To become a combat medic, you must complete basic training as well as an advanced course that teaches you medical skills. Aside from a high school diploma or equivalency certificate, no specialized degree is required before beginning training. Qualified doctors and nurses are also needed the military to provide advanced medical care to patients brought in for treatment combat medics. An ex-combat medic may be able to work on first-responder crews as well as in hospitals, nursing homes, and other similar settings after leaving the military.
Physical fitness is the first step for anyone interested in becoming a combat medic. To enlist, medical personnel, also known as corpsmen in some branches, must be able to pass fitness tests and maintain their fitness. Recruiters can provide information on fitness standards and training programs, but people can also prepare doing things like running, biking, and swimming. It’s also important to have a good moral character, as recruits can be turned down for moral reasons.
For placement purposes, applicants for combat medic positions may be required to take a vocational skills test. The test gives recruiters information about possible suitable positions and allows them to recommend a specific job placement. If an enlistee wants to be a combat medic, he or she should talk to a recruiter about it. New military members attend basic training after enlisting to receive an orientation to military life.
Candidates for combat medic are sent on to advanced training, which lasts about 16 weeks. Students spend time in the classroom and on simulated battlefields as part of their training to become combat medics. The work is strenuous and demanding, as students must learn a wide range of skills before being eligible for active duty. Orientation to performing exams, securing airways, administering medications, and packaging patients for transport to medical facilities are typically included in this training.
After completing combat medic training, a medic can be assigned to a unit. On active engagements, medics provide first aid as well as support when the unit is on base. To stay current with first-aid standards and learn about new techniques, this job necessitates continuing education. Combat medics must also keep their weapons qualifications up to date. Historically, medics were unarmed because they were viewed as noncombatants, but the changing face of modern warfare has made it necessary for many militaries to arm their medical personnel for their safety and that of others.