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Evolution of Leadership for Military Health

Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs)

Principal staff assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) and advisor to the Secretary of Defense and Deputy Secretary of Defense for all DOD health policies, programs, and activities. Exercises authority, direction, and control of several field activities, including the TRICARE Management Activity, the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

Dr. Jonathan Woodson January 10, 2011 - Present
Dr. George Peach Taylor, Jr.
(Performing the Duties of the ASD/HA)		 September 7, 2010 - January 9, 2011
Dr. Charles L. Rice
(Performing the Duties of the ASD/HA)		 March 1, 2010 - September 6, 2010
Allen W. Middleton
(Performing the Duties of the ASD/HA)		 February 1, 2010 - February 28, 2010
Ellen P. Embrey
(Performing the Duties of the ASD/HA)		 April 29, 2009 - January 31, 2010
Dr. S. Ward Casscells April 12, 2007 - April 28, 2009
Dr. William Winkenwerder October 29, 2001 - April 12, 2007
Dr. J. Jarrett Clinton August 14, 2000 - October 29, 2001
Dr. Sue Bailey May 26, 1998 - August 14, 2000
Gary Christopherson (Acting) March 1, 1998 - May 25, 1998
Dr. Edward D. Martin (Acting) April 1, 1997 - February 28, 1998
Dr. Stephen C. Joseph March 23, 1994 - March 31, 1997
Dr. Edward D. Martin (Acting) January 20, 1993 - March 23, 1994
Dr. Enrique Mendez March 5, 1990 - January 20, 1993
Dr. William Mayer November 18, 1983 - April 21, 1989
Vernon McKenzie (Acting) September 25, 1983 - November 17, 1983
Dr. John Beary (Acting) August 10, 1981 - September 24, 1983
Dr. John Moxley III September 14, 1979 - August 9, 1981
Vernon McKenzie (Acting) January 8, 1978 - August 14, 1979
Dr. Robert N. Smith August 30, 1976 - January 7, 1978

Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health and Environment)

Position established on June 23, 1970, by Defense Directive 5136.1 after Congress (PL 91-121) designated one Assistant Secretary position for Health Affairs.

Vernon McKenzie (Acting) March 2, 1976 - March 8, 1976
Dr. James R. Cowan February 19, 1974 - March 1, 1976
Dr. Richard S. Wilbur July 27, 1971 - September 1, 1973
Dr. Louis M. Rousselot July 22, 1970 - July 1, 1971

Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health and Medical)

Position abolished on January 31, 1961, and functions transferred to Assistant Secretary of Defense (Manpower)

Dr. Frank B. Berry January 28, 1954 - January 31, 1961
Dr. Melvin A. Casberg August 3, 1953 - January 27, 1954

Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs)

Position title changed to Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health and Medical) on August 3, 1953, and some functions transferred to the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Manpower).

Dr. Melvin A. Casberg April 1, 1953 - August 2, 1953

Chairman Armed Forces Medical Policy Council

Position established in 1949. Reorganization Plan No. 6 (1953) abolished the Council. The new position of Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs) assumed the functions.

Dr. Melvin A. Casberg April 1, 1952 - March 31, 1953
Dr. William R. Lovelace July 1, 1951 - March 31, 1952
Dr. Richard L. Meiling October 1, 1949 - January 2, 1951
Dr. Raymond B. Allen July 5, 1949 - September 30, 1949

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