Combat Medics

The International Committee the Red Cross, a private humanitarian institution based in Switzerland, provided the first ficial symbol for medical personnel. The first Geneva convention, originally called for "Amelioration the Condition the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field," ficially adopted the red cross on a field white as the identifying emblem. This symbol was meant to signify to enemy soldiers that the medic qualifies as a noncombatant, at least while providing medical care. Islamic countries use a Red Crescent instead. During the 1876-1878 war between Russia and Turkey, the Ottoman empire declared that it would use a red crescent instead a red cross as its emblem, although it agreed to respect the red cross used by the other side. Although these symbols were ficially sponsored by the International Federation Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Magen David Adom ("MDA"), Israel's emergency relief service, used the Magen David (a red star David on a white background). Israeli medics still wear the Magen David. To enable MDA to become a fully recognized and participating member the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Protocol III was adopted. It is an amendment to the Geneva Conventions relating to the Adoption an Additional Distinctive Emblem and authorizes the use a new emblem, known as the third protocol emblem or the Red Crystal. For indicative use on foreign territory, any national society can incorporate its unique symbol into the Red Crystal. Under Protocol III, the MDA will continue to employ the red Magen David for domestic use, and will employ the red crystal on international relief missions.
Modern day
Traditionally, medical personnel did not carry weapons and wore a distinguishing red cross, to denote their protection as noncombatants under the Geneva Convention. This practice continued into World War II. However, the enemies faced by pressional armies in more recent conflicts are ten insurgents who either do not recognize the Geneva Convention, or do not care, and readily engage all personnel, irrespective noncombatant status. For this reason, some modern combat medics are armed combatants and do not wear distinguishing markings. Combat Medics in the United States Army and United States Navy Hospital Corpsman are virtually indistinguishable from regular combat troops, save for the extra medical equipment they carry.