U.S. Military Officer Participation in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Epidemic Intelligence Service (1951–2001)

Abstract

The Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) was created in 1951 to provide epidemiologists to investigate natural and intentional disease epidemics. From an initial class of 23 U.S. citizens, the program has evolved into a globally recognized, hands-on learning experience, accepting approximately 65 to 75 new officers each year. The first U.S. military epidemic intelligence service officer (EISO) was accepted into the program in 1994. Since that time, 12 such officers have completed, or have begun, EIS training. They have comprised 2.1% of all EISOs from 1994 to 2001 and 0.47% of all EISOs. This total has included nine Air Force veterinarians, one Army veterinarian, one Army physician, and one Navy physician. Each military EISO had the opportunity to lead investigations of significant public health events (e.g., Ebola, monkeypox, malaria, Nipah virus, West Nile fever, and anthrax outbreaks). All graduates from the military returned to active duty assignments in operational medical units, research institutes, or the intelligence community.