The Military Health System (MHS) 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 Direct CareDirect care refers to military hospitals and clinics, also known as “military treatment facilities” and “MTFs.”direct care and Private Sector Care to approximately 9.6 million beneficiaries, composed of uniformed service members, military retirees, and family members.
The MHS enables the National Defense Strategy 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
Exemplified by personal courage and a drive for excellence, the MHS is changing how health care is delivered throughout the United States and the world.
The MHS is led by office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs under the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.
Our Mission
The missions of the MHS are complex and interrelated:
- To ensure America’s 1.4 million active duty and 331,000 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 9.6 million active duty personnel, military retirees and their families.
The Elements of the MHS
Learn about the organizations that make up the MHS
MHS Initiatives and Areas of Impact
Learn about current MHS initiatives and areas where MHS is a world leader in Healthcare
Commonly Requested Information