What can I expect as a 68W Instructor at Fort Sam?

2019-08-01T15:10:23-04:00

I am currently on PCS orders to fort Sam Houston as a 68w instructor. Anyone here currently an instructor or prior instructor at fort Sam? What's it like ? Did it help your career progression? How did you enjoy the duty assignment? What did you learn? I'm only a e5

Response by SFC Michael D. made Aug 1 at 2019 3:49 PM

2019-08-01T15:49:55-04:00

First off and most important, you'll be exspected to keep your junk in your pants. Seen to many Drill Sergeants and Instructors lose their stuff for being stupid. Now that we go that out of the way, Instructing Medics is a wonder rewarding thing. The person you train may save your life someday. You'll go to the instructor and get your instructor badge. You're pretty much a 9 to 5er. Us Drill Sergeants had them after that and on the first couple of weekends. You'll do fine. Lots to do in San Antonio. Judson school district is great if you have kids.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2019 9:55 PM

2019-08-07T21:55:41-04:00

Long hours

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2019 1:38 AM

2019-08-14T01:38:58-04:00

SGT Hernandez,

I came off Instructor duty about 18 months ago. We had a few bad apples that did exactly as SFC Davila is speaking about. We had a saying there, "don't play with the puppies." If you can do that then you're already ahead of the game. Secondly, always have a battle buddy with you when you converse with one of the students. Be careful though as one allegation can alter your future. The hours are not nearly as long as those of the Drill Sergeants. Yes, Fort Sam transitioned away from PSGs and back to DSs. Best choice ever in my opinion. You will teach the Whiskey phase of AIT and you will do so 6 times a year until your tour is up. It is exciting at first, but for many it turns into Groundhog Day. I made it two years and asked for more responsibility (aka something different) and moved up the hill to AMEDDC&S. I am not sure if it will help my career progression... awaiting the MSG results at the end of this month... but for a SGT, it will certainly be a career enhancing move for you. You will have to learn everything you were taught at AIT and regurgitate it for the students. There is a POI that you will need to follow, so get ready for scripted teaching. You are definitely welcome to share any medical stories you have as long as it contributes to the topic at hand. Oh, every instructor goes through ABIC, or whatever it is called now. You will get your AMEDD Instructor Badge. It is not the Army Instructor Badge though. You have to be assessed in order to earn that. Not a bad piece of medal to earn while you are there. I think that sums it up. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.