Posted on Mar 28, 2020
Should I learn some of the skills I need before enlistment?
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Hello! I am currently 18 and just received my GED. I have always wanted to enlist into the Army as a 68w because casualty care has always been a big interest for me. I always told myself that if I were to join that I would set high goals for myself and do whatever it takes to achieve them. (Pursue Ranger School as a 68w) I know that hearing an 18 year old saying that, most people would laugh at me but I have had that as one of my life goals ever since I was a young kid. My question to you is, what would be some great tips for setting myself in the right direction so I am ready to start pursuing that goal? I was planning on joining within the next 2 years and was thinking it would be a good idea to become EMT certified and take a civilian TCCC course. Shooting is also one of my hobbies and have a family friend that regularly teaches tactical shooting drills and scenarios and thought it may be a good idea to learn that as well since it interests me. I know some will think that is over the top, but since I have time before I enlist and that some of those resources would be available to me, wouldn't it make sense to have those skills more developed so when I am learning them in training I could excel at it? That is just my two cents but I would love to hear your opinions and ideas. Thank you and I appreciate it!
Enlisted
Ranger
68W: Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 15
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If you enlist 68W, you will be trained and certified as an EMT on the Army's time and dime. My advice, get in good shape physically, and pull the trigger while you are young. Earn the GI Bill. Set yourself up for success.
When you enter the recruit pipeline, they give you distance learning stuff to do before you ship.
When you enter the recruit pipeline, they give you distance learning stuff to do before you ship.
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GySgt Kenneth Pepper
Best advice on this question so far. Waiting only increases the odds of never making it happen. If I had a dime for every time I heard "I was going to join right after high school, but...". I would have a shit ton of dimes.
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LTC Jason Mackay
GySgt Kenneth Pepper - amen brother. Life happens. Before you know it, you're 30 pounds heavier, working to make a living, spouse, kids, mortgage. It was so much easier to come in when it was me, a duffelbag, and a 1994 Camaro.
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The best thing you can do is check out the Army fitness test and begin to train toward that standard where possible. Said from that read all you can about the MOS, you should be able to google MOS manuals.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
I concur with CSM ZaGara. GO WITH A GREAT ATTITUDE, in basic I laughed while doing pushups and the Drill SGTs did not pick on me. work hard, be a team player, and conduct yourself by the army values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal courage.
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Look up TC 8-800 it’s the medic sustainment training handbook and goes over each skill and also has training scenarios
Also look at Deployedmedicine.com it’s what we use to show videos of each skill and goes over Combat casualty care
Also look at Deployedmedicine.com it’s what we use to show videos of each skill and goes over Combat casualty care
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