Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Education in service

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 9/27/2010


Question
Good afternoon sir. I was wondering if I do get drafted for any number of reasons, could I become a medic? See I was raised both morally and religiously to be a pacifist by nature. I mean if I am on base could I just say I want to be a medic? Also if I am not drafted and go to medical school instead and then join the military will my medical knowledge allow me to more easily be a medic on the team?

Answer
Alex,
Don't worry about being drafted.  In 1973, at the end of the Vietnam War, Congress abolished the draft in favor of an all-volunteer military.  The all-volunteer force has worked so well, Congress has forseen no need to start it up again, despite the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

If you were to join, yes, your background in medicine would enable you to become a medic.

Colonel H

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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