Camp Lejeune and FMTB-East Moms, Families and Friends

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Camp Lejeune / Camp Johnson / Field Medical Training Battalion moms, family and friends - Welcome! Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is home to more than 47,000 Marine and Sailors from around the world. FMTB, the eight-week training course for corpsmen, is on Camp Johnson, adjacent to Camp Lejeune.

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Emilie

If anyone would like to share FMTB graduation info - I did read about the car sticker, hotels ect but wonder about what it is like, how long, what we can do to make it special. We might be bringing some family with us and want to be prepared to make it fun for everyone. Thanks for any advice.

Feb 17, 2011
Dan's Dad (John)

We've found Wilmington, US Air express works well for us.

Get to graduation early, they muster outside the building first, we got a picture when they were marching in and then found a seat.

Feb 18, 2011
vettespace

Hi Susan, my son is headed for deployment now, so I can't speak from experience on the return part yet. But, I've read where you can meet them at the homecoming and that they can spend time with you (nights/weekends). But they will have classes during the day for a couple weeks or so regarding returning to the base. After those classes are complete, I believe that they can take post deployment leave in many cases.

Feb 27, 2011
rockwido(S07Div359)

Hi everyone new to the group...my son is in Corpsman school now and will graduate on March 22 and will report to Camp Lejeune on March 24, any info on what to expect would be greatly appreciated....he has said he would be on hold for awhile, like the whole month of April..don't know what he will be doing in all that time but I guess they will keep him busy

Mar 3, 2011
vettespace

Susan, my son is on his way over to replace your son. When he calls me I'll tell him to find your son and tell him to hurry home...:-)

Mar 4, 2011
mikes mom

God Bless Our Sons : ) My son is getting ready for his 2nd deployment...

Mar 4, 2011
mikes mom

Susan - You said it when you said Many Sons.. My daughter is now in Medic training and this mom is just praying that this ends soon...

As you said we are all here together .. To help each other through all of this : )

Mar 4, 2011
mikes mom

I have always said that and I just said that to my daughter... Also I always say (because my mother would always say this to me ) Put your big girl panties on and deal with it : )

Mar 4, 2011
mikes mom

Look at my pics on my page and you will see a sign I found and bought ...LOL I have to look at it everyday.....God Bless My Mom LOL

Mar 5, 2011
Emilie

Anyone's kids starting field training on the east coast this week?

Mar 11, 2011
mikes mom

Good Morning ! I'm with Susan.... Best wishes to your son/daughter : )

Mar 14, 2011
mikes mom

Tenn mom Welcome to CL : )

Mar 15, 2011
vettespace

A local news channel is reporting on the war in Afghanistan, following a Marine unit out of CL. Here's the link:

http://www2.wnct.com/from_the_frontline/

Mar 15, 2011
Dan's Dad (John)

Welcome Tenn Mom, my son is a Corpsman with the 2nd too.

Mar 15, 2011
Dan's Dad (John)

Thanks for the link Sir Vette

Mar 15, 2011
vettespace

Hi Susan, I agree and the one tonight will be on a corpsman...

Mar 16, 2011
mikes mom

Sir Vette you are awesome ! Thanks for sharing with us : )

Mar 16, 2011
mikes mom

Good Luck : )

Mar 17, 2011
Dan's Dad (John)

TennMom- my son was assigned to the 2nd out of A school, graduated FMTB last October and will be deploying sooner than I want to believe..

Mar 17, 2011
Dan's Dad (John)

He'll still have about 5 weeks of training in the desert after FMTB before he goes.

Mar 17, 2011
Emilie

Dan's Dad - where do they go in the desert? Is it soon after FMTB that they go in the desert? It is hard for me to tell from what I read - is there a phase 1 phase 2 phase 3, are the tests daily or is it more outside stuff. Can't help myself.

Tenn Navy Mom - there is a discussion above for March 16th FMTB, a couple of other parents so far. My son will also be in NC for 3 years but I can't remember who he is assigned to.

I guess I thought they got assigned after FMTB - does it change after the training or ??

Mar 17, 2011
Dan's Dad (John)

It's called Mojave Viper Training, it's in 29 palms. It's their last training before deployment so hope he doesn't have it soon! LOL

Mar 17, 2011
Emilie

So are there units in the 2nd Marine division? I am not familiar with the Marine system. I remember him saying something something 2nd Marine division. I will ask him when I talk to him again. So far he has been working at a clinic doing sick call mostly, this week he started FMTB and after that I am not sure but it sounds like he goes back to the clinic.

Mar 17, 2011
Dan's Dad (John)

Dan worked at the BAS (Battalion Aid Station) when he first got to Lejeune. After FMTB he was assigned to the CEB (Combat Engineers Battalion) MAC (Mobile Assault Company) so he is 2dMARDIV/CEB/MAC

here is a link to the 2nd Marine Division...

http://www.usmc.mil/unit/2ndmardiv/Pages/default.aspx

Mar 17, 2011
Emilie

Thank you - I suppose it is something like that for my son as well. I try to take it one day at a time but sometimes get anxious to figure out how this will go and what will happen next. I know I know - what am I thinking! Still trying to protect some how. These guys/gals are so independent and smart and all those great things and still our little boys/girls. Hopefully training will last forever!! :)

Mar 19, 2011
Tamijzr07

Hi All! Its been a long while since Ive been on. Susan. I hope all is well with you and your son. I think the last we chatted on N4M he was to be coming home soon.

Emilie, I know how you feel about getting and understanding all the info. This is fairly new to me as well. My son is with the 2nd Marine Div too. Sounds about the same as your son. He will be @ CL a while. But I'm finding out that things could change. I just read Dan's Dads post about 29 palms . My son is there and well...I try not to think about whats next. Best to everyone. :) Take care

Mar 19, 2011
mikes mom

Emilie welcome to CL... My son has been there for 2 1/2 years.. When my son first started all his training I went on you tube and you can see what the training is like for them... I don't know it did help me to understand.. I am now going through the same with my youngest who is in the Army and is training to be a medic... YUK! Us parents can some times get so emotional when it comes to our kids : )

Mar 19, 2011
Emilie

Yes such a weird combo of pride and fear! So proud that they have chosen to serve their country and learning to pay bills, navigate the world on a large scale so afraid of what might happen to them and how it might effect them emotionally and physically.

I really am glad that I can hear all of you moms and dads cause I hear myself here and don't feel so alone. Thank you!

Mikes mom - Thank you for the welcome - is there a rotation for deployment or is it just whenever? So confusing!

Tamijzr07 - does your son start FMTB training now or has he already finished?

What a ride! Hope to hear from my son this weekend! One day at a time.

Mar 19, 2011
Emilie

All I can say is thanks Susan for your kind words. Extenuate the pride and leave the other junk!

Have a great day! The sun is out in Seattle!! Whoot Whoot.

Mar 20, 2011
Tamijzr07

Emilie, my son finished his FMTB training a couple of months ago. He worked in a clinic until he was assigned a division. So when they train he goes with them. When I talk to him I try to ask as many questions as I can so I don't get the info wrong.

Susan, Im so happy to hear you son will be home soon. Will you be able to meet him or spend some time with him when he arrives home? wishing you the best and that the last of the wait goes by quick for you.

Tami

Mar 21, 2011
Emilie

Thanks Tami that is helpful, sometimes my questions seem to irritate so I try to only ask the good ones. :) I suppose they don't always know what is ahead either.

Susan sending good wishes to your son and family.Thanks again for your encouragement.

Mar 21, 2011
Dan's Dad (John)

Emilie, there are no dumb questions, why do you think they irritate?

Mar 21, 2011
MEsailormom

Hi All! I am moving from GL A school to CL site here ahead of my Sailor son. He graduates A school 4/12 and heads to NC on 4/27 after a quick visit home (to Maine where we just got 6 inches of the white fluffy stuff). May you all help me as much as PIR and A school Moms have. Sometimes I think I would die without all the information and encouragement N4M provides.

Mar 22, 2011
rockwido(S07Div359)

Hi all...my son will graduate Corpsman school this morning and I will not be there to see him....He is flying home tonight so he can drive his car on to Camp Lejeune on Wednesday...we only live about 5 hours from base which is a lot closer that Chicago...wishing all graduates good luck and all proud moms nerves of steel LOL

Mar 22, 2011
Dan's Dad (John)

Welcome Rockwido and congratulations to you and your son. My son was at lejeune for about three months in the BAS before he started FMTB and loved it.

Mar 22, 2011
rockwido(S07Div359)

Dans Dad

I think my son will be doing something for awhile instead of FMTB...he said he would be on hold until sometime in May

Mar 22, 2011
mikes mom

Welcome Rockwido !!!!

Well, my son is getting ready for his early deployment.... Yikes another one !!! I thought I was going to have until June and his boss changed it on us : )

Mar 22, 2011
Tamijzr07

Emilie, I', sending a smile your way. :) I know what you mean about the questions. Sometimes I feel that I should keep a running list near the phone because I forget to ask. It can be hard if you haven't had any experience with the military. (This is our first). There are so many questions about how things go with rank, deployment, and just day to day. My son has two sisters and two brothers here @ home so when he calls they will take their turn to talk with

them and they always end the call with "well, Mom is standing here with her list of questions were passing the phone on" . This site has been so helpful with info and support.

MEsailormom & rockwido. Welcome! Best to your sons as they start their training @ CL.

mikes mom. is there a set amount of time required between deployments?

Mar 22, 2011
Dan's Dad (John)

sorry Tami but amount of time between deployments = needs of the Navy

Mar 22, 2011
Emilie

Everyone - Thanks for the "lifesaver" :) and encouragement! Will keep asking! :)

Welcome MEsailormom & rockwido - wishing your son's the best!

Thanks for being such a great group of people!

Mar 22, 2011
mikes mom

Tami - What John said.. Our kids are in the Navy..... Oh, well...

Mar 22, 2011
vettespace

Congratulations Susan!!!!!!!!! So glad that the 1/8 is home! And, so proud of the job they did...making it much better for the 3/2!

Mar 29, 2011
mikes mom

Susan - I am so happy for you : ) Lets continue the prayers for all our kids still there for their safety home ... God Bless

Mar 29, 2011
mikes mom

Susan - Aman : )

Mar 29, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

I just learned about this in the "Mothers getting ready for deployment" group and wanted to share, looks like a good thing :)

Friends and family can create a 20-page personal photo book and ship it to any APO, FPO or MPO address for free. These full-color, 5”x7” softcover books fit perfectly in a soldier’s cargo pant pocket, yet hold more than 60 photos. RocketLife prints the books for free and the USO pays for shipping.

Here's the USO page describing the offer:

http://www.uso.org/uso_rocketlife_photo_books.aspx

or go directly to http://uso.rocketlifeproduction.com

(hi mike's mom, hi Vette! lol)

Mar 31, 2011
mikes mom

LOL Marcy !!!!! You are precious!!! Thanks

Mar 31, 2011
Tamijzr07

Susan, I just read that you son is home. I'm so happy for you!

Apr 3, 2011
merchantvillesteve

Him Moms,

Planning on coming down in May to see my son graduate from FMTB, any advice on a decent hotel in the area? We will be driving down from New Jersey

Apr 5, 2011
Dan's Dad (John)

MerchantvillSteve- we stay at the Baymont Inn, we're heading down there Thursday. We're from Wilmington,DE and it's a 8 hour drive. What part of Jersey are you from?

http://www.baymontjacksonvillenc.com/

Apr 5, 2011
Emilie

Susan so happy for you and your family! Praying for all of the wonderful men and women serving our country!

Welcome meerchantvillesteve - hope your son is enjoying FMTB, our son says there is lots to learn and it is very interesting! He is loving the hikes and workouts! We are going to graduation as well, can hardly believe it!

Apr 5, 2011