Camp Pendleton Corpsmen Moms

Hello ladies. I knew if I looked hard enough, I would find ya'll. Well, it was Gloria who mentioned it.
My son is in Camp Pendleton, but won't start classes until April 19, so until then he is working in the AM at the hospital and PTs in the evening. He was "voluntold" to spend the night outside last night. I haven't heard how well it went, but I know he did well.

Lori, he had to sleep under the stars. When I talked to him last night, he seemed excited. We use to go to Galveston or Corpus Cristi and camp in a tent on the beach. I told he should be glad that I helped him with the experience. At least at CP, there is not all the sand to collect in all your unwanted places as we had on the beach!
I think this is to help prepare them for the Marine training that they are about to embark. My son has not said any thing that would tell me it is time to worry. He loves the experience. He did say that the seven mile run was hard!
I wouldn't worry too much. From what I can gather, the corpsmen spend 14 weeks learning what they need to know and then go to FMTB and are shown how to use what they learned. They have to be use to being outside and not in the comfort of a clinic.

Cindy, yes, it was Gloria who mentioned in the A school for Corpsman group who told me about this one. I like the fact that so many of the same moms and dads are moving in the same groups. This way, I feel like I already know most everyone.
I have tried to call Laurence more than once today and even sent him a text message. He phone is turned off. I just want to ask him how his camp out was. I guess the time has come were I will have to go days without talking to him. Since his PIR, I have talked to him every day. I guess I need to get use to this. It won't be easy, but if I keep my mind busy, I can do it! Thanks for the heads up about going days without contact!

I am wanting to drive out to San Diego this summer. If I plan it right, it will be while Laurence is still there. My other son is stationed at the Navy Base in San Diego, so this way I could see both boys.
Does anyone know if they have a graduation from FMTB? He said that he should finish some time in June, which would be perfect timing.

I've been looking at a calender, and looking at FMTB graduation and when summer school starts, I might be able to do both! I think I'm just looking for an excuse to go to Southern California!

That's funny about looking into the eyes of the wrong sailor! I had a hard time with my older son. He is average height, and was in the middle of his division for PIR, but my younger son who is doing FMTB, is tall. I had no problem finding him in his PIR. In his division, he was the second tallest.
Thanks for the heads up about which uniform they will be wearing.

Laurence is in the barracks next to the hospital. He said that once FMTB starts. (April 19) he will move to the FMTB part of Camp Pendleton. While he is waiting to start, he is working in a urology clinic in the hospital and doing PTs, Marine style. He has everything with him that he had at A school. (cell phone laptop etc) I like that I can talk to him everyday. He said that once FMTB starts, there will be days that he will be unavailable to talk to me. As far as Marine gear, to the best of my knowledge, he has not had to buy anything yet. I think it will be like BC where it is issued and then taken out of their pay.
When will you know about your cub?

Laurence says they graduate mid June. I saw a site and I think it is June 18. I too am wondering about the time line. I want to go, but I need to be back home in time for summer school. I'll try to fine the site and post it. Maybe someone else can help to enlighten us.

mom4sons, I understand. I wasn't able to go to corpsman graduation. I went to GL in Oct for my first PIR and then again in Jan. I just couldn't afford two more trips to GL for each of their A school graduations. I wanted them to go to BC at the same time to save me some money, but oh well.....
Since both boys will be in San Diego until FMTB graduation, I thought it would be a nice trip to see both on the same trip. With my luck, I'll plan my trip and then my CS son will ship out before I get there! lol

My corpsman will be attending this FMTB class starting April 19th as well. Here's the link that discusses what they need (a few items like a whistle, glow belt and flashlight with red lense). They will be issued marine uniforms. http://www.tecom.usmc.mil/fmtbwest/FMSTCourse.htm
Their class will be graduating in mid June, I think sometime the week of the 15th.

mom4sons, Laurence had his wisdom teeth out the first week he got to CP. I asked why he didn't get them out during BC, and he didn't know. It was day surgery, but was SIQ for two or three days. I am glad that he had it done before training starts. He would not want to miss a day for fear of being set back.

mom4sons, if he gets his wisdom teeth out this week, I don't think it will. Laurence had his out while in CP. He was SIQ for less than a week. So, if FMTB starts on April 19, he should be good to go by then, but then again, we are talking about the Navy. lol

I was talking to my son and asked about 29 Palms. He said that since it is a base, some corpsmen will have that as their duty station.

I am glad to know that Laurence is getting ready for FMTB.(April 19) He went to TCCC class last week. He said that he was trained for rescues under fire. He said that the drag was the hardest. He needs to build his leg muscles.
I am starting to look at days to go to CP for his graduation. He said that he graduates on June. 18 and has to report to New Orleans on June 23. I was wanting to know if I drive, can he drive back with me as far as Dallas and then fly to New Orleans? Or does he have to fly straight to New Orleans?

I am still going to Laurence's graduation, but I found out today that his brother sets sail in May. I was so excited about taking one trip and being able to see both my sailors. I am just so bummed out. When Richard told me, I cried. I guess this is life in the Navy. I can still have my time with one.

Thanks Ruth. I'm still pondering. I have already taken so many days this year. (Two PIRs) That's one reason I was planning for June; It is after the school year ends, and before summer school starts.

Laurence also called. He said it was a weird feeling. He said he left the snow storms in GL to go to the earth quakes in California and will go to New Orleans just in time for hurricane season! He said he wished to be back in Texas where the weather is always the same.

Well, Laurence moves today. INDOC today and tomorrow and FMTB starts on Monday. I hope they are all ready!

Angela, here's the link for FMTB west class schedules:
http://www.tecom.usmc.mil/fmtbwest/tip.htm
This is the main site that has the base maps:
http://www.cpp.usmc.mil/

My son's been home visiting all week and heads to San Diego tomorrow to begin FMTB on Monday.

Angela, here's the link to the school in San Diego:
http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/navmedmpte/nshs-sd/Pages/default.aspx

mom4sons, Laurence said that they were going to be fitted for all the uniforms they need. It will be like in BC. Everything they need will be issued and then deducted from their pay.
He said that they all moved to the FMTB barracks. They are open barracks, but according to Laurence, better than BC. He also said that after they start they will be placed in groups, but didn't go into detail. I guess, we shall see once everything starts.

mom4sons, I am so glad he made it to CP, yet I am sorry to hear about his back pack. Please let us know the outcome.
Laurence said that they have briefing on Monday and fitting for Marine uniforms one day this week.
I just hope that all our cubs are ready for the next 7-8 weeks!

mom4sons, I remember all our tears and joys we shared as we helped each other through BC. I feel like it all over again, but like you said, at least they have phones this time! I have already been told that there will times when they are in the field over night and they will not be able to talk to us. I have been promised that I will be told in advance when this happens. He knows how much I worry!

Thanks Ruth! My son has been at CP since the end of Feb.and once he was asked to go out in the fields for two nights. The corpsman in the end of training needed target practice. He and 19 others were the targets! He thought it was fun. It also gave him an insight as what he will soon be doing. We use to camp all the time, so he was familiar with sleeping out under the stars.
As for cookies. I think I will get more thank you notes if I DON'T bake any! Everything I bake either turns out burnt or has an odd flavor.

I talked to Laurence yesterday. He said that they were divided into platoons. He said that they were divided by last names. He also said that they still have not been fitted for their marines BDUs. He did mention that he is very ready to begin! I wonder how long into the training he will be this excited!?!?!? lol But, then again, this is what he has been wanting to do for as long as I can remember. Growing up, all he wanted to be was a Marine Medic.
Ruth, thanks for the advice on mailing packages. I saw some cookies at the store that looked home baked. I might have to buy some since I can't bake them myself.

Debbie, Congratulations! I know you are proud of him!