What the Course Entails and Exam Details

Field Craft 2 transitions the student from basic life support in a controlled classroom to advanced tactical healthcare in simulated combat scenarios.

The curriculum focuses on the concept of "good medicine in bad places," heavily emphasizing Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) protocols.

Key domains covered in the course, and reflected on the exam, include:

• Advanced Trauma Management: Mastering MARCH-PAWS protocols (Massive Hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, Hypothermia, Pain, Antibiotics, Wounds, Splinting).

• Tactical Application: Executing Care Under Fire (CUF) and Tactical Field Care (TFC) phases while remaining tactically proficient.

• Advanced Airway Management: Surgical cricothyroidotomy and supraglottic airway insertion.

• Hemorrhage Control Mastery: Expert application of varied tourniquets, junctional tourniquets, and hemostatic dressings.

• Respiration: Advanced thoracic trauma care, including needle chest decompression and chest seal application.

• Circulation: Intravenous (IV) and Intraosseous (IO) access, fluid resuscitation, and shock management.

• MEDEVAC Procedures: Proper documentation (DD Form 1380), generating 9-Line MEDEVAC requests, and MIST reports.

What to Expect in the Final Exam

The Combat Medic 68W Field Craft 2 Final Exam is a multi-modal assessment divided into two primary parts: a written component and a practical, scenario-based component, often referred to as "the lanes."

Written Examination:

• Format: Multiple-choice questions.

• Content: Tests theoretical knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology of trauma, pharmacology, TCCC guidelines, and administrative procedures (e.g., MEDEVAC).

• Time Limit: Students are typically given a strict time limit, ranging from 60 to 90 minutes.

• Passing Score: Students generally must achieve a minimum score of 70% or 80%, depending on the current Program of Instruction (POI).

Practical Examination (Scenario Lanes):

• Format: Dynamic, hands-on, simulated combat casualty scenarios.

• Testing Method: Students are given a mission, put on their full tactical gear, and must navigate a scenario (e.g., an ambush or IED blast). They must locate, treat, and evacuate casualties while simultaneously addressing tactical threats. Evaluators watch every move using a standardized rubric.

• Passing Requirements: You must perform all "Critical" tasks correctly and pass the scenario within the designated time limit. Failure to manage a life threat (like a missed tourniquet application or dropping a critical piece of gear) can result in an immediate "Critical Failure."

How to Study and Exam Centers

Preparation for the Field Craft 2 exam requires a balanced approach of mental and physical study.

Actionable Study Strategies:

1. Utilize Practice Exams: This Practice Exam is your best diagnostic tool. Use it to identify specific MARCH domains where you are weak and focus your study time there.

2. Mnemonic Mastery: You must be able to recite MARCH-PAWS, AVPU, and the 9-Line lines forward and backward without hesitation. In high-stress practicals, your brain will go blank, and you will rely on these mental scaffolds.

3. Physical "Tackle the Lane" Practice: Do not just read about treatments—do them. If you have access to medical trainers, practice every skill (IVs, tourniquets, airway adjuncts) until they are muscle memory. Dress in your full gear (IOTV, helmet) to simulate the physical burden.

4. Active Recall Group Study: Study with battle buddies. Take turns acting as the casualty and the medic. Drill each other with scenario questions (e.g., "You have a casualty with no pulse and no respirations after an IED blast. What do you do?").

Exam Centers:

Unlike civilian certifications like the NREMT, the 68W Field Craft 2 Exam is a mandatory military internal component of your Advanced Individual Training (AIT).

It is not administered at commercial centers like Pearson VUE.

The only place to take this exam is at the Department of Combat Medic Training (DCMT) facilities, located specifically at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)-Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Job Opportunities from the Course

Successfully passing Field Craft 2 and completing the 68W course makes you an official US Army Combat Medic Specialist.

This designation is recognized worldwide and opens several prestigious career paths within the military, while your NREMT certification (acquired prior to FC2) opens civilian doors.

Military Career Paths (MOS 68W):

• Line Medic: Assigned to an Infantry, Armor, or Cavalry platoon, living and training alongside combat troops as their primary healthcare provider.

• Evacuation Medic: Responsible for patient care during transport via ambulance or medical vehicle.

• Hospital or Clinic Medic: Providing inpatient or outpatient care within a Military Treatment Facility (MTF) or Troop Medical Clinic (TMC).

• Flight Medic (with further schooling): Serving aboard MEDEVAC helicopters to provide critical care during transport (Requires 68WF2 training).

• Special Operations Combat Medic (SOCM/18D - with highly selective further training): Medics who support elite special operations forces (e.g., Rangers, Green Berets, SEALs).