New TO weapon...

[tact.medic]

For a long time its been the handgun (M9) but I was just issued an M4 with ACOG and bayonet.... Here is a pic of me at Post Deployment training..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v188/1goldteg/QV_122007.jpg

[lima33doc]

I had heard from some Marine friends of mine that they were switching from the M9 to the M4, but I did not know that Docs were going to be switching to it as well. That is sweet. While it adds a little weight, I would rather carry an M4 than an M9 anyday.

[8404]

For me, I would want to carry both! The M4 looks sweet.

[psencik1950]

From most photos that I have seen most people have the pistol anyway. From my time in Vietnam, I know that the LT told me to give my 45 to the HM I was relieving. Besides not having one marks you as a "sniper check" as we called it. In the bush, no one wore collar devices. You knew who your officers, sgts, HMs. It didn't have to be advertised, again that shield is an inch or so. Something that set you apart.

Good to see ya back Tony.

Ben

[tact.medic]

From most photos that I have seen most people have the pistol anyway. From my time in Vietnam, I know that the LT told me to give my 45 to the HM I was relieving. Besides not having one marks you as a "sniper check" as we called it. In the bush, no one wore collar devices. You knew who your officers, sgts, HMs. It didn't have to be advertised, again that shield is an inch or so. Something that set you apart.

Good to see ya back Tony.

Ben

I agree, but i also think that if I carry a rifle it will help me blend in with the Marines, If I had a holster they might think I'm important (which I am) and become a target of oppurtunity ;)

[FreeholderDoc]

I've been stationed at a lotta places, and one of the most interesting was Natick (Mass) Labs, where prototype uniforms and carry-alls, webgear, suspenders, dog sleds, two and three-wheel carts, tricycles and so many things to get freight from here to there were invented, tested, tried under adverse conditions (there are all-weather chambers there, large as the inside of the space shuttle, that can make every kind of weather from sub-zero arctic with 80-knot winds to 130 f and raining 2 inches/hour, and more extreme even, I suppose.. . Yes indeed, everything except the sand-storm. 0h, some of this stuff was tried and found wanting, I am sure.
Anyway, the blend-in cammoflage was invented there, as was gortex and kelvar.

Old HMs carried medical supplies in a little shoulder bag called a Unit-One when I trudged along behind Marines. Now I understand a multi-pouch belt device has been introduced into the supply system and is available, as well as an easy-to-get-to backpacks with velcro sections on double-wide sling belts.

I would like some of the present old salts to tell me how current HMs pack their stuff now-a-days. I need to be brought up to date. What I am getting at is how does the HM pack all he might need and still keep a low profile. I mean how does he keep from being identified if he has to pack a lot of stuff?

Somebody tell me this, or show photos, and I will tell you the great-big difference between Hospital Corpsmen and Army medics, since I have been both. I spent 6 years in the 85th Evacuation Hospital before they were phased out, and we field tested the first temper tents of famous renown at Ft. Lee. VA.

\I have too much history and it keeps leaking out. I am old enough to have carried the M-14. :chat:

Freeholder

[tact.medic]

hey Freeholder, like you I too was Army (74 Field Hospital, & 343 CSH)

Now a days they have huge "aid" bags, most use the "Molly" system. What I did was use my assault pack (AKA day pack) that attaches to my ILBE pack. its small, light weight, and has a lower profile than the Molly type aid bag. Only problem is that it is not compartmentalized (sp?). i fix this by using zip bags and knowing where i place my stuff. If you know of anyone who would like for me or my people to test new bags, let me know. We ship out middle of next month for Iraq.

[bubba68]

I've gotta agree with tac medic on that one. my blackhawk stays in the vehicle and is used as a resupply/sick call bag. normally, i use my day pack (which i had my girlfriend sew hard core velcro into and use shaving kit pouches to keep my stuff in order) and a belly bag i got from north american rescue products for needle decon kits, rolled gauze, abd pads, kwik clot, and tk's. the day pack keeps my airway,meds, i.v., ent kit, steth/bp, and surg kit. it really keeps down on weight...plus, less of a profile means less of a target. i know alot of guys who wear ctb's (combat trauma bags) which are a good piece of kit. i also keep a blowout kit on my deuce gear. hope this helps brother!

[DocHayes]

About done with my deployment over here... Issued both an M16A4 and an M9. Remember your job is "Doc" first and foremost. If you ever have to "Corpsman Up" on anybody... the rifle gets in the way. There will be plenty of Marines around to put rounds down range and cover you if need be. If things get really close and personal, then the pistol is fine for CQB.

The M4 falls nicely inbetween. Small, compact, easily slung around the back if need... but remember your real weapons are the knowledge you have in your BHG, and the skills you apply.

[tact.medic]

update-

i just got issued an M9 too... so here goes-

M4 with ACOG and Bayonette
and an M9-

[8404]

You go tact:

Take all the weaponry you can get! oorah!

[dockorean]

i heard from a bunch of friends who got deployed on the MEU with 2/4 that they were supposed to get issued m4's, but the armories were short so they all got issued m16s. no one got issued m9's except officers

RCT 1 had the same story.....