As a young cadet in ROTC, I had no idea what I wanted to do in the Army.  My degree in Chemistry was almost complete and soon I would be commissioned.  I was certain the Army would send me to the Chemical Corps with my prior service and educational background.  Thank God for fate.  In Feb of 2000, I received a call from HRC (then PERSCOM) asking me if I wanted to become an Environmental Science and Engineering Officer (ESEO) in the Medical Service Corps.  I knew little about the field, but accepted the offer instantly... which was probably one of the wisest decisions I have made in my life.

As an ESEO, it is my job to travel around the world using my degree to help mitigate occupational and environmental health issues that plague Soldiers both CONUS and in a deployed setting.  In order to stay on top of this rapidly changing field, one must remain current.  The Army has recognized this and provides opportunites for ESEOs to complete advanced degrees while serving on active duty.  Since my commission date in 2000, I have completed an MS in Environmental Management and an MS in Public Health.  Furthermore I was recently selected to complete a PhD in Environmental Health starting this FY.  My first degree was funded using Army tuition assistance and was taken online and at night; however my MSPH was fully funded by the Long Term Health Education and Training Program.  This program allows 2 years of full-time study at a university of your choice while receiving full pay, benefits, and credit towards retirement.  The PhD program is a three-year program that falls within the same category.

I strongly urge young cadets who have a scientific mind and the desire to continue their education to consider commissioning as an ESEO in the Medical Service Corps.  You wont be sorry!