Photo By Michelle Gonzalez | Spc. Raymond Torrisi, Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic, assists with hoist operations...... read more read more
Subscribe
When U.S Army Pfc. Uriel Rodriguez graduated from medic training in April 2025, he didn't know whether he'd be treating combat injuries in the field or screening patients in a clinic. That uncertainty captures the unique versatility required of today's military medics and corpsmen—enlisted personnel who must be ready to save lives in combat zones as well as military hospitals and clinics.
"The medic role in the U.S. Army has a big variety," Rodriguez explained from Andrew Rader Health Clinic at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. "You can end up in a frontline unit, but I ended up in the clinic. So far, I've really liked it."
Training for two worlds
Military medics undergo intensive preparation that spans classroom instruction and field exercises. U.S. Army medics complete 16 weeks of training—six weeks earning their emergency medical technician certification, followed by 10 weeks of combat casualty care. But the learning doesn't stop there.
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Matack, a senior enlisted leader, came to Andrew Rader Health Clinic with 16 years of experience. Yet, upon arrival at the clinic, he encountered something new—a unique onboarding process that provided insight into multiple specialties. He spent weeks rotating through different departments including physical therapy, laboratory, readiness, and primary care.
"For me it was enlightening because I get to see what the soldiers are doing on a day-to-day basis," Matack said. "What better way than to actually go learn and do the job that they're doing?"
This cross-training approach reflects how military medicine is evolving. Medics aren't just learning to treat trauma—they're developing skills in phlebotomy, immunizations, physical therapy assistance, and patient screening. Rodriguez also cross-trained, spending time learning to operate auto-refraction machines, perform CT scans, and assist with visual acuity tests. This broad base of experience supports one of the Defense Health Agency’s priorities to ensure the readiness of the nation’s military medical forces.
Beyond taking vitals
The stereotype that medics just take vitals couldn't be further from reality. Today's military medics can pursue advanced certifications including paramedic training, flight medic qualifications, and specialized courses in prolonged field care.
"We have a medic right now who did the paramedic program at Fort Bragg," Matack noted. "It increases that skill set and if they're going to get out, it gives them an opportunity to be a paramedic outside of the military."
The U.S. Army offers pathways for medics to become licensed practical nurses, physician assistants, or pursue other medical careers. Rodriguez himself plans to become a nurse or physician assistant, taking online classes while working at the clinic.
The overlooked mission
While combat casualty care gets attention, medics play a crucial role in maintaining military readiness through routine health care. Matack emphasized this often-overlooked responsibility. As always, supporting and maintaining a medically ready force is the priority for deployment.
"If we don't have those services available—if we can't provide those services to the service members—your commanders aren't going to have soldiers that are deployable," he explained. The clinic hosts monthly readiness rodeos offering walk-in services for health assessments, vision exams, hearing tests, and immunizations.
But perhaps the most overlooked aspect is the human connection. Rodriguez learned in training that treating injuries is only part of the job.
"People forget sometimes the moral support of it," Rodriguez said. "Keeping their morale up is very important, be supportive, be kind, ensure them that everything's going to be OK and that you'll do whatever you can to help them."
Building tomorrow's healthcare leaders
For Matack, the most rewarding part of his role isn't about his own achievements. It's about developing the next generation of military medical professionals.
"Seeing your medics and your soldiers be successful, whether it could be through promotion, through getting out of the military and seeking what they want to pursue outside," he reflected.
“This position as a senior enlisted leader allows me the opportunity to see my soldiers’ success and the joy that the healthcare field has brought them. Whether that is in their accomplishing goals within the service or setting themselves up for success outside of the military in the next chapter of their lives.”
As military medicine continues evolving to meet both battlefield and garrison needs, medics and corpsmen remain the backbone of the system—versatile professionals ready to provide care wherever the mission demands.
| Date Taken: | 08.22.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.25.2025 07:30 |
| Story ID: | 546291 |
| Location: | VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 98 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, From battlefield to bedside: Military medics bridge combat and clinical care, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
