Hung out to dry and HPSP

[Mutterkuchen]

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I am considering the national guard or reserves as a way to serve the U.S. I have little problem with the concept of being deployed accompanied or unaccompanied. However, I have reservations about the way that the military treats its own people.

I have two issues that I would like for someone in the military to comment on:

1. The situtation with the ANG pilots who bombed the Canadians in Afghanistan. . . This situation bothers me. It seems that they are using these two as scapegoats to appease Canada. The U.S. has turned on them, and are treating them like the enemy. It seems to me that they should be supported by the Air Force.

What are the implications of this to physicians in the military? If someone dies under your care, can you be subject to court marshall if you made a medical mistake?

2. How do you reconcile politcal differences? I am not opposed to war in general, but do have concerns about the Iraq situation. Do those in the military just ignore their concerns and do their jobs in silence, or do they complain to each other like the rest of us. Are you free to disagree privately?

I would appreciate any comments or discussion.

 

[cdreed]

i'm active duty af now, so i'll offer my opinions and observations.

1. in the military you are subject to the uniformed code of military justice. this implies that the military may prosecute you if you violate their laws. with that in mind, as a military physician you will be accountable to these laws, as well. physicians are human and do sometimes make mistakes... a couple of things could occur. if blatant misjudgement/malpractice occurs, you could be court marshalled and will most likely suffer severe consequences regarding your licensure and possible imprisonment. if the infraction is somewhat negligible, then you will probably be brought before a medical review board. punishment varies. but the military is a highly political environment. you do not want to cross a person's path whose only goal is to progress at any cost. it is rare, but it does exist.

2. political differences do exist. you do have the right to disagree. but if you're given a lawful order, you are legally bound to comply whether you agree or not. you can always use your command chain to resolve any discrepancies. ultimately, you answer to the president of the us...

hope this helps. i know it's vague.