Overview

Special forces medical sergeants are considered to be the finest first-response/trauma medical technicians in the world.

Though they’re primarily trained with an emphasis on trauma medicine, they also have a working knowledge of dentistry, veterinary care, public sanitation, water quality and optometry.

Job Duties

• Provide initial medical screening and evaluation of allied and indigenous personnel
• Provide examination and care to detachment members
• Supervise medical care and treatment during missions
• Operate a combat laboratory and treat emergency and trauma patients
• Develop and provide medical intelligence as required

Requirements

Special forces medical sergeants have very demanding physical requirements. Good eyesight, night vision and physical conditioning are required to reach mission objectives via parachute, land or water. Also required is excellent hand-eye coordination to detonate or deactivate explosives.

In most instances, special forces medical sergeants are required to be qualified divers, parachutists and endurance runners.

Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.

Training

Due to the wide variety of missions, special forces medical sergeants are trained swimmers, paratroopers and survival experts, as well as trained in many forms of combat. Training for the special forces medical sergeants consists of 60 weeks of formal classroom training and practice exercises.

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

• Physical conditioning, parachuting, swimming and scuba diving
• Using land warfare weapons and communications devices
• Handling and using explosives
• Bomb and mine disposal

Helpful Skills

• Readiness to accept a challenge and face danger
• Ability to stay in top physical condition
• Interest in medicine and science
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

Compensation

Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.

Education Benefits

In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.

Future Civilian Careers

As a member of a special forces medical sergeants, you’re trained to defend against dangerous forces. As a Special Operations Medical Sergeant you will also receive valuable training in the field of medicine.

The skills you acquire as a special forces medical sergeants will most certainly prepare you for a career in medicine, especially as an emergency medical technician. With additional medical training, you might consider a career as a physician’s assistant.