Navigating the Military Health System: Your Comprehensive Support for Every Medical Challenge

FALLS CHURCH, Virginia – George Washington once said, “To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.” This thought has stood the test of time. Today, we focus on “Peace through Strength.”

The Military Health System (MHS) plays a crucial role in this strategy. With over 700 hospitals and clinics and more than 130,000 healthcare professionals, the MHS ensures that America is ready for anything. It’s about keeping service members healthy both at home and abroad, allowing them to focus on their missions without worry.

Imagine surgical units deployed right where the action is—on the battlefield, on ships, and in the air. This approach gives our warfighters the confidence to take risks, knowing top-notch medical help is always nearby. The MHS is committed to doing whatever it takes to keep our heroes healthy—no matter the challenge.

As the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, I strive to ensure our medical forces deliver world-class care quickly. This isn’t just for service members; it’s also about their families. Knowing that their loved ones have access to great healthcare allows service members to focus on their duties.

We also honor our commitment to veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country. As a retired Navy doctor and a military spouse, I understand these sacrifices deeply. It’s a personal mission for me to ensure our service members and their families receive the care they deserve.

Unfortunately, the new TRICARE contract has had its challenges. Many families depend on TRICARE for essential services, including mental health care. The TRICARE health plan is vital for millions of family members and retirees. The Defense Health Agency and I are working hard to make this system better, ensuring families can access the care they need.

Medical readiness is essential for national defense, especially in times of relative peace. History shows us that periods without conflict can lead to skills eroding—a phenomenon known as “The Walker Dip.” This term first emerged from the observations of Vice Admiral Alasdair Walker in 2018, highlighting how knowledge gained in previous conflicts tends to fade over time. If we don’t keep our skills sharp, it could lead to unnecessary losses. Our goal is to ensure that the lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan remain at the forefront of our medical practices.

In today’s world, military medicine must not only be prepared but also aligned with budget priorities, ensuring it doesn’t get overshadowed by other defense needs. It’s crucial to maintain a well-rounded approach; enhancing health services directly translates to better soldier performance.

The MHS supports our warfighters with three main goals: Support, Sustain, and Strengthen.

• Support: We are here to help our warfighters in battle.
• Sustain: We focus on high-volume, complex medical care to keep our skills sharp.
• Strengthen: We enhance our systems to fortify healthcare delivery.

These objectives work together, creating a cycle of success. Achieving them requires strong leadership and dedicated resources. I have immense confidence in our people. The MHS is recognized as one of the best healthcare systems in America, if not the world. I’ll continue to advocate for our military’s medical needs in Congress, ensuring they receive the support they deserve.

Military medicine is crucial for our mission, and our ongoing success will help maintain peace. Should conflict arise, our preparation will ensure we don’t repeat past mistakes.

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