The Army's healthcare force. From combat medics treating casualties under fire to surgical techs, nurses, and laboratory specialists — 68-Series soldiers keep the force alive and fighting on every front.
The 68-Series is the Army's largest career field. From the iconic Combat Medic to operating room specialists, practical nurses, and senior medical NCOs, AMEDD enlisted soldiers deliver healthcare across the full spectrum of military operations.
The healers of the battlefield. Combat Medics provide emergency treatment, trauma care, and primary healthcare to Soldiers.
Advanced patient care and support in all medical environments. Nursing Specialists administer medications and perform clinical procedures.
Specialists assist in complex surgical procedures, ensuring the sterile field is maintained and preparing surgical instruments.
Specialists assist in dental procedures and maintain the dental health of the force.
Specialists perform advanced laboratory tests to identify diseases and monitor the health of the force.
The food safety and animal care experts. Specialists inspect food supplies and assist in the treatment of military animals.
Top-tier leadership in Army Medicine. Senior NCOs responsible for large medical formations.
Junior enlisted medical soldiers begin their career providing direct patient care or clinical support under supervision. 68Ws deploy with line units as platoon medics, while other specialties work in clinics, labs, and hospitals. Promotion to SPC/E-4 typically occurs within 2-3 years and brings increased clinical autonomy.
This is the time to earn additional certifications, pursue advanced medical schools, and build the clinical foundation for NCO leadership. Medical MOS soldiers have access to some of the Army's best continuing education opportunities.
Medical NCOs lead clinical teams and manage patient care operations. Sergeants (E-5) serve as senior medics, shift leaders, or clinic supervisors, while Staff Sergeants (E-6) manage sections and mentor junior medical soldiers. This is where medical leaders are forged — balancing clinical excellence with soldier development.
Completion of BLC is required for E-5, and ALC for E-6. The Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) is the premier recognition for medical NCOs and significantly improves promotion potential.
Senior medical NCOs represent the most experienced clinical and administrative leaders in Army Medicine. Sergeants First Class (E-7) serve as clinic NCOICs and medical platoon sergeants, Master Sergeants/First Sergeants (E-8) lead at company and hospital section level, and Sergeants Major/Command Sergeants Major (E-9) serve at battalion, brigade, and medical center level.
These positions are board-selected and require a proven record of clinical leadership, advanced school completion, and top-block evaluations across both garrison and deployed medical operations.
The Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) is the premier commissioning pathway for enlisted medical soldiers. IPAP is a 29-month program at Fort Sam Houston that produces Physician Assistants with a master's degree and officer commission. Applicants must be active-duty enlisted with strong clinical experience and prerequisite coursework.
IPAP graduates serve as PA-Cs across the military healthcare system, providing primary care, emergency medicine, and surgical support. Former enlisted medics who complete IPAP bring invaluable clinical experience that sets them apart from their peers.
| Installation | Location | Facility / Unit | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Sam Houston | TX | METC / Brooke AMC / BAMC | TRADOC / MTF |
| Fort Liberty | NC | Womack AMC / 82nd Airborne | FORSCOM |
| Fort Campbell | KY/TN | Blanchfield ACH / 101st Airborne | FORSCOM |
| Fort Carson | CO | Evans ACH / 4th Infantry Division | FORSCOM |
| JBLM (Madigan AMC) | WA | Madigan Army Medical Center | Medical Center |
| Walter Reed NMMC | MD | Walter Reed National Military Medical Center | Medical Center |
| Tripler AMC | HI | Tripler Army Medical Center | Pacific |
| Landstuhl RMC | Germany | Landstuhl Regional Medical Center | OCONUS |
Medical soldiers serve at every Army installation worldwide. 68-Series MOS holders are assigned to line units, military treatment facilities, combat support hospitals, and medical centers across CONUS and OCONUS.
The Army's largest career field. From forward aid stations on the battlefield to world-class military hospitals, medical soldiers are always there when it matters most.
Explore Training Courses68W is the most widely assigned MOS in the Army. 16 weeks at Fort Sam Houston earns you EMT-B certification and the skills to save lives under fire. Every unit needs a medic — you'll never lack for purpose.
68W AIT includes NREMT-B certification as part of the course. You'll graduate with a nationally recognized EMT credential that translates directly to civilian emergency medical services.
Flight Medic qualification opens the door to aeromedical evacuation on Black Hawks and Chinooks. It requires paramedic certification and critical care training — the pinnacle of tactical medicine.
68C Practical Nursing AIT is 52 weeks — the longest in the 68-Series. You'll graduate as a Licensed Practical Nurse with LPN credentials and extensive clinical rotation experience.
Special Operations Combat Medic (SOCM) training at Fort Liberty produces tactical medicine experts for SOF units. It's significantly harder than standard 68W AIT and requires SOF selection first.
The 68-Series offers the strongest civilian career translation in the Army. Medics become paramedics, nurses, PAs, and healthcare administrators. Your military certifications transfer directly.
The 68-Series is the Army's largest and most diverse career field, offering nationally recognized healthcare certifications, strong civilian career translation, and the honor of keeping soldiers alive. Whether you want to treat casualties under fire as a Combat Medic or pursue a PA degree through IPAP, Army Medicine has a path for you.
Start Medical Prep"To Conserve Fighting Strength"
The motto of the Army Medical Department —
a commitment to every soldier's life,
on every battlefield,
in every hospital and aid station,
wherever the Army goes.
The medic's sacred duty:
preserve the force, save the fallen,
and never leave a soldier behind.To Conserve Fighting Strength