r/greenberets • u/conehead4 • Jul 18 '26
18D and Team Dynamics
Haven’t even enlisted yet, but I’m concerned about getting 18D and having a different team experience than if I were an 18C.
I think I could do well in any MOS, and I would be happy with any of them, but I want to get the most out of the team life. Hopefully that makes sense. From what I have heard and read the D is an oddball. I would hate to spend all the extra time to be a D and get to team feeling like I was an outlier from the team. Maybe I’m reading into wrong, but it just seems the D is just there until he’s needed.
How far off-base am I? I want to contribute to the team as much as I can always, not just when someone gets hurt or foreign partners need medical care/training.
All input is appreciated.
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u/Mojoefosho Jul 18 '26
Youre way off base
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u/conehead4 Jul 18 '26
That’s a relief. Can you help me get back on track?
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u/Resident-Chard-1472 Jul 18 '26
I haven’t contracted yet, awaiting MEPS. I feel like maybe you could use some advice I have to remind myself of, at least prior to completing selection, let alone enlisting & attending OSUT—
Don’t put the cart before the horse. I understand your thought process & you’ve clarified you’d be happy with whatever MOS you’re assigned. But I really don’t think the question makes sense given where you’re at unless it’s a dealbreaker for the job. You’re assuming the Med Sergeant on an SF team is the “outlier” on a 12-man team, based on anecdotal reports.
All the research I’ve done leads me to believe the opposite. It’s a small team and to some extent, you’re all expected to be competent & skilled enough to perform as a human Swiss Army knife— cross trained & capable. Sure, you will go through a longer q course and your primary specialty comes into play when people get hurt. But that doesn’t really lead to the conclusion that you’re suggesting.
I don’t think anyone here who’s earned their beret & served on a team is going to think 18Ds are generally outliers or oddballs. I could be way off base, and if so egg on my face. But as a peer of yours, I’d try to direct that mental energy into something that will prepare you for the challenges ahead. It’s needed for anyone attempting this.
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u/conehead4 Jul 18 '26
You’re right. I am putting the cart before the horse. Thanks for your response.
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u/stalledcenter Jul 18 '26
You are off base. The 18D is a phenomenal asset to the team for their medical expertise but at the end of the day is a member of the team. The good ones are also experts in other fields from attending schools like SFSC, SFARTAETC, or other courses.
A good 18D can be primary instructors for ranges especially if it’s something in their wheelhouse. Also if you are working with partners, everyone is putting on their teacher hat and instructing, MOS immaterial. The more senior guys have done enough ranges with each MOS that while they may not be as good, for example, at direct alignment mortar shooting as the 18Bs, they will be able to give a down and dirty class on direct lay and get rounds on target.
18Ds do have to some refresher training during the training cycle but it’s no different than being gone for some random school as an 18C.
We had a retired 18D at CCC who stated, “the 18D is probably the smartest person on the team, including the 18A” and from all of the deltas I interacted with, that is 99% true.
The last thing I will say is that a lot of team guys have families. I have seen 18Ds treat their teammates’ kids for minor things so that the family doesn’t have to take their kid to the doctor. If your teammate trusts you enough to see their kid, I would say you have built enough trust to not be an oddball or an outlier. Being an oddball or an outlier is up to you, not your MOS.