So I am 25 years old and have been working as a Firefighter Paramedic for ~4 1/2 years, and am now considering going for the Reserves or National Guard. Looking to go through their Medic training as combat medic/corpsman whatever the equivalent is. Looking for advice or pro's and con's from anyone who has been there done that or alternative suggestions. BTW I am single, own my own home, and military pay is not much of an issue as the Dept more or less compensates any differences.

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I'm a 68W... Healthcare Specialist (The kinder, gentler Army's term for a combat medic). Shoot me an IM with any questions you may have, It's rewarding work and as long as your guys stay otta the way of lead and fire, fairly cushy as far as field jobs go.

AIT (training for your MOS) is at Ft Sam Houston, (San Antonio) Texas. It's about 2 months of EMT-B and 2 months of ninja medic stuff. With a current Natl' Registry EMT-P you will, of course, skip the EMT-B portion significantly reducing your time there.

If I were you, I would look at the Army Physicians Asst.  program... they need 'em. With your skill level and experience as a 'P', I see you doing much more good in the advanced areas.

Most soldiers, at least in the Army, are 'combat lifesaver' trained. This is basically intermediate first aid and administration of saline, ringers, and hextend  (I'm still not convinced that giving volume expanders to every joe is a great idea, but what do I know?)

Anyway, my final thoughts are: Go to PA school if you decide to join up.

EDIT: REGARDLESS OF WHAT A RECRUITER PROMISES YOU - GET IT IN WRITING. IF IT'S NOT IN YOUR CONTRACT, IT ISN'T GONNA HAPPEN.

sent you an IM

dont let him win! if you want to do it, do it.