How will entering AMEDD (dietitian) as an already commissioned officer affect my position?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 18:42:16 -0400

Being in a MP line company, I am familiar with the traditional transitions from PL to XO, CO, etc. How does AMEDD work? What additional leadership responsibilities will I have in addition to being a registered dietian?

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 5 at 2015 6:46 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 18:46:33 -0400

There should be command positions out there available for you as you continue your career progression in AMEDD. You need to check with your officer branch to see what they are. There are a lot of AMEDD Officers out here that could help you with that as well. I was a Medical Service Corp Officer and had the chance to command at the company level as a Captain and a Major. Hopefully some other will chime in on this discussion.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 7:40 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 19:40:19 -0400

1LT Private RallyPoint Member, generally speaking, AMEDD officers progress and are competitive for promotion based on their professional credentialing. It is important as you find yourself supervising departments and wards that you develop and apply people skills as well.
Doctors are real smart, but tend to chafe in a hierarchy. It takes a careful hand to get the most out of that kind of team.

Find a mentor to give you advice in your career field. This will benefit you greatly.
Good luck.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 12:28 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 12:28:52 -0400

As a Senior MSC officer, I can provide some insight into your future in the AMEDD as a Dietician. As you join the Dietician ranks, you will be assigned to a healthcare facility or wellness center to ply your trade. Most of the time you will be advising service members on proper diet, wellness and possibly working in a hospital dinning facility to oversee nutritional standards.

For professional development, you will complete Officer's Basic Course (AMEDD) as a 2LT, Advanced Officer Course/Captain's Career Course (AOC/CCC) as a 1LT/CPT and if you are inclined, ILE as a CPT/MAJ and for a select group, War College at MAJ/LTC.

You will most likely have a 'team' of one or two enlisted dietary techs to assist in your endeavors and as you develop, you will also supervisor officers. As you have no field duty requirement, your assignments will be at hospitals and your professional development will consist of attending conferences for Professional development Units/Credits as well as training at the hospital.

I recommend getting a mentor in the AMEDD (MAJ/LTC) to guide you through the career progression map. Also, start your promotion packet now and learn the promotion process. If your packet is always ready for a board review, then you will never need to 'correct' or add things to meet the board requirements.

Good luck

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2016 4:21 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 04:21:50 -0400

You would apply for branch transfer thru AMEDD. Its not too difficult. You may not get an normal platoon, but you will have a team of specialists, assist units with cooks or DFACS, hold seminars, etc. You will also have the chances for staff and command and perform that MUCH better