Does Anyone have advice on being assigned to a Combat Support Hospital?

2016-03-27T21:24:13-04:00

I'm going to PCS to a Combat Support Hospital in January of 2017. This will be my first experience in one. I know the force structure is vastly different than being in a BSB. I was looking for any advice on what to expect as a Sergeant First Class. Thanks in Advance

Response by SSG Jesse Cheadle made Mar 27 at 2016 9:37 PM

2016-03-27T21:37:27-04:00

As a SFC in a CSH, you are more in an administrative position. Receiving reports from your section/squad leaders and giving sitreps in command and staff meetings. Reviewing and revising SOP's. Inventory reports and regular layouts of any MES you are assigned. Supervising training and evaluating the capabilities of your medics. DO NOT sign for anything until you have seen the items in person. Nothing sucks more than being responsible for a whole lot of durables. It also depends on where you will be stationed and what position in the CSH you will be responsible for. Oh yeah, lets not forget the sensitive items reports on weapons and medication. Lastly your DNBI reports as requested by CoC.

Response by SFC Benjamin Harrison made Mar 27 at 2016 9:44 PM

2016-03-27T21:44:44-04:00

Which CSH will you be assigned to? I was the Career Counselor for the 31st CSH from 2012 through 2015.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 4:00 AM

2016-03-28T04:00:57-04:00

Can't tell you much about life as a SFC but I can tell you what to expect overall.

Most I've seen look to be detail bunnies. Medics shot aimless without a real purpose.
Training often falls to the side and most young medics I've encountered from a CSH are undertrained and unskilled.

Which is the main thing I would change if I was in a position to do so. The amount of training for medics (especially the duty station types that have never seen the line) and the overall value of of the training reenforced. Just recently on ft benning here I had to share a class with a grouping of CSH soldiers. Our MSTC site here is pretty high speed with the fancy items from Sam as training AIDS. From e3 to e6 out of the CSH they just didn't the class as if there was something to be gained.

Turn the coin over and it's time to apply skills we should all know and they failed. Most at least managed to pass the ft Sam standard... But in my eyes that's a failure.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Mar 28 at 2016 11:19 AM

2016-03-28T11:19:24-04:00

My last command was with 1st MEDBN, 1st FSSG (Camp Pendleton). Worked with the Navy Medical Service Corps more than I ever dreamed. I'll tell you this: Their mission was dynamically different (and as important): The made sick people better. Their officers and CPO's were much more focused on their rules & regulations. Don't get me wrong when I say this but, their focus sometime distracted from leadership & development --I got into a very animated argument over blankets (of all things). Military protocol took a back seat to patient management. Overall, it was a very laid back atmosphere. It drove me crazy until I realized that was just the way they had to be in order to focus on what was important to them. Be a chameleon and be ready to address things much more "diplomatically" than how things are done in line commands. My $.0.02.

Good luck, SFC Private RallyPoint Member!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 28 at 2016 1:47 PM

2016-03-28T13:47:09-04:00

Will you see more trauma?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 6:36 PM

2016-03-28T18:36:05-04:00

SFC I can't tell you about being in a CSH as a SNCO, but as a Soldier its definitely. As a Soldier in a CSH, it seemed like training was put to the side for the sake of certain requirements. Like every unit there are good and bad NCOs. It felt as most of my time spent in the CSH was inventories, messing with tents or other miscellaneous activities. It was very relaxed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 6:12 AM

2016-03-29T06:12:54-04:00

Mostly admin stuff that is about it until you go to the field.

Response by 1SG Paul DeStout made Mar 29 at 2016 5:59 PM

2016-03-29T17:59:03-04:00

I would try to get to S3. I know you are well versed on Point of Injury care to the BSB and the logistics behind it. The S3 will give you a better understanding of the regional medical command mission and medical activities on the CSH level and how it all ties together. This is information that you can use as a 1SG or Operations NCOIC. PSG is always good but they are right details, funeral detail is the norm. It's hard to build a team and train your Soldiers in this environment. I feel that you would get frustrated. Lastly, you need to sit down and look at your careers assignments and figure out what tools you need to be a 1SG/MSG. Do you need PSG time or Staff Time? If the answer is both then I would go S3. Regardless of where you end up, you will be a battlefield multiplier for the unit.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 6:19 PM

2016-03-29T18:19:25-04:00

It sucks, abort mission.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Mar 30 at 2016 12:01 PM

2016-03-30T12:01:35-04:00

As a SFC, you will likely be an NCOIC of a ward (wardmaster) if not at section NCOIC. As with most NCOIC positions, a good chunk of your responsibilities are going to be being the hand receipt holder for your section and dealing with supplies and equipment.

Response by SFC Siva Williams made Mar 31 at 2016 11:14 PM

2016-03-31T23:14:24-04:00

The good thing about medical units is that they are modular. Chances are you will end up in either Ops or somewhere in the EMT world. The EMT side of the house using many of the same SKOs you are used to seeing. You won't have to much of an adjustment as the CSH has the same challenges as a Charlie Med does. All that equipment and personnel without an associated mission. So you are going to have to figure out how to keep your Soldier's skills up to date and proficient. Which CSH are you going to?