Commissioned Corps Uniform Wear Policy at CDC/ATSDR
The Surgeon General of the United States Public Health Service (PHS) and the Acting Assistant Secretary for Health, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), have encouraged Commissioned Corps Officers to wear their uniform daily as a demonstration of their commitment to the PHS Commissioned Corps. This action remains voluntary and serves to demonstrate the individual’s commitment to the Commissioned Corps, over and above their commitment to program initiatives of their agency assignments. In addition, this action helps fulfill certain promotion precepts for Commissioned Officers.
Recently, my office received feedback from Senior Commissioned Officers that Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (CDC/ATSDR) staff have stated that continuation of daily uniform wearing will harm their prospects for a career at CDC/ATSDR. Statements that discourage daily uniform wear are directly opposed to HHS policy and undermine CDC/ATSDR’s commitment and support of the Commissioned Corps. Please be advised that any statements discouraging the voluntary wearing of the Commissioned Officers uniform for any period of time will not be tolerated.
The Commissioned Corps continues to be a vital part of the CDC/ATSDR community, and I remain committed in my support of this important component of our agency.
Julie Louise Gerberding, M.D., M.P.H.