In the Army, the combat medic is referred to as a 91 Bravo. A combat medic is one of the most important parts of any military unit, and their functions are varied. Having spent four years as a combat medic in the US Army, I can give you a pretty good idea about the job and the experience of the 91 Bravo.
A combat medic is actually one of the more challenging jobs in the military. The schooling for a combat medic is intense, and many soldiers do not even make it through the courses. The reason for this is because of the combination of physical and mental challenges that a combat medic must go through. Once you get out of basic training, you then move on to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas for your medical training.
The combat medic medical training includes a combination of classes that includes bloodwork, field medicine, emergency medicine, basic anatomy training, field surgery assistance, and many more health care specifics. In addition to these areas of study, the combat medic will also learn how to triage a situation both in the clinic and on the field of battle. All of this is coupled with regular Army training in combat and self defense. You are also trained in the physical aspects of field medicine and emergency services.
Once you have passed your combat medic training, then you will be assigned to a station somewhere in the world. The job you end up doing once you reach your duty station could be anything from working in an Army hospital X-ray lab to working as a combat medic on the field of battle. Combat medics even work in what is called “aid stations” which are miniature sick stations for a unit. These soldiers handle sick soldiers on a daily basis along with a Doctor.
Combat medics draw blood, give shots, dispense medicine, check vital signs, perform minor surgical procedures, assist in more extensive surgical procedures, and pretty much do whatever is necessary in the field to ensure the survival and care of their unit in the field. During war time, the combat medic may also be called upon to fight alongside their fellow soldiers if the situation warrants. A combat medic must truly be a jack of all trades.
Many people perceive that the position of combat medic gets away with having it easier because of the clinical nature of the work. What they do not realize is that combat medics still have to do all the same things that other MOS’s do, as well as learn all the medical training and latest procedures. The position is a challenging one and it can help to prepare the soldier for many careers once the soldier leaves the Army.
When you leave the combat medic position and join the civilian sector, you will have a number of the credits needed towards becoming an emergency medical technician or paramedic. In fact, if you take some college while you are in the military, you can be qualified in these positions right out of the gate.
The Army also has a number of great programs to help the combat medic to grow in their position. While I was in, they had something called the expert field medical badge. This was a highly intensive training course designed to clearly define the best of the best in the field of combat medicine. This program was physical and mental challenges, and you had to pass every single section to get the badge.
Another great program was the hospital rotation. In this program, the combat medic got to work in several sections of the hospital beginning with the xray, blood work, and physical therapy sections. As you mastered one area, they would then rotate you to a new section. The idea behind this was to give you work exposure in all the various fields of medicine and hospital work.
The position of combat medic is one that is highly challenging but also highly rewarding. If you put in the time and the effort to succeed, and are willing to work really hard, then the position will be one that you could take great pride in. If you are joining the Army, the position of combat medic is certainly one that I would recommend.
