A question about the U.S. Surgeon General.

[Cascadian]

It's simple and straightforward. Why does the U.S. Surgeon General wear a Navy officers uniform? It seems somewhat obsurd that a civilian doctor would have to wear a Navy uniform while they hold no military position at all.


Thanks.


John

[punpirate]

1. Shhhh! Keep that quiet...

... or Ashcroft will want one....

[Cascadian]

4. No. He'll probably want one of these uniforms....

A black shirt and jack boots


John

[Mr_Lefty]

2. I asked this question while on active duty

I asked why we let Koop wear the uniform (he looked like an Admiral with a beard and a beer gut)- the reply was we are angry that Surgeon General wears this uniform and can't do anything about it.

[Sir Craig]

3. Actually, he does hold rank...

http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/sg/default.htm

This pretty much explains it.

[Deja Q]

5. I'd ask what's the point of having one?

We haven't had a worthwhile one since Jocelyn Elders. And we all know what happened to her, because she exercised her freedom of speech. (I suppose it's a crime to incite thought amongst the populace...)

Well, 'worthwhile' may not be accurate. We haven't had any who've been very vocal on very much since her.

[molly]

6. It's not a Navy uniform - it is US Public Health Service Uniform

USPHS is a branch of the military. The uniform is very much like the Navy. BTW, each other branch of the military has a Surgeon General. The USPHS Surgeon General reports to Tommy Thompson.

on edit - their ranks correspond to Navy ranks