Medical Company 22nd Infantry training

1st Battalion 22nd Infantry

22nd Infantry - Medical Company 1950-1951

Training

TRAINING
Sfc. Andreas W. Andersen

The prelude to training in Medical Company, 22nd Infantry Regiment began shortly after the first of the year 1951.

This consisted of refresher training for the cadre for it was important that they be abreast of the latest teaching techniques
in order to be able to interest the new men. Among the subjects were: Anatomy and Physiology, First Aid, Technique
of Instruction and Map Reading.

The new men began to arrive after the first of the year, and in one week were enough to begin preliminary classes to accustom
the cadre to instructing before a large group.

Finally, 15 January, 1951 settled down to formal training. All of the new men had had their basic training in various training centers
througout the country. This meant that the bulk of the training had to be in the medical vein.

The medical trainees were taught the numerous ways to transport sick and wounded both in combat and emergency situations.
Everyone had a chance to practice evacuation proceedures.

The most complicated of the new subjects was Anatomy and Physiology taught by Lt.Mitchell. For the majority, this meant
learning medical jargon. They learned to call a collar bone a clavicle. Soon they had a good idea of the human body and how it worked.

Everyone will remember Capt. Kato's Emergency Care and this along with another one, First Aid, the treatment for shock,
hemorrhage, fractures, burns, etc. was stressed many times in order to make an indelible impression, so lasting, that each man
would act correctly by habit.

The break-down of the Medical Department was taught by Sfc. Luneack, with special emphasis on field units. This pertained
primarily to the sections of Medical Company, the latter included the line of evacuation from the perimeter to the ZI.

One subject few of the men could understand was Ward Management and Nursing Care. They could not comprehend an aid man
worrying about enemas and bed making. During the WM and NC course, the men learned to count pulses, read temperatures,
gauge blood pressure and employ sterile technique in their work.

Military subjects constantly were stressed, impressing upon the men that they were infantry medics. For their protection,
they were taught to move quietly and to avoid observation by the enemy They were told many times that a bullet could be
meant for them just as well as a rifleman.

Toward the end of this maze of new subjects came the bivouac. Each man went with his assigned rifle platoon into the woods
where he did the job that was given to him. Some went with a company of infantry, some with an aid station and some as litter men.
Everyone had a chance to see and to understand why they were being trained in such a manner back at the post. Each aid man
was with his rifle platoon on the range, on night marches and all tactical problems. They learned the pleasant fact that they were
the "Doc", the person to whom the men came with anything from blisters to personal problems. There was one night move
and the long march back to Harmony Church. The bivouac had fulfilled a worthy purpose by teaching the men to appreciate
the purpose behind the training they had received thus far. The men will always remember the classes on the now familier EMT.
The three types of field medical records were drilled into the men's minds time and time again. The necessity for security
was stressed; the importance of not leaving telltale evidence about after writing up an injured or wounded man. The men
were informed that a wounded man's records followed him through the entire channel of evacuation. It was mandatory,
therefore, that they be accurate in making entries relating to treatment given their patients, carelessness could mean
death for the casualty.

It was interesting to watch the awkward way in which most of the men applied complicated bandages for the first time.
With practice the men became skilled in the art of bandaging.

During the practical application of class room work, the men had a lot of fun trying to evacuate a man up and down a cliff.
Once, the rope broke, another time, Ramaley slipped out of a strap and was left dangling by his shoulders at the top of the cliff.
Evacuation across a stream by means of cable and winch also was practiced.
Stream beds were used to stress the use of cover and concealment.

Lt. Jacobs gave several classes on supply economy and logistics. But the men still had lame excuses to account for items
lost on bivouac. Signing of statements of charges caused them to take greater care of their equipment.
(Later in Germany they were to find that even tent pins could be critical items.)

The pay off came when all the men had to give each other shots. A field sterilizer was set up in the class room while the men
were lined up outside. Then they were paired off. Each had to give the other a 2cc injection of distilled water. The only thing
that apparently bothered them was the burning caused by the use of sterile distilled water instead of sterile normal saline solution.

Another subject that caused some consternation was Pharmacy taught by Sgt. Andersen. As with Anatomy and Physiology,
a new lingo had to be learned. Carbolic acid became phenol, aspirin became acetylsalisylic acid and cascara became
cascara sagrada. In order to recognize the drugs that came in the No. 2 chest and their personal medical aid kits,
they learned that each drug had a separate classification with respect to its action on the human body They were taught
that an aspirin was an analgesic, and that an analgesic allayed pain, that morphine was a hypnotic, because it induced sleep;
and that each laxative had its own classification. Poisons and antidotes were given along with Latin symbols for the writing of prescriptions.

Many men will long remember the first class in suturing which took place in the draw by the first company area. A piece of
bacon rind from the mess hall was used to simulate human skin. They found all the necessary instruments and sutures in their aid kits.
They will also recall Rope climbing, Confidence Course, Ft Benning, Ga. when they learned to handle a syringe and hypodermic needle
with forceps, and the reason for doing so. Both of these subjects gave quite a few men trouble, but now most of them are proficient.

Cpl. Weller gave a series of lectures on Atomic Energy and the action to follow in the event of an atomic attack.

A number of classes on Plasma were given by Sgts. Lannigan and A. Russell and each man had the opportunity of seeing
the dried human plasma mixed with sterile distilled water and of observing the precautions necessary to prevent contamination
during the mixing. They found the importance attached to the subject was due to the fact that in the field, sterile technique
must be followed as much as posssible. The plasma sets are made in such a manner to allow for this situation. The men
were also trained to administer to their patients as they were being evacuated by litter and litter jeep.

The primary prerequisite of a good soldier is a thorough knowledge of Military Courtesy. This subject has been on the
training schedule often and probably will continue in the future. Proper respect for the Flag, Officers, and Officers of
friendly nations was taught. The proper means of reporting to an officer for pay, etc. was continually stressed by Sgt. Long.

One subject most men liked was Tactics. They had an opportunity to use initiative. They gained more practice in evacuating
simulated wounded men from hill sides. The aid station was constantly being moved in the middle of the problems to afford
training in communication and control. Ex-combat men like Sgt. A. Russell, Sgt. Lannigan, Sfc. St. John, Sfc. Brown
and Sgt. Rowell were on hand to give men advice. The numerous hours of, scouting and patrolling were brought into play
by Sgt. Ingrum. They were taught ways and means of reaching a wounded doughboy under fire; and when there, how
to treat his wounds and get him to a safe area. The different methods of evacuation were utilized to bring the problems
to a successful conclusion.

Thorough training came temporarily to a close for it was time to move out for Camp Kilmer. But before anyone could go,
they had to undergo certain POM requirements. Among them were bringing their shot records up to date; qualifying on the
rifle range and transition course, close combat range and combat in towns.

The medics travelled on different trains. They were, once again, brought into close contact with the men
of various companys by holding sick call.

Training resumed when, with the exception of the 2nd platoon, which was at Schweinfurt, the 1st and 3rd platoons went
alternately with the infantry battalions into the field around Wildflecken on practical exercises. Here aid stations were set up
and the aid men lived, slept and ate with their platoons. In Schweinfurt, the 2nd platoon, under Lt. Mitchell, was holding
2nd Bn sick call under the guidance of Sgt. Rowell in the aid station. Later they had their turn on the mountain top at Wildflecken.
The first platoon moved to Schweinfurt.

The practical test of what the men had learned during training came when the entire
Medical Company went out on the first full scale problem; the RCT excercise with the 44th Fa Bn.

Each platoon operated with the battalion to which it was assigned. Collecting, of course, maintained its position with the
rear guard so that it might receive actual and simulated casualties. During this time, Sgt. Weinshal was cited by
General Harper for skillfully and properly evacuating a simulated casualty under simulated fire. Other men were,
either individually or collectively, cited for a very fine performance.

Within a few days after the entire company had moved to the new barracks at Schweinfurt's Ledward Barracks,
the training was resumed. This was the first time since the departure from Fort Benning that the entire company trained together.

A review of the old subjects was scheduled to enable the men to recall those subjects which they might have forgotten.
This type of training continued until the company embarked upon Exercise Combine.

It was on this problem that the men got a fairly good idea of a fullscale operation. Evacuations had to be made under
rigid circumstances. Men and units got lost during moves made under cover of darkness. The essentials, such as:
control, communication, local security and logistics were exercised. The men knew without further explanation being needed,
that these were vitally important. So important that, without them, men could very easily be killed, wounded, or captured.

After ten days of field training, the Company returned to Ledward Barracks for further garrison training.

A new system of classified subjects was introduced to relieve the men of the monotony of the old subjects.
In reality, however, the old subjects were merely revised to appear new.

Anatomy and Physiology was changed to Anatomy of Wounds. This course, taught by Sgt. Andersen, gave the men a chance
to review the subject, and, at the same time, a chance to learn more about wounds and their care.

A short course in Bacteriology was given by Cpl. Stevens to teach the men the different types of organic and tissue destruction
caused by specific organisms.

More plasma classes were given, this time on an advanced basis. The number of men gaining an opportunity to mix plasma
was increased. In order to better facilitate the proficiency of each man in plasma technique, classes in veni-puncture were
added. With the aid of Major Garanflo, the Dispensary nurse, three tables were set up with the sterile equipment necessary
to draw blood. The men were then paired off, drawing blood from each other. The men learned to fill out a laboratory slip
and each man's blood was sent to Wiirzburg for analysis. At the completion of this phase each man
was able to administer plasma alone.

There were some classes on proper scrubbing technique. Here they were taught the correct method of scrubbing for an
operation or any other type of sterile proceedure. From this the class progressed to the right way to don cap, mask,
sterile gown and sterile gloves.

A series of classes to acquaint the men on full fracture technique was introduced. This subject covered plaster casts as well
as splints. The men were able to see the actual application of plaster casts and splints. Later they had the opportunity,
themselves, to apply the plaster.

Further training in suturing was given; but this time the dummy was thin leather.

These latter classes all lead up to a simulated full scale operation. A mock appendectomy was carried out complete with patient,
suture nurse, surgeons, anesthetist, plasma, instruments; everything complete. A training aid to simulate skin, facia, muscle,
peritonium, caecum and appendix was placed on the patients abdomen. He was draped and Sgt. Andersen took them
through the operation, step by step.

The one thing that was lacking in the training at Benning was training films, this was alleviated shortly after arriving at Schweinfurt.

Films on every possible phase of medical training that were available were secured and shown. These pictures gave polish
to the already acquired subjects. The men were able to see the human body in operation by means of a series of Biological films.
Other films on combat and Korean war films rounded out this period of training.

Soon, most of these men that once came into the Medical Company as untrained medics will go home to the states,
fully qualified to serve their country in any emergency as experienced and fully qualified "men of mercy".
Some will remain in the Army, some will go into the active reserve, but the majority will resume their civilian status.
Wherever they go and whatever they do, we that remain behind are certain that they will continue on the same high standards
that they have set in Medical Company

The company is preparing to send more untrained men through the same sort of rigid and thorough training. It is the hope of all concerned
that they become as adept and confident as the ones that went before. They have a high goal at which to shoot.

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