Health Care Specialist/Combat Medic

The Health Care Specialist /Combat Medic (MOS 68W) is the primary Health Care representative for the United States Army both in a clinical and a tactical environment. The Healthcare Specialist in a clinic typically plays a vital role in patient care. They assess patients' medical histories, symptoms, and health conditions to determine appropriate care. They often work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and comprehensive treatments. In tactical/combat environments, they are responsible for providing emergency medical treatment at the point of wounding on the battlefield, limited primary care, and health protection and evacuation from the point of injury to a central medical facility.

Why the U.S. Army : 

• Professional Growth : Engage in continued learning, training, and career advancement opportunities. 
• Diverse Opportunities : From combat medic specialists to medical officers, choose a role that fits your passion and expertise. 
• Community : Join a tight-knit community prioritizing camaraderie, service, and mutual support. 

Job Duties  

• Diagnosis: Healthcare specialists, such as nurse practitioners or physician assistants, can diagnose common illnesses and conditions.
• Monitoring: They monitor patients' progress, adjust treatment plans as necessary, and educate patients on managing their health conditions. 
• Preventive Care: Promoting wellness and preventive care by conducting routine check-ups, vaccinations, and health screenings. 
• Follow-up: Scheduling and conducting follow-up appointments to track patient progress and adjust treatment plans as needed. 
• Patient Education: They provide patients with information about their conditions, medications, and lifestyle changes to improve their health and instruct soldiers on Combat Life Savers/First Responder procedures. 
• Treatment Planning: They develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, recommend therapies or interventions based on the patient's needs, and manage the Soldier's medical readiness, medical supplies, and equipment.
• GI Bill Scholarship (4 years of full-time tuition, Books, and living expenses)
• Tuition Assistance Grant = $4,500 Annually (Recharges Each Year)
• Student Loan Repayment Program ($65,000 of your current/ outstanding loan debt.) 

Additional Benefits and Entitlements:

Housing & Lodging

Soldiers in this position receive additional compensation $$ for Housing/ Lodging Costs for themselves and immediate family members in addition to their salary. This entitlement is referred to as basic Allowance for Housing). Rates for these entitlements can be found at

Premium Healthcare Benefits: 

• TRICARE Health Plan : As a member of the U.S. Army, you and your family can be covered under the TRICARE Health Plan – a top-tier healthcare program that provides medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage. 
• No-Cost Healthcare : Active-duty members receive medical and dental care at no cost. Your family can also receive healthcare services at military or civilian facilities through TRICARE at little or no cost. 
• Comprehensive Dental Care : Receive annual dental check-ups, cleanings, and treatments. 
• Vision Coverage : Coverage includes routine eye examinations and potential discounts on eyewear or corrective surgery. 
• Health & Wellness Programs : Engage in preventive health programs, counseling services, fitness resources, and more to ensure you remain in the best of health. 
• Maternity and Paternity Benefits : Expectant mothers receive comprehensive prenatal, labor, and postnatal care. New parents are also entitled to maternity and paternity leave. 
• Long-term Care : Access to resources and programs that assist with long-term health needs or disabilities. 
• Mental Health Services : Prioritizing the mental well-being of our service members, the U.S. Army offers counseling, therapy, and other mental health resources. 
• Specialized Medical Training : Depending on your role, you may receive specialized medical training, ensuring you have the skills to treat and manage various health situations. 

Education Benefits 

In the Army, qualified students ( Soldiers and their Spouses) can earn full tuition, including merit-based scholarships and grants to pursue higher education degrees while in service. In addition to this benefit, Soldiers qualify for:

• GI Bill Scholarship (4 years of full-time tuition, Books, and living expenses)
• Tuition Assistance Grant = $4,500 Annually (Recharges Each Year)
• Student Loan Repayment Program ($65,000 of your current/ outstanding loan debt.) 

Learn more about education benefits .

VA Home Loan: 

Veterans Administration Home Loan Program helps Soldiers to become homeowners and, in many cases, first-time homeowners. This unique benefit enables Soldiers to purchase a home with competitive interest rates (often lower than the average national) without requiring a down payment or private mortgage insurance (PMI). The average national down payment on the purchase of a home is currently $18,000. 

You must serve at least 90 consecutive days on Active Duty to qualify for this benefit. In addition, you must meet your lender's credit score and income criteria. For more information about VA Home Loans, please visit Eligibility Requirements For VA Home Loan Programs | Veterans Affairs . 

The U.S. Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.