Vanguard Magazine

24 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025 www.vanguardcanada.com F E AT U R E Both Combat Medics and Paramedics have exciting opportunities for advancement and leadership. Each profession offers a unique scope of practice and operates within complementary environments. cated implementation team working full- time on planning the rollout of this project for the last year. Many of the major changes have already taken place. For example, some former Medical Technicians and Medical Assis- tants have been transferred into either Combat Medic or Paramedic positions, and new training courses have already been developed, the first of which is expected to start in November 2025. The CAF has already enrolled some individuals directly into the new Combat Medic and Paramed- ic occupation. We expect the transition to these new occupations to be complete by early 2027. Q What does a "total force" training model entail? The "total force" training model refers to the idea of Regular Force and Reserve Force members having the same access to training opportunities. Previously, Reserve Force Medical Assistants were not trained to the same level as Regular Force Medical Technicians. Under the new structure, the Regular Force and Reserve Force members of both occupations receive the same train- ing. This allows for a lot more opportuni- ties for Reserve Force integration across the spectrum of CAF operations and cre- ates exciting and attractive career opportu- nities in the Reserve Force. Q Will these changes affect career progression or opportunities within the CAF? These changes will have a positive effect on career progression and opportunities for both occupations. From the very be- ginning, potential CAF applicants will have the ability to choose from two healthcare careers that are more clearly defined. This means that they can choose an employ- ment stream that aligns better with their interests and aspirations in the CAF. Additionally, Combat Medic entry stan- dards have been updated to make this a more accessible career for those without post-secondary education. Applicants can join as a Combat Medic after completing Grade 11. After they complete 90 days of training that involves Emergency Medical Responder certification, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and an additional top up of military medicine skills and knowledge, they can apply for CAF-sponsored educa- tion programs that would allow them to complete Primary Care Paramedic training and move into the Paramedic occupation if they have an interest in that field. Both Combat Medics and Paramedics have exciting opportunities for advance- ment and leadership. Each profession of- fers a unique scope of practice and oper- ates within complementary environments. These are two separate career paths, each with vital responsibilities and excellent prospects for professional growth and lead- ership development. Q Is there anything else you would like to add? As the operational landscape changes, the CAF must change as well to keep pace. With an eye to present and future operational re- quirements, it is important to be mindful of what is truly required to achieve the tasks leading to mission success across various types of operations. At the end of the day, all the previous tasks will continue to get done, but the CAF will have a better focus on who should be doing them and what training is needed to get them done successfully. Q What challenges might arise during the rollout and integration of these two new roles? One of the biggest challenges around any change is communication. As we roll out these new occupations, it is important to communicate differences in scopes of prac- tice and roles of these two occupations. Historically, a Medical Technician could be employed in any task on any operation, but planning will now have to account for the requirements of each task to ensure they align to the appropriate occupation. We have been communicating extensively both internally and externally about these changes. This is being done to help plan- ners and commanders understand these new occupations. For the most part, CAF members should not notice any difference in their day-to-day access to healthcare. Q What is the timeline and process for implementation? This project was launched June 30, 2025. Preparation work has been underway for the last five years, and we have had a dedi- Operation REASSURANCE: ROTO 15 Photo: DND

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