joining 16 Close Support Medics as a Doctor??

[ak]

I'm currently studying to be a doc and will be joining the Army Medics when I qualify. As soon as I possibly can, I would then like to try and get into the 16 Close Support Medics. Does anyone out there know someone who has done this? I haven't found anybody so far who can help me. Any ideas would be really great.

Cheers.

[theparamancan]

Have you been in contact with Army Medical Services Officer Recruiting yet?

[ak]

thanks for the reply! I have just been for the aquaint visit and applied for the cadetship for the Medical Services. They've also given me a contact for the Para Recruit office, but I was really after someone's personal view on what it's like.

[ABI]

ak

Sorry mate, I thought you had posted here by mistake.

16 Close Support ! never heard of them. We used to have 23 Parachute Field Ambulance attached to us when I was in, don't know if they are still going as I think the army moved over to larger Med / Field hospital type units as part of a reorg. Check out the MOD website they should have better info.

Best of luck with your training.

[ABI]

ak

Took my own advice and went to have a butchers at the MOD site. Close Support Medics provide med support for 16 Air Assault Brigade. But then I assume you already knew that !!

My how times change

[Twenty One]

AK, May I suggest that if you live near a Para Territorial Unit give them a call and ask to be put in touch with their Unit Medical Officer,who would put you on the right track with your potential career.

[ak]

ABI & Twenty One,

Thanks for your help!

The recruit officer has been very helpful. He got me contact details for someone who's in at the moment. I have to say that I really can't wait to (hopefully!) become a Maroon Beret! Sadly, it's still going to be three years before I'm medically qualified enough to join. Gives me plenty of time to train!

Cheers,
Ak

[ABI]

If you have three years of your med training to go (and you can find the time) I'd advise joining 4 Para to get an idea of what to expect. They have centers in White City, Croydon, Leeds, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh. There used to be TA Med unit that was Para trained but they may have been swallowed up in one of the 'stategic reviews' the forces have been through.

[theparamancan]

The is still a TA med unit that supports us but I think its in Dundee

[tom konig]

I was at 16 as a GDMO over a year ago before going on to 7 para RHA as the RMO. In gemeral I and the other docs had a busy and enjoyable time. There were some mutterings of discontent ( norm for everywhere, I imagine). We rarely practised any medicine which for some was a downside. The majority of our medical work was on ops, DZ covers, exercises and deployments. Be prepared to have your kit packed and ready all the time, be flexible and most of all retain a sense of humour. Some say 16 is the locum service for the army. Great emphasis is put on attempting P-company and getting your wings. Some never get the chance due to deployments. Life as a RMO at 7 RHA was much more fulfilling socially and medically.
I would recommend trying to get your wings beforehand by joining a TA Para unit or 144 TA medics (one unit in London). This will certainly help Glasgow when they decide where you're to go after your stint on the vicars and tarts course at RMAS.
After the current deployment to the Gulf and the level of discontent in the DMS, the TA may be a better option altogether and if you were to stay at 144 you would remain 'maroon' for longer.
e.mail me for more advice
Tom

[ak]

Thanks Tom,

Please check your PM.

Ak