Who is a "Combat Medic"?

The somewhat difficult handling of this term

The handling of the term "Combat Medic" is somewhat difficult. The designation appears repeatedly. Carsten from the Capsarius Academy has now taken the trouble to examine this term more closely, ultimately to determine who can rightfully call themselves a "Combat Medic."

Just by the choice of words, it is quickly evident that this term "Combat Medic" comes from the American English lexicon. So my first look was into the training landscape of the American Armed Forces.

The Americans started it

For many years, they have already divided the soldiers of the Medical Services (Medical Personnel) and those of the combat troops with advanced first aid capabilities, beyond self and buddy aid. Initially found only in the spectrum of special forces, for example, the Special Forces (trauma specialist/special operations forces combat medics), this additional qualification, known as Combat Life Saver (CLS), was also offered to other combat units. The CLS is now a standard part of the medical additional qualifications in the US Armed Forces, applicable to all branches of the military.

So, here is where the term COMBAT MEDICS first appeared. A non-medical professional with medical knowledge beyond self and buddy aid.

The Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) has also maintained a distinction between the Medical Services and the battalion level medical services of combat units since its inception. This meant that especially in the Army combat units, there was a separate medical service at the battalion level. Medical service personnel were assigned to their combat companies in a color ratio. They trained together and knew each other.

German medics in combat units

The medics operated at the company command level and were familiar with the tactical matters of the respective units. With the establishment of the Central Medical Service, this interaction was significantly altered to the extent that medics assigned to combat units had no understanding of their standard procedures.

Only the special forces, especially the Airborne Troops, retained the old approach. The airborne medical units provided medical aid to the paratrooper units. They knew each other.

With the introduction of the revised first aid training for non-medical personnel, the Bravo Combat First Aider, a model comparable to the CLS, was created. The Army's special forces as well as the Navy had previously established the Combat First Responder (CFR) to have specially trained personnel with combat units. Again, the CFRs were not medics.

Bravo Combat First Aider in Afghanistan and Mali

In deployments, especially in Afghanistan and currently in Mali, these Bravo Combat First Aiders or Combat First Responders play a significant role in providing care to the wounded. They greatly enhance the rescue chain in the operational areas and contribute to improving the care of the wounded.

So, the Bundeswehr has also implemented its COMBAT MEDICS. Even though it has always struggled with the term "Medics." The official term is still that of non-medical personnel, but many already refer to them as Medics in everyday army life, often with praise and respect.

In operational areas, this term "Medics" is often used, especially in international parlance, to refer to COMBAT MEDICS.

We at Capsarius Academy are certainly very proud of the achievements of Combat Medics and have created a very special patch for you. 

Show what you are, wear this patch with dignity. HERE in the shop on the CAPSARIUS website.

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