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Special Forces Medical Sergeant

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Special Forces Medical Sergeant - 18D


  • Active/Reserve:Active Duty
  • Officer/Enlisted:Enlisted
  • Restrictions:None

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

    • ASVAB

    The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is an examination that is administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command. It is used to determine qualification and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military.

  • No ASVAB

    • Compensation

  • Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time.

    • See the whole list of Army Occupational Specialties here

    To learn more about the Army's rank structure, see our complete list of Army ranks.
    To see a list of military medals and decorations that can be earned by servicemembers in the Army and other branches of the military, see our list of military decorations and medals.