Posted on Aug 1, 2019
What can I expect as a 68W Instructor at Fort Sam?
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I am currently on PCS orders to fort Sam Houston as a 68w instructor. Anyone here currently an instructor or prior instructor at fort Sam? What's it like ? Did it help your career progression? How did you enjoy the duty assignment? What did you learn? I'm only a e5
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68W: Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
68W: Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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First off and most important, you'll be exspected to keep your junk in your pants. Seen to many Drill Sergeants and Instructors lose their stuff for being stupid. Now that we go that out of the way, Instructing Medics is a wonder rewarding thing. The person you train may save your life someday. You'll go to the instructor and get your instructor badge. You're pretty much a 9 to 5er. Us Drill Sergeants had them after that and on the first couple of weekends. You'll do fine. Lots to do in San Antonio. Judson school district is great if you have kids.
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SSG (Join to see)
Of course! I never understood why people would ruin their families and careers over something so trivial. That's a good way to put it. I never saw it that way. I don't really remember my instructors but they did reach me a lot. So all instructors get badges? I don't remember my instructors having them. I love San Antonio!!!
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SFC Michael D.
When I was there they did. I believe it's still going on with the badge. Very good luck to you.
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SSG (Join to see)
Nothing is longer than my hours on the line right now, but I can see how the people can find the hours long compared to their last duty station.
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SGT Hernandez,
I came off Instructor duty about 18 months ago. We had a few bad apples that did exactly as SFC Davila is speaking about. We had a saying there, "don't play with the puppies." If you can do that then you're already ahead of the game. Secondly, always have a battle buddy with you when you converse with one of the students. Be careful though as one allegation can alter your future. The hours are not nearly as long as those of the Drill Sergeants. Yes, Fort Sam transitioned away from PSGs and back to DSs. Best choice ever in my opinion. You will teach the Whiskey phase of AIT and you will do so 6 times a year until your tour is up. It is exciting at first, but for many it turns into Groundhog Day. I made it two years and asked for more responsibility (aka something different) and moved up the hill to AMEDDC&S. I am not sure if it will help my career progression... awaiting the MSG results at the end of this month... but for a SGT, it will certainly be a career enhancing move for you. You will have to learn everything you were taught at AIT and regurgitate it for the students. There is a POI that you will need to follow, so get ready for scripted teaching. You are definitely welcome to share any medical stories you have as long as it contributes to the topic at hand. Oh, every instructor goes through ABIC, or whatever it is called now. You will get your AMEDD Instructor Badge. It is not the Army Instructor Badge though. You have to be assessed in order to earn that. Not a bad piece of medal to earn while you are there. I think that sums it up. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
I came off Instructor duty about 18 months ago. We had a few bad apples that did exactly as SFC Davila is speaking about. We had a saying there, "don't play with the puppies." If you can do that then you're already ahead of the game. Secondly, always have a battle buddy with you when you converse with one of the students. Be careful though as one allegation can alter your future. The hours are not nearly as long as those of the Drill Sergeants. Yes, Fort Sam transitioned away from PSGs and back to DSs. Best choice ever in my opinion. You will teach the Whiskey phase of AIT and you will do so 6 times a year until your tour is up. It is exciting at first, but for many it turns into Groundhog Day. I made it two years and asked for more responsibility (aka something different) and moved up the hill to AMEDDC&S. I am not sure if it will help my career progression... awaiting the MSG results at the end of this month... but for a SGT, it will certainly be a career enhancing move for you. You will have to learn everything you were taught at AIT and regurgitate it for the students. There is a POI that you will need to follow, so get ready for scripted teaching. You are definitely welcome to share any medical stories you have as long as it contributes to the topic at hand. Oh, every instructor goes through ABIC, or whatever it is called now. You will get your AMEDD Instructor Badge. It is not the Army Instructor Badge though. You have to be assessed in order to earn that. Not a bad piece of medal to earn while you are there. I think that sums it up. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
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SSG (Join to see)
As far as ALC for me, do you think being in instructor will hinder me from going due to the nature of the position and timing? Also, may I walk on if someone else doesn't show up since I'm already on the same installation? I'm already promotable and right on the brink of being scheduled for ALC
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SFC (Join to see)
You will not be hindered at all attending ALC. Every time one of us was slotted for an NCOES school, they went and the other teams assisted by covering down if it was needed. The setup of each Whiskey Team is made so there are plenty of personnel to teach. Walk-ons to ALC is not typically acceptable unless the Commandant allows it. CSM Noguera was the Commandant when I was there and he allowed walk-ons.
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