Would the Army cover the cost of maintaining a Paramedic level EMT certification for medics?

I think the whole concept of medics in the Army should be revamped. I have been a Paramedic for over 10 years now and I have worked in many organizations from BCTs, MMBs, Emergency Departments, Nursing Supervision, to USAF Contingency Areomedical Staging Facilities (CASF). I think the military should train and promotion based on skill levels. Currently, there are 3 levels to EMTs: EMT, A-EMT and Paramedic. Of course, other factors would come into play with promotion and that could be a totally different conversation. But, if we as professionals within our organization (United States Army) want to better Army Medicine and strengthen the 68W NCO Corp, then why not be lords of our craft. As it stands right now, most of our medics can stop a bleed on the battle field and package a patient based on the situation. At best, they are functional on the battle field but they could be so much better. At one time, I proposed an idea to the AMEDD 68W SGM: I proposed to attach promotion to certification. Meaning, in order to make the rank of SGT, the Soldier would have to have at least EMT-Basic (EMT now). In order to be promoted to SSG, EMT- Intermediate (A-EMT now). In order to be DA selected to SFC, must be a Paramedic. What this would do is validate promotions within 68W career field and arm Soldiers at each level with a solid knowledge base to train their Soldiers. This screams competency! So, to better answer the original question: Yes, I believe the Army should pay to maintain Paramedic’s certification. It only helps to Army by having a more qualified medic. Currently, the Army does cover the recertification fees but it is a painful process to get a PALS, ACLS and Paramedic Refresher course. Every installation has ACLS and PALS programs; it’s just difficult to get into the courses. Priority goes to RNs and Docs. I think the Army will slowly move towards Paramedics but it will take time. Air MEDEVAC units have already started replacing their EMTs with Paramedics. At the end of the day, it all boils down to cost and information. Most Army Docs/RNs don’t know what the scope of practice is for a Paramedic and continue to use their current medics as CNAs. In summary, Paramedics will become a factor within the military and someone will figure out the cost savings to retain quality medics to be trained as Paramedics.

There are certain ASIs for the 68W mos that do require a paramedic certification, such as flight paramedics. Speical Operations medics require a paramedic certification and the Army helps maintain those certifications as well. If the soldier receives the paramedic certification from the civlian side, it is the soldier's responsibility to maintain it on the civilian side. My former 1SG is a paramedic firefighter out of Arizona, and when he had reclassed to 68W, he did not have have to do the NREMT portion of the school because his paramedic license supercedes it, and the NREMT HQ wouldn't have allowed him to take the test in the first place because of that. Now if he decided to retire from the fire department and his paramedic license expired, he would be DMOSQ, and would have to be sent by the army to get certified NREMT.

That would be a great solution, however, to sum everything up in two words..................B-B-B-B-B-B-Budget Cuts!!!!

I dont know if I am a buyer on the Paramedic program as being worth it's weight in gold for the big picture Army. What we do as line medics differ from how paramedics are geared. I'm not an advocate of EMT being the be all for the Army either. I'm still curious why some Kiley, Schoomaker, or Pollock agreed to let this go down the road as it has, as LTG Peake wanted more of TC3 concept and needed backing from clinically minded people for down the road. I think it's nice to have EMT to work in the hospital, but still it's not recongized by half the hospital staffing of what a Army trained medic's critical task list or STP is.
After the NREMT is over the instructors tell the training 68Ws to drop all that info they just learned and prepare for what they are going to actually do.
Many things need to be accomplished and will probably be addressed as we look more "purple" with our future training aspects. I think maybe the way of the future is making our own CEU program that can be sustained in a BCT and is validated by AMEDD C&S, as a Academy of Learning/College. Much thought is being given on this but we have to be able to tie it back in to the national standards of health care. I do believe we can make our program, such as a PA extender. The Navy has written their policies to be able to do this with the IDC.
Would a variety CA trained W2/W4 make more sense in a line unit?

Now that I've calmed down let me be helpful.
The NREMT website gives some good guidance on revert requirements. Im posting the link for you. I would also just give them a call and ask them your question directly. They are very good in their customer service. Also if you are interested in becoming EMT-P for the Army then consider the new flight medic program. They pay for it for you. I'll post the ALARACT as well.
https://www.nremt.org/nremt/about/reg_para_history.asp

https://g1arng.army.pentagon.mil/Featured%20News/Attachments/ALARACT_028_2013_HOME%20STATION%20PARAMEDIC%20TRAINING%20PROGRAM%20FOR%20ARMY%20FLIGHT%20MEDICS.pdf

I understand your concern. Since the Army requires that you maintain EMT they will pay for the CUEs required. Should you desire to attain a higher certification on your own, the CEUs required (above and beyond your basic EMT) would be on you. As for maintaining your standing as a 68W, as long as you maintain your EMT basic or above (advanced, or paramedic), you should have no problems.

Short answer - Yea.

Only if your mos requires it i.e.: flight medic!

Here is a little information I wrote that pertains to this very subject. I ask certain questions to the Army EMS program and ask for the validity to their actions. here is a little piece of it......




Table of Contents
1. References
2. Situation
3. MEDCOM
4. Guidance, Policy, Regulation and the Law
5. The NREMT
6. Army EMS
7. The State of Arizona
8. Funding
9. Areas of conflict
10. Ethics and position of Army EMS
11. Conclusion










References
1. Standard Operating Procedure US Army EMS Programs Management Division US Army EMS Programs Management Division January 2016 UNCLASSIFIED
2. TC 8-800 MEDICAL EDUCATION AND DEMONSTRATION OF INDIVIDUAL COMPETENCE SEPTEMBER 2014
3. USA TRADOC Regulation 350-6 18 December 2015 (prescribes policies and procedures for the conduct of enlisted initial entry training (IET)).
4. MEDCOM Regulation 350-4 - 16 June 2010 - * This regulation supersedes MEDCOM Regulation 350-4, 12 February 1998.
5. AR 40–68 • 26 February 2004/RAR 22 May 2009
6. Annex C (OPERATIONS) to OPORD FY17-AZ-7000 AZARNG Yearly Operations Order (UNCLASSIFIED)
7. MEDCOM Regulation 40-50 • 09 Nov 2016 (This regulation supersedes MEDCOM Regulation 40-50, 6 January 2006) DISTRIBUTION: This publication is intended for MEDCOM distribution.
8. AR 351-3, Professional Education and Training Programs of the Army Medical Department.
9. MEDCOM Reg 10-1
10. AR 601-210, Active and Reserve Components Enlistment Program.
11. Department of Defense Manual 6025.13, Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) and Clinical Quality Management in the Military Health System (MHS), 29 October 2013.
12. The Joint Commission (TJC), Comprehensive Accreditation Manual.
13. Training Circular (TC) 8-800, Medical Education and Demonstration of Individual Competence.
14. National Practitioner Data Bank.
15. AR 40-68 Clinical Quality Management, 26 February 2004.
16. JP 1-02 Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms, 8 November 2010.
Section II. RELATED PUBLICATIONS
1. AR 350-1 Army Training and Leader Development, 18 December 2009.
2. ATP 5-19 Risk Management, 14 April 2014.
3. FM 4-02 Army Health System, 26 August 2013.
4. STP 21-1-SMCT Soldier's Manual of Common Tasks, Warrior Skills Level 1, 14 April 2014.
5. PHTLS Basic and Advanced Prehospital Trauma





SITUATION

Mr. James Aplin The Director of Army EMS and Major Onan the DSS of the Arizona Army National Guard actively and deliberately interfered with my ability to conduct my duties as the Senior Medical NCO for the AZNG, and with the effective operation of MODS input. Such actions on their parts constituted an abuse of authority and created a potential for a substantial and specific danger to the public health and safety.
Actions by Mr. Aplin and Major Onan created a situation where National Guard Soldiers were at risk of losing their MOS and with only 3 weeks left in the NREMT cycle.
This put an undue burden on the junior enlisted that have civilian jobs and may have to attend up to 7 days of additional training without adequate notice to their employers. Adequate training and validation have been completed by the Soldiers most the Soldiers with the number of 5 that may needed extra training.
Some of these Soldiers have completed all of the required 72 hours of continuing education by under the insistence of Mr. Aplin they are now required to complete 48 more hours by completing the MEDIC table 1-8. This takes at least 6 days of training. That the Soldiers need to complete in 21 days.
However Mr. Aplin upon learning that I was still in the Army, decided to implement a standard only used for IET Soldiers on active duty installations and active duty Soldiers at military Medical Treatment Facilities.
The Arizona Army National Guard only has one medical treatment facility. This is the WAATS TMC at Pinal airpark (only 5 68Ws). The Medical Detachment in Phoenix is not a medical treatment facility. MEDDET is strictly in the business of Medical Readiness. (Flight physicals PHA HIV etc., no medical treatment takes place here.) We have no EIT 68W or any TRADOC 68W schools in Arizona, and only one MTF with only 5 medics (none of whom is affected by this).

U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) Mission
The Surgeon General (TSG) of the U.S Army serves in a dual role as both the U.S. Army Surgeon General and MEDCOM Commander. In executing his duties as TSG, he is responsible for the development, policy direction, organization, and overall management of an integrated Army-wide health services system. Among many other functions, TSG has responsibility for coordinating world-wide command programs to protect and enhance health by control of workplace environments and those aspects of Army environmental programs relating to the prevention of disease and preservation of health. See Army Regulation 40-1, Composition, Mission, and Functions of the Army Medical Department, dated July 1983, paragraph 1-6, and, AR I 0--87, Army Commands, Army Service Component Commands. and Direct Reporting Units, dated September 4, 2007.
In his role as Commander, MEDCOM, TSG exercises oversight and control of all medical centers and medical treatment facilities and activities in the U.S Army, with the exception of field units. Regional Medical Commands (RMCs) are major subordinate commands (MSCs) of MEDCOM and are multi-state command and control headquarters that allocate resources, oversee day-to-day management, and promote readiness among military treatment facilities in their geographic areas. See AR 10--87, Chapter 15.
Great Plains Regional Medical Command (GPRMC) Mission
Prior to the MEDCOM's 2009 reorganization, the GPRMC had oversight of subordinate medical facilities and clinics within the states of Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado, Kansas (where Fort Leavenworth is located), and Missouri. [Tab S]. The Commanding General of the GPRMC, BG Joseph Caravalho, has been delegated command and control over the medical centers and medical activities located within the GPRMC geographic area. The GPRMC Commander provides intermediate level supervision over, and continuous evaluation of the delivery of and quality of medical care provided eligible beneficiaries throughout the region.
Further responsibilities of RMCs are discussed in MEDCOM Regulation 10-1, Change 2,Organization and Functions Policy, dated 21 March 2000, Chapter 2.
The geographic area of the GPRMC is defined by MEDCOM Regulation 40-21, Regional Medical Commands and Regional Dental Commands, dated October 22, 1999, Chapter 2, Section I.
It is important to note that in the course of the MEDCOM realignment in late 2009, GPRMC was renamed the Southern RMC (SMRC) and MAHC and Fort Leavenworth were realigned with the Western RMC (WRMC).

Army Regulation 351–3 Effective 15 November 2007*
Summary. This regulation sets policies and procedures for internships, residencies, and fellowships.
It sets policy and procedures for affiliation of non-Federal educational institutions with Army medical facilities. It sets forth the applicable standards and discusses the Continuing Health Education Programs and professional specialty recognition of Army Medical. Department personnel.
It also defines the Professional Postgraduate Short. Course Program and sets policies and procedures for that program. Distribution.
This publication is available in electronic media only and is intended for command levels A and B for the Active Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve.
*This regulation supersedes AR 351–3, dated 8 February 1988 and rescinds DA Form 2214–R, dated December 1973 and DA Form 5127, dated August 1972.

Army Regulation 601–210 Effective 8 March 2011*
Personnel Procurement
Active and Reserve Components Enlistment Program
Rapid Action Revision (RAR) Issue Date: 12 March 2013

Summary. This regulation governs eligibility criteria, policies, and procedures for enlistment and processing of persons into the Regular Army, the Army Reserve, and Army National Guard for enlistment on or after the effective date of this regulation.
It also prescribes the appointment, reassignment, management, and mobilization of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets under the Simultaneous Membership Program.
*This regulation supersedes AR 601–210, dated 7 June 2007. This edition publishes a rapid action revision of AR 601–210.
AR 601–210 • 8 February 2011/RAR 12 March 2013.

AR 40–68 Medical Services Clinical Quality Management
26 February 2004
Rapid Action Revision (RAR)
Issue Date: 22 May 2009

History. This publication is a rapid action Revision (RAR). This RAR is effective 29 June 2009. The portions affected by this RAR are listed in the summary of change.

Summary. This consolidated regulation prescribes policies, procedures, and responsibilities for the administration of the Clinical Quality Management Program.

It includes DOD and statutory policies addressing medical services quality management requirement. In addition, it implements DOD 6025.13 – R, DODD 6000.14, and other DOD guidance.

4–3. Basic licensure, certification, registration criteria
(2) In specialties that are not licensed by the State, and the requirements of the granting authority for State registration or certification are highly variable, there must be validation by a national organization that the individual is professionally qualified to provide health care in a specified discipline.
Examples of this are the National Commission on the Certification of Physicians Assistants (NCCPA) for physician assistants (PAs) and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) for emergency medical technicians.
o Soldiers (AA/USAR/ARNG) possessing the 68W military occupational specialty (MOS) are required to obtain and maintain certification by the NREMT.
o Certification will be, at a minimum, at the basic level (emergency medical technician-basic).
o AA 68Ws will be NREMT certified and meet all other requirements for the MOS by 30 September 2007 (USAR/ARNG Soldiers by 30 September 2009).
o Periodic recertification as established by the NREMT is mandatory.
o Soldiers who fail to recertify according to NREMT guidance will immediately be suspended from all duties requiring NREMT-basic certification.


MEDCOM Regulation 350-4
16 June 2010
* This regulation supersedes MEDCOM Regulation 350-4, 12 February 1998.
Introduction
1-1. History. This publication is a major revision. The portions unaffected by this major revision are not listed in a summary of change sheet.
1-2. Purpose
a. This regulation prescribes policy, procedures, and responsibilities for developing, managing, and conducting Army training, and leader development within the Office of The Surgeon General (OTSG) and the U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM).
b. This regulation is applicable to all MEDCOM units, installations, activities, and reserve component (RC) units attached for training.
c. This regulation does not address Army Medical Department (AMEDD) numbered courses or the Professional Postgraduate Short Course Program.
The U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School (AMEDDC&S) is responsible for the control and oversight of these courses. Utilize the Army Training and Resource System (ATRRS) for more information on AMEDD numbered courses.
1-5. Applicability. This regulation applies to all MEDCOM units, its major subordinate commands (MSCs), medical treatment facilities (MTFs), and RC units attached for training.

TRADOC Regulation 350-6 - 18 December 2015
Summary. This United States (U.S.) Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Regulation 350-6 prescribes policies and procedures for the conduct of enlisted initial entry training (IET).
Applicability. This regulation applies to all active Army, United States Army Reserve, and Army National Guard enlisted IET conducted at both TRADOC and Non-TRADOC service schools, Army training centers, and other training activities under the control of Headquarters (HQ), TRADOC and to all personnel, military and civilian, under the control of HQ TRADOC, to include Army elements stationed within Interservice Training Review Organizations (ITRO) for AIT, who interact with Soldiers undergoing IET conducted on an installation, the commander of which is subordinate to, and within the supervisory chain of the Commanding General, TRADOC.
3-9. Medical support for training
d. Health care specialist (MOS 68W) MOS qualification and scope of practice.
(1) Training unit or MTF commanders will ensure that health care specialists (68W) providing support to training maintain their skills in accordance with Training Circular 8-800, which includes biennial certification as an emergency medical technician-basic (EMT-B), at a minimum, by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), and basic life support certification at healthcare provider level; and confers a level of skill comparable to an EMT-intermediate or paramedic, recognized as such by the NREMT.
These training opportunities may be coordinated through the IET health care committee (see para 5-14), or by a memorandum of agreement with a medical department activity (MEDDAC).

MEDCOM Reg 350-4
Training
MEDCOM TRAINING AND LEADER DEVELOPMENT

Chapter 1
Introduction
1-1. History. This publication is a major revision. The portions unaffected by this major revision are not listed in a summary of change sheet.
1-2. Purpose
a. This regulation prescribes policy, procedures, and responsibilities for developing, managing, and conducting Army training, and leader development within the Office of The Surgeon General (OTSG) and the U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM).
b. This regulation is applicable to all MEDCOM units, installations, activities, and reserve component (RC) units attached for training.
1-5. Applicability. This regulation applies to all MEDCOM units, its major subordinate commands (MSCs), medical treatment facilities (MTFs), and RC units attached for training.
1-10. Establishing and validating of MEDCOM-wide training requirements
c. G3, MEDCOM is responsible for maintaining the MEDCOM consolidated training document and will ensure training requirements, regardless of source, are staffed with the appropriate OTSG or MEDCOM proponent prior to command-wide implementation.
New training requirements in which the AMEDD is the proponent will be staffed with the AMEDDC&S for validation and or situational awareness.
Chapter 3 Professional Training of Army Medical Personnel
3-5. Health Care Specialist (68W) Training Program. The accuracy of individual training records is a critical part of ensuring 68W Soldiers are MOS sustained. The MODS 68W tracking module will be used to track and input 68W sustainment training requirements.
All organizations will use the individual training module of DTMS to track 68W training.
3-6. Medical proficiency training (MPT). MPT is conducted at MEDCOM facilities in accordance with MOU established between MEDCOM and organizations such as FORSCOM, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
The overall purpose of MPT is to ensure AMEDD table of organization and equipment (TOE) personnel sustain necessary skills in peacetime required for medical readiness in the event of overseas contingency operations, and special consideration should be given to low density military occupational specialties (for example, 68R and 68S and their respective ASIs). MEDCOM commanders will ensure skills and tasks completed during MPT are documented in Soldiers’ DTMS ITR.
MEDCOM Regulation No. 40-50
CAREER MANAGEMENT FIELD (CMF) 68
CLINICAL BASELINE COMPETENCIES
FOR ENLISTED MEDICAL PERSONNEL PERFORMING DIRECT PATIENT CARE AT THE MILITARY TREATMENT FACILITY (MTF)

PURPOSE. This regulation provides policy, assigns responsibility, and identifies clinical baseline competency tasks for enlisted personnel who perform direct patient care and are identified under the CMF 68, military occupational specialty (MOS), and/or additional skill identifier (ASI).
In addition, guidance presented assists the local commander in determining those patient care activities that require direct and indirect supervision and those activities that could be delegated.
* This regulation supersedes MEDCOM Regulation 40-50, 6 January 2006.
APPENDIX U – HEALTH CARE SPECIALIST (68W)
3. CLINICAL BASELINE COMPETENCY TASK LIST.
a. Enlisted Health Care Specialists (68W), are expected to perform all of their critical tasks while deployed, where they may not have direct medical supervision or connectivity to ask for advice or training. These personnel require the highest level of proficiency in all of their critical tasks to ensure readiness. The Medical Director (as identified in paragraph 6a (1) of this regulation) in conjunction with the Education and Training Department will ensure that Soldiers assigned to the MTF as permanent party or as Medical Skills Readiness (MSR) students receive the opportunity to meet all of the required critical task training consistent with the patient population and capabilities of the facility.

4. RELATED CIVILIAN EQUIVALENT TRAINING
c. Areas of clinical competency. Reference the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills as identified under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - The National Standard Curriculum for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT); the Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) protocols; the Tactical Combat Casualty Care – Medical Provider (TCCC-MP) guidelines; and the Advanced Cardiac Life-Saving (ACLS) Protocols.

5. LICENSING/CREDENTIALING.
a. U.S. Army EMS is recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) as the State EMS office for the Army.
It is the state oversight and accrediting body for all 68Ws under the NREMT certification model. The Medical Director for Army EMS along with NREMT has determined that the scope of practice for the 68W is well defined within the TC 8-800 sustainment model and the most current STP 8-68W13-SM-TG.
This is the scope of practice for which 68Ws will train and be utilized. Failure to meet standard of care for NREMT is reportable to the National Practitioner Data Bank.
Army standard/requirement(s) for licensure and/or certification.
National Registry Emergency Medical Technician certification; health care provider CPR; Tactical Combat Casualty Care-Medical Provider (TCCC-MP); Advanced Cardiac Life-Saving (ACLS).
b. National and State requirements. None.
c. Degree requirements. None.
d. Licensing/certification examination. NREMT

6. CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.
a. Army standard/requirement(s) for licensure and/or certification.
Must maintain NREMT recertification requirements.
b. Maintain civilian license/certification.
The following identifies the Combat Medical Specialist EMT recertification requirements
Detailed instructions in TC 8-800
c. TC 8-800 Medical Education Demonstration of Individual Competence
Tables 1 through 8 every year
Basic Life Saving (BLS) certification with recertification packet to U.S. Army EMS

Memorandum for the Commander, MEDCOM Major Subordinate Commands from TSG and Commanding General, USAMEDCOM
Subject: Occupational Standards and Competency of Enlisted Soldiers
Date 10 Nov 2016
1. Purpose to Direct MEDCOM Commanders to identify, understand and institute competencies of enlisted medical staff as directed by their specific MOS and IAW Licensures, certifications and critical competencies as dictated.
Ref. MEDCOM Regulation No. 40-50

Standard Operating Procedure
US Army EMS Programs Management Division
January 2016

TC 8-800 (Medical Education and Demonstration of Individual Competence-MEDIC) The course satisfies both the NREMT and AMEDDC&S requirements for continuing education for all levels and is the preferred method of recertification training. Table 2.1 outlines Tables I – VII 48 hour sustainment training, which CE credit is hour for hour. The training must be validated by a training schedule, Student and Instructor sign in/out roster, and documented on DA7442-R for credit to be given in MODS. Note there are no CEs for combat medic skills lane validation. (Table VIII).

3-04. Maintaining Certification
1. NREMT certification is mandatory for all 68Ws and must be maintained by recertifing with the NREMT no later than (NLT) 31 March of their respective renewal year in order to remain MOS qualified IAW AR 40-68, Clinical Quality Management, Chapter 4-3 paragraph 2(b).
2. NREMT recertification is accomplished in the following manner:
A. CPR Certification - Submission of a current approved CPR credential
B. 72 CEs earned during recert period by utilizing TC 8-800, MEDIC Tables I-VII training (preferred method) when conducted annually, yields 48 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for a total of 96 within a recertification period.
C. Skills Validation utilizing TC8-800 (MEDIC) Table VIII (preferred method)
Note: Requirements listed

5-05. 68W MODS
The US Army tracking system for the 68W to track and monitor MOS requirements of 72 CEs, skills validation and a current CPR card is MODS. Unit Commanders need to appoint two personnel with read/write access to the 68W MODS application to input CE data.

Training Circular No. 8-800
MEDICAL EDUCATION AND DEMONSTRATION OF INDIVIDUAL COMPETENCE
15 September 2014

This training circular (TC) focuses on continuing education (CE) and validation of skills. It provides the commander guidelines for the Medical Education and Demonstration of Individual Competence. The goal of this endeavor is the knowledgeable precise administration of mission oriented critical tasks on which the tactical combat casualty care (TC3) of injured Soldiers depends. Medical skills and procedures are perishable. To ensure utmost proficiency and preparedness, Soldiers with military occupational specialty (MOS) 68W (Health Care Specialist), regardless of additional skill identifier (ASI), should demonstrate their medical skills at least ANNUALLY. This TC explains how commanders use the selected individual tasks and skill sheets addressed in this publication to develop, implement, and validate a training program to enhance and demonstrate the critical skills proficiency of these Soldier Medics.
For MOS qualification, Soldier Medics must meet certain requirements. TC 8-800 explains these requirements and how the Training and Skills Validation Tables satisfy these requirements.
1-1. General
d. It must be understood that CE hours are based on completion of Training Tables I through VII, not simply having the Soldier Medic complete Skills Validation Testing in Table VIII. In other words, having the Soldier Medic simply “test out” on Table VIII is not authorized; CE hours will not be awarded on that basis.
1-2. MOS Qualification
For MOS qualification, the Soldier Medic must meet the requirements below. Failure to meet these requirements can result in adverse personnel actions, including reclassification.

a. Biennial Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) recertification by the NREMT in accordance with AR 40-68 (Clinical Quality Management).
b. Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider certification at healthcare provider level.
c. American Heart Association or Military Training Network, Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider certification.

1-3. National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Recertification

The following are required for biennial NREMT recertification. These requirements are built into the training tables in chapter 2. In a two-year cycle, completing the training outlined, Soldier Medics will satisfy all necessary requirements to sustain their NREMT certification.

a. Basic Lifesaver certification at the healthcare provider level.
b. Twenty-four hours of CE equivalency refresher training.
c. Forty-eight hours of additional continuing education.
d. Verification of skills validation.

1-4. Key Skills

a. Combat casualty care is the primary mission of the Soldier Medic. These casualty care skill sets include

● Casualty assessment.
● Hemorrhage control.
● Airway management.
● Prevention and treatment of shock.

b. The core skills of the Soldier Medic largely overlap the competencies of the EMT. However, the Soldier
Medic is more uniquely skilled than an EMT. These advanced tactical combat casualty care core skills are related to advanced airway management, combat trauma management, medicine administration and advanced casualty movement. These advanced skills are comparable to those of an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) or Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (EMT-P) and must be sustained. The EMT skills are drawn from Department of Transportation and National Emergency Medical System standards. They are used by civilian state and federal agencies and our sister military services.

The requirement is a civilian certification where civilian education is permitted. This and BLS are the only requirements for recertification.
I do not expect to receive any credit for training by having Soldiers not complete 1-7, but I do expect credit for skills validation. Also this is only preferred.
A preferred method versus a required method. In order for commanders to continue to perform their mission tasks specific to that unit (Not a MEDCOM unit) addition training days seem to be answer. Unfortunately this brings into the question of funding. There is no additional funding set aside for this.
Note Skills validation is Table 8, not tables 1-7.
Army EMS only enforces the table training when it is convenient to them. Especially to the non-active component.
Input of Table 8 (not 1-7) is the Validation. It does not give CE hours for its completion. It only test competency. Therefore if a Soldier meets all the CE requirements from the NREMT without doing the Tables 1-7 and shows his competency by doing table 8, it should not be removed because he did not complete tables 1-7. The basis here is outlined as training 1-7 and skills validation 8, they are separate. See below.
Below from TC 8-800 - Per NREMT this is the only requirement a-d. Army EMS is trying to make 1-8 and 8 mandatory. It says that the NREMT requirements are built in, and they are. But they are also only preferred. They are not mandatory. Below is a list of Active duty NCOs at JBSA that are in positions of education and professionalism that represent AMEDD. They are only a few of the Senior NCOs at various academies acting as Cadre for 68 series MOSs and other major components of AMEDD. According to their records they do not complete the skills or validation that Army EMS requires them to do annually. But the Arizona Army National Guard continuously has to prove itself to Army EMS every year.

The VA has a program for reimbursing the cost of certain certifications. Give them a call and see if this is on the list.