It doesn't really matter how you would ask the question on this forum, i think you will get an overwhelming response in favour of the medics staying with their units. Unfortunately, an infanteer, engineer, clerk, sailor, or aircrew doesn't have the slightest idea about how much training or work it requires to provide first line medical care. The medical system has been struggling with restructure for many yrs, and has finally have a major plan in place. In the past, CFMG has been inefficient due to duplication of services, and the lack of man power, particularly in trained MO's has emphasised this. Also areas like med records and pharmacy have been a drain on manpower and funds due to the nature of each unit UMS having to have 2-3 pers dedicated to those jobs, instead of being able to do other things like continuation training. Part of the things that you don't see outside the medical system is the implementation of mandated training, maintenance of competency testing, and the increases emphasis on civilian equivalency. If medics can't come together, then how can group training and a achievable standard of compency be effectively run?
You know its good to see your medic out there carrying the C6 or along side doing a section attack with you, but thats not what we are paid to do...we are paid to ensure the health of the CF individual in order to maintain combat effectiveness...I am not judged on my ability as a Sgt to do infantry stuff, but assess patients or to plan and organize an effective medevac chain. To learn to do that, I need to learn from other medical pers, not a 031, 011, or whatever...
I understand how you feel, and I had to be sold on the way things ARE GOING TO BE....but now that I know and understand the reason, the plan and the goal. I am fully in support of what CFMG is doing and hope that NCOs like myself, and the officers that implement the plans make it effective in support of you and develop our jr medics to be able to carry on supporting you in the future.
Not that anyones opinion here will change anything that is already decided at CF Health Svc Gp HQ...