Public Health Service Foreign Duty Award

Public Health Service Foreign Duty Award

The Public Health Service Foreign Duty Award is a United States Public Health Service (USPHS) award presented to members of the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC) who have served in a foreign country or territory. This award recognizes the significant contributions and sacrifices made by PHSCC officers while serving abroad.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Public Health Service Foreign Duty Award, an officer must have completed a minimum of 30 consecutive or 90 non-consecutive days of service in a foreign country or territory. The service must be in support of a public health mission, which can include activities such as disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency response.

Criteria

The award is granted based on the following criteria:

• The officer must be serving in an official capacity as a member of the PHSCC.
• The service must be performed in a foreign country or territory.
• The service must be in support of a public health mission.
• The officer must have completed the required duration of service.

Appearance

The Public Health Service Foreign Duty Award is represented by a ribbon bar. The ribbon is predominantly blue with a central white stripe flanked by narrower red stripes. The design symbolizes the commitment and dedication of PHSCC officers to improving global health.

Significance

The award highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing global health challenges. It acknowledges the efforts of PHSCC officers in providing critical public health services in diverse and often challenging environments. The award also serves to motivate and encourage officers to participate in international assignments, thereby enhancing the global impact of the USPHS.

Related Awards

The Public Health Service Foreign Duty Award is one of several awards presented to PHSCC officers. Other related awards include:

• Public Health Service Commendation Medal
• Public Health Service Achievement Medal
• Public Health Service Outstanding Service Medal

See Also

• United States Public Health Service
• United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
• Public health
• Global health