Is it obtainable to join as a combat medic, with an option 4 contract guaranteeing me going to the 82nd?

2020-04-05T09:02:48-04:00

I am very interested in being a combat medic, with an option 4 contract guaranteeing me going to the 82nd. Is this obtainable?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2020 9:14 AM

2020-04-05T09:14:29-04:00

No. I’m a recruiter, if you aren’t already in the Army, getting a guarantee to go to a duty station is not happening. Option 4, that’s more doable BUT it’s if the Army is needing Airborne Medics. This can be checked but the odds of you getting both are not the highest. You may end up being in a position where you have to decide whether you want Airborne more or do you want 68W more.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2020 9:21 AM

2020-04-05T09:21:30-04:00

Doesn’t guarantee you going to the 82nd. You have a 55% chance of going to the 82nd. The other two units are 173rd in Europe and 4th Brigade 25th ID in Alaska

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2020 12:07 PM

2020-04-05T12:07:40-04:00

I would not pin your hopes of getting something specific. That’s simply the way contracts work on an initial enlistment. You can request things when you re-enlist too (some requests more doable than others), so keep that in the back of your mind too if you are looking to stay in.

I also will say as a medic, there are a lot of jobs you do that aren’t combat/medical related, and I promise you being a line medic isn’t as glorious as you may think it is in garrison (or the field for that matter). I urge you to keep an open mind on first duty assignments, because you will learn so much more about being a medic or the army in general that way then getting hemmed up on not being airborne or getting into a specific unit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2020 12:33 PM

2020-04-05T12:33:16-04:00

Don't worry, if you're Airborne you will eventually get to Bragg.

For the Airborne, all roads eventually lead to Bragg lol

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 5 at 2020 5:29 PM

2020-04-05T17:29:25-04:00

Just remember Option 4 is Airborne and there are other Airborne units than the Duece, not many but some.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2020 11:10 PM

2020-04-05T23:10:48-04:00

Contract or no contract you will have to make Airborne to end up with the 82nd!
Go for the medic school, and at the end of basic or AIT apply for airborne school. Use your contract options for something more secure...

Response by SGT Victoria Belbusti made Apr 6 at 2020 8:55 PM

2020-04-06T20:55:44-04:00

I mean you could end up in ITALY! Just saying