Posted on Sep 9, 2015
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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Do you agree that Military training tactics can improve medical teams?

Military training tactics to improve medical teams
By Rich Greiner
Medical Director at Connecticut Urgent Care Centers, LLC

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/military-training-tactics-improve-medical-teams-rich-greiner?trk=hp-feed-article-title-like

What if we trained our front line medical personnel as seriously and with similar tactics as other professionals we trust with our lives such as the military and airline security forces?
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Responses: 11
SSG Joe LeChuga
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Well, all I can say is that when I was a medic in an Army Aviation Line Company and part of the Medical Treatment Team, the three of us were expected to operate as soldiers, performing our soldier duties, along with the rest of the company. Our jobs as medics came into play only if the call came out for a medic.
Once I transferred to HHC and was at the Bn Aid Statiion, the other 6 medics & our PA ran the station. But that did not exempt us from performing all of our soldier tasks. We were just one of the many sections in the HQ Co. All of which needed to share in the duty of protecting the TOC. It was only during an actual attack that our Battle Station was in the BAS. Whenever we jumped (moving in tactical convoy) or set up a new AO, all the medics soldiered on with their issued M16's.
There was a time, when I was NCOIC of the Medical Section, that all of the medics qual'ed Expert on the range with their M16's. First Sergeant thought it was funny that the Medical Section had the best shots, but I told him that as medics we need to shoot well...in case we ever get bored, we know how to drum up business.
Seriously though, the training we received (tactical from the Company and medical at the Section) in the field and sometimes at Home Station was important in showing the medics how important they are to the unit. Not only as medics but also as soldiers. Remember, we have a volunteer Army. Although these soldiers signed up to be medics and "Support The Line", they also have a duty to be proficient with their assigned weapon; and I would even say to be capable with all the Crew Served Weapons in the Company. For us at that time that meant also being familiar with a Beretta 92F, an M60 and the M2. I don't recall having any complaints assigning my medics to those firing orders.
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CW4 Brigade Maintenance Technician
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs , Even if it’s just basic military tactics and evasion techniques, that would go a long way. All military teams regardless of duty can benefit from knowing how to successful defend their position, equipment and teammates.
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COL Roxanne Arndt
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According to the Geneva convention are not medical personnel considered non-combatants??? I think defending a perimeter, being able to fire a weapon etc is good. I agree with MAJ Nelson.....a nurse, doc, PA etc should not be kicking in doors. The mission is/was part of the AMEDD is to conserve the fighting strength. I know they recently changed that. It is important to review what the AMEDD stands for as it relates to the history of the Army.
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