AllanJGAnderson

68W here. Graduate Ft. Sam in 18 days. All we got left is FTX. Then I go to Cp. Casey, S. Korea. 2nd ID.

I'm headed to Korea with the 2nd ID. I wanna be a line medic. Most people who get a specialty get it before they enlist. Otherwise, you have to have been a 68W for at least 12 months. I know quite a few people who joined with a M6 Identifier. A LPN get's no bonuses, but a Nationaly Registered EMT can fast track past the first 8 or so weeks of training since it's EMT-B training. Alot of people come in with rank for college credit or completeing task lists for recruiters, such as learning the general orders, passing a APFT, learning land nav, etc. Incentives are all handled by recruiters, I'd just make sure everythings on paper, especially M6. Also, there are large bonuses to be a 68W. Most get $20,000 for 6 years I think. But since my original entry MOS was switched to a 68W I got a shorter contract and no cash bonus.

I base my observations on being surronded by 68W's some being here to be Combat Medics others thought they'd be in hospitals and feel tricked. The 91C was changed to a 68W with a M6 Identifier. 68W is a blanket term. For instance a practical nurse is now 68WM6, or a Ranger Medic is 68WW1, Cardiogenic Specialists are 68WY7 (I think) Flight Medics, Orthopedic Specialists, Physical Therapists. All are 68W with identifiers. But I think it's safe to say most 68W are just that, with no identifier which are the combat medics, BAS/TMC personel, etc. I 18 days away from graduating whiskey school in case you are wondering.

A medic in the Army can be doing absolutley anything in the medical field, from being in a hospital to the front lines. The Army made the 68W Health Care Specialist title to trick people into becoming medics, which in my opinion is foolish because it makes alot of unmotivated Soldiers, thinking they're going to be a nurse up until they get to Ft. Sam and learn that they won't be a practical nurse without a M6 Practical Nurse identifier. The byproduct is a large amount of low quality medics which I think is foolish.