annerb

I'm a civilian doctor, not military, but I've worked with a number of them, and have friends from medical school who've gone military. So, here's my take on your #1.

Military physicians are different than regular military personnel. They don't undergo the same kinds of training that regular military people do. They may even have limited knowledge of military protocol (my friend's army doctor hubby barely knew how to put the stuff on his uniform properly).

Plus, chain of command in medical facilities isn't based on rank. What I mean is, in a lot of hospitals, the more experienced nurses outrank the many of the doctors. Captains may be giving order to Colonels.

In contrast, Sam probably had to do all the normal miltiary training even though she's got a PhD. Sam's a soldier and Janet's not. Does that make sense?

Just my $.02 worth.