Carl Weathers has done many great things in his accomplished career. He was a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders in 1970 and 1971, he played a supporting role as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” movie series from 1976 to 1985, and he later starred in action films like “Predator” (1987) and “Action Jackson” (1988) and then in a comedic role as Chubbs in “Happy Gilmore” (1996). His most recent work has been done as a director and narrator, but instead of working alongside big-name celebrities like Sylvester Stallone, Adam Sandler or Allen Covert, he worked with the Marines.
The Marine Corps Training and Education Command worked in conjunction with Stu Segall Productions and Strategic Operations to develop a Marine combat casualty care video directed and narrated by Weathers.
The video was born from TECOM’s search for a more systematic way to give Marines training in the Predeployment Training Program. This specific example focused on the proper use of the Individual First-Aid Kit.
“This is training that every Marine needs,” a TECOM official said. “Based on wounds we’ve seen during current operations, we put emphasis on amputation, burns and gunshot wounds. The IFAK has saved countless lives overseas, but some Marines don’t have the opportunity to tear it open and practice with all of the components prior to deployment.”
The Marines in the video demonstrate the correct use of the quick-clot powder and pouches, tourniquets and pressure and burn dressings as advised by the Field Medical Service School in Camp Pendleton, Calif.
“(The IFAK) is an empowering device,” Weathers said. “It doesn’t require (special) training, just the ability to use it properly. It speaks for itself. It saves lives.”
He added that he was intrigued by the application of the quick-clot.
“To watch the pack utilized and feel the granules in my hand, I really had a chance to see science and technology at work,” Weather boasted. “The practicality of the medical pack was beautiful to watch.”
Weathers gives further guidance in his narration by advising Marines to always check for additional wounds, reassure the casualty and – most importantly – to press the fight.
The video was filmed on Segall’s 20-acre site in San Diego in November. His site is often used by Strategic Operations to train military and civilian units in a hyper-realistic environment. Segall said the realism of site both helped those who participated and should be of great benefit to anyone who watched the footage.
“I’m hoping the audience will pay attention and get a sense of realism,” Segall said. “This way, Marines can have a conscious or subconscious heads up and know what to do with (the individual first-aid kit). It’s just one element, but it’s a start to saving lives and training that everyone needs to do.”
“It gives a sense of reality,” Weathers said. “I try to deliver a message in an entertaining way, not just presenting the message, but putting you in the situation to find (the message) yourself. (This film) hit the nail on the head.”
Weathers and Segall said they have worked together on many projects in the past and as such, Weathers was offered the job.
“Stu gave me my start so I jump at his opportunities,” Weathers said. “And Marines have such a fighting men and women persona that working with them was worth the prize. They are the forward end of the spear in the war. Not only was I privileged, but anytime I’m in the company of people that do what Marines do … it’s just something to behold. I was inspired by the teamwork I saw in getting Marines into the fray and back again.”
The Marines Weathers worked with were instructors from the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton.
The video is available on MarineNet as part of the PTP course and may soon appear on other Marine Corps Web sites, a TECOM official said.
“Some people are concerned that it provides information that the enemy can use against us, but if you want it to be a secret, then not even our Marines will get to see it,” a TECOM official said.”
To access the video:
• Visit www.marinenet.usmc.mil
• Log on or create a new free account
• Click on “Course Catalogue”
• Select “Predeployment Training Program”
• Choose “Block 2”
• Click on “First Aid-PTPB2”
• Launch course once enrolled
or
To link directly to the video:
• Visit http://www.tecom.usmc.mil/gtb/videos/IFAK%20First%20Aid.wmv