5 things only medics can get away with
SUMMARY
Being a medic means you're going to work long hours and be a part of an incredible unit — probably. Like any occupation, after you learn the ropes, you'll start to spot loopholes. Eventually, you'll learn about the privileges that let you get away with things others can't. It's actually a talent to find and exploit these privileges, so take note. Check out five things only medics can get away with — usually. Keep in mind, you have to earn respect before pulling off most of these.
Here are 5 things only medics can get away with
1. Yelling at an officer if they try to make a medical call
We are 100% responsible for troops' health in our units.
Medics have to first earn the power to yell at an officer through respectable service. So, once you acquire it, only use it on special occasions — and if you start yelling, you better be right.
2. Giving your troops a day off
Typically, it's up to the primary care manager (or PCM) to decide whether to send a troop home for the day.
But, after working under the real doctor for a while, you may inherit the duty of determining medical treatment. This could mean issuing a "sick-in-quarters" slip, giving your buddy a much-earned day off.
3. Using the "silver-bullet" as a form of motivation
The "silver-bullet" is a slang term for getting your temperature checked via your rectum — it isn't pretty.
Waving the "silver-bullet" around is a special way docs can dissuade their brothers from falling out on crazy-long hikes. If you're waving that sucker around and you're not a medic... well, that's just weird.
4. Haircuts
This power is specific to "Greenside" Corpsmen, or the Navy docs who get stationed with the Marines.
The Navy typically has a more relaxed grooming standard than their Marine brothers, so we can get away with having slightly longer hair while standing in Monday morning formation — depending on your company first sergeant.
Although the BAS — or Battalion Aid Station — is located on a Marine base, it's run by the Navy.
5. "Ducking out" and heading back to the medical station
Sometimes, a medic's duty requires them to be at the medical station while the rest of the platoon is out doing some worthless field exercise, like "police calling." You might call it "ducking out," but we prefer to call it perfect timing.
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