This is motivated by the OECO qualification frequently being poorly understood in the civilian emergency care community, so Ops Medics wishing to moonlight while in service, or seeking EMS employment after leaving military service often find it easier to do so when registered as an AEA rather than as an OECO.

The structure of OECO training has changed over the years, and is no longer a stand-alone course as was previously the case.

The ECT course was introduced in the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) in 2008, and replaced the OECO course entirely by 2016.

[1] In 1975 the South African Defence Force launched Operation Savannah; Warrant Officer II Rowley Medlin of the South African Medical Service (SAMS) was ordered to prepare a national service intake for medical operational duty.

Commandant Gerhard (Vonk) Beukes: SAMS[2] Aspirant Ops Medics first have to complete the South African National Defense Force's Basic Military Training at any one of the four arms of service.

Aspirant candidates are required to pass the BLS level III course and achieve a minimum of 70% prior to be allowed on the Ops Course.

At these hospitals the aspirant health practitioner could easily witness and treat horrific injuries not unlike to be expected on military operations.

The aspirant medic will during this phase deliver babies, treat emergencies like intracostal drains, severe burns, gunshot wounds, stabbings etc.

Subjects covered were: The required pass rate per module was 70% with rewrites only allowed for a mark between 60-69% a lower mark was returned to unit (RTU) where they were either used in the sickbays or used as ward medics in the Military Base Hospitals (MBH).

Driving and maintenance of military vehicles including the Casspir, Rinkhals and Mfezi Ambulance.

(All armoured) During this bush phase the Ops Medic were taught infantry fighting skills as required for deployment with the armed forces.