Nurse Corps celebrates 60 years of history Published May 1, 2009 By 1st Lt. MELISSA STEAGER 56th Medical Group LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The Air Force Nurse Corps celebrates 60 years July 1, a great moment in medical service history. The 56th Medical Group will celebrate the annual salute to all nurse and medical technicians during "Nurse/Technician" Week Wednesday through May 12. The independent medical service established in the U.S. Air Force came to be known as the Nurse Corps. The original Air Force Nurse Corps emerged from the Army in which 1,199 nurses were brought over to the Air Force branch. Prior to any nurse corps, women were assisting war efforts caring for wounded Soldiers on the battlefield. These women were dedicated to helping their country and men serving by practicing what is today's military nursing. The first objective of the new Air Force Nurse Corps was to procure enough qualified nurses. By the peak of the Korean War, there were 2,991 nurses on active duty in the Air Force. This gain quickly dropped since women who got pregnant or married could no longer serve. In addition, women could only remain on active duty for two years. In 1955, male nurses were first accepted as Reserve officers. Six years later, males were commissioned into the regular Air Force. Through the 1960s, many specialized courses were created for the nursing profession, and in 1966 for the first time, Air Force nurses entered into the aerospace nursing course. A major achievement was noted in 1970 when the first Air Force Nurse Corps chief was promoted to brigadier general. The 1970s continued with key changes to the Nurse Corps, as women were able to remain on active duty after becoming pregnant. To join the Air Force, nurses were required to graduate from an accredited nursing school. Additionally, the nurse's role expanded to include many other areas of expertise such as obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, nurse practitioner, nurse-midwife and clinical educator. By 1982, the standard for accepting nurses into the Air Force was changed again by requiring all nurses to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Over the years, many changes have transpired within the Air Force Nurse Corps -- all very exciting to those that were and are currently serving. Presently there are 3,263 professional male and female nurses in the Air Force. Nurse's roles have changed from women aiding those wounded on the battlefield to administrators, commanders, general officers and assistant Air Force surgeon general. Nurses still continue to aid on the battlefield, but those served extend beyond the military's wounded. They serve women in combat, locals impacted by the tragedy and fighting in their country and children. Today, nurses are also given the opportunity to pursue graduate degrees. The nurse corps has united with other branches of the service to provide the best care during peace and wartime. Nurses provide humanitarian aid; perform in-flight care to critical patients; and serve at home, caring for the Airman's family to ensure the member can stay focused on the mission and ready to fly, fight and win.