Combat Medical Technician

Before you train to become a combat medical technician (CMT) you will do your phase 1 training, which is about learning to become a soldier (fieldcraft, weapon training etc…).

CMTs need to be able to look after their patients, and that means going where the soldiers go. You will be trained to use the same personal weapons as other soldiers, and yes you will also carry a weapon on exercises and operations. However the rules are slightly different, as a medic you are protected by the Geneva convention. This means that you have a protected status, but if you do engage in combat, then you loose that. So while you will go into combat, you do not take part in that combat in the sense that other soldiers do, but you will be expected to use a weapon to defend yourself or defend your patient.

Anybody who has a good general level of fitness will be absolutely fine. Basic training is about taking you from being fit to being Army fit.

You don’t need to arrive as a finished athlete. If you’re reasonably active and willing to put the effort in, you’ll improve quickly with training and support.

It’s similar to a normal working day, with gyms, food halls and social spaces available on camp.

Living on a base gives you a good balance of structure and normal day‑to‑day life. Your days usually have a routine, like training, work and meals, but there’s also plenty of time to relax. You live close to the people you work with, so there’s a strong sense of community. In the evenings or downtime, you might go to the gym, watch TV, play sport or just catch up with mates. Everything you need is close by, which makes settling in much easier.

Phase 1 training will gradually push your limits, both physically and mentally, and you learn a lot about what you’re capable of.

Basic training is where you learn the fundamentals of Army life, from fitness and discipline to teamwork and core soldiering skills. It’s challenging, but you’re supported every step of the way as you build confidence and resilience.