Don’t all members of the military have substantial training in using weapons?
No, not all members receive “substantial training in using weapons”. Doctors would most likely be given a simple familiarization course in using the .45 caliber pistol or whatever the Army is now using. He would also be given a rudimentary familiarization in the M-16 rifle and how to clean it. Most likely, he would fire this rifle on a 10 or 25 meter zero range. If he is lucky, he might get to fire the m-16 on a regular range but no more than this. In short, not much.
Sure - but if your speciality is Psychiatry, you are unlikely to train as hard or take it as seriously as the "trigger pullers" next to you. ....unless of course you were a plant intent on doing damage at some point.
I doubt that there are many 'front line' psychiatrists deployed in theater.
Also, remember the Islamic soldier that "fragged" his commanding officer's tent with a grenade just before the kick off of Desert Storm. He admitted doing it to avoid having to battle Muslims....and was openly hostile to infidels.
Not really. Those who work in "comabt arms" (Infantry, Armor, Artillery, etc.) do, but those in comabt support usually only get basic training and proficiency. Those in the medical fields, even less...
the infowarrior
“Don’t all members of the military have substantial training in using weapons?”
You’d think so, but, sadly, no. Especially docs who have spent most of their time in med school, internship, residency and fellowship training. They generally get one day out at the range to qualify, then some additional range time if they’re about to deploy, but that’s about it. I got three expert marksmanship ribbons (2 AF, 1 Navy) in three trips to the range, having never fired the particular weapon before (M-9, M-38, M-16). I got proficient when I got my own weapon and chose (and choose) to spend the time on the range to be comfortable and proficient with it.
Colonel, USAFR