Boosting Fitness & Capabilities: Holloman Medics Excel in Medic-X Exercise
Boosting Medical Competence with Medic-X Training
At the Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, the 49th Medical Group has taken medical training to new heights with the introduction of a revolutionary field exercise, Medic-X. This realistic training day took place on 16th July 2025 and focused on tactics and medical practices crucial to combat situations. In total, 16 different stations were created with subsets, each focusing on various areas, including spinal immobilization, infection control, and post-mortem protocol. Check out more about this innovative training method here.
The Need for Versatile Medics
According to U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jason Estrada, the senior enlisted leader of the 49th MDG, the modern medic must be versatile and able to respond to a variety of situations. This mindset shift has resulted in the creation of the Medic-X exercises and other hands-on training methods designed to enhance the skills of medics and better equip them to support warfighters. The Air Force is a crucial part of the Department of Defense, and the flip side to its lethal potential is the requisite medical skill needed to keep the warfighters operational.
Adapting to Stressful Environments
The Medic-X training exercises aim to prepare medics for austere and potentially stressful environments that contrast with the tranquility of clinical settings like those at Holloman. The goal is to ensure that medics can still perform even under pressure. U.S. Air Force Capt. Natasha Lindbloom, the 49th MDG education and training flight commander, emphasizes the importance of this high-pressure training, stating that even simple tasks can become challenging in stressful conditions.
Training for Real-World Scenarios
Chief Master Sgt. Jason Estrada, 49th MDG senior enlisted leader, notes that although it’s impossible to replicate a battlefield environment in training, they can simulate situations where medics need to make pressure-induced decisions and apply critical thinking. The objective is to create an environment that triggers the medics’ training response, enabling them to build the muscle memory needed for real-world scenarios.
Constant Improvement: The Medic-X Way
Medic-X training exercises are not new to the medical personnel. The concept rolled out across the enterprise two years ago, providing quarterly training objectives to all Defense Health Agency members. However, due to the ever-changing global environment and nature of future warfare, it’s essential for the 49th MDG to stay ahead of the curve. As a result, they are continually improving their training methods to ensure their personnel can perform
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