WARRIOR BASE, Republic of Korea -- In battle, Marines must have the utmost confidence in their U.S. Navy corpsmen who are charged with taking care of the wounded. At times, corpsmen may not be in a position to render necessary lifesaving aid, which emphasizes the need for Marines to learn these valuable skills.
Republic of Korea and U.S. Marines attended a combat lifesaver course March 3-7 at Warrior Base in the Republic of Korea.
The ROK Marines are with 1st Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Division. The U.S. Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.
During the five-day course, the students mastered various techniques in treating injuries.
“It’s a lot of information to take in,” said ROK Marine Pfc. Bryan H. Sung, an attendee and infantryman. “All of it is good to know in case of future incidents. As infantrymen, we don’t receive this kind of (in-depth) training, so I’m glad we’re getting this chance to learn it.”
The instructors provided lecture-style instruction and used practical application with medical supplies during simulated scenarios.
“The ROKs and U.S. Marines did a great job of working together through the scenarios,” said U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason J. Span, a course instructor and hospital corpsman with Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines. “Their activity showed me that they’ve retained what I’ve been teaching.”
Their newly acquired skills benefit the students both personally and professionally, according to Span, as they will be able to better take care of their fellow service members and loved ones outside their military life.
The final day of the course culminated with a 25-question written exam followed by a practical application test.
The course was successful in building the combat readiness of the Marines of both forces and boosting the trust between them, according to U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher R. Reed, an attendee and rifleman with H&S Company.
“I have full confidence in my foreign allies,” said Reed. “If I go down in battle and see one of them, they’ll be able to give me (proper treatment).”