Armstrong – Table of Contents

Communicable Disease Center, (currently the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention), created in 1946 when the latter took over the investigation of epidemics of
infections and the isolation of emerging infectious pathogens.
In this fashion the nascent Public Health Service inaugurated in the Federal
Government the first merit system exemplified by the appointment of civilian officers for
employment in the Marine Hospitals. This program was in operation for 10 years prior to
the adoption of the United States Civil Service System in 1883 and was the precursor for
the establishment of the Commissioned Corps in 1889.
The Commissioned Corps, initially, was small and chosen selectively, consisting
entirely of physicians, most of who had served as Union medical officers during the Civil
War. As developments expanded in hospital activities and public health, it became
necessary to include in the Regular Corps scientists (generic), nurses, dieticians, physical
therapists, veterinarians and sanitarians (3) The Act of July 1, 1944 provided authority for
these appointments. The various categories of professionals were selected by examination
by members of their respective professions. Professional qualifications, evidence of good
physical health, personality and other personal attributes that would “render them
effective in dealing with the public, with other governmental agencies, and with
representatives of other nations” (3), formed the basis for selection or appointment to the
Regular Corps.
During times of war, the officers of the Regular Corps, by Executive Order, were
assigned to the United States Armed Forces, usually the Coast Guard or the Navy, or,
individually to specific duty with the Army. During wartime, the members of the
Commissioned Corps were required to wear the dress and field uniforms of the services