By Sgt. 1st Class Scott D. Longstreet, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office

PINEVILLE, La. – Combat medic specialists, also known as 68Ws, from the Louisiana National Guard completed 68W sustainment training at Camp Beauregard in Pineville, Louisiana, Aug. 5-14, 2026.

The course brought together Louisiana National Guard medics and U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers who required recertification to maintain their credentials. Without completing the training, participants risked losing their 68W combat medic certification.

The two-week course consisted of three required components: emergency medical technician, basic life support and military occupational specialty recertification.

Some Soldiers are not medics in their civilian careers but said the training provided benefits that extend beyond their military duties.

“I work in drywall and finishing,” said Pfc. Jose De La Rosa, 355th Medical Company Area Support, 75th Combat Support Hospital, U.S. Army Reserve. “I chose to be a medic because I wanted to help heal people,” De La Rosa said. “The trainers and instructors during this course have vast knowledge and took the time to help me when I needed it.”

Instruction included 72 hours of prehospital trauma life support, psychological trauma in emergency medical services patients, and a one-day Basic Life Support and cardiopulmonary resuscitation course.

The course concluded with a comprehensive skills certification that combined techniques taught throughout the training.

“The course allowed me to recognize my faults and improve on them,” De La Rosa said. “It even helped reintroduce some forgotten or neglected information that I needed to focus on and improve upon as well.”

De La Rosa has been a combat medic for two and a half years with the Bossier City-based 355th MCAS.

The Louisiana National Guard typically conducts two 68W sustainment courses each year. Medics are required to complete recertification every two years to maintain their qualifications.