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Independent Duty Corpsmen Celebrate Graduation from Surface Warfare Medical Institution
Story Number: NNS130611-14
6/11/2013

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joe Bishop, Naval Medical Center San Diego Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Independent Duty Corpsmen (IDC) graduated from Surface Warfare Medical Institution (SWMI) at Naval Medical Center, San Diego with a keynote speech by the 37th Surgeon General of the Navy and Chief of the Navy's Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, June 7.

Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan spoke to the class and among the family members and fellow Sailors, Nathan emphasized the importance of their abilities.

"We bring concentrated medical training in the form of an independent duty corpsman," said Nathan.

IDC's are trained to function independent of medical officers. They work in a wide range of medical environments that include: advanced diving medicine, advanced patient care, medical administration and environmental/occupational health.

Additionally, IDCs are trained in logistical duties, which allow them to function effectively when operating independently of medical officers. The IDC program also provides an IDC refresher course and the Surface Force Medical Indoctrination Course (SFMIC).

"The IDC is just an absolutely critical element of what we do in the Navy operating forces," said Nathan.

Various platforms in which IDC's can be found include: diving commands, ships, Fleet Marine Force (FMF), submarines, special operation commands, Seabees and also various shore activities related to the Navy and Marine Corps.

IDCs are typically considered specialists for medical support obligations due to the dynamic operational flow and tasking they handle in assisting other elements of the Department of Defense.

SWMI offers a number of courses to medical professionals that educate Sailors on how to offer the best care to Sailors and Marines, who depend on their services. The Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsmen class is a yearlong course.

The IDC graduates are trained and prepared to work in various locations and under a myriad of circumstances.

"We put these men and women in some of the most remote and isolated platforms at sea and on land around the world," said Nathan. "They perform a critical function and they really are the tip of the spear."

For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacensandiego/.