The U.S. Army Combat Medic (68W) Sustainment Training Program is a 72-hour program-of-instruction focusing on continuing education (CE) and validation of skills in accordance with (IAW) 48-hours of Medical Education and Demonstration of Individual Competence (MEDIC). It addresses the knowledgeable precise administration of mission oriented critical tasks on which the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) of injured Soldiers depends.The philosophy of U.S. Army Combat Medic (68W) Sustainment Training Program is largely based on the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Emergency Medical Technician – Basic (EMT-B) skills set and IAW the most current TCCC Guidelines as prescribed by the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC).
To ensure utmost proficiency and preparedness, Soldiers with military occupational specialty (MOS) 68W (Health Care Specialist), regardless of additional skill identifier (ASI), demonstrate their medical skills ANNUALLY. This TC explains how commanders use the selected individual tasks and skill sheets addressed in this publication to develop, implement, and validate a training program to enhance and demonstrate the critical skills proficiency of these Soldier Medics. The tasks selected for training and testing address the three leading causes of preventable death on the battlefield: hemorrhage, tension pneumothorax, and airway problems. These are the critical life-saving skills indispensable at the point of wounding.