Should I learn some of the skills I need before enlistment?

2020-03-28T14:13:04-04:00

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!

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 28 at 2020 2:34 PM

2020-03-28T14:34:07-04:00

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.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2020 2:50 PM

2020-03-28T14:50:48-04:00

It's not necessary but if you have time to take an EMT course and be an EMT for several months it won't hurt and will help you slide easy through the EMT phase of AIT and possibly avoid that part of school.

Response by Maj Scott Kiger, M.A.S. made Mar 28 at 2020 3:15 PM

2020-03-28T15:15:44-04:00

Work on physical Fitness, the one most important skill you need before joining. The rest you will learn as you go. Be open to new things, ready to work with a team, on a team and lead a team. Just be ready for a challenge and go for it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2020 3:51 PM

2020-03-28T15:51:23-04:00

First thing. Dont try to get your EMT before you go because the army will get you licensed. The emt phase of training is only 6 or 7 weeks. In the civilian world, its 6-12 months.

Second thing. The main thing you need to do is get yourself physically ready, mainly running. The farther and faster that you can run, the better off you will be in training.

3rd thing. Forget all the tacmed high speed hooah stuff before you go. If you go to basic and AIT bragging about all your training prior to basic, you'll make yourself out to be a total d-bag.

99% of your time in the military you are not going to be doing anything that involves weapons. Especially as a 68W. Even if you are attached to a combat arms unit, most of your time is going to be taken up by grunts who dont drink enough water or get plastered the night before a field op.

That being said, after you get out of training, if you go reserves or guard, tacmed and TC3 courses are helpful if you want to get on with law enforcement agencies.

That is just my 2 cents. Good luck in your journey, and make sure you keep a humble mindset throughout.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Mar 28 at 2020 3:58 PM

2020-03-28T15:58:33-04:00

Why are you waiting two years to join? If it is something you really want, you should enlist now. A lot can go on in two years that can change your future. Study anatomy and physiology and an emt class would be good. Tactical shooting, have fun, be safe, and remember that just because your friend teaches tactical shooting does not mean it is the correct method. Go enjoy it but remember if you learn bad habits, it will be painful in the Army to have them broken.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2020 4:16 PM

2020-03-28T16:16:21-04:00

Definitely get as fit as you can. Nobody likes a fat medic and weak people don't get to do anything. I would also get an understanding of fitness, nutrition, and sports medicine as the guys you'll be looking after are essentially athletes (if you end up in an infantry unit) but most of the injuries you'll treat are sports injuries. EMT cert would give you a leg up. 68w is essentially EMT level medicine. Don't worry about ranger school unless you are in an infantry unit and want to get promoted fast. As a 68 you it's pretty usless but it looks good and puts you ahead of peers. If you want to be the best medic, set your sights on SOCM. It's the Special Operations Combat Medic Course. Socms are in high demand and deploy with every special operations branch you can think of. I went when I joined CA and I was a better medic than any 68W by 3 months in. (SOCM is 9 months) SOCMs are the best medics on the planet. A couple college courses would also not go amiss specifically biology and medical terminology.
Best of luck man.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 28 at 2020 4:19 PM

2020-03-28T16:19:31-04:00

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.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2020 5:00 PM

2020-03-28T17:00:45-04:00

If you are in shape, join now. Listen closely, be observant, be squared away, and never quit. Be a planner, set goals, and then carry them out. Keep us informed of your decision.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Mar 28 at 2020 5:05 PM

2020-03-28T17:05:36-04:00

If you want to be prepared for 68W and are looking at civilian training, don't stop at EMT. If you have the means, get your paramedic license. If that seems like a bit much, at least start looking over your anatomy and physiology type stuff, as well as becoming familiar with disease processes. I would also highly recommend starting your physical conditioning now, especially if you want to compete for a Ranger slot. Best of luck.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2020 6:17 PM

2020-03-28T18:17:34-04:00

Just learn how to pay attention and follow direction. Be motivated and just soak up the suck

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2020 6:19 PM

2020-03-28T18:19:30-04:00

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

Response by TSgt James Potter made Mar 29 at 2020 9:21 AM

2020-03-29T09:21:39-04:00

Get in the best physical condition you can. Run, push-ups, set-ups, pull-ups, run run run. I went to Basic with a kid that dropped out of college. He was in track and could run a 4 minute mile. The TI's loved this kid. Let the Army teach you what they want you to know and how it is taught.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2020 12:39 AM

2020-03-30T00:39:16-04:00

68W here. The first 5-6 weeks of AIT is where you are trained in EMT and certified. It was the hardest part, as it’s hours and hours of death by PowerPoint of information and quizzes are given frequently, as well as hands-on practice for Skills Testing. Of about 130 of us I think only 6 did not pass that part. Some were too lazy to study, others weren’t cut out for it. If you get EMT certified you can bring your certification with and bypass those few weeks, but I honestly recommend it. I believe civilian side EMT training takes months. While these few weeks are hard, the Army pays for it and it goes by fast. You have 3 opportunities to take the NREMT for certification, as well. After that comes the more fun part - whiskey phase. That’s where all the “combat medic” training happens. It was the best time of my life and as hard as things could get (the usual TRADOC bs) I met people that I’m still friends with years later. Civilian jobs love the medic training we have & certifications. I say do it. Not to mention, I currently owe $0 for college and I am a junior currently. Worth it, I’d say! Best of luck to you.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2020 12:39 PM

2020-03-30T12:39:06-04:00

Just to piggyback off what everyone else has said...
Arrive to basic in shape! Check out the new Army APFT and be prepared for it. I hear it's like CrossFit only worse!
Lose the attitude and remember that millions have gone down this path before you and it is well worn. Don't disrespect those who have gone before.
I loved basic training! I was 25 and well grounded when I enlisted. It was "too easy" since I went where I was told, when I was told, spoke when spoken to, wore what I was told to, etc. and paid attention.
The only thing I couldn't do was march! I have no rhythm... I suggest you YouTube marching in the Army and cadence calling. Those videos will help you learn to march and double time all while "staying in step".
It's the little things that will drive you crazy... The Drill Sergeants will guide you through the major lessons. It's up to you to pay attention.
Lastly, you just got your GED. Nothing gets easier with time, strike while the iron is hot.
Go see your recruiter and get the best bonus you can, ask about the airborne option, ask if there is a "duty station of choice" there just might be a slot in the Ranger Battalion.
Just do your research before you sign on the dotted line. Hurry up because someone else just might get the slot you want!
Good luck and HOOAH!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2020 3:13 PM

2020-04-05T15:13:59-04:00

One thing to remember is that medical training and knowledge is always changing. Studies and everything else continue to change the newest information. SO though it may be useful to read up. the army is going to train you and teach you everything you need to know. The National Registry test can be difficult but if you pay attention and study, itll be fine. I went through 12 years ago and my new medics coming into my unit are great for learning the newest ways they are doing things. I couldnt believe how outdated some of my "old tricks" were. lmao