3 answers
Jazel
Student
Hopewell, Virginia
8
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what qualifications will I need to pursue being a combat medic in the future?
sophomore in high school
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2 answers
Cheri Hall
Physical Therapist
103
Answers
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Hello Jazel,
Here's a straightforward path to becoming a combat medic:
1. Start by finishing high school and getting your diploma, or alternatively, earn a GED. Take math and science classes if possible, as they will be useful later.
2. Next, enroll in and complete an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) course that's approved by your state. Make sure you also have a valid National Registry certification or state license at the EMT level or higher.
3. Earn a CPR-BLS credential for "Healthcare Provider" or an equivalent one. This can be obtained from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
4. Apply to the U.S. Army and undergo their training. This involves 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 16 weeks of Advanced Individual Training.
5. Lastly, take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. You'll need to score at least 101 on the Skilled Technical (ST) section or 107 on the General Technical (GT) section.
Here's a straightforward path to becoming a combat medic:
1. Start by finishing high school and getting your diploma, or alternatively, earn a GED. Take math and science classes if possible, as they will be useful later.
2. Next, enroll in and complete an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) course that's approved by your state. Make sure you also have a valid National Registry certification or state license at the EMT level or higher.
3. Earn a CPR-BLS credential for "Healthcare Provider" or an equivalent one. This can be obtained from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
4. Apply to the U.S. Army and undergo their training. This involves 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 16 weeks of Advanced Individual Training.
5. Lastly, take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. You'll need to score at least 101 on the Skilled Technical (ST) section or 107 on the General Technical (GT) section.
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Jazel!
Becoming a combat medic is an awesome goal! Combat medics play a critical role in providing medical care in the field, saving lives, and supporting military operations. Here’s what you’ll need to pursue this career:
Qualifications and Steps to Becoming a Combat Medic:
Graduate High School:
The first step is to complete high school. Focus on subjects like biology, health, and physical education to give yourself a strong foundation.
You’ll also want to develop physical fitness since being in the military requires strength and stamina.
Join the Military:
To become a combat medic, you need to join the military. In the U.S., this means enlisting in the Army, Air Force, or Navy. You’ll need to be at least 17 years old (with parental consent) or 18 without it, and you’ll need to meet physical and mental health standards.
Before enlisting, talk to a recruiter about your interest in becoming a medic. They’ll help guide you through the process.
Complete Basic Training:
Once enlisted, you’ll go through basic training (boot camp) to learn military discipline, physical fitness, weapons handling, and general combat skills. This typically lasts about 10 weeks.
Combat Medic Training:
After basic training, you’ll attend a Combat Medic Specialist course, which includes about 16-18 weeks of training (depending on the branch). During this, you’ll learn first aid, trauma care, emergency medical treatment, and battlefield medicine.
You’ll be trained in skills like CPR, wound care, and how to handle medical emergencies in combat situations.
Earn Certifications:
As a combat medic, you’ll get certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and possibly advanced trauma care. Some military programs offer certifications recognized outside the military, too, which can be useful for future civilian jobs.
Gain Experience in the Field:
Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be assigned to a unit and gain hands-on experience in real-world situations. This is where you’ll put all that classroom training into action while deployed or in combat situations.
Further Education (Optional but Helpful):
Some combat medics go on to earn additional certifications or degrees in fields like nursing or paramedicine. If you want to transition to a civilian healthcare role after serving, this could be a great option for you.
Skills and Traits to Develop:
Physical Fitness: Combat medics need to be in great physical shape to perform under pressure and in tough conditions.
Stamina and Focus: Working in high-stress environments requires a strong ability to stay calm and focused.
Compassion and Quick Thinking: You'll be saving lives, so you need to have a compassionate, quick-thinking attitude under pressure.
Teamwork: As a medic, you’ll be working closely with other soldiers and medical personnel, so teamwork is crucial.
Becoming a combat medic is challenging but incredibly rewarding. It’s a career that requires dedication, physical endurance, and a deep desire to help others in life-or-death situations. Keep working on your fitness and education, and when you’re ready, you’ll be well-prepared to take on the challenge!
Becoming a combat medic is an awesome goal! Combat medics play a critical role in providing medical care in the field, saving lives, and supporting military operations. Here’s what you’ll need to pursue this career:
Qualifications and Steps to Becoming a Combat Medic:
Graduate High School:
The first step is to complete high school. Focus on subjects like biology, health, and physical education to give yourself a strong foundation.
You’ll also want to develop physical fitness since being in the military requires strength and stamina.
Join the Military:
To become a combat medic, you need to join the military. In the U.S., this means enlisting in the Army, Air Force, or Navy. You’ll need to be at least 17 years old (with parental consent) or 18 without it, and you’ll need to meet physical and mental health standards.
Before enlisting, talk to a recruiter about your interest in becoming a medic. They’ll help guide you through the process.
Complete Basic Training:
Once enlisted, you’ll go through basic training (boot camp) to learn military discipline, physical fitness, weapons handling, and general combat skills. This typically lasts about 10 weeks.
Combat Medic Training:
After basic training, you’ll attend a Combat Medic Specialist course, which includes about 16-18 weeks of training (depending on the branch). During this, you’ll learn first aid, trauma care, emergency medical treatment, and battlefield medicine.
You’ll be trained in skills like CPR, wound care, and how to handle medical emergencies in combat situations.
Earn Certifications:
As a combat medic, you’ll get certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and possibly advanced trauma care. Some military programs offer certifications recognized outside the military, too, which can be useful for future civilian jobs.
Gain Experience in the Field:
Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be assigned to a unit and gain hands-on experience in real-world situations. This is where you’ll put all that classroom training into action while deployed or in combat situations.
Further Education (Optional but Helpful):
Some combat medics go on to earn additional certifications or degrees in fields like nursing or paramedicine. If you want to transition to a civilian healthcare role after serving, this could be a great option for you.
Skills and Traits to Develop:
Physical Fitness: Combat medics need to be in great physical shape to perform under pressure and in tough conditions.
Stamina and Focus: Working in high-stress environments requires a strong ability to stay calm and focused.
Compassion and Quick Thinking: You'll be saving lives, so you need to have a compassionate, quick-thinking attitude under pressure.
Teamwork: As a medic, you’ll be working closely with other soldiers and medical personnel, so teamwork is crucial.
Becoming a combat medic is challenging but incredibly rewarding. It’s a career that requires dedication, physical endurance, and a deep desire to help others in life-or-death situations. Keep working on your fitness and education, and when you’re ready, you’ll be well-prepared to take on the challenge!