Story and photos by 2nd Lt. Daniel Elmblad, 2nd AAB, 1st Inf. Div., USD-C              BAGHDAD—While some people may feel a bit squeamish about spending time around medical procedures—especially those involving blood or needles— the medics of 6th “Saber” Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center jump at every opportunity to do just that, which, in turn, improves their medical and life-saving skills.The medics of 6th Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt. are trained to Level 1 care standards that allow them to set up and run an independent aid station to treat and stabilize Soldiers after an injury—especially those that threaten life, limb or eye sight.However, when a patient comes into an aid station with a condition that requires skills outside of this training, such as dental problems, the patient must be sent off to a Level 2 medical facility. Fortunately for the Saber medics, the squadron has been advantageously situated next to a Level 2 care facility.Taking advantage of this opportunity, the squadron’s medics have set up a training program with the Soldiers of the 546th Area Support Medical Company, who run the higher level facility. There, the cavalry medics learn new medical skills in the areas of lab work, dental, electrocardiograms, X-rays and more.“Being next to this (care facility) has given us a unique opportunity to cross-train on a new set of skills that will allow us to better treat the Soldiers of the squadron,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Casto, treatment noncommissioned officer with 6th Sqdn., and a Girard, Pa., native.Many of the medics have found the additional training to be rewarding.“This training opportunity has allowed us to get some hands-on training in situations that we are not normally exposed to,” said Pfc. Jesse Gould, from 6th Sqdn., and  a Carrolton, Ga., native.Currently, the training program is a two-week rotation that involves a squad from the squadron’s medical platoon shadowing Soldiers from the 546th ASMC, something the medics plan on continuing this rotation with the 546th ASMC as long as is possible.“It is important to learn these skills because there may be heavier demands on medics and their abilities with the gradual drawdown of Soldiers from Iraq and we may not always be next to a Level 2 care facility like this,” said Sgt. Buddy Stratton, a treatment noncommissioned officer with 6th Sqdn., and a St. Augustine, Fla., native.By working with their fellow medical Soldiers, the medics of Saber Squadron are increasing their skill set, enabling them to provide the best care they can.