Can a 68C (Licensed Practical Nurse) fill a 68W (combat medic) slot within a unit?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 02:00:12 -0500

I’ve been transferred within my brigade into a medical company, which has no 68C slots. Essentially I am an LPN filling a combat medic slot. I haven’t really heard of this kind of thing happening. It says on my ERB that I’m assigned to this unit as a 68W, but my only MOS is of course still 68C. Does this happen in the Army? Say for instance if my unit deployed, would I be expected to perform as a combat medic without proper MOS qualifications? I’m fine with it, but just curious.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Feb 8 at 2022 8:54 AM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 08:54:21 -0500

Pretty sure that's a yes but more importantly
you could fill the PA (Physicians Assistant) Slot.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2022 10:02 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 10:02:57 -0500

I know a while ago the Army moved to allow Charlie's serve in Line units. But, I thought they stopped that practice. It may be that this particular practice is still in play. That's the only thing I can think of.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2022 11:19 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 23:19:04 -0500

You can fill the slot on a unit's UMR, but you would need to meet the certification requirements of a 68W in order to be deployed and/or clinically function in that position. Typically, the 68C, in the hospital setting, is higher on the food chain then the 68W, but, in the field setting, the 68W has more focused training.
The 68C is generally not as well trained as the old 68WM6 was...The M6 ASI was an added identifier for an LPN with 68W capabilities

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2022 9:00 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 09:00:28 -0500

I'm in a medical unit. Haven't heard that before. We have Medical officers who are RN's and some enlisted who are also RN's. The enlisted still operate as 68W's but that's because our unit does not have 68C spots and they all trained and joined the unit as 68W (Certified EMTs). Our brigade nurses are all officers and hold positions in that capacity.

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made Feb 11 at 2022 10:33 PM

SSG Dave Johnston — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 22:33:33 -0500

Why not wander into the BDE S-1 shop and ask the S-1 NCOIC why you're being transferred to a slot you can't hold by MOS... hummmmmmmmm...
I wonder just how many 68 series MOS's are homesteading MEDAC/MEDCOM units and not gaining the "LOVE" of Combat Arms, Combat Support and Combat Service support units...

"Hello, my name is SFC____________ I have spent the last 12 years of my Army career at _____________ Medical Center, I'm your new Platoon Sgt"... "Welcome to_________ Inf. AR, FA", "I'm SSG___________, I'm your current EVAC Section NCO 'Lord help us'" Worse than greenhorns

Response by SPC Ed Logan made Feb 11 at 2022 11:40 PM

SPC Ed Logan — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 23:40:32 -0500

Okay, I know I am going to officially sound like an old timer but in the 1980s all 91C, the previous designation of 68C were first qualified as 91B, combat medic, currently 68W. Almost all medical MOS'S had to do 91B school. Army doctrine was that all medical personnel were 91B, or combat medics, I was a surgical technician, 91D, the current 68D, but I had to do Medic school first. Medic School (91B) was not as long or as thorough as it is now. Physicians were all as a primary role, Battalion Aid Surgeons so even psychiatrists and pathologist, pediatricians all had to do a weekend in Emergency room doing trauma every month.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2022 10:43 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 10:43:45 -0500

Obviously things have changed since I retired, but when I started 68W was a prerequisite for going to 68C. I enlisted as a 68C, but had to go through the then 68A school first. If that was still the case, then I would say that a 68C would be able to fill a 68W slot.

Response by SPC John Dodge made Mar 21 at 2022 6:16 PM

SPC John Dodge — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 18:16:54 -0400

Back when I was a 91B20, 91Cs were assigned to Medic Platoons as Squadron/Battalion Aid Station-Dispensary staff along with the PA and MD.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2022 2:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 14:27:46 -0400

Yes you are a medic the only difference is push medications. Thank you for your service

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2023 11:14 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 May 2023 11:14:17 -0400

No, they cannot