34
34
0
my 16 yr old son will be a Jr in HS this September. His wants to get his Eagle by May 2018 so he can sign up for a split training, Go to BCT next summer between jr & sr yr & then graduate HS & then AIT.
He wants to be a 68W. He wants to help save soldiers lives but he does not want to be in a clinic. He's always wanted to be a solider but recently focused on being a medic. What MOS do you suggest
He originally wanted to be 11B. But the more he thought about it the more he said he wanted to be a medic. But he had concerns. He is a very very...linear boy. But he is also very religious. He said he thought he would be good at being a medic but he had concerns about "Fighting against Gods will" He felt that if someone might die in combat its gods will. I explained that sometimes Gods will is that they live - and he uses the soldiers and medics as his hands. From that point on he wanted to be a medic. Now he isnt overbearing in his beliefs - he just believes in an active and present God. He wants to serve.
Also as a 16 yr old boy he finds himself wondering what sort of man he is. He wants to be tested. Thus the desire to be in combat I think. His grandfather was a combat vetern from vietnam and I think that drives his thinking. I know this will change as he matures - he is only 16...and 16 year old boys think they are immortal.
But if he wants to be 68W - I want to get him the paramedic test materials now and help him start studying. Its sort of how I roll... My eldest was nagged constantly to practice for asvab and DLAB etc and ended up getting top scores. I know once they enlist its out of my hands...so I just want them as prepared as possible for life. (I know...Im a total helicopter mom but its the only way I know to prepare to let go is prepare them for the flight).
He wants to be a 68W. He wants to help save soldiers lives but he does not want to be in a clinic. He's always wanted to be a solider but recently focused on being a medic. What MOS do you suggest
He originally wanted to be 11B. But the more he thought about it the more he said he wanted to be a medic. But he had concerns. He is a very very...linear boy. But he is also very religious. He said he thought he would be good at being a medic but he had concerns about "Fighting against Gods will" He felt that if someone might die in combat its gods will. I explained that sometimes Gods will is that they live - and he uses the soldiers and medics as his hands. From that point on he wanted to be a medic. Now he isnt overbearing in his beliefs - he just believes in an active and present God. He wants to serve.
Also as a 16 yr old boy he finds himself wondering what sort of man he is. He wants to be tested. Thus the desire to be in combat I think. His grandfather was a combat vetern from vietnam and I think that drives his thinking. I know this will change as he matures - he is only 16...and 16 year old boys think they are immortal.
But if he wants to be 68W - I want to get him the paramedic test materials now and help him start studying. Its sort of how I roll... My eldest was nagged constantly to practice for asvab and DLAB etc and ended up getting top scores. I know once they enlist its out of my hands...so I just want them as prepared as possible for life. (I know...Im a total helicopter mom but its the only way I know to prepare to let go is prepare them for the flight).
Posted in these groups: 
MOS
68W: Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
What Would You Do
Combat Arms
Military Career
MOS 68W: Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic) What Would You Do Combat Arms Military Career
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 95
27
27
0
There's no MOS quite like 68W. You can be sent anywhere within the Army. Most guys go to combat units but it's very possible to be stationed within a hospital or clinic. You should let him know though that being stationed within a hospital or clinic isn't a bad thing. He'll learn much more about medicine in a hospital environment than he will with a combat unit and have more time for furthering his education.
(27)
(0)
(Join to see)
Thank you for your advice. I think 68W works well with his temperament. Of course he has a year + to prepare. Right now we are launching boy #1
(5)
(0)
SGT (Join to see)
It's not difficult to pass medic training. The hardest portion academically is the NREMT-B class and test halfway through. After that it's mostly just repeating the same skills over and over again until they're muscle memory. He won't be getting paramedic certification immediately. There are programs that allow for that however.
(4)
(0)
SFC Richard Genzlinger Jr.
I would suggest an MOS that translates to a good civilian career. Something technical like Aviation jobs, specialized medical, computer or even languages. Do some research and also make sure he is getting the exact MOS before he signs anything and raises his hand at the MEPS.
(0)
(0)
Sgt Michael Clifford
If he wants to get into a medical field I would suggest that as a HS student he volunteer at a local hospital emergency squad so that he can see for himself what the career is , like. It will also give him access to men and women who have probably gone through the decision making that he is confronting.
When he is ready either after HS or after college he will be all that more prepared to succeed in whatever he chooses. He should understand that whether he is in the field, in a hospital/clinic or a rehab facility taking care of our warriors and/or their dependents is a worthwhile vocation.
Whatever he chooses he should know that career choices are not terminal. I know a man who trained as a combat Marine officer and after several years in command of infantry troops is now a surgeon.
With regard to his thoughts about going against "God's Will". As human beings no one that I know of is qualified to know what God's Will is. I believe that "God's Will" is that we, as mere humans do everything within our power with our limited but God given skills to save and preserve life in every circumstance. If after we have done everything we can do the person succumbs then that is God's will.
As his mom, support him in whatever he chooses.
p.s. The military used to have an excellent DOD medical university to train, doctors, dentists, nurses etc. He should look into that possibility as well. If he can speak with current military medical personnel about his ideas. He should do it.
When he is ready either after HS or after college he will be all that more prepared to succeed in whatever he chooses. He should understand that whether he is in the field, in a hospital/clinic or a rehab facility taking care of our warriors and/or their dependents is a worthwhile vocation.
Whatever he chooses he should know that career choices are not terminal. I know a man who trained as a combat Marine officer and after several years in command of infantry troops is now a surgeon.
With regard to his thoughts about going against "God's Will". As human beings no one that I know of is qualified to know what God's Will is. I believe that "God's Will" is that we, as mere humans do everything within our power with our limited but God given skills to save and preserve life in every circumstance. If after we have done everything we can do the person succumbs then that is God's will.
As his mom, support him in whatever he chooses.
p.s. The military used to have an excellent DOD medical university to train, doctors, dentists, nurses etc. He should look into that possibility as well. If he can speak with current military medical personnel about his ideas. He should do it.
(0)
(0)
20
20
0
I'd definitely recommend being a medic. There is a chance he gets put into the clinic, but he could also be put in a line unit. Either way, if he has a interest in the medical field this is a great MOS to choose. We get to learn a bit of everything. So he can branch out and find out what he really enjoys.
(20)
(0)
SGT Todd Swartzman
Make sure he knows that upon reenlistment, he can negotiate for a posting he wants, if he ends up in a clinic or hospital on his first assignment. Heck, I negotiated being stationed in Europe as my first duty assignment, so it is possible to get what you want, especially if you catch Uncle Sam when he has a shortage of a given MOS.
(0)
(0)
17
17
0
RP Members and Connection please assist Davida Dean, Family Member of one son already serving and another son getting ready to serve as requested in her post above. She would like you professional feedback, so she can share that with her 16 year old son. Thanks
Please respond to her question: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-mos-should-my-son-choose
CAPT Michael MoranLTC John WilsonSGT (Join to see)CDR Kenneth KaiserSSG(P) (Join to see)PVT Zachary Becenti1SG (Join to see)(Join to see)GySgt Jeffrey HollidayTSgt John McIntoshMAJ Christopher DailyPO2 David KitchensSgt Samantha SabalboroSSG Eric Haines
Please respond to her question: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-mos-should-my-son-choose
CAPT Michael MoranLTC John WilsonSGT (Join to see)CDR Kenneth KaiserSSG(P) (Join to see)PVT Zachary Becenti1SG (Join to see)(Join to see)GySgt Jeffrey HollidayTSgt John McIntoshMAJ Christopher DailyPO2 David KitchensSgt Samantha SabalboroSSG Eric Haines
What MOS should my son choose? | RallyPoint
my 16 yr old son will be a Jr in HS this September. His wants to get his Eagle by May 2018 so he can sign up for a split training, Go to BCT next summer between jr & sr yr & then graduate HS & then AIT. He wants to be a 68W. He wants to help save soldiers lives but he does not want to be in a clinic. He's always wanted to be a solider but recently focused on being a medic. What MOS do you suggest He originally wanted to be 11B. But the more he...
(17)
(0)
SFC Charles Carmen
Also, (Join to see) , I am more than willing to discuss those pipelines with you, your son, or both of you. It is not an impossible path by any means; it is not an easy journey. The life of a Ranger Medic is complicated, rewarding, and provides a lot of personal development and several paths of professional development. The Ranger Medic goes through much more than just BCT and AIT to equip them to be the sole provider in austere environments, the Ranger, and a leader.
(3)
(0)
SGM (Join to see)
Get Drone Pilot MOS if possible. It is the future and the civilian opportunities are endless.
(2)
(0)
CSM Tony Blair
My son was about to enter the army, but it would make me proud if he followed his father. But knowing what I know now, not!!!!!!
I'll let him choose!!!
I'll let him choose!!!
(2)
(0)
If he wants to be a medic, then he should accept the fact that he could very well end up in a clinic. I'm certainly not trying to discourage your son, but that is just the reality of it.
(15)
(0)
(Join to see)
I told him that and he said he gets it - he serves where the army says. He is very pragmatic. I just thought Id research and see if there where other MOS or something he can do to prepare before hand. My husband works for a paramedic company and has access to study materials. My boys loving put up with all of my nagging because they know I probably wont stop.
(4)
(0)
MSG (Join to see)
(Join to see) - Tell your son that being a Medic in the Army is a great thing. There is a title that Medics LOVE being called by, and that is "Doc." If put in a Line Unit, and he proves his worth, and earns that title, there is no better feeling. Serving in a clinic and serving in a Line, will better serve him on either end. My time as a Medic, I loved it.
(5)
(0)
13
13
0
I can't address being an Army Medic, but I do have some advice for your son and you.
Talk with the Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard recruiters before making a final decision on the Service to enter. Each service has its own opportunities and deserves consideration. In the end, if there is no hard core family or other factor driving him toward the Army, take the best deal he can get in terms of enlistment date, pay grade, and post-training assignments. Based on my experience here are some thoughts on the other Services:
-Navy Corpsmen serve with both the Navy and the Marine Corps. If your son wants field duty, then he might talk with the Navy Recruiter to see if they could offer a post-training assignment with the Marines. Serving as a Corpsman aboard ship, even a large ship like an aircraft carrier, is a unique experience. Definitely not working in an ordinary clinic.
-Air Force medical personnel often work in clinic or hospital settings. Some are fortunate enough to become Pararescue Specialists (PJ). PJs are considered Special Operations Forces (SOF). Becoming a PJ is difficult, but if your son is up to the challenge it's a rewarding experience.
-Coast Guard rescue swimmers are similar to PJs. They are in the Department of Homeland Security in peacetime. Overall the Coast Guard's rescue mission might suit you son well whether he's a helicopter crew chief, rescue swimmer, or some other related field.
Talk with the Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard recruiters before making a final decision on the Service to enter. Each service has its own opportunities and deserves consideration. In the end, if there is no hard core family or other factor driving him toward the Army, take the best deal he can get in terms of enlistment date, pay grade, and post-training assignments. Based on my experience here are some thoughts on the other Services:
-Navy Corpsmen serve with both the Navy and the Marine Corps. If your son wants field duty, then he might talk with the Navy Recruiter to see if they could offer a post-training assignment with the Marines. Serving as a Corpsman aboard ship, even a large ship like an aircraft carrier, is a unique experience. Definitely not working in an ordinary clinic.
-Air Force medical personnel often work in clinic or hospital settings. Some are fortunate enough to become Pararescue Specialists (PJ). PJs are considered Special Operations Forces (SOF). Becoming a PJ is difficult, but if your son is up to the challenge it's a rewarding experience.
-Coast Guard rescue swimmers are similar to PJs. They are in the Department of Homeland Security in peacetime. Overall the Coast Guard's rescue mission might suit you son well whether he's a helicopter crew chief, rescue swimmer, or some other related field.
(13)
(0)
LCpl (Join to see)
We dont have medics, but there are some pretty cool jobs in the Marine Corps aswell, don't rule them out as an option. Make sure your son understands that (no matter what branch it is) your not guaranteed the job you want/pick. I was supposed to be an armorer and I ended up motor T. Because "Needs of the (insert service here) out weigh your desires."
(0)
(0)
LTC Stephen Conway
(Join to see) - I was told a Navy Corpsman receives a lot more intense training compared to an Army Medic. The school is a lot longer. I suspect that they want a corpsman do as much as he can to save the life in the event the wounded person can't be evacuated immediately. Your son wants a challenge so this may be a good choice vs the Army Medic. The Navy sends its medics to military untis and serves the USMC as well.
(2)
(0)
MSgt Rick Bauchert
I agree with the Col's answer, but would add that he should also not rule out the Marine Corps. Have him visit all of the recruiters, get their pitch, spend some time with them, and see if they'll let him come in to one of their poolee events. The job he wants to do may very well be overshadowed by how comfortable he feels around a certain service. Sometimes a situation just feels like a good fit, and that may be more important than the specific job he'll be doing.
(3)
(0)
SPC (Join to see)
LCpl (Join to see) - Unless you join the Army, you get it in your contract so long as your ASVAB scores are high enough and a slot is available.
(0)
(0)
13
13
0
I served 31 years with my primary as medic both marines and army, the training in both gave me the knowledge and experience, clinical and field, to further my education in nursing and emergency medicine, its a great field with so many opportunities to branch out to different jobs within the medical world, in this day and age with Afghanistan still going on being a line medic, he might very well see somethings and can he overcome that
(13)
(0)
(3)
(0)
SGT James (Jimmy) Crone
I thought marines didn't have medics they use navy corpsmen everyone knows that
(0)
(0)
Cpl Ryan Berry
SGT James (Jimmy) Crone - We don't! our job is kill not heal. So I don't understand how he was a medic with the Marines, we don't even use the term "medic". We have Corpsman and all our medical is from the Navy.
(1)
(0)
(Join to see) Ma'am, your son should consider being a Corpsman in the Navy, and once trained, attached to a Marine field unit. Corpsman that are attached to the Marines are highly respected and save lives in combat.
(12)
(0)
SPC Anthony Molnar
I was a 68W10 Healthcare Specialist (aka "Combat Medic") and I 100% support Sgt Hallock in this. Corpsman are a few steps beyond that of an Army medic in many ways. Medical experience, combat experience, life experience (duty station options are near limitless for a Corpsman), and lots of potential outside of the military when that point down the line comes.
Interchangeable medical staff (medics, corpsman) whom are able to work the line and the rear also tend to pick up other knowledge from those they are attached to as well, giving a pretty broad potential of exposure to things that might otherwise be ignored. Example: I served with combat and construction engineers. I learned that I liked the math behind demolition, but could care less about actually blowing things up. Working in the aid station, I learned a bit about X-Rays and some lab work.
Interchangeable medical staff (medics, corpsman) whom are able to work the line and the rear also tend to pick up other knowledge from those they are attached to as well, giving a pretty broad potential of exposure to things that might otherwise be ignored. Example: I served with combat and construction engineers. I learned that I liked the math behind demolition, but could care less about actually blowing things up. Working in the aid station, I learned a bit about X-Rays and some lab work.
(6)
(0)
SFC Jim Ruether
I would suggest being a medic in the Air Force myself as all or most all of the MOS's transfer quite easily into the civilian world after he has served his tour in the service. My nephew is a medic and is working his way towards being a Evac Medic on Blackhawks moving wounded and /or injured soldiers from the battle field to the field hospital for treatment. If he doesn't get that he wants to be on a KC-10 Hospital aircraft transporting stabilized patients to ARMY hospitals around the world
(2)
(0)
Cpl Ryan Berry
(Join to see) - I totally agree with Sgt Hallock, being Fleet Navy Corpsman is a title to stand tall for. One of my best friends, Doc Guerro, wears a ball cap now that has our emblem on it and in bold letter "FLEET CORPSMAN" and on the back "CORPSMAN UP" (expression Marines yell when we need DOC). Like I said before, I wouldn't know per say, but it's got to be an awesome high knowing you have a platoon of Marines as personal body guards. Semper FI
(1)
(0)
12
12
0
I watched this movie several times - and this particular scene just always stuck out to me - so I pulled it from the film, for others to see. I take no credi...
No one can make that decision for your son but your son. The Lord gave man the power to heal. If it's the Lord's will that someone passes, then nothing any medical professional can do will stop that. If it's not the Lord's will then the human hand will prevent it.
Aside from being a 68W there's also the option of 56M Chaplain's assistant.
If he goes the 68W route, there's a 50/50 chance he'll either be in a clinic or a line platoon. Either way he'll be working to save lives overseas should he deploy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLaTyNe8mg0
Aside from being a 68W there's also the option of 56M Chaplain's assistant.
If he goes the 68W route, there's a 50/50 chance he'll either be in a clinic or a line platoon. Either way he'll be working to save lives overseas should he deploy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLaTyNe8mg0
(12)
(0)
(Join to see)
Thanks for this. He recently watched Hacksaw Ridge and it furthered his resolve - note he wanted to be 68W prior to watching moving.
(4)
(0)
(3)
(0)
COL John Rosnow
I was going to suggest seeing that movie as well based on his religious convictions. I know it is a movie, but I think it covered the topic well and it is based on a true story.
(3)
(0)
11
11
0
Ma'am, This is a good thread with a lot of useful information. I would add to get your son into a civilain hospital emergency room and link him up with a trauma team. member. He will be able to observe the battle drills they execute upon reception of the casualty to triage to surgery. We send several military professionals to civilian facilities to learn "how to" conduct certain operations where gunshot wounds are more prevalent. And I will be the bearer of reality here, the military has its ebbs and flows. There might be excitement for 3-4 hours and then its trash detail or CSM Flag Detail. So, being a 68W in a BCT can be exciting downrange but back home is where personal and professional development occur. Best of Luck to your Son in his Profession of Arms calling.
(11)
(0)
COL John Rosnow
Great idea to try and get some real world experience. He may find out that he likes it, and he may find out that the medical route is not for him. Better to try and find that out ahead of time.
(2)
(0)
10
10
0
If he wants to be a medic then he should just become one. Been in almost seven years and as a medic the only time I stepped foot in a clinic was because I was a patient.
(10)
(0)
(Join to see)
Thanks! He wants to be career army. Of course he is 16 so I know it could all change. Most of this is me really. I deal with change by researching.
(2)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google