Skip main navigation

Military Health System

Hurricane Milton & Hurricane Helene

Emergency procedures are in place in multiple states due to Hurricane Milton & Hurricane Helene. >>Learn More

The Idaho Army National Guard and the Idaho Air National Guard conduct joint medical training in Prairie, Idaho, 30 August, 2023. The IDARNG’s Medical Aviation Detachment and the IDANG’s Air Support Operations Squadron along with members from the 124th Fighter Wing’s Medical Group maintain medical proficiency through a series of training scenarios to include litter hoists and 9-line communications. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Morgan)
Skip subpage navigation

About the Military Health System

MHS SealThe Military Health System is one of America’s largest and most complex health care institutions, and the world’s preeminent military health care delivery operation. Our MHS saves lives on the battlefield, combats infectious disease around the world, and is responsible for providing health services through both Click to closeClick to closeClick to closeDirect CareDirect care refers to military hospitals and clinics, also known as “military treatment facilities” and “MTFs.”Direct CareDirect care refers to military hospitals and clinics, also known as “military treatment facilities” and “MTFs.”Direct CareDirect care refers to military hospitals and clinics, also known as “military treatment facilities” and “MTFs.”direct care and Click to closeClick to closeClick to closeprivate sector careNetwork and non-network TRICARE-authorized civilian health care professionals, pharmacies, and suppliers.private sector careNetwork and non-network TRICARE-authorized civilian health care professionals, pharmacies, and suppliers.private sector careNetwork and non-network TRICARE-authorized civilian health care professionals, pharmacies, and suppliers.private sector care to approximately 9.5 million beneficiaries, composed of uniformed service members, military retirees, and family members.

The MHS enables the National Defense Strategygoes to the Defense.gov website by providing a Medically Ready Force, a Ready Medical Force, and improving the health of all those entrusted to its care. We are more than combat medicine. The MHS is a complex system that weaves together...

  • Health care delivery
  • Medical education
  • Public health
  • Private sector partnerships
  • Cutting edge medical research and development

Our Mission

The missions of the MHS are complex and interrelated:

  • To ensure America’s active duty and reserve-component personnel are healthy so they can complete their national security missions.
  • To ensure that all active and reserve medical personnel in uniform are trained and ready to provide medical care in support of operational forces around the world.
  • To provide a medical benefit commensurate with the service and sacrifice of more than 9.5 million active duty personnel, military retirees and their families. 
Read the Military Health System Strategygoes to MHS Strategy

 Commonly Requested Information

General Topics

MHS Leaders

About the MHS

About the DHA

About TRICARE

About TRICARE EligibilityOpens in new window

Statistical Information

Patients by Beneficiary Category

Patients by TRICARE Plans

Patient Numbers by State

A Week in the Life of MHS

Nurse Advice Line Day at-a-Glance

MHS Facilities
Information

MHS Health Care Facilities Statistics

Find a Military Hospital or Clinicopens in new window

FOIA Information

Freedom of Information Act Program

Submit a FOIA Request

Congressional Information

Congressional Information

Last Updated: September 23, 2024
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on X Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery