COMBAT MEDICAL TECHNICIAN

The Job

Combat Medical Technicians provide emergency treatment to soldiers, contributing to the management of battlefield casualties as part of a multi-disciplinary team. They also deal with soldiers’ routine medical needs. As a Combat Medical Technician you could find yourself working in a combat unit close to the front line, as well as in medical regiments and field hospitals.

The Right Job For Me?

You do not need to be super-fit to join the Territorials but the training can sometimes be physically challenging so you need a good standard of health and stamina. As part of a larger unit, an ability to take orders is essential, but you must also be able to act on your own initiative if the situation calls for it. Highly-trained pre-hospital care professionals, Combat Medical Technicians must be prepared to apply their knowledge in a range of high-pressure situations. Applications from HPC State-Registered Paramedics and IHCD-qualified Ambulance Technicians are particularly welcome.

What Skills Will I Learn?

You’ll receive training in a number of primary and pre-hospital care skills. These will range from advanced life-support techniques to health and hygiene in the field. Those entering with relevant qualifications will have the opportunity to develop their existing expertise. You will also develop your administrative skills and gain an understanding of medical logistics.

What Training Will I Do?

Initial trainingRecruits carry out a number of training weekends with their new unit and the nearest Regional Recruiting Team. After completing this series of weekend courses, you then attend a two-week residential course at an Army Training Regiment where you complete your initial training. The whole process takes around 12 months and will equip you with the skills needed to survive in the field, as well as boosting your fitness.Further trainingAs a member of a Territorial unit which recruits on a regional basis, your minimum training commitment is 27 or 19 days depending on the type of unit you join. This is broken down into 15 days of continuous training with your unit, either on exercises or on a course, and the remainder taken as ‘out of camp’ training, made up of weekend training and other activities.

What Qualifications Could I Get?

As a member of a Territorial unit you will have access to a Continuous Professional Development Plan and Personal Development Record. Together these will help you identify and develop your skills and may help turn them into further recognised civilian qualifications which may be of help to you in your civilian career.

Future Prospects

As well as keeping you fit and helping you make friends for life, being in a Territorial unit gives you a major advantage in an increasingly competitive job market. Employers recognise Territorial soldiers as motivated, highly responsible, well-rounded individuals who have made a commitment to learning new skills and taking part in demanding activities during their spare time. Even if you’re your skills are not directly transferable to civilian life, you will find that you gain confidence and pick up leadership skills that could be useful in the future.