Combat Medic Specialists, also known as 68W in the U.S. Army, play a crucial role in saving lives on and off the battlefield.
These highly trained professionals provide emergency medical care in combat situations and humanitarian missions.
As a Combat Medic Specialist, you’ll administer first aid, triage injuries, and evacuate patients from dangerous areas.
You’ll function much like a civilian paramedic, but in high-stress military environments.
Your journey to become a 68W starts with Basic Combat Training, followed by specialized medical training.
You’ll learn essential skills like treating wounds, managing trauma, and administering medications.
This challenging but rewarding career offers opportunities for growth and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Key Takeaways
- Combat Medic Specialists provide critical emergency care in military and humanitarian settings
- Training includes both combat skills and advanced medical techniques
- Career offers opportunities for growth and the satisfaction of saving lives
Combat Medic Specialist: An Overview
Combat Medic Specialists are vital members of the U.S. Army medical team.
They provide critical emergency care on the battlefield and in humanitarian situations, saving lives through their specialized training and skills.
Role and Responsibilities
As a Combat Medic Specialist, you’ll be the first line of medical defense for your fellow soldiers.
Your primary duty is to administer emergency medical treatment at the point of injury.
You’ll triage patients, stabilize wounds, and evacuate the injured from dangerous situations.
In combat zones, you’ll work under intense pressure to save lives.
During peacetime, you’ll assist with primary care and health protection for soldiers.
Your skills will be similar to those of a civilian paramedic, but with additional military-specific training.
You’ll also train other soldiers in basic first aid and lifesaving techniques.
This helps create a more resilient and prepared fighting force.
Becoming a Combat Medic
To become a Combat Medic Specialist (MOS 68W), you’ll need to join the U.S. Army and complete specialized training.
The process starts with Basic Combat Training, followed by Advanced Individual Training.
Your medical education takes place during a 16-week course at the Medical Education and Training Campus.
This intensive program is divided into three phases:
- EMT certification
- Advanced medical skills
- Combat-specific techniques
The training is rigorous but rewarding.
You’ll learn to:
- Perform emergency medical procedures
- Manage trauma patients
- Administer medications
- Operate medical equipment
Upon completion, you’ll be certified as both an EMT and a Combat Medic Specialist.
This dual qualification makes you a valuable asset to the Army and opens up civilian career opportunities.
Educational Path and Training
The journey to becoming a Combat Medic Specialist (68W) involves rigorous training phases.
You’ll progress through Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training, and Specialized Skill Training to develop the necessary medical and military skills.
Basic Combat Training
Your path begins with 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training (BCT).
Here, you’ll transform from a civilian into a Soldier.
BCT focuses on physical fitness, weapons proficiency, and core Army values.
You’ll learn essential military skills like marching, land navigation, and field tactics.
The training is intense, pushing your physical and mental limits.
You’ll form strong bonds with fellow recruits as you overcome challenges together.
By the end, you’ll be ready for the next phase of your 68W journey.
Advanced Individual Training
After BCT, you’ll move on to 16 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
This is where you’ll gain the specific medical knowledge and skills needed as a Combat Medic.
The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, and emergency medical procedures.
You’ll learn to treat battlefield injuries, perform triage, and evacuate casualties.
Hands-on training with medical equipment is a key component.
You’ll also study pharmacology and learn to administer medications.
The training is intense but rewarding, preparing you for the crucial role of saving lives in combat situations.
Specialized Skill Training
Once you complete AIT, you may have opportunities for additional specialized training.
This could include courses in tactical combat casualty care, aeromedical evacuation, or special operations medicine.
You might train in specific environments like arctic or jungle settings.
Some medics pursue certifications as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Paramedics.
Advanced training can open doors to roles in Special Forces or flight medicine.
The Army also offers programs for further education, potentially leading to nursing or physician assistant careers.
Continuous learning is encouraged to keep your skills sharp and advance your medical expertise.
Medical and Clinical Skills
Combat medic specialists develop a diverse set of medical and clinical abilities to provide lifesaving care in challenging environments.
These skills allow you to respond effectively to emergencies, deliver basic primary care, and implement specialized tactical medical protocols.
Emergency Medical Treatment
As a 68W, you’ll master emergency medical techniques to treat battlefield injuries and trauma.
You’ll learn to quickly assess patients and provide immediate interventions like controlling hemorrhages, managing airways, and treating shock.
Your training covers wound care, splinting fractures, and administering IV fluids and medications.
You’ll become proficient with medical equipment like cardiac monitors, oxygen delivery systems, and trauma kits.
Triage skills allow you to prioritize casualties in mass casualty events.
You’ll practice rapid patient assessment to identify life-threatening conditions requiring urgent care.
Limited Primary Care
Your role extends beyond emergency care to include basic primary care and health protection duties.
You’ll learn to conduct health assessments, administer vaccines, and provide routine medical treatments.
This allows you to support the ongoing health needs of your unit.
You’ll gain experience with common illnesses and minor injuries, enabling you to provide appropriate care and determine when to refer patients for advanced treatment.
Your knowledge of preventive medicine helps you educate fellow soldiers on staying healthy in austere environments.
Tactical Combat Casualty Care
TCCC protocols are a crucial part of your skillset as a combat medic.
You’ll learn specialized techniques for providing care under fire and tactical field care.
This includes methods to quickly move casualties to cover while returning fire if needed.
You’ll master the use of tourniquets, hemostatic agents, and needle decompression for tension pneumothorax.
TCCC training emphasizes rapid casualty evacuation and preparing patients for transport.
You’ll practice these skills in realistic field training exercises to build muscle memory for combat situations.
Roles in Different Settings
Combat medic specialists 68W serve in diverse environments, adapting their skills to meet medical needs in both high-stress combat situations and clinical support roles.
Your versatility as a 68W is crucial for providing effective care across various military settings.
Battlefield Operations
On the battlefield, you’re the first line of medical defense.
Your primary role is to provide emergency care at the point of wounding.
You’ll assess injuries quickly, prioritize treatment, and stabilize patients for evacuation.
Your combat medic skills include stopping severe bleeding, managing airways, and treating shock.
You must work under extreme stress, often in dangerous conditions.
Your ability to remain calm and focused is essential.
You’ll also train fellow soldiers in basic first aid, enhancing overall unit survival rates.
As a 68W, you’re responsible for:
- Administering emergency medical techniques
- Coordinating casualty evacuation
- Maintaining medical equipment readiness
- Providing tactical combat casualty care
Clinical Support
In clinical settings, your role shifts to providing more comprehensive medical care.
You’ll work in military hospitals, clinics, and aid stations.
Your responsibilities expand to include:
- Assisting with patient exams and treatments
- Administering medications
- Performing basic laboratory procedures
- Maintaining medical records
You’ll often work alongside doctors and nurses, gaining valuable experience in various medical specialties.
This clinical exposure enhances your skills as a health care specialist.
Your training as a National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician is invaluable in this setting.
You’ll apply these skills to provide quality care for service members and their families.
Career Progression and Opportunities
As a Combat Medic Specialist (68W), you’ll have numerous paths for advancement and exciting opportunities to grow your skills.
Your role is critical in both military and civilian settings, opening doors to rewarding careers.
Advancement in Rank
You can climb the ranks from Private to Sergeant Major as a 68W.
Each promotion brings new responsibilities and leadership roles.
As a Specialist or Corporal, you’ll focus on honing your medical skills and may compete in the Best Medic Competition.
At the NCO level, you’ll train junior medics and take on more administrative duties.
Sergeants First Class often become platoon sergeants or instructors.
Master Sergeants and Sergeant Majors serve as senior advisors and may be awarded the Order of Military Medical Merit for their contributions.
Civilian Transition
Your 68W training translates well to civilian healthcare careers.
Many combat medics become EMTs or paramedics after service.
With additional education, you can pursue roles as nurses, physician assistants, or even doctors.
The National Guard offers a unique opportunity to serve part-time while working in civilian healthcare.
Your military medical experience is highly valued in emergency departments, trauma centers, and ambulance services.
Some veterans, like James Musnicki, have even started their own medical training companies using the skills they gained as combat medics.
Supporting Career Development
The Army offers robust support for 68W Combat Medic Specialists to advance their careers.
You’ll find numerous opportunities to enhance your skills and further your education while serving.
Education Benefits
You can take advantage of tuition assistance programs to pursue higher education.
The Army covers up to 100% of tuition costs for eligible courses, allowing you to earn degrees or certifications.
The GI Bill is another valuable benefit, providing funding for college or vocational training after your service.
Many 68Ws use these benefits to become nurses, physician assistants, or pursue other healthcare careers.
You can also access online learning platforms and military-specific courses to expand your knowledge.
The Army’s education centers offer guidance on choosing programs and navigating the application process.
Skill Enhancement
As a 68W, you’ll have opportunities to specialize and gain advanced skills.
You can attend additional training to become a Flight Medic, Special Operations Medical Sergeant, or other Specialty Titles within the Army Medical Department.
The Army offers various courses to improve your medical expertise, leadership abilities, and technical proficiency.
You might train in advanced trauma care, field sanitation, or tactical combat casualty care.
Many 68Ws also pursue civilian certifications like EMT-Paramedic to boost their qualifications.
On-the-job experience is invaluable for skill development.
You’ll work alongside skilled healthcare professionals and gain hands-on experience in diverse medical settings.
This practical knowledge enhances your capabilities and prepares you for career advancement.
Enlistment Process
Becoming a Combat Medic Specialist 68W requires navigating the Army’s enlistment process.
You’ll need to meet specific qualifications and work closely with recruiters to join this elite medical role.
Recruitment Information
To start your journey as a 68W, visit your local Army recruiting office or go to goarmy.com.
A recruiter will guide you through the enlistment steps.
You’ll need to provide personal information like your full name, birth date, email address, phone number, and zip code.
This data is used for recruiting purposes under Title 10 of the United States Code and EO 9397.
Be prepared to discuss your education, work experience, and medical history.
Your recruiter can answer questions about the role and help you understand the commitment.
They’ll also explain the benefits of serving as a Combat Medic Specialist.
Qualification Requirements
To qualify as a 68W, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien.
Age requirements typically range from 17-35 years old.
You’ll also need a high school diploma or equivalent.
The Army requires you to pass a minimum score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
Physical fitness is crucial.
You must pass the Army Physical Fitness Test and meet height and weight standards.
A clean medical history is important, as is the ability to obtain a security clearance.
You’ll need to complete 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training, followed by 16 weeks of Advanced Individual Training.
During this time, you’ll learn essential medical skills and earn your National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certification.
Life as a Combat Medic
As a Combat Medic Specialist, you’ll experience a unique blend of medical and military duties.
Your role combines intense medical responsibilities with the challenges of military life, offering both personal and professional growth opportunities.
Daily Duties
Your day-to-day life as a 68W is diverse and demanding.
You’ll start early, often before sunrise, with physical training to maintain your fitness.
After breakfast, you might conduct medical inventory checks or attend briefings on upcoming missions.
Throughout the day, you’ll:
- Provide emergency medical care to soldiers
- Assist in sick call clinics
- Conduct health and hygiene inspections
- Train other soldiers in basic first aid
In combat situations, you’re the first responder on the battlefield.
You’ll treat wounds, stabilize patients, and coordinate medical evacuations under intense pressure.
Lifestyle Benefits
As a Combat Medic, you’ll enjoy unique perks that come with military service.
The Army provides:
- Free housing or a housing allowance
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage
- Regular meals in dining facilities
- Opportunities for continuing education
You’ll have access to on-base gyms, recreational facilities, and discounted shopping.
The Army also offers 30 days of paid vacation annually, allowing you to travel or spend time with family.
Your medical skills are highly transferable to civilian careers.
Many Combat Medics go on to become paramedics, nurses, or doctors after their service.
The Army may even help fund your medical school if you choose to pursue that path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aspiring Combat Medic Specialists often have questions about the role, requirements, and training.
Here are answers to some common inquiries about the 68W MOS.
What are the requirements to become a 68W MOS Army Combat Medic?
You need a high school diploma or equivalent.
A minimum ASVAB score of 107 in the Skilled Technical (ST) category is required.
You must also pass a physical exam and background check.
U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
You should have an interest in health care and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
Can you describe the daily duties of a Combat Medic Specialist?
Your duties include providing emergency medical care in the field.
You’ll treat injuries, administer medications, and stabilize patients for evacuation.
You’ll also assist with routine health care tasks and train other soldiers in basic first aid.
Maintaining medical equipment and supplies is part of your responsibilities.
How long is the training period for an Army combat medic, and where is it conducted?
The training lasts about 16 weeks.
It starts with 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training, followed by 16 weeks of Advanced Individual Training.
Training takes place at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.
You’ll learn both military and medical skills during this intensive program.
Do Combat Medics receive EMT or paramedic certification during their training?
Yes, you’ll receive EMT certification as part of your training.
The program prepares you to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam.
This certification is recognized in the civilian world, giving you valuable credentials for future career opportunities.
What’s the average salary for a 68W Combat Medic in the Army?
Your salary depends on your rank and years of service.
As an entry-level E-1, you can expect to earn around $1,785 per month.
With promotions and experience, your pay will increase.
Additional benefits like housing allowances and health care are also provided.
As a Combat Medic, will I be expected to engage in combat situations?
Yes, you may be deployed to combat zones.
Your primary role is to provide medical care, but you’re also trained in combat skills.
You’ll need to be prepared to treat injuries under fire and potentially defend yourself and your patients.
Your role combines both medical and military duties.