What Does a Combat Medic Do?
According to goarmy.com, the Health Care Specialist job duties are as follows:
- Administer emergency medical treatment to battlefield casualties.
- Assist with outpatient and inpatient care and treatment.
- Prepare blood samples for laboratory analysis.
- Prepare patients, operating rooms, equipment, and supplies for surgery.
According to a soldier, the Health Care Specialist job duties are as follows:
- Maintain medical vehicles.
- Give immunizations to large groups of people.
- Provide medical assistant at the range and during runs, competitions, and marches.
- Screen patients for the doctor, checking for vital signs.
- Provide medical coverage on convoys.
- Run a combat or field hospital.
Qualifications
The first thing you need to do is make sure that you possess the minimum criteria for enlistment.
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent
- No criminal record of a felony.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien.
- Be 17-35 years old.
- Be healthy and in good physical condition.
There are also certain criteria to become a Health Care Specialist:
- Skilled Technician (ST) line score of 101 or higher
- General Technician (GT) line score of 107 or higher
For the last two criteria, you will need to have already taken the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery).
Steps to Joining the Army
- Meet with your local Army recruiter. They will pre-screen you for the ASVAB, medical, and basic qualifications.
- Decide what MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) you want. If you’re reading this, you would most likely be choosing 68W: Health Care Specialist. Your recruiter will then make a job reservation for you. If you pass all of the qualifiers for that MOS, you will have it put in your contract.
- Go to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station). This is where you will jump through all kinds of hoops and get poked and prodded.
- Take the ASVAB. This determines if you have the basic knowledge to enlist. Also, there are subcategories that determine which jobs you are suited for. Two of those subcategories are the GT line score and the ST line score that determine if you are qualified to become a medic.
- Once you have qualified, chosen your job, and spent an entire day waiting around, you will sign your DEP contract and swear in. Until your ship-off date, you will spend time with your recruiters learning about basic army stuff and getting into shape.
- Finally, when the ship date arrives, you will go back to MEPS, officially swear in, sign your official contract, and leave for basic training.
What to Expect at MEPS
| urinalysis (drug test) | hearing test |
| eye test | medical exam |
| security clearance interview | weight check or body fat measurement |
| meeting with a job counselor | review of enlistment options and possible enlistment incentives |
| take the enlistment oath | sign the Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP) contract |
Army Basic Combat Training (BCT)
Health Care Specialists go through the same basic training as every other soldier who enlists in the Army. This training last around 10 weeks. The Balance provides a great explanation and guide to surviving basic training.
Combat Medic Training Phases
| Phase | Length |
|---|---|
| EMT | 6 weeks |
| Whiskey (W) | 8 weeks |
| Camp Bullis | 2 weeks |
