27th SOMDG: Biomedical Sciences Corps

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Austin Dorsey, 27th Special Operations Aerospace Medicine Squadron mental health technician, conducts a session with a noncommissioned officer Jan. 21, 2015 at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. Mental health is just one of the more than 10 fields that make up the biomedical sciences corps at Cannon. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexxis Mercer)

27th SOMDG: Biomedical Sciences Corps

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sang Do, 27th Special Operations Aerospace Medicine Squadron, helps an Air Commando select corrective lens frames Jan. 21, 2015 at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. As an ambulatory care facility, the medical group provides a wide range of services to include everything from pediatrics and optometry, to flight medicine, dental, public health and physical therapy. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexxis Mercer)

27th SOMDG: Biomedical Sciences Corps

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Welch, 27th Special Operations Medical Operations Squadron, programs an anti-gravity treadmill for a patient Jan. 21, 2015 at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. The machine inflates to lower body weight, removing impact for patients who experience pain during normal running. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexxis Mercer)

27th SOMDG: Biomedical Sciences Corps

A U.S. Air Force Airman with 27th Special Operations Medical Group prepares lab slides Jan. 21, 2015 at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. The group maintains a robust role in the Aerospace Expeditionary Force mission and has provided significant levels of combat medical support. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexxis Mercer)

27th SOMDG: Biomedical Sciences Corps

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Welch, 27th Special Operations Medical Operations Squadron, helps a patient during physical therapy Jan. 21, 2015 at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. The clinic is able to use unique equipment to help rehabilitate Air Commandos experiencing pain during normal activities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexxis Mercer)

27th SOMDG: Biomedical Sciences Corps

Published Feb. 2, 2015
By Staff Sgt. Alexxis Mercer
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The 27th Special Operations Medical Group prides itself on supporting commanders in ensuring a healthy, fit and deployable active-duty force, as well as safeguarding families and providing care to retirees.

The group maintains a robust role in the Aerospace Expeditionary Force mission and has provided significant levels of combat medical support during multiple deployments to Southwest Asia in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Additionally, unit personnel have supported humanitarian missions in United States Southern Command.

The 27th SOMDG now stands ready to support United States Special Operations Command special operations tasks worldwide, as well as sustaining air and expeditionary force readiness and training and assisting Air National Guard and Air Reserve medical forces.

As an ambulatory care facility, the medical group provides a wide range of services to include everything from pediatrics and optometry, to flight medicine, dental, public health and physical therapy.

This year, the Air Force will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Biomedical Sciences Corps Jan. 26-30. The overarching intent is to promote, recognize and educate vast audiences on the significant impact the BSC has on the collective Air Force mission.

“We play a tremendous role ensuring our Air Commando’s ability to maintain mission-ready statuses,” said Maj. Jessica Dees, 27th Special Operations Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health flight commander. “This anniversary week is all about showcasing the achievements and capabilities of the men and women at Cannon who comprise our BSC and augment the Air Force Special Operations Command mission.”

The BSC is one of five officer corps in the Air Force Medical Service with over 2,400 officers and includes the following career fields: physical therapy, optometry, podiatry, physician assistant, audiology, psychology, clinical social work, occupational therapy, aerospace and operational physiology, clinical dietetics, bioenvironmental engineering, public health, medical entomology, pharmacy, medical lab, medical architects, medical physics and health physics.

Collectively, the corps makes up 21 percent of the active duty officers in the AFMS and 4 percent of the entire Air Force officer active duty population.

Operationally, the BSC also supports the 26th Special Tactics Squadron and 27th Special Operation Support Squadron at Cannon.

“When our leaders say we are the most relevant and lethal force, it is because they have a healthy, thriving one; that is partially thanks to the skill and expertise of our BSC,” Dees stated. “I am proud to work alongside the Airmen who dedicate their lives to increasing performance, improving health, and providing trusted care in direct support to our most vital resource, our Air Commandos.”

Editor’s note: This article is the second in a series highlighting group and unit contributions to the 27th Special Operations Wing and Air Force Special Operations Command missions.