FORT PICKETT, Va. –
The Fort Pickett-based Virginia Army National Guard Medical Command hosted combat medics from across the state for 68W sustainment training Oct. 20-24, 2025, at Fort Pickett, Virginia.
The course, typically held twice annually, incorporates classroom and practical training as well as evaluated simulated care in both medical and trauma-related scenarios. The sustainment course is necessary for the VNG’s combat medics to retain their 68W military occupational specialty, and must be completed every two years.
“The course ensures medics are up to date with current Army Medical practices,” explained Master Sgt. Dan Noel, MEDCOM’s senior medical readiness NCO. “This course also verifies that medics are competent in their skills for both trauma and medical scenarios.”
For official recertification, 68W Soldiers must successfully complete medical and trauma scenarios. The trauma scenarios are made realistic with the use of the Tactical Combat Casualty Care Exportable kit, or TC3X. The TC3X is a realistic, animatronic simulated trauma patient which can be remotely operated by an instructor, capable of bleeding, breathing and moving and providing the medic a realistic treatment experience.
The use of lifelike simulated patients helps keeps students engaged with the training, according to Noel.
“The most valuable part of training is when the students get to practice their hands-on skills that they may not have used frequently,” said Noel. “The use of advanced mannequins that can bleed, stop breathing, and thrash around has greatly helped with this training.”
More than a dozen Soldiers completed the training during the course, learning not only from instructors, but each other as well.
“MEDCOM’s goal is for students to walk away having learned something form the course, and go on to share that information with other medics in their unit,” said Noel. “There are also Soldiers that practice EMT on the civilian side and by networking, medics can learn additional skills from their peers.”
Part of that learning involves staying up to date with the latest advancements in the medical industry. Staying current in their training is vital for the organization and for any patient the medics might encounter in the future.
“Medics take their training seriously. They want to help their fellow Soldiers if the need arises,” said Noel. “The field of medicine is constantly changing. It’s important for medics to receive updated training so that they are knowledgeable about the most current medical practices.
Read more about Medical Command at https://vngpao.info/2p9yvd5k.