I have a specific dream of becoming a combat medic. I heard certain colleges in the US have excellent military programs, specifically for this. Can anyone help?
Sure, I'd be glad to help. If you're looking to become a combat medic, there are a few routes you might consider.
Firstly, you could attend a military academy, such as the United States Military Academy (West Point), the United States Naval Academy, or the United States Air Force Academy. However, these schools primarily train commissioned officers, and in the Army, combat medics are usually enlisted personnel.
You might also consider attending a university with a strong ROTC program as an alternative. When you graduate and commission as an officer, you can request to be in the medical branch.
However, if you really want to become a combat medic (a 68W Healthcare Specialist in the Army), the normal path for that is to enlist in the military right out of high school, go to Basic Combat Training followed by Advanced Individual Training for the specific MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) of 68W.
If you're determined to get a four-year degree before enlisting, Pre-Med or Biology degrees might help prepare you for the medical aspect of being a combat medic, but there aren't any specific universities that would prepare you better than others for the role. You can choose any accredited university for your degree.
Remember, military enlistment and categorization aren't heavily influenced by your undergraduate institution. Instead, they're based on your ASVAB scores, availability of roles, and successful completion of Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training.
Keep in mind, this is general advice and the exact path can vary, so it's a good idea to reach out to a local recruiter or a current military medic for further advice about your specific situation.
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