More than 200 years later, field medics are an integral part of almost any platoon that's likely to see combat. A combat medic in the U.S. Army is designated MOS 68W and undergoes 25 weeks of training -- 9 weeks in basic training plus 16 weeks of specialized training.

Do medics in the Army fight?

Yes, they do. While medics historically didn't carry weapons, today's combat medics are not only trained to fight, but are allowed to defend themselves if they come under attack, usually at short range and usually in response to a surprise attack while attending to or evacuating a wounded patient.

Do Army medics get combat training?

Complete Army basic and combat medic training

Once the Army accepts you as a combat medic, known as a 68W, you will complete two rounds of training. First, you will go through basic combat training, which lasts 10 weeks and ensures you are physically and mentally prepared to serve in the Army.