68W Training: What to Expect During Combat Medic School

Becoming a 68W combat medic in the U.S. Army is a challenging but rewarding journey. The 68W training program teaches you vital medical and soldiering skills, preparing you for the demands of battlefield medicine. From Basic Combat Training (BCT) to Advanced Individual Training (AIT), you will gain the knowledge and experience needed to provide emergency care in high-pressure situations.

In BCT, you will learn the fundamentals of being a soldier, including physical fitness, weapons handling, and tactical maneuvers.

Once you complete BCT, you will move on to AIT, where the focus shifts to medical skills.

Here, you will learn to provide life-saving treatment, manage trauma, and handle medical equipment.

During your time as a combat medic, you will also receive ongoing education and training to advance your skills.

This role not only offers the chance to serve your country but also provides a foundation for a career in the medical field.

Learn about what to expect and the path ahead in becoming a skilled combat medic by delving deeper into this guide.

Key Takeaways

• 68W training combines soldiering and medical skills.
• BCT covers basic soldier skills, AIT focuses on medical training.
• Ongoing education and training are crucial in the combat medic role.

Understanding the Role of a 68W Combat Medic

In the U.S. Army, the 68W Combat Medic is a vital role.

As a 68W, you are responsible for providing first aid and frontline trauma care on the battlefield.

Essential Duties of a Combat Medic Specialist

Your main job as a 68W Combat Medic involves treating wounded soldiers.

This often includes administering emergency medical care, such as CPR and controlling bleeding.

You must also be able to perform medical evacuations, ensuring injured soldiers get the care they need as quickly as possible.

In addition to emergency care, you will handle routine medical tasks.

This involves conducting health assessments, giving immunizations, and keeping medical records.

You must be well-versed in a variety of medical procedures, including setting up IVs and managing airway passages.

Training for these duties is intense and includes both classroom instruction and field training.

You need to understand anatomy, physiology, and medical conditions in depth.

Military drills also prepare you to work under pressure and in difficult conditions.

Bridging Military and Medical Worlds

As a 68W Combat Medic, you play a unique dual role.

You are both a soldier and a medical professional.

This duality means you need to be physically fit and mentally tough.

You not only treat others in emergencies but may also need to defend yourself and your fellow soldiers.

You will also work with other medical professionals.

Your role requires coordination with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers, both in and out of combat zones.

This close collaboration helps ensure the best care for soldiers.

The skills you learn can transfer to civilian jobs once you leave the military.

Many combat medics go on to work in emergency medical services (EMS) or hospitals, bringing their battlefield experience to civilian healthcare settings.

Your time as a 68W gives you a solid foundation in both medical and military practices, making you a valuable asset in any medical team.

For more detailed information on what to expect during 68W training, visit 68W Training: What to Expect During Combat Medic Prep.

Initial Steps: Joining the Army

Before you can enter 68W training, you need to complete several important steps to join the army.

This includes meeting with a recruiter and completing Basic Combat Training.

Meeting With a Recruiter

Your first step is to meet with an army recruiter.

They will provide information about the enlistment process and help you determine if this path is a good fit for you.

You can ask questions about life in the military, training requirements, and career opportunities.

The recruiter will also explain the importance of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.

To become a 68W Combat Medic, you need specific line scores: 107 in General Technical (GT) and 101 in Skilled Technical (ST).

Additionally, the recruiter might conduct a short physical training (PT) test to assess your initial fitness level.

This helps you prepare for the more rigorous Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) you will take later.

Basic Combat Training Overview

Once you enlist, you will attend Basic Combat Training (BCT).

This training is essential and lasts about ten weeks.

It is designed to teach you the basic skills needed to be a soldier, including physical fighting techniques, rifle marksmanship, and basic first aid.

During BCT, you will also undergo the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) to ensure you meet the physical standards required for all soldiers.

This test includes a variety of exercises, such as a three-rep deadlift, standing power throw, and a two-mile run.

Your time in BCT will be challenging both mentally and physically.

You will learn discipline, team-building, and how to handle stressful situations, all of which are critical for a combat medic.

The 68W Training Program

The 68W Combat Medic Training prepares you for intense medical duties on the battlefield.

It involves both initial and specialized training phases that equip you with the necessary skills.

From Basic to Advanced Individual Training

Your journey begins with Basic Combat Training (BCT).

This phase teaches you fundamental soldiering skills such as weapon handling, physical fitness, and teamwork.

BCT lasts about 10 weeks and lays the groundwork for your future role as a combat medic.

After BCT, you move on to Advanced Individual Training (AIT).

At AIT, the focus shifts to medical training.

You learn emergency medical techniques and procedures vital for battlefield care.

This part of the program typically lasts 16 weeks and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice.

Specifics of the Combat Medic Training Course

The Combat Medic Training Course within AIT is intensive and rigorous.

You cover topics like trauma care, emergency medical technician (EMT) protocols, and patient management under fire.

The coursework is exhaustive, preparing you for real-world scenarios where quick decision-making and medical competence are critical.

Additionally, you will learn to use medical equipment, perform life-saving interventions, and transport injured personnel.

The training ensures you are prepared for the high-pressure environment of the battlefield.

From learning to manage wounds to performing CPR, every skill you acquire is essential for saving lives in combat situations.

Core Medical Skills Development

When training to become a 68W combat medic, you will focus heavily on mastering emergency medical skills.

These skills are crucial for responding to injuries quickly and effectively, especially in combat situations.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basics

Your journey starts with becoming proficient in EMT basics.

This foundation is vital as an Army combat medic.

You will learn to handle common medical emergencies that occur both on and off the battlefield.

This includes assessing patients, managing airways, and performing CPR.

You will also be trained to use medical tools and equipment efficiently.

Learning to operate defibrillators, oxygen tanks, and suction devices is essential.

Handling these tools confidently can be the difference between life and death in critical moments.

Lifesaving Techniques and Triage Principles

Understanding triage principles is key in battlefield scenarios.

Triage helps you prioritize patients based on the severity of their injuries.

You will learn to quickly assess who needs immediate care and who can wait, which is crucial when resources are limited.

Lifesaving techniques like controlling bleeding, treating shock, and stabilizing fractures are also covered.

Performing these tasks quickly under pressure ensures that wounded soldiers have the best chance of survival.

Your training will also include advanced airway management, where you’ll practice techniques to ensure patients can breathe.

This skill is critical when dealing with injuries that obstruct airways and can save lives in unpredictable combat environments.

Specialized Combat Training

As a 68W combat medic, you will undergo specialized combat training that prepares you for real-life battlefield scenarios.

This training ensures you’re ready to handle trauma and hemorrhaging, providing essential medical care under fire.

Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC)

Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) is crucial for any combat medic.

In this part of your training, you’ll learn life-saving techniques tailored for battlefield conditions.

You’ll focus on three main phases: Care under fire, Tactical Field Care, and Tactical Evacuation Care.

Care under fire involves providing quick first aid while in active combat.

Tactical Field Care happens when you’re not under direct enemy threat.

You’ll learn to manage more severe injuries, control bleeding, and maintain airways.

Tactical Evacuation Care covers the procedures for safely transporting injured soldiers to medical facilities.

You’ll have to make quick decisions to stabilize patients and prepare them for evacuation.

Field Training Exercise and Simulation

Field Training Exercise and Simulation tests your skills in simulated combat scenarios.

You will apply what you’ve learned in a controlled environment that mimics the challenges of a battlefield.

During these exercises, you’ll practice treating trauma and hemorrhaging in real-time.

You’ll have to navigate terrain, communicate with team members, and adapt to changing situations.

You’ll work with other soldiers to perform mock rescues and transport injured comrades to safety.

This hands-on experience is vital for building your confidence and competence in stressful conditions.

Field exercises often include the use of dummies and actors to simulate casualties.

This makes your training more realistic and prepares you for actual combat situations.

Healthcare Services in the Field

When working as a 68W combat medic, it’s essential to be prepared for various medical situations in the field.

This includes being ready to provide immediate care at the point of wounding and handling patient evacuations effectively.

Deployed Medical Readiness

As a combat medic, medical readiness is crucial.

You’ll be trained to stabilize patients in high-pressure environments.

Quick thinking and action are vital since timely care can save lives on the battlefield.

You’ll learn to treat trauma injuries, manage bleeding, and perform CPR under stress.

You’ll also need to understand how to use field equipment efficiently.

This training ensures that you’re always ready to provide the best possible care, no matter the situation.

The goal is to keep all soldiers as healthy as possible during missions.

This involves regular checks to make sure everyone is fit for duty.

Being thorough helps prevent minor issues from becoming serious problems.

Limited Primary Care and Evacuations

In the field, you’ll provide limited primary care.

This includes treating minor illnesses and injuries like sprains, cuts, and infections.

Even though resources may be scarce, your role is to maintain the health of your unit.

Evacuations are another critical part of your job.

When a soldier is injured, you will need to quickly and safely move them to a more advanced medical facility.

This often involves coordinating with other units and using various transportation methods like helicopters.

Knowing how to prioritize injuries is key.

You’ll decide who needs immediate evacuation and who can wait.

Every decision can have a big impact, so staying calm and collected is crucial.

Career Progression and Continued Education

Advancing in your career as a 68W Combat Medic involves achieving specific ranks and validating your skills.

There are also opportunities to further your medical education, which can help you excel both in the military and in civilian life.

Rank Advancements and Skills Validation

As a 68W Combat Medic, rank advancement is a key part of your career.

You typically start as a Private and work your way up through ranks like Sergeant and Staff Sergeant.

Each promotion demands validation of your skills and more experience.

For instance, to become a Staff Sergeant (SSG), you need 24 to 48 months of experience as a Squad or Section Leader.

Validation of skills includes both practical and written tests to ensure you’re prepared for greater responsibilities.

Focus on honing your leadership abilities and gaining high ratings in evaluations to make these advancements.

Opportunities for Further Medical Education

There are various opportunities to further your medical education as a 68W.

You can enroll in programs that enhance your skills, such as the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course.

This course is often condensed into six intense weeks of classroom and practical training.

Additionally, there are pathways to paramedic certification, allowing you to gain advanced medical skills.

Continued education not only helps you perform better in your role but also opens up civilian career opportunities.

Consider specializing in areas like trauma care or health protection to further broaden your skills and career prospects.

Army Life and Support Systems

Living as a 68W combat medic means you’ll have unique support systems tailored to the needs of Army soldiers.

From housing arrangements to healthcare and various support programs, your day-to-day life is well-structured.

Housing, Food, and Lifestyle

You’ll be provided with housing options that may include on-base barracks or off-base housing allowances if you live with family.

The facilities are designed to offer comfort and a sense of community.

Regarding food, the Army ensures nutritious meals are available through dining facilities.

You’ll have access to daily meals that meet your dietary needs, so you can stay in top condition.

Lifestyle in the Army includes not just your duties but also recreational activities.

Many bases feature gyms, sports fields, and social clubs where you can unwind and connect with fellow soldiers.

This balanced lifestyle helps maintain both physical and mental well-being.

Health Benefits and Army Support Programs

As a combat medic, your healthcare benefits are extensive.

You have access to comprehensive medical and dental care.

If you’re in the National Guard or Active Duty, these benefits extend to your immediate family as well.

Army support programs are designed to assist you in various aspects of life.

These include educational assistance, mental health services, and financial planning resources.

Programs like the Army Community Service (ACS) offer everything from family support to career counseling.

Health care specialists like you are crucial, and the Army ensures you have the support needed to thrive.

This includes access to specialized training and continuous professional development opportunities.

Expectations for Qualifying and Certification

To become a 68W combat medic, you must meet specific qualifying standards and achieve key certifications.

These ensure you possess the necessary skills to save lives on the battlefield.

National Registry and Army-Specific Certifications

To qualify as a 68W, passing the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam is essential.

This certification verifies that you can handle emergency medical situations effectively.

You’ll start by learning vital skills during Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT).

Passing the NREMT involves both a cognitive and practical exam.

The cognitive part tests your medical knowledge, while the practical exam assesses your hands-on skills.

Successful certification ensures you’re ready for the pressures of combat medicine.

Combat Lifesaver (CLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS)

In addition to the NREMT, you’ll also complete Combat Lifesaver (CLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) certifications.

CLS training is crucial for battlefield scenarios, as it teaches advanced first aid techniques specifically designed for combat.

BLS certification is another key requirement.

It focuses on basic emergency protocols, such as CPR and handling choking emergencies.

Both CLS and BLS ensure that, as a combat medic, you’re fully prepared to provide immediate, life-saving care in high-stress environments.

Physical and Mental Preparedness

Preparing for 68W training means you need to be physically fit and mentally strong.

This involves meeting the U.S. Army’s fitness standards and building the resilience needed for the challenges you’ll face.

Physical Fitness Requirements

To start 68W training, you must pass the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).

The ACFT measures your strength, endurance, and agility.

You will perform six events: deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-ups, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and the 2-mile run.

Maintaining a healthy weight and building muscle is crucial.

Regular exercise like running, weightlifting, and bodyweight exercises will help you get prepared.

Staying hydrated and eating balanced meals also support your physical readiness.

You’ll be carrying heavy medical equipment and potentially injured soldiers in real combat situations, so having the strength for this is not just advised— it’s required.

Resilience and Mental Discipline

Mental toughness is just as important as physical strength in 68W training.

You will need to remain calm under pressure.

Situational training exercises help simulate battlefield stress, which builds your ability to stay focused during emergencies.

Practice mindfulness and stress management techniques.

They’re useful to handle the intense mental strain.

Getting enough rest and keeping a positive mindset will help maintain your resilience.

Self-discipline isn’t optional; it’s essential.

You will be expected to follow orders precisely and maintain a high degree of motivation and focus.

Practicing good habits and routines will make a significant difference in your ability to cope with the training pressures.

For more detailed information about the training program, you can check out the Ultimate Guide to 68W Training.

Transitioning from Training to Active Service

After completing your 68W training, you’ll be ready to step into active service where your newly acquired skills will be tested and honed.

The next steps include your initial assignment and preparing for real-world scenarios you might face.

Joining the Ranks and First Assignment

Once your training concludes, you officially join the ranks as a 68W Combat Medic.

Your first assignment will place you in a unit that matches your skills and readiness.

You may find yourself assigned to a field hospital, clinic, or a frontline combat unit.

A commissioned officer will oversee your integration into the unit.

It’s essential to understand their expectations and the chain of command.

Pay attention to briefings and get familiar with the unit’s standard operating procedures.

You might even qualify for additional bonuses depending on your performance in training and specific assignments.

Those bonuses can be quite motivating.

Preparation for Real-World Scenarios

In active service, you’ll have to apply your training to real-world scenarios.

These include battlefield injuries, emergency medical evacuations, and daily medical care for your unit.

Being a 68W means staying physically fit, mentally sharp, and ready to act quickly.

Participating in regular drills and simulations will help you keep your skills fresh.

Keep your medical kit updated and know the locations of key medical supplies and facilities in your area of operation.

Staying engaged with continuous education and additional training opportunities is crucial.

This not only enhances your expertise but also improves the overall readiness of your unit.

When you’re better prepared, you ensure that your team can depend on you in any situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get ready to learn about the ins and outs of 68W combat medic training.

From training length to deployment chances, this section covers the must-know details for future Army combat medics.

How long does it typically take to complete 68W AIT training?

68W Advanced Individual Training (AIT) usually lasts about 16 weeks.

During this time, you’ll receive both classroom instruction and practical field training.

What can I expect during the day-to-day of 68W AIT?

Daily life in 68W AIT is filled with a mix of medical classes and physical training.

Expect to work on skills like first aid, CPR, and handling medical emergencies in simulated combat scenarios.

What’s the likelihood of being deployed in a combat role as a 68W?

While many 68W combat medics do get deployed, the exact likelihood varies.

Deployment depends on the needs of the Army and your specific unit.

Be prepared for both peacetime and wartime assignments.

What are the prerequisites for enlisting as a 68W combat medic?

To become a 68W, you need a high school diploma or GED.

Passing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test with an appropriate score is also required.

What’s the average salary for an Army combat medic?

The average salary for an Army combat medic varies based on rank, time of service, and location.

As of 2023, a new recruit can expect a basic pay starting around $1,833 per month, plus benefits.

Where is the Army combat medic training program located?

Army combat medic training is held at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.

This location is known as the home of Army medicine and provides comprehensive training facilities.