See full version: Army Job: MOS 68X Mental Health Specialist
For other soldiers, the stresses of combat may exacerbate existing mental health concerns. In any event, it's the job of MOS 68X to ensure soldiers get the treatment and counseling they need so they can be productive and healthy members of the Army.
If you are a caring, compassionate person with the ability to listen and an interest in psychology, you may be interested in enlisting as a Mental Health Specialist, which is military occupational specialty (MOS) 68X. You'll have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of the soldiers you interact with, many of whom struggle with mental health issues they did not experience before they joined the Army.
Job training for MOS 68X requires ten weeks of Basic Combat Training (standard boot camp) and 20 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. This will include practice in-patient care, and the length of your training will depend on your medical specialty. more
This training will prepare soldiers to collect and record psychosocial and physical data and assist with the care and treatment of psychiatric, drug, and alcohol patients. The MOS 68X will also counsels patients with personal, behavioral, or psychological illnesses. more
You'll need a score of 95 in the operators and food (OF) segment of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. There is no security clearance required for this particular Army job, but you'll need normal color vision, meaning no colorblindness. here
Since you're not a medical professional, you won't be diagnosing patients, but you'll be an important part of their treatment and ongoing care as a MOS 68M. [links]
Soldiers in MOS 68M will prep and cook modified and standard food items according to these nutrition care treatment plans, all under the supervision of a dietitian or non-commissioned officer. here
While food service is the primary function of MOS 68M, it's not all about cooking and prep. Having an interest in nutrition, health, fitness, biology, and chemistry will help you be successful in this role. You should have an interest in an affinity for caring for others (also known as good "bedside manner"), and it's important you're able to communicate clearly and effectively to both individuals and small groups. [links]
As an important member of the food service team, the Nutrition Care Specialist prepares all types of food according to Army standards and dietary requirements. They work closely with Registered Dietitians in hospital, clinic or field situations, planning special diets for patients based on specific soldiers' individual needs. This job is Army military occupational specialty (MOS) 68M.
Job training for Nutrition Care Specialists currently requires ten weeks of Basic Combat Training and seven weeks of Advanced Individual Training that will include small quantity food preparation. more
These soldiers are responsible for ordering and inspecting food supplies and preparing meals for fellow soldiers. The Nutrition Care Specialist is primarily responsible for assisting in the supervision of medical nutrition care operations.
As an important member of the food service team, the Nutrition Care Specialist prepares all types of food according to Army standards and dietary requirements. They work closely with Registered Dietitians in hospital, clinic or field situations, planning special diets for patients based on specific soldiers' individual needs. This job is Army military occupational specialty (MOS) 68M.
If you have a background in cooking or culinary training, or just an interest in this area, the Nutrition Care Specialist could be a good fit for you, especially if you're interested in a post-Army career helping patients and others with complicated dietary needs.
After completing the ASVAB with the required score for MOS 68K, you can advance forward with other job requirements.
The U.S. Army has several benefits included with a monthly salary: here
The work an Army Medical Laboratory Specialist performs is important to the medical staff as it aids nurses and doctors with a proper diagnosis. more