Medical education in the military setting requires sound principles of modern teaching. The planning and curriculum of the residency in psychiatry at the U. S. Naval Hospital, Oakland, Calif., are reviewed to encourage a critical appraisal of such programs and to invite attention from nonmilitary medical educators.Deficiencies to be overcome include the encroachment of administrative duties on the resident's time and little experience in long term care of the chronically ill.The full utilization of certain inherent features, such as freedom from some economic restrictions and participation in uncommon opportunities, provides an advantage over the non-military residency.The use of consultants, responsibility for the educational program, and professional liaisons require specific attention.Improvements recognized by the authors are presented.Abstract Teaser