What was it like to be a medic in Vietnam?

Medics were both different and similar to other soldiers Like other soldiers, combat medics were trained in fitness drills, firearms (unless they were conscientious objectors), and how not to get shot. Medical training lasted ten weeks and revolved around triaging battle wounds.

How many medics were killed in the Vietnam War?

More than 1,100 medics and 680 corpsmen were killed in action and many more were wounded during the Vietnam War. Fifteen Army medics and four Navy corpsmen received the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroic actions they performed in this conflict. Ten of these citations were awarded posthumously.

Did medics fight in Vietnam?

Medics and corpsmen on the battlefields of Vietnam were focused mainly on treatment and evacuation for wounded or injured troops. They resuscitated, stopped bleeding, managed pain, and whatever else was necessary to keep troops alive until they could be evacuated.

Why are M&Ms in Mres?

M&M’s in US army rations​ M&M’s was created in 1941 in Newark, New Jersey during World War II. The sugar-coated shells made the product ideal as a non-melt ration for American soldiers deployed overseas.

What is it like being a war medic?

Military medics are at high risk for burnout, compassion fatigue, combat stress, and Medic PTSD. PTSD is a cluster of symptoms that can occur following a traumatic event. The symptoms can include: reliving the event, avoiding situations that remind you of an event, feeling on edge, nightmares, or difficulty sleeping.

Did corpsman carry weapons in Vietnam?

Unlike their predecessors in previous wars, medics and corpsmen in Vietnam fought alongside their fellow soldiers and Marines — many carried rifles, sidearms, even hand grenades along with their medical kits.

Why do medics wear a Red Cross?

Traditionally, most United States medical personnel also wore a distinguishing red cross, to denote their protection as non-combatants under the Geneva Convention.

Are Soldiers allowed to shoot medics?

In Real Life war, medics are supposed to be special: The Laws and Customs of War, specifically the Geneva Convention, dictate that medical personnel are non-combatants and they’re not allowed to attack you; shooting one (or vice versa) is a serious war crime.

Why do medics carry M&Ms?

During the Vietnam War, he says, medics sometimes used M&Ms as placebos when they ran out of pain medication on the frontlines.

Were M&M’s created for the military?

M&Ms were inspired by rations given to soldiers during the Spanish Civil War. In 1932, after a falling out with his father and business partner, Forrest Mars Sr. of the Mars candy company moved to England, where he began manufacturing Mars bars for troops.

How hard is it to be a combat medic?

Becoming a combat medic requires the completion of 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training, as well as Advanced Individual Training, which takes 16 weeks to complete. Combat medics can expect to receive ongoing training throughout their enlistment.