The Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command (NMCFHPC) plays a critical role in the biomedical field, an interdisciplinary area that applies the principals of biology, medicine, and engineering to develop technologies, treatments, and innovations that improve healthcare diagnostics, and patient outcomes.

NMCFHPC advances biomedical research, disease surveillance, and preventive medicine to enhance warfighter health, readiness, and survivability. By mitigating biological, chemical, and environmental threats, the command ensures a medically ready force capable of operating in contested environments. None of this can be accomplished however, without biomedical technologies that require upkeep and maintenance.

One of the Sailors who bridges engineering and healthcare is Chief Eric Garcia, a biomedical equipment technician (BMET) and maintenance manager for NMCFHPC and its eleven field activities. BMET’s maintain, repair, and calibrate medical and diagnostic equipment essential for warfighter care.

“The technical and operational importance of having trustworthy equipment cannot be overstated,” said Garcia. “It is a vital component to ensuring mission readiness within the Navy.”
BMET’s use their expertise to ensure life-saving technologies, field medical systems, and laboratory equipment function reliably in both the operational and clinical settings.


Garcia explained that BMET’s help safeguard the health of service members and enable them to focus on their missions without worrying about the reliability of their medical support. “These efforts support the Fleet, ensuring any medical emergency can be addressed swiftly and effectively, enhancing operational readiness,” he said. It also supports force health protection, medical readiness, and expeditionary capabilities.

According to Garcia, the integration of biomedical technicians and technology into military operations enhances overall mission effectiveness by reducing downtime due to medical issues. When Sailors and Marines receive prompt medical attention facilitated by reliable medical equipment, their recovery time is minimized, allowing them to return to duty swiftly.

Without skilled BMETs, the Navy would face significant challenges in maintaining medical readiness. The absence of this specialty could lead to increased equipment failures, delays in medical response times, and ultimately compromise the quality of care provided to service members. This could result in higher rates of preventable injuries or complications during medical emergencies, which would affect individuals, and could have broader implications for mission success, and operational effectiveness.

Garcia stated, “the impact of our work goes beyond just immediate patient care; it fosters a culture of safety and excellence within the Navy’s healthcare system. In essence, my role is not just about fixing machines; it's about being a crucial part of a larger mission—one that prioritizes the health and safety of those who serve our country.”

According to Garcia, the role of BMETs in the Navy is poised for significant evolution as the demands of expeditionary medicine and operational support continue to grow. As the Navy increasingly engages in complex, multi-domain operations, BMETs will play a crucial role in ensuring that medical equipment is not only operational but also advanced enough to meet the challenges posed by modern warfare and humanitarian missions.

“We will need to enhance our skills in maintaining and troubleshooting a wider array of sophisticated medical devices and will increasingly be involved in the medical portion of the planning and logistics of deployments,” he said.

The Navy plays a crucial role in safeguarding our nation. Attracting talented individuals to this noble cause is essential for its continued success. Efforts must emphasize the critical nature of BMETs, highlighting career development opportunities and the impact these technicians have on saving lives and enhancing operational capabilities.

“For Sailors interested in becoming a BMET, the journey begins with research,” he said. “Understanding the various roles, we play and what they entail is key. Reach out to current BMETs and begin with some on-the-job training to make sure the fit is right. This role not only requires technical skills, but a commitment to improving lives through innovation.” He also encouraged Sailors to seek out training and mentorship opportunities, and to stay curious about advancements in medical technology, and ask questions.

Those who are interested in the BMET training program, should understand it encompasses more than a year of rigorous, hands-on training that combines both technical skills and healthcare knowledge to ensure the proper functioning of medical devices. The program covers a wide range of topics from electronics, mechanical systems, and software applications to safety standards relevant to medical devices. Garcia believes, the rewards outweigh the challenges.

“Imagine being the backbone of healthcare systems, ensuring that the medical devices and equipment are functioning optimally so that doctors can provide the best possible care to their patients,” said Garcia. “Your expertise will directly contribute to improving health outcomes and making a real difference in people’s lives. You will have opportunities to work alongside brilliant minds, engage in problem-solving, and push the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare technology. This is not just a job; it’s a calling that requires passion, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.”

When asked what made him pursue this career field he said, “I started as a Dental Tech and for so long, they [BMET’s] just seemed like some of the coolest people to work with,” said Garcia. “Anytime we had issues, they could just pull out their tools and handle it.” This appealed to Garcia because he said he enjoys solving problems.

“My drive comes from the profound impact we have on healthcare and patient outcomes. Every day, I witness how skilled BMETs contribute to saving lives and enhancing the quality of care.”

The Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command (NMCFHPC), an echelon four command, oversees the FDPMUs, while Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Units (NEPMUs) provide personnel. NEPMU TWO man’s Teams ONE, TWO, THREE, and the reserve Team SEVEN; NEPMU 5 man’s Teams FOUR and FIVE; and NEPMU SIX man’s Team SIX. Teams are occasionally blended to meet specific mission requirements, with final certification approved by Navy Medical Forces Atlantic (NMFL).