Corpsman Moms

When my son was training at the height of the 2 combat zones, pretty much every Corpsman received FMTB training in case the Marines needed them. The FMF qualification is earned in a combat zone.

That said, it would seem to me that any corpsman serving special ops would go through FMTB training. Special ops will go anyplace, any where at any time if I'm remembering correctly. On the other hand, he may sit right there in Virginia for quite a while. Don't make yourself crazy worrying about a situation that hasn't developed yet, as a military mom,you'll have plenty of opportunity for more worry....go do something nice for yourself, or work in the yard, go to the gym, think about something else today!

Hi Nikki!  Nowadays, nearly every corpsman goes through FMTB at some point, even if they don't end up assigned to a Marine unit.  Yes, things can change and as TDM will tell you, "Ma Navy" takes precedence always.  Sounds like you're getting mixed messages and nothing specific.  FMTB isn't "spec ops," it's eight weeks of combat-care training (not a "C" School) with other corpsmen in the Marine Corps environment.  Perhaps you should go sit down with your son's recruiter and ask for some clarification, to settle your mind.  Then do as TDM says and do something else today!  :)

Also this - 

VIDEO:  What to expect at Fleet Medical Battalion-East.   https://www.dvidshub.net/video/455508/fmtb-east-command-video#.VvdF...

Field Medical Training Battalion East at Camp Lejeune, NC official ...  then -> Students -> Course Description

and Camp Lejeune Moms on N4M.

Welcome!  You will love the support of this group.  From what I understand, there is also a Facebook page.  Also post on BootCamp Moms and you may find some 6/9/17 families there. 

Please pass on our congratulations, Morbjorn!   I hope you were able to attend PIR.  It is so amazing.  

plmont0429 & Tamme - thank you very much!  I did go to PIR & it was amazing.  Nothing quite like seeing your child go through that ceremony - they will always be your child, but no longer just a "kid". 

Hi, my sons PIR is 6/2/17.  He will go to Sam Houston for A school and C school then North Carolina for infantry.  I have some questions like:  Ones they are in A school can they receive packages form home?  Is it like a dorm at a college?  Will they be able to use their phones and computers?  My son mention taking his car, I wish he did not, how is the transportation?  Thank you for anything you may help me with.

Thank you nikki.  I am very excited for him.

Hi Toni, my daughter is finishing up A school at Ft Sam Houston and she can receive packages but she said to try to send it so the delivery day is not on a weekend b/c the postman just leaves the packages and they can get stolen.

It is more like a dorm room and they will have a roommate. They also can have a computer/phone but the wifi is not that great. My daughter said that they mostly use taxis but also have access to Uber once outside the gate but it is expensive. 

Thank you knew. 

They will have limited leave at first.  They have to earn it.  The longer they are there the more time away from base they are allowed to stay.  They will be limited as to how far away from base (miles) they can go.  When they first get there and are given leave they will have to wear their peanutbutters (uniform).  They can not have their car when they first get there but can earn the privilege.

They will have a mini fridge and microwave in their shared area and like others said the wifi is spotty.  My son bought a piece of equipment from an upper classman which helped.  He also sold it to someone else when he left.

Thank you 2tymeNavyMom.

Here's a great pro tip from a Sailor to share with your corpsman for use when deployed on a ship:  "Use the following, which will allow you to text from your ship's email. It'll save a lot of time when communicating back home if you'd like semi-instantaneous communication."

AT&T: number@txt.att.net
T-Mobile: number@tmomail.net
Verizon: number@vtext.com (text-only), number@vzwpix (text + photo)
Sprint: number@messaging.sprintpcs.com or number@pm.sprint.com.
Virgin Mobile: number@vmobl.com

HMMomNC, tell your son to take full advantage of the study groups in order to assist with any help he may need.  Also, the higher he ranks in his class, the better choice of his first base assignment. At least that use to be the case - best wishes towards finishing A school.

Tamme has it right.  When my son was there nearly 2 years ago, he was .25 points out of the top 10, he did not spend all his time studying, as he put it, I want a life too mom.  He was the main study group leader however, and helped 75% of his class pass and graduate.  He was granted his 2nd choice in assignments-an overseas duty station with a 2 year assignment. Was actually glad he got this one over his 1st choice. The key is be sure and study, study, study.  The work is hard, but very rewarding in the end.  Good luck to your future Corpsman.  

Hello everyone!!
Mom of a newly ranked HM3 :)  He is loving life as a corpsman in Guam!  He graduated A school in Oct. and is rockin' and rolling!  Made some serious life decisions recently and I can't be prouder of him! 

Hi! My daughter is currently at boot with a PIR date of 8/4 and then off to TX for A school as a HM.  I love this site so far and was recommended to join this group!  Any tips/insight welcome! I'm an all around new Navy mom :) 

Welcome.  Hopefully you have been able to find a group with your PIR date.  I have such great memories of meeting other parents at PIR through our communications on this site.  You will just love the graduation and hope you are able to attend. 

My son....I knew he was going to enlist after 9/11 but he promised me 2 years of college....so then he comes to me and says he wants to enlist in the Navy...knowing I'm a Navy brat and I will go for it better than the Marines....so then he goes for the one day thing, comes back and says that the Seabees were all full so he took his second choice as corpsman. THEN...he goes off to the Navy and then A school where he volunteers for FMTB training and then he volunteers to go with the next Marine unit that needs a corpsman...where he serves for the majority of his 7 years in the Navy. And I finally call him out on it and he says...yes, that was his plan all along, to be a FMF corpsman.  Sneaky little jerk. 

The good thing is that with the timing of when he went in, he was home every Christmas for the full 7 years. Sometimes for just a few days, but always on Christmas. It was the only time we saw him pretty much. He came home to bring his car before one of his deployments in March one time. 

Now, he's out...and has a great job after getting his degree at UTSA...so he's still close to our home here in Austin, TX!

Congratulations TexasDocMom Please thank your son for his service. Toni

Heart breaking news to read of 16 dead in the crash of a Marine plane in Mississippi. My heart and prayers for all those who lost their lives and their families who were waiting at home for them, as well as those with whom they served. 

My son will be starting A school on Monday, July 31.  So proud of him and the places he will go.  Looking forward to the next chapter of his journey.   

I brought my son's laptop computer to Chicago.  He played with it while we had him during visits then we gave it to him at the airport along with his cell phone.  Keep in mind that if you are thinking about a new laptop he might be able to purchase it cheaper on base.  Not sure but might be something to check.  As far a clothes I had him give me a list and I sent him what he wanted once he was settled into his room.  Funny, I had forgotten about the underwear.  We did buy him a couple of packages of his favorite.  Attygirl123 is right about them only being in uniforms for a while before they are allowed civilian clothes. My son was in A school during the holidays so when he came home on leave he drove back so he had his car.  A lot of the stuff they want they buy from others who are leaving soon like TV's and gaming systems. 

Good afternoon all,  just wondering if there was anyone else that have sailors graduating Thursday?  Looking forward to being able to spend time with ours for the weekend.  Congratulations to everyone.