U. S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
COMMISSIONED OFFICER TRAINING ACADEMY

The PHS Commissioned Corps Training Ribbon

The Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps Training Ribbon is awarded to officers who successfully complete the Commissioned Officer Training Academy-sponsored basic course.

The PHS Commissioned Corps Training Ribbon’s colors were chosen because of their distinctive heraldic meanings as they relate to both the commissioned officer and the commissioned corps.

The ribbon’s base color is black, inferring wisdom and richness. Officers completing the basic course depart with wisdom and are rich in the knowledge of the Corps. The combination yellow-gold flanked by the color blue infers worthy of trust and confidence. Blue which connotes the care of merchant seamen, and yellow-gold, representative of maritime quarantine functions, are the prescribed colors of the PHS. Great confidence is placed in the PHS as we are entrusted with protecting the health of the Nation.

The color red infers boldness and together with the yellow-gold symbolizes one who sacrifices in defense of his or her country. Commissioned Corps officers are Uniformed Service officers who have taken an oath to protect and defend the United States of America against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.

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Last updated: 24 October 2008