Posted on May 31, 2017
Any SOCMs on here that have tips on how to get into the course?
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I'm a prior 11B looking to re enlist as a 68W. I want to go through the SOCM course. I'm also already a NREMT.
Posted in these groups: 
Combat Medic
Special Operations Combat Medical Skills Sustainment Program (SOCMSSP)
Combat Medic Special Operations Combat Medical Skills Sustainment Program (SOCMSSP)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 18
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I was EXACTLY where you are. I started as an 11B,then reclassed to 68W, and killed myself at the course, academically, and was the distinguished honor grad. THAT got me, since I was airborne qualified, an opportunity, to go to a USASOC slot that was open, and through that, SOCM. FANTASTIC course. Be prepared to bite down on the fire hose, though. If you cannot handle a SUPER intense academic load, don't bother. If you aren't in the top 1/3 of your 68W class.....seriously reevaluate your priorities. A GREAT way to go, also, is to put in to become a Flight Medic, then try out for the 160th. Also, since you have your NREMT, you will be given the option of skipping the first 6 weeks of 68W. Don't do it. You are ineligible for graduation honors, and, if you get honor graduate, or distinguished honor graduate, it opens doors.
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The 68W course still has very high graduation standards but soldiers do not require a super high GT score on the front end. Be diligent and stay focused
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I would ask yourself what is your end goal career wise. You want to be an Emergency Room Physician? PA? RN? Medical Service Corps Officer? NCO Combat Medic? There are a lot of pathways to get there. Some involve talking time from your young life to serve your time for the training you received. Some have exciting opportunities but require sacrificing a comfortable life in The process. They start everyone out at a basic level but go fast. This is because they have guys starting with no medical experience. Hard to believe but true. I heard you can challenge the EMT-Paramedic boards after the course but remember that Paramedics in the US don’t make as much money for what they do as you would like. Many move on after being paramedics. Check out being a 68-W in the 160th or Ranger Batt. I think as long as you do well other doors will open up.
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SSG Beth Slade
I was a medic for 14 years. If you already have NREMT, my suggestion would be to work on going for the SOCOM re-enlistment. When I went through AIT, it was still 91B, and NREMT was an extra. When I was still in, (don't take my words as standard, I've been out since 2010), it seemed like NREMT was the goal, not an extra perk. Not saying you wouldnt learn anything, a refresher is always good, but there's also a better than average chance you would be bored out of your skull. MEDDAC is a completely different world than what you're used to. Check it out with some recent grads, then make the decision. I think someone in your shoes would be happier going for the bigger challenge of SOCOM. I've met and had the privilege of working with a few SF Medics. Those guys rival any PA I've ever worked with.
Here's the harsh reality of taking 68W (non-SF trained) into the civilian world: EMT-B is all you're going to get without further training, and good luck finding a paying position.
Here's the harsh reality of taking 68W (non-SF trained) into the civilian world: EMT-B is all you're going to get without further training, and good luck finding a paying position.
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