The Military Health System is a federated system of uniformed, civilian and contract personnel and additional civilian partners at all levels of the Department of Defense and beyond – from senior officials in the Office of the Secretary of Defense to doctors and other health care providers in nearly every community across the nation.

Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs

The OASD(HA) is chartered under the Department of Defense (DOD) Directive 5136.01 and is the principal staff element for all DOD health and force health protection policies, programs, and activities including the Integrated Disability Evaluation System. The OASD(HA) is responsible for the effective execution of the DOD medical mission, providing and maintaining readiness for medical services and support to members of the Military Services, including during military operations; their families; those held in the control of the Military Services; and others entitled to or eligible for DOD medical care and benefits, including those under TRICARE.

Major Elements of the OASD(HA)

• Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
• Office of Health Resources Management & Policy
• Office of Health Readiness Policy & Oversight
• Office of Health Services Policy & Oversight
• Defense Health Agency
• Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
• Army Medical Command
• Air Force Medical Service
• Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery