instructors at the military academies.
The Navy is also a large employer of biochemists, mostly for Research & Development.  They have several research facilities where their biochemists work in laboratories to develop new ways to detect biological weapons, or sometimes to develop bacteria that can "eat" chemical weapons, thus making them safe.  They also study the chemistry of living processes to find the causes of diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and heart disease.  Plus they develop better ways to process, store, and use foods, drugs, and chemical compounds, develop and test new drugs, and develop new tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, and other abnormalities.

I think you'll enjoy being a biochemist in the AF.  Best of luck in whatever you choose, and thanks for thinking of the military as a career.
Colonel H