Command Sergeant Major Gabriel Wright shares his extraordinary journey from serving with the Army Rangers to becoming a senior respiratory therapist in military medicine. His transformation was profoundly influenced by the events of 9-11, leading to deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he faced the harsh realities of combat head-on. With passion and earnestness, CSM Wright reveals the demanding Ranger selection process and the specialized training that shaped his initial military career. He also imparts invaluable advice for enlisted soldiers eager to pivot into medical careers, stressing the pivotal role mentorship plays in their professional development.

  Listeners will gain an intimate look into the life of a respiratory therapist in combat zones as CSM Wright recounts his deployment with the 31st Combat Support Hospital at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan. The challenges were immense, from managing polytrauma and blast injuries to setting up a hospital with scant resources. Yet, through teamwork and adaptability, CSM Wright demonstrates how the critical task of managing airways and ensuring patient stabilization was successfully accomplished. His stories of resilience and education underscore the formidable training and coordination necessary for effective patient care and evacuation in such environments.

   The episode further explores the collaborative spirit of military medicine through CSM Wright’s 2015 deployment to Iraq. Here, the focus is on teamwork across various military branches and international partners, all working together to achieve a common life-saving goal. CSM Wright shares his insights on the evolving landscape of medical logistics, emphasizing the importance of interoperability and the Global Combat Support System-Army. Through discussions on leadership and mentorship, he reflects on the empowering effects of guiding soldiers and fostering an environment of trust. The profound impact of leadership on both personal and professional landscapes is woven throughout his narrative, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of a military career marked by dedication and transformation.

Chapters:

(00:04) Military Medicine Journey and Mentorship

(11:33) Combat Hospital Respiratory Therapist Duties

(22:59) Military Medical Collaboration and Mission Success

(34:56) Medical Logistics and Career Development

(44:44) Leadership and Mentorship in Military Medicine

Chapter Summaries:

(00:04) Military Medicine Journey and Mentorship

CSM Gabriel Wright's journey from the Ranger Regiment to Army Respiratory Therapist, deployment experiences, and advice for enlisted soldiers pursuing medical careers.

(11:33) Combat Hospital Respiratory Therapist Duties

CSM Gabriel Wright's RT experiences in a military setting, managing airways and stabilizing patients with limited resources.

(22:59) Military Medical Collaboration and Mission Success

CSM Gabriel Wright’s RT skills play a critical role in managing airways during a 2015 deployment to Iraq with the 10th CSH, while first sergeants must rapidly assemble surgical teams for deployment to Egypt.

(34:56) Medical Logistics and Career Development

  Army's medical logistics transition to GCSS-Army for efficient management, interoperability, career pathways, and mentorship for enlisted soldiers.

(44:44) Leadership and Mentorship in Military Medicine

   Leadership and mentorship in the military, empowering soldiers, cross-training, and personal impact and fulfillment.

Take Home Messages:

Episode Keywords:

Military medicine, Army Rangers, Combat medic, Gabriel Wright, Resilience, Leadership, Mentorship, Battlefield care, Combat support hospital, Afghanistan deployment, Iraq deployment, Respiratory therapist, Military logistics, Interoperability, Teamwork, Medical career advice, Patient stabilization, Airway management, Global Combat Support System-Army, War Docs podcast, Military healthcare journey 

Hashtags:

#MilitaryMedicine #ArmyRanger #CombatMedic #ResilienceInBattle #LeadershipInHealthcare #BattlefieldMentorship #CombatSupport #RespiratoryTherapy #TeamworkInCombat #WarDocsPodcast 

HOW TO WATCH

Check out the full episode featuring CSM Wright on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/NL5rxJFtcM8

Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine

The WarDocs Mission is to honor the legacy, preserve the oral history, and showcase career opportunities, unique expeditionary experiences, and achievements of Military Medicine. We foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation.

Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/

Check our list of previous guest episodes at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/our-guests

Subscribe and Like our Videos on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast

Listen to the “What We Are For” Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm

WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in Military Medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you.

WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all military medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield,demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms.

  Follow Us on Social Media

Twitter: @wardocspodcast

Facebook: WarDocs Podcast

Instagram: @wardocspodcast

LinkedIn: WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast