What is it like in a BSB as a 68A?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 21:22:29 -0400

I'm PCSing to a BSB next year as a 68A. I've actually already been in this brigade before but as an 11B. I'm coming from a MEDLOG and it would be more beneficial for my career to go to the hospital there. Any idea what it is like as a 68A in a BSB or if there's anything that can be done to end up at the hospital?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2019 9:28 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 21:28:14 -0400

I had several Soldiers assigned to C/Med and they worked at the hospital. I don’t think it is a difficult proposition to ask your PSG if the unit has a similar program. As far as getting assigned to the hospital. That is a G1 unit strength issue.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2019 11:26 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 23:26:48 -0400

Full disclosure: I was a 68E assigned to a BSB not a 68A. However one of my good friends was the 68A for the BCT (but assigned to the BSB like me). I was in a BSB for over 5 years.

As a 68A, you will likely be one of the only in your brigade. There may be another depending on staffing. You will be tasked with helping operators perform preventative maintenance on all medical equipment through the brigade as well as certifying that the devices are safe to use. These certifications are pushed up to Brigade (from what I understand a Warrant handles this). During field operations, you will go on something called “battlefield circulation”. In my old brigade our “battlefield circulation” team consisted of our preventative med NCO/Officer, physical therapy NCO/officer, behavioral health NCO/officer, dental NCO (at the time this was me)/ officer and preventative med NCO (this was my buddy’s slot ).

When we reached each battalion’s aid station, my buddy would check the all of the electronic medical equipment and make tweaks/ documentation as necessary. He’d also order replacement parts in garrison and help install them. It was always nice to have an in house 68A to help with my field dental chair and sterilizer.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2019 12:00 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 12:00:38 -0400

I spent 5 years as the 68A for C Co 725th BSB in 4/25 IBCT (ABN) and I was over 10 years before receiving a TDA assignment. What I can tell you is that the majority of 68A's do not get the opportunity to fill the BSB positions. I fast tracked to SFC because of my time in the BSB. I used that opportunity to take on additional duties and training that we don't typically get to do in our MOS. You have the advantage of being a former 11B to know what it takes to stand out as an NCO in a BSB. This will especially help you to make SSG and SFC and be prepared for Soldier leadership at a higher level. Don't worry about getting a TDA assignment for now. If you would like I would be happy to give you some one on one mentorship on this if you find me in Global.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2019 10:46 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 10:46:48 -0400

I am currently a 68W in a CMED and I can tell you that our 68A works at the Division BMSO. We are MTOE'd two A's however he has been doing the job solo since ive been here almost 3years. He has lots of work to do, however he is generally left alone and not brought out to field problems because all the equipment he works on are pacing items for the brigade. There is no reason for him to go to the hospital. If you have any other questions let me know, I'll see what I can do to help.

Response by MSG Robert Ford made Apr 11 at 2019 10:25 AM

MSG Robert Ford — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 10:25:57 -0400

Report a little early and go to the hospital Medical Maintenance shop and see if they are short personnel... but be advised Forcecom slots have priority...but if the Chief and SGM can pull some strings you will get a signed to the hospital...