68W (Healthcare Specialist)

68W (Healthcare Specialist)
Name	68W
Branch	United States Army
Type	Enlisted Military Occupational Specialty
Abbreviation	Healthcare Specialist
Speciality	Combat Medicine

68W (Healthcare Specialist) is the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) for enlisted combat medics in the United States Army. These soldiers are trained to provide emergency medical treatment in both garrison and combat environments, serving as the primary medical support for Army units. The role is critical to the Army Medical Department's mission of conserving the fighting strength.

Military occupational specialty

The 68W MOS is classified under the Combat Medic career management field within the broader Army Medical Department. It is a entry-level position for soldiers seeking a career in military medicine, with personnel assigned to a wide array of units including Infantry Brigade Combat Teams, Armored Cavalry Regiments, and Special Forces groups. The specialty is governed by regulations from the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command and falls under the proponent oversight of the Army Medical Center of Excellence at Joint Base San Antonio.

Training and qualifications

Initial training for a 68W consists of two phases conducted at Fort Sam Houston. The first phase is the Basic Combat Training common to all recruits, followed by the intensive 16-week Advanced Individual Training specific to healthcare. This training culminates in certification as a National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT). Further specialized training, such as the Combat Lifesaver Course or the Tactical Combat Casualty Care curriculum, is often required. Assignment to elite units like the 75th Ranger Regiment or 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) necessitates additional rigorous courses like the Special Operations Combat Medic program.

Duties and responsibilities

A Healthcare Specialist's primary duty is to provide emergency medical care and trauma management on the battlefield, performing tasks such as controlling hemorrhage, managing airways, and treating for shock. In garrison, they conduct sick call, manage medical logistics, and implement preventive medicine programs under the supervision of a Physician Assistant or Medical Corps officer. They are also responsible for maintaining medical equipment and records, and may assist during medical evacuation operations conducted by units like the Air Ambulance Regiment.

Career progression and advancement

Career progression for a 68W typically involves advancing through the enlisted ranks from Private to Sergeant Major, with increasing leadership responsibilities in medical sections. Opportunities for advanced training include courses to become a Practical Nurse (MOS 68C) or a Flight Medic. Exceptional soldiers may be selected for special assignments with the Old Guard or the White House Medical Unit. The senior enlisted advisor for the medical career field is the Command Sergeant Major of the Army Medical Command.

Equipment and field medicine

The 68W utilizes specialized medical equipment including the Individual First Aid Kit, the Combat Application Tourniquet, and hemostatic agents like QuikClot. In the field, they employ the Tactical Combat Casualty Care guidelines and may operate from armored medical treatment vehicles like the M1133 Medical Evacuation Vehicle. Their gear is integrated into the soldier's overall load-bearing equipment and is designed for use in diverse environments from the mountains of Afghanistan to the urban areas of Iraq.

Historical background and evolution

The role of the combat medic has evolved significantly since its formal recognition in conflicts like the American Civil War and World War I. The modern 68W MOS was established in 1991, consolidating earlier specialties like the 91B (Medical Specialist). Its training and doctrine were profoundly shaped by lessons learned from the Vietnam War, the Battle of Mogadishu, and the recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, which emphasized forward resuscitation and rapid evacuation. The legacy of the medic is honored through awards like the Combat Medical Badge and memorials such as the National Museum of the United States Army.

Category:United States Army occupations Category:Military medical specialties