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Army Medics
Members of the military are often in danger, especially when serving in combat roles. A combat medic specialist provides emergency care and evacuation services on the battlefield, while also assisting medical officers in providing primary health care services. While many soldiers choose to remain medics throughout their military careers, others find that their time as a medic has prepared them for a civilian health care career.
What Does an Army Medic Do?
According to the U.S. Army's website, combat medics are expected to:
- Provide emergency medical assessment and treatment to casualties on the battlefield.
- Provide assistance with inpatient and outpatient treatment and care.
- Provide instruction to soldiers during a Combat Lifesaver/First Responder training course.
- Manage medical supplies and equipment.
Tip
Each military occupational specialty (MOC) is identified by a code. The MOC for combat medics, 68W, is often spoken as "68 Whiskey."
Army Combat Medic Requirements
A combat medic is a specialist job only for enlisted service members, although active duty members and reservists can become medics. The medic position is open to women and men.
Eligibility to Enter the Army
Each branch of service sets its own requirements for recruits. Below are the requirements that the United States Army has established for enlistment and, specifically, for combat medics:
Age
All branches of the Armed Forces require that recruits be at least 17 years of age, although a 17-year-old will need parental permission to enlist. Upper age limits vary by branch of service, and the Army's upper age limit is 34. Upper age limits may vary for individuals who obtain a waiver or who have a previous service record, either as active duty or as reserve service members.
Education
All branches require a high school diploma to enlist and to be eligible for the broadest possible range of opportunities. A GED may be acceptable, but it is essential for a potential recruit to know that he might be limited in the roles he can enter in the military. Taking science and math classes, particularly biology, algebra and chemistry, can be useful in preparing for a career as a combat medic.
ASVAB Score
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a test the military uses to determine the fitness of a potential recruit for military service, along with the recruit's suitability for certain jobs. Army recruits must score at least a 31 on the test, and must also score the following on test portions to be considered for a combat medic role:
Skilled Technical (ST): 101
General Technical (GT): 107
Typically, ASVAB testing is offered through high schools. Students should speak with their counselor to find out when the next round of testing will be available. Individuals who are not currently in high school can speak with a recruiter about their options for taking the test.
Citizenship
Recruits must be U.S. citizens or green card holders. In some cases, noncitizens who are in the U.S. legally may be able to enlist, but they may face restrictions as to the roles for which they are eligible.
Medical
All recruits are expected to be in good mental and physical health and must pass a physical examination. Recruits are expected to be of a healthy weight and capable of engaging in a strict fitness regimen.
Background
A previous criminal record can affect an individual's ability to enlist in any branch of the armed forces. Individuals who are concerned about their history should speak with the recruiter about options, including applying for a waiver.
Exceptions
In some cases, the military can issue waivers to potential recruits who do not meet current enlistment standards. However, there is no guarantee that any of these requirements will be waived. Those who do not meet current standards may want to speak with a recruiter about their options. Applying for a waiver may require that a potential recruit provide additional information so that the military command can make an appropriate decision. For example, recruits who have a criminal background may need to describe the nature of their crimes, as well as what they have done to rehabilitate themselves since the offense and their conviction.
Personal Qualities Helpful in Becoming a Medic
Combat medicine is a challenging area, particularly since army medics will be expected to treat fellow soldiers, many of whom may be friends. A combat medic should be someone who is, above all, resilient and who can function under pressure. He should also be able to demonstrate flexibility in treating a variety of conditions and injuries.
Training Required to Become an Army Medic
Becoming a combat medic requires the completion of 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training, as well as Advanced Individual Training, which takes 16 weeks to complete.
Ongoing Education
Combat medics can expect to receive ongoing training throughout their enlistment. In recent years, there has been a move toward training medics to provide care for an extended length of time. This represents a sea-change in job role for medics: Previously a medic was expected to assess, stabilize and evacuate the injured within "the golden hour" of opportunity to protect the life and well-being of a fellow service member. However, changes in modern warfare has put medics in positions where they might be expected to provide extended levels of care. As a result, the military has introduced the Expeditionary Combat Medic certification course that provides medics with training to provide care for extended periods of time on the battlefield.
Special Operations Combat Medic
Army combat medics who complete Airborne Ranger training and join Ranger battalions will complete the Special Operations Combat Medics course. This course of study takes 36 weeks to complete and provides greater in-depth training in the types of care that participants in Special Operations missions may require. Certifications earned during this program include basic life support, pediatric education for pre-hospital providers and advanced cardiac life support.
A special operations combat medic who becomes a Special Operations Medical Sergeant will undergo additional training, which includes dental medicine, including performing extractions, large-animal veterinary care, as well as training in cultural medical practices and healing, including herbal medicine. Special Operations Medical Sergeants also learn to provide care under extreme conditions, including training in dive medicine and the effects of high altitude on the human body.
Work Conditions
Combat medics are trained to work in combat theaters during military operations. These work conditions can be extremely challenging and quite dangerous. Potential recruits should be prepared to offer emergency medical care in environments that aren't conducive to the safe, effective and hygienic care of people suffering from serious injuries. Although medics are trained to help treat injuries and comfort the wounded, they are issued service weapons, and they may be required to engage in combat in extreme situations, such as during an ambush.
Army Medic Salary
Compensation for members of the military depends on rank and on the length of time in service. A combat medic at the 2018 E-4 pay grade (corporal or specialist) who has less than two years experience, earns $25,668.00 per year. Someone of the same rank, who has six years of experience, makes $31,158.00. These salary earnings do not reflect other benefits, including bonuses, housing allowance, education and health care.
Army Medic Career Options and Trajectory
The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track employment projections for the armed services. However, the BLS does state that there is an ongoing need for recruits to staff positions in all branches of the military.
Many army medics opt to pursue a military career, rising through enlisted ranks until retirement or, in some cases, electing to train for another health care career, such as in nursing or medicine, and then becoming an officer.
Medics who leave the military for a civilian life may opt to continue their work in health care. Here are some common career options for combat medic after discharge:
Emergency medical technician or paramedic
EMTs and paramedics provide medical care to people in emergency situations, such as at the scene of an accident. Preparation to become an EMT or paramedic includes completing a training program and passing a licensing exam. The median annual salary for EMTs and paramedics was $33,380, as of May 2017.
The military now requires its combat medics to earn and maintain EMT certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. While this can be helpful in finding a job, certification alone doesn't qualify someone to work as an EMT or paramedic. Each state sets its own licensing rules, with which even veterans must comply.
Licensed practical (vocational) nurse
Licensed practical nurses (also known as licensed vocational nurses, in some states) provide primary nursing care to patients. The scope of practice for LPNs varies, but typically, it includes tasks such as interviewing patients, recording information on patient charts, taking vital signs, providing injections and, in some states, starting IVs. LPNs must complete a training program, which usually requires a year of full-time study, and then, they must pass a licensing exam. As of May 2017, the median annual salary for an LPN was $45,030.
Registered nurse
Registered nurses provide comprehensive nursing care to patients. In addition to tasks such as interviewing patients, checking vital signs, and performing medical tests, RNs carry out medical treatments and administer medications prescribed by a physician, educate patients about their conditions and both set-up and monitor medical equipment. The median annual salary for an RN was $70,000 as of May 2018.
Physician assistant
Physician assistants practice medicine in conjunction with physicians. Physician assistants can order tests, diagnose illnesses and injuries, provide treatment and prescribe medications, within the scope of their practice. Physician assistants must earn a master's degree and pass a licensing exam. The median annual salary for physician assistants, as of May 2017, was $104,860.
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