What advice would you have for someone reclassifying to either a UAV operator or combat medic?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 15:51:18 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2017 3:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 15:52:40 -0400

Im a UAV operator. What kind of questions do you have?

Response by PFC James Franklin made Jun 17 at 2017 4:07 PM

PFC James Franklin — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 16:07:27 -0400

Those are two wildly different fields.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2017 4:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 16:10:06 -0400

Same response...those career fields are like apples and oranges.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2017 7:42 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 19:42:02 -0400

Good afternoon sir, how are you doing today? I served in neither MOS, but if you talking about being an UAV operator, you can't have a conscious when it's time to do the dirty deed. The same applies to the infantry.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2017 7:44 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 19:44:46 -0400

If you're planning on becoming a medic it might not be a bad idea to buy the nremt (national registry of emergency medical technicians) book. Passing the national registry exam is, in my opinion, the hardest part of AIT. Even if you don't study like crazy, having a basic understanding of what you'll be learning will help a great deal.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2017 10:47 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 10:47:38 -0400

What are you trying to accomplish with this reclass. I guess that would be my first question and depending on how you respond I would be able to give you some advice on the whole 68w side of the house. Everything depends on what you want to do since it is your career. For example I wanted to reclass to become CID because I wanted to have an opportunity to wear civilian attire into work sometimes. I wanted something that was going to push me mentally and physically and that could help me easily transition to the outside.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2017 11:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 23:34:56 -0400

BLUF you should do what is right and best for you. I have been a 68W medic for 15 yrs and a 68C for the last 9. You defiantly need to think about what you want out of this once it is all over. 68 series you can do so much with that from OT/PT to Cardiac Cath Tech. Straight Medic outside in a lot of communities give you $10-$12 starting. If you get certified as a COTA certified Occupational therapy Assistant you can make a lot more. In the 68 series OT, Medic, 68C all of some sort of licenses associated with them. Not sure about all the rest. I love the field it is very rewarding and you can help out so many people.

Response by PFC Isaac Chaney made Jun 21 at 2017 6:38 PM

PFC Isaac Chaney — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 18:38:25 -0400

As far as medic during the summer, drink walla

Response by SGT Ian Hyde made Jun 29 at 2017 12:05 AM

SGT Ian Hyde — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 00:05:02 -0400

If you go the 15W route, I'd definitely recommend using your FAA ground school training (and Lazer grade, which you'll receive in AIT) to go ahead and get your private pilot's license in your free time. It's a blast and it never expires, plus it provides a good foundation for a commercial pilot's license down the line. Also, make sure you register your AIT credit with Cochise College, even if you already have a degree. With that, you might have enough credit to get a free A.A.S. in UAS Flight Operations. If you have any specific questions, I'll answer what I can.

Response by SSgt David Tedrow made Jun 29 at 2017 3:21 AM

SSgt David Tedrow — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 03:21:06 -0400

Pick one and go for it, since neither have anything in common, kind of like apples and oranges here.

Response by CPL Spc/ E4 Ross Penny made Jul 5 at 2017 4:18 PM

CPL Spc/ E4 Ross Penny — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 16:18:06 -0400

Doc from the old Army...being a squared away medic is highly skilled important. But it doesnt necessarily mean a damn thing if you don't earn the respect of your Troops and you're not gonna find that in a text book. Get to know them inward and outward...if they're out doing exercises at night, in the snow or rain, hell get down in the damn dirt with them. Also your not just medical support, you make sure you check the basics like field sanitation, they're changing their socks...get out and make your rounds even if there's down time. You'll go from just the medic to "hey Doc"! That's when you have earned your Troops' respect.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2017 4:11 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 04:11:07 -0400

Having been a combat medic and instructor, I would have to agree with SPCs Covarrubio and Worthington. It is a very rewarding job. You certainly have to be an independent thinker and a self starter. You may be the only medical person in your unit so it is imperative that you study aside from AIT training or refresher training provided at your unit or hospital. SPC Covarrubio said it best, study to be the best medic and provide the best care for soldiers

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made Jul 28 at 2017 11:03 PM

SSG Dave Johnston — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 23:03:44 -0400

Look at the job opportunities for both MOS's on the outside. "DOC" may be a choice, as a UAV operator you may be required to perform photo recon interpretation as well

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Mar 8 at 2018 10:22 PM

MSG John Duchesneau — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 22:22:02 -0500

They are very different jobs. You have to decide which one is right for you. Are you more of a machine person or a people person? Would you rather work in an office or in the field? Would you prefer to provide medical care or blow things up?