NREMT - Don't touch it! It's pure evil!
I know part of the background for the move away from the NREMT. There was a lot of issue with the current op tempo and the inability of many of the medics to obtain the required CEUs. The Registry would not budge on the requirements and in-fact made it even harder for the SOCMs to maintain the cert. This was also coupled with the fact that the expanded scope and skill set of the SOF medic was not recognized by the Registry as well. The Registry in the past has refused to recognize or adapt the requirements for the SOF medic - Bottom line is that they don't want to play
As a result, USSOCOM went to the DOT and asked if there was a reason why they could not stand-up their own certification. There wasn't, so in-effect USSOCOM became their own state. Considering that this has been executed in less than 5 years is pretty amazing. No, the ATP isn't recognized by any civilian or govermental organizations, but there is interest there. I spoke with an ATF medic who said they have been looking for some sort of formal TEMS certification for quite some time.
I am not saying that the ATP is the panacea for the SOF medical certification, but it is a hell of a start. The SOC-SG is doing a survey to gather data on knowledge, skills, the test and TMEPs to see what the SOF medics think.
Hope this at least clears some of the muddy water
