Illinois resident David Tan is a physician assistant at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. He studied under the George Washington University Physician Assistant Program. From 2003 to 2006, David Tan also served as an Army field or combat medic. Combat medics have various responsibilities in the U.S. Army.
The U.S. Army combat medic is designated as a “health care specialist” under category 68W. In the field, they are experts in providing emergency medical treatment. Combat medics go through 10 weeks of basic training and 16 weeks of advanced training. The training enhances their skills in normal and emergency situations. The trainees learn how to sterilize equipment and practice in-patient treatment, such as casting broken bones.
The primary duty of combat medics is to provide emergency treatment to injured soldiers. As qualified EMTs, they can control the bleeding of injuries or clear blocked airways. Off the front lines, field medics provide assistance in patient care, such as preparing emergency equipment. They also assist Army doctors and physician assistants in medical aid stations.
Normally, combat medics are assigned more duties and tasks as they rise through the ranks. Here’s how they advance in their specialty.
1. The entry-level rating (68W10) is the basic position for combat medics.
2. They qualify for the 68W20 position when they become sergeants. Their added responsibility is providing aid in noncombat situations by working on preventive health care.
3. As a staff sergeant, a medic qualifies for 68W30. This is a supervisory position in field aid stations.
4. A medic with a rank of sergeant first class is given greater supervisory responsibilities as a 68W40.
5. Combat medics are assigned 68W50 roles when they become first sergeants or master sergeants. In this position, they are qualified to share expert opinions and advice with the U.S. Army medical unit on technical aspects.
The U.S. Army combat medic is designated as a “health care specialist” under category 68W. In the field, they are experts in providing emergency medical treatment. Combat medics go through 10 weeks of basic training and 16 weeks of advanced training. The training enhances their skills in normal and emergency situations. The trainees learn how to sterilize equipment and practice in-patient treatment, such as casting broken bones.
The primary duty of combat medics is to provide emergency treatment to injured soldiers. As qualified EMTs, they can control the bleeding of injuries or clear blocked airways. Off the front lines, field medics provide assistance in patient care, such as preparing emergency equipment. They also assist Army doctors and physician assistants in medical aid stations.
Normally, combat medics are assigned more duties and tasks as they rise through the ranks. Here’s how they advance in their specialty.
1. The entry-level rating (68W10) is the basic position for combat medics.
2. They qualify for the 68W20 position when they become sergeants. Their added responsibility is providing aid in noncombat situations by working on preventive health care.
3. As a staff sergeant, a medic qualifies for 68W30. This is a supervisory position in field aid stations.
4. A medic with a rank of sergeant first class is given greater supervisory responsibilities as a 68W40.
5. Combat medics are assigned 68W50 roles when they become first sergeants or master sergeants. In this position, they are qualified to share expert opinions and advice with the U.S. Army medical unit on technical aspects.
