Photo By Ruben Cordero | U.S. Navy Capt. Anthony L. LaCourse is promoted to rear admiral (lower half) by...... read more read more
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In a ceremony rich with tradition and profound significance, Captain Anthony L. LaCourse was promoted to Rear Admiral (Lower Half), a historic first for the Navy’s Physician Assistant (PA) community. The milestone marks the first time a PA has been promoted to admiral, underscoring the expanding leadership roles within the Navy Medical Service Corps and highlighting LaCourse’s decades of service and commitment to Navy Medicine. Anthony "Tony" LaCourse, call sign “Polar Bear” for his tenacity, grew up in Ipswich, Massachusetts, a small community in northeastern Massachusetts. This journey began not in an officer’s wardroom, but at Boot Camp in Great Lakes where he became recruit and then an enlisted Hospital Corpsman in 1987. In 1988, LaCourse joined one of the Navy’s most decorated communities, serving as a Hospital Corpsman, with the U.S. Marine Corps, preparing for some of the world’s most demanding environments. This early experience was a crucible that forged his identity as a leader and a medical caregiver. He learned to operate under pressure, treating wounded Marines and Sailors, and earning a deep respect for those who depend on medical professionals in life-or-death situations. This hands-on, grassroots perspective would become a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy. Our greatest force expander is knowledge, ensuring every Sailor and Marine is equipped to deliver lifesaving care in the worst moments, even under fire,” LaCourse said. “A properly trained Corpsman is a resilient force multiplier, the Swiss Army knife of battlefield medicine, capable of adapting and performing in the harshest environments. LaCourse's transition from enlisted Corpsman to commissioned PA in 1993 was a natural evolution of his commitment to service. His time as a Corpsman provided him with a credibility that transcended rank, allowing him to lead with both empathy and authenticity. Even as he climbed the officer ranks, he remained a staunch advocate for enlisted medical professionals, ensuring their contributions were recognized and their professional development was a priority. In many ways, his promotion to admiral is a full-circle moment, a former Corpsman now shaping the future of Navy medicine at the highest levels. Rear Admiral LaCourse’s career is a testament to the versatility and strategic importance of Physician Assistants in modern military operations. His assignments have spanned the globe, including deployments to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). He has held pivotal roles, from commanding the 4th Medical Battalion to his current position, Force Surgeon U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command (MARCENT) where he provides strategic medical oversight for U.S. Marine operations across the Middle East. LaCourse's service record is a testament to his extensive and impressive career. It includes pivotal assignments with Joint Task Force operations in Afghanistan and crisis response missions in Africa, where he gained invaluable expertise in high-stakes environments. His leadership led to senior medical planning roles at the Pentagon and at MARCENT, where he helped shape medical strategy for the nation's Middle East forces. His commitment to professional development is highlighted by his academic achievements, including degrees from Bridgewater State College (1991) and Northeastern University (1993). He also completed advanced Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) from the Air Force Air Command and Staff College, along with specialized training such as the Combined Amphibious Task Force Surgeons Course (CATF-S), Joint Senior Medical Leaders Course (JSMLC) Joint Medical Operations Course - Basic and Advanced; and Plans, Operations and Medical Intelligence (POMI) courses, among others. Beyond his operational and command roles, LaCourse has been a tireless advocate for the advancement of his profession. Recognizing the need for specialized knowledge, he co-founded the American Society of Endocrine PAs, fostering a community dedicated to professional growth. He has also shared his expertise as an adjunct professor at several universities including Northeastern, Quinnipiac and Bryant University, educating the next generation of healthcare providers. Most importantly, he has played a crucial role in shaping the doctrine and policy for PAs across the naval fleet, ensuring their clinical and leadership capabilities are fully utilized. LaCourse's personal awards reflect a distinguished career of service and sacrifice. He is a recipient of the Legion of Merit twice, multiple Meritorious Service Medals and Navy Commendation Medals, Navy Achievement Medals and the Army Commendation Medal. He is also authorized to wear the Fleet Marine Force Warfare Officer Device (FMFWO) and the Command Ashore Insignia, symbols of his deep operational expertise and command leadership. Rear Admiral LaCourse's promotion is more than just a personal honor; it is a powerful symbol of what is possible within the Navy. It signals a new era for military medicine, where expertise and leadership, regardless of background, are recognized and rewarded at the highest levels. His journey from an enlisted Hospital Corpsman to a flag officer will undoubtedly inspire countless young med and woman to aspire to the highest levels of service and leadership, knowing that the path is open.
| Date Taken: | 10.17.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.17.2025 14:21 |
| Story ID: | 550234 |
| Location: | MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 129 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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