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

Being a Special Forces Medical Sergeant is very physically demanding. Good eyesight and physical conditioning are required to reach mission objectives via air, land or water. All Special Forces Medical Sergeants are required to be qualified parachutists. Most are also qualified Military Free Fall (HALO) parachutists and combat divers.

To serve in the Guard, you must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identifies which Army National Guard job is 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 being trained in many forms of combat. Training for Special Forces Medical Sergeants consists of 98 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

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Minimum score of 50 on the ASVAB with an absolute minimum General Technical (GT) line score of 110.

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

WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
180A Special Forces Warrant Officer

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
As a Special Forces Medical Sergeant, you’re trained to defend against dangerous forces. You will also receive valuable training in the field of medicine.

The skills you acquire as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant will most certainly prepare you for a career in medicine, especially as an emergency medical technician. With additional medical training, you might consider a career as a physician assistant.