What Would it Take to Put a Chiropractor in Khakis? Effecting Chiropractors as Commissioned Officers in the U.S. Military—A Historical Brief

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to provide a historical perspective on the commissioning of chiropractors within the U.S. Military and to propose a pathway by which this can be accomplished. A comprehensive review of Congressional actions proposed and enacted, and historical documents to create a chronology of actions that influence and support a proposed pathway for commissioning. The authority to commission chiropractors within the U.S. Military has long been provided to the Secretary of Defense, but it has never been acted upon despite decades of legislation. Chiropractors currently serve within the DoD as contractors or government employees; however, the direct association with the military in terms of commissioning has remained elusive. Musculoskeletal injuries are statistically one of the most prevalent combat-related injury classifications within the active duty military and subsequent veteran population. Chiropractic physicians serving within military medicine and veteran health care facilities routinely manage common and complex neurological and musculoskeletal injuries sustained by combat and non-combat servicemen and women. Patient satisfaction with chiropractic services within both the active duty and veteran population is high and routinely sought after. Chiropractic inclusion in the medical corps or medical service corps within the DoD is long overdue.