This manual, 2021 US Army Physician Assistant Handbook Second Edition, takes into account the changes in military medicine since the first edition was published in 2018. A comprehensive transformation occurred with the move of Army medical training to TRADOC, the transition of military medical treatment facilities to the Defense Health Agency, and research activities aligning with Army Futures Command. Army PAs are essential in this time of transition, using their clinical, educational, research, leadership, and management skills to maintain the highest quality of medical training as the command structure changes.

Today, Army PAs are integral to training activity in numerous positions and roles at MEDCoE: Interservice PA Program Director/ Associate professors, combat medicine training instructors, and commanders of training companies and battalions. Army PAs are contributing to readiness of the force by training Soldiers in tactical and technical competencies to build and sustain operational capabilities. Army PAs are critical to Army Medicine’s ability to ensure the health of the maneuver element during competition, preserve Soldier lethality in conflict, and facilitate a return to competition.