Army Preventative Medicine Specialist (MOS 68S) are responsible for assisting with preventative medicine inspections and surveys.
Preventative Medicine Specialist complete preventative medicine laboratory procedures.
They are also responsible for supervising preventative medicine facilities.
Qualifications and Training
To enter into this MOS, recruits must receive a minimum score of 101 on the Skilled Technical (ST) portion of the ASVAB test.
After passing all required testing, recruits will attend 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training.
Upon successful completion of Basic Training, soldiers will go to Advanced Individual Training for 15 weeks.
AIT consists of classroom and on-the-job instruction including practice in testing specimens.
Skills that are helpful in this MOS include:
- Ability to follow detailed instructions
- Interest in work that involves biology, chemistry and algebra
- Science and technical work interest
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What are the Job Tasks of a Preventative Medicine Specialist?
Preventative Medicine Specialist conduct preventative medicine inspections.
Soldiers in this MOS work in regional medical centers or preventative medicine detachment.
They must be familiar with sanitation inspection procedures.
They must also understand how parasites and diseases affect humans.
Their overall goal is to prevent infection and disease.
A lot of their work is done by conducting surveys and control operations.
Specialist will perform inspections and make recommendations based upon their findings.
The areas that they inspect include both environmental and sanitation conditions.
Areas that they could inspect include restaurants, hair care facilities, gyms, food storage areas, child care centers or bodies of water.
Sometimes the position requires individuals to collect insects and rodents and implement control measures, if needed.
They can be tasked with completing bacteriological analysis of potable water.
The specialist will take water samples and ensure the water meets proper standards including chemical safe levels.
They will also watch water purification and make recommendations on ways to remove contaminants.
Other environmental sampling includes soil and air samples.
In the field, it may be the specialist job to detect unsanitary conditions that involve solid, liquid or human waste.
Preventative Medicine Specialist ensure that both Army and Federal Government standards are met.
The specialist both supervise and assist in preventative laboratory procedures.
Soldiers in this MOS will service on preventative medicine staff.
Preventative Medicine Specialist are part of the Army Disaster and Humanitarian Teams.
These teams are trained on the correct procedures to respond to emergencies.
The Army recruiting video below provides more job functions of the Preventative Medicine Specialist.
What Does a Preventative Medicine Specialist get Paid?
Army Preventative Medicine Specialist will get paid based on rank and time of service.
This is an entry-level position and with no prior Military experience, recruits can expect to make income similar to a low ranking enlisted member.
The Army base pay table below provides an example of income based on rank.
| Insignia | Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 +4 months | Private | PVT | $1,917.60 | |
 | E-2 | Private Second Class | PV2 | $2,149.20 |
 | E-3 | Private First Class | PFC | $2,259.90 |
 | E-4 | Specialist | SPC | $2,503.50 |
 | E-4 | Corporal | CPL | $2,503.50 |
 | E-5 | Sergeant | SGT | $2,730.30 |
 | E-6 | Staff Sergeant | SSG | $2,980.50 |
 | E-7 | Sergeant First Class | SFC | $3,445.80 |
 | E-8 | Master Sergeant | MSG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-8 | First Sergeant | 1SG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major | SGM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Command Sergeant Major | CSM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major of the Army | SMA | $6,055.50 |
The base pay fluctuates during training and does not include benefits, allowances or special pay.
Related Article –Army Biomedical Equipment Specialist (MOS 68A): Career Details
Benefits
Army benefits includes insurance, allowances and special pay opportunities.
The Army offers recruiting bonuses for certain positions that can be added to your base pay.
Special pay opportunities are available for certain scenarios such as deployment.
While in the Army, you can attend college and receive tuition assistance that allows most soldiers to receive a degree for very little to nothing out of pocket.
Army benefits include:
- Annual Military Clothing Allowance
- Medical and Dental
- Paid sick time
- 30 days paid vacation a year
- Low-cost life insurance
Job Reviews
Job reviews for this position are mostly positive.
Individuals who put the effort into the position feel that the work that they perform is making a difference.
Preventive medicine is a field that requires effort and attention to detail in order to be successful.
The Army video below provides a review and reasoning for choosing a career in Preventative Medicine.
Civilian Career Opportunities
Working in this MOS provides soldiers with experience related to research and public health.
Civilian career opportunities working for research institutions, public health departments, occupational health and in environmental science are possible.
While in this position, soldiers can work towards certifications that help with Army promotions, civilian career opportunities and can be GI Bill funded.
One of those certifications includes Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian from the National Environmental Health Association.
This is a nationally recognized certification.
Related Article –Army 51C: Career Details
Summary
Army Preventative Medicine Specialist (MOS 68S) complete surveys, research and analysis to ensure sanitation and safety standards are met.
These specialist are responsible for assisting with the prevention and spreading of diseases.
This is an entry-level position that requires entry level testing, Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training.
Soldiers in this MOS can expect to make around $20,000 a year starting base pay, plus benefits.
Previous Preventative Medicine Specialist enjoy the work that they perform.
Working in this field allows for civilian career opportunities in research and public health.
Related Article –Army Physical Therapy Specialist (MOS 68F): Career Details
References
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