r/TacticalMedicine • u/No_Capital_4867 • 20d ago

Planning & Preparation WPS III Paramedic

New to the contracting world and looking like I’m going to get this offer. Was wondering if anyone has experience in this line of work at one of the many embassies. What your role as the medic looks like, what gear you have access to, what the day to day looks like, and what the training prior to deployment looks like. PT test looks easy enough for my age group, 5 years in the 82nd 5 years in fire/ems. Thanks in advance.

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u/SaveTheTreasure 16d ago

https://www.reddit.com/r/TacticalMedicine/comments/1c0l6vt/psspara_wpsiii_job_offer_kasotc/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

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u/SaveTheTreasure 16d ago

If you're new to the contracting would it won't be a quick process. My clearance took about 18 Months, from Equip and SF-86, to a granted clearance. Then the WPS courses in Jordan take about 6 Months to get you a seat. So, from offer to Boots on Ground will be about 2 years.

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u/[deleted] 15d ago edited 15d ago

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u/SaveTheTreasure 15d ago

Yeah, Thats cool. I am a Medic, and mine took 18mo, then a 6mo wait for a seat in class.

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u/BillKitchen8137 9d ago

I originally went through WPPS/PSS II Medic in Moyock, NC. I spent a total of 13 years contracting after that. If you are only doing the WPS without the PSS, I've heard it is pretty easy now, and they will do some one-on-one coaching with the medics. Here's how our course was laid out:

The SF 86 is a crapshoot regarding its length; some go fast, and some go super slow. The investigator did come to my home and talk to my neighbors, but it went pretty quick for me.

For the drug test, if you are on any TRT, make sure to disclose it. Also, ensure your test levels and estradiol are in order, or you are DONE! No questions asked. They will also do a standard drug test; again, it's a pass or no-go.

Day 1 of training: During the PFT in the first hour, we lost half of our entire class. They were clear about this being a vetting process, not training. Next, we did a weapons qual. If you are on the PSS side, you have to pass the first time. Regular non-PSS students will get a second chance on the Glock and the M4. The 870 and M203 are pretty easy, and you'll probably get through these without much hassle today, as you likely won't even see them again until your next qual. Pre-2010, the PSS would regularly have 870s and M203s. Medics will get some additional coaching with the M249 and M240. You will qual with a tombstone Z target; just pray you get one with a barrel that is not completely burned out, or your cyclic rate will be way too high to get the three-round burst in each tombstone. The qual was where we lost another quarter of our class. If you are an asshat with your weapons discipline, you will be asked to leave the course.

After that, there's a lot of classroom training and walk-throughs, along with a bit of sim-round, force-on-force stuff. Once you are in this phase, it should be smooth sailing. We did have an 18D have an ND into one of the portables around day 30. He got the "chicken or beef" treatment. Do not go and get drunk or get in trouble during your class; we lost three or four guys for this.