Membership

The Commissioned Officers Association is an organization whose members are:

• active regular
• active reserve
• inactive reserve
• retired
• former Commissioned Officers of the USPHS
• students in the field of public health

COA is the only organization working exclusively on behalf of PHS Commissioned Corps Officers.

We are committed to you.

Interested in Applying?

Click here to access the online membership application.

For a list of local branches, click here.

Why join COA?

COA offers its members a number of benefits.

Capitol Hill Representation
COA legislation on Capitol Hill continually supports all Commissioned Corps officers - active duty, inactive reserve and retired.

Local Representation
COA branches generate new venues for meeting fellow officers within your local area while providing a forum for the discussion of concerns within the Commissioned Corps.

Financial Planning Seminars
COA sponsors periodic financial seminars organized by our local branches to help our uniformed service members, active and retired, plan for the future.

Annual Meeting
With a mixture of business and pleasure, COA's annual meeting invites colleagues from around the country to gather to discuss new scientific presentations while stimulating open forums about health related issues.

Insurance Programs
COA enables members to participate in several low-cost insurance programs, including Group Term Life, Long-Term Disability (LTD), In-Hospital Cash Plan, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D). With the exception of the LTD plan, participation in these programs may continue after leaving the PHS as long as membership in COA remains current.

Communications
FRONTLINE - Winner of the 2004 APEX Award for Publication Excellence - is COA's newsletter which provides reports on monthly activities and items of interest to COA members about the Corps and the Association.

Members Web Site
COA members have access to a members only section of the web site that offers up-to-date member news and resources.

Scholarship Program
COF and the PHS Women's Club have joined together to offer thousands of dollars in college scholarships for children and spouses of COA members.

Ribbon and Miniature Medal
The COA ribbon and miniature medal are authorized for wear on the PHS uniform by members in good standing. The ribbon is provided to all new members.

Hertz Rental Discount
Members enjoy discount rates on Hertz rentals throughout the United States at Hertz locations and participating licensees.

UBS Benefits
Allows COA members to receive discounted prices before purchasing a car.