Surgeon General, Air Force

The U.S. Air Force surgeon general is the senior-most physician officer in the air force. In most cases, the rank afforded to the surgeon general is lieutenant general. The surgeon general’s primary responsibility is to command the Air Force Medical Service (AFMS). With main offices located in the Pentagon, the air force surgeon general can be seen in all parts of air force military operations and commands.

History

In 1947, the U.S. Air Force separated from the army. Several primary functions continued to fall under the purview of the army, including medical services. In 1948, the newly formed air force, along with the air surgeon (Major General Malcolm C. Grow), convinced the U.S. Army and the Truman administration that the air force needed its own medical services. ...

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