Camp Pendleton Corpsmen Moms

Thanks, Docsmom! Sorry for being a pain, but I don't even know where maingate is, hahah. Is there a point of reference I can use? The FMTB website is no longer up. I am also looking for a restaurant to celebrate at!

Amac23....when I was there it was about a block or two away from Devil Doc Hall.  There is a building (although we were outside since it was 28 Sept and hot!).  I think it says Field Medical Training Battalion on the building.  Devil Doc Hall as you know is their barracks.  There was plenty of room!!

Yep....it's a left at the main gate.  As to a restaurant....hmmm...there are some.  Ask your Corpsman. They usually know all of that.  We ended up going off base to a great Thai restaurant that my son and his buddy knew but I couldn't tell ya' how to get there!

Also, the guards at the main gate can point you in the right direction!

Thanks, ladies- you're terrific!

Amac23....I can't believe it's time for his graduation already!!! Oh my.  Wow, this year has flown by. 

Amac, it is the I-5 exit for Camp Pendleton right at Oceanside.  You won't get lost.  I get lost driving around the block and didn't get lost.  

We adopted my son's buddy because his parents couldn't make it.  We had so much fun that weekend!  I had forgotten just how much food two 20-something young men can consume. 

I just heard back from the FMTB Public Affairs Office and got the info. on the graduation next week.  The ceremony is set to begin at 10am and will be outside in the bleachers (weather permitting.)  She said that parking is sometimes an issue, so she said that getting there by 9am is a good idea.  Dress is casual since it is expected to be outside (jeans and tennis shoes was what she suggested.)  There will be a video of their entire time while at FMTB.  It will be on sale in one of the classrooms in Valor Hall to the right when you go in.  There is a Corpsman Museum upstairs (she said it is the only museum for Corpsmen.)  Also, she said this will be an EXTRA special graduation as they will be having a Commanding General speaking and a special band performing. 

Can't wait until next Thursday!!! 

I just got off the phone and was going to post the same thing! Haha. Thanks for all the congrats- I am so proud of him and so excited!!

Thank you to both of you for doing the work to get this info...Can't wait for next Thursday!  Any recommendations for an inexpensive hotel?  My son was going to make reservations for us on Sunday to get the military discount but time got away from him and he forgot and now they are out in the field until Thursday :-/

Hi CindyLou61...  I'm so sorry, but I don't have an info. on hotels in the area.  You might want to look at the Camp Pendleton website (www.pendleton.marines.mil) or you could call their Public Affairs Office (Camp Pendleton Community Relations: (760)-725-5569) and they might have suggestions. 

Take care!!

We stayed at Ward Lodging on base.  It was clean, comfortable and the service was the BEST I have experienced in a very long time.  It was affordable, like the Navy Lodge was at GL.  Congrats on all the new Devil Docs!

Thanks for the tip DramaSoul...just made reservations at the Ward Lodge--was actually pretty surprised they had any rooms still available, but we got one.  I'm getting so excited.

Hi all, haven't been able to check in here in a long time. Unfortunately and sadly we couldnt make it to graduation today. I wish I could give my sons name so someone could give him a big hug for me! They have all accomplished so much and should be very proud of themselves. Congratulations to all!

Good morning All! My soon-to-be-corpsman is headed to Camp P in about a week. His graduation from A-school is this week! I was wondering if anyone knows what they need to bring with them to FMBT? Anything he should/shouldn't bring? I will take home any items he has that he can't take with him. Thank you!

CHN-B....Check out the website for FMTB West.  My son did not take any electronics except his phone and not much in the way of civilian clothes.  They will spend a lot of time in the field.  They will also be issued another seabag and 'marpats' which are the working uniforms they wear in the field.  Devil Doc Hall (the barracks they stay in) is set up like a ship so the bunks are small and their is less storage (according to my son) than they had in A school.  It's boot camp all over again so it takes a little bit of an adjustment to be sleeping in a compartment again with everyone.  Congrats on your Sailor's accomplishment! :-)

Enjoy!

CHN-B...According to what I have heard, it came from "Devil Dogs" which was a term the Germans used in WWI referring to the Marines. They meant it as a derogatory term but you know those Marines...they LOVED it so they have been "Devil Dogs" ever since. And of course, since their Corpsmen are 'Doc', they became "Devil Docs".  It says "Devil Doc Hall" on their barracks. Waaay cool.

My sailor is in Pendleton now to start FMTB. Hooyah!

I just ordered 4 pr sand Stryker and 2 pr green boot socks. My corpsman has not yet given me his complete address so I have to beg to get it. :) The FMTB-West site has a partial address, as soon as I can get his class/platoon number I will send the socks. They are busy with MCMAP now, so the fatigue and soreness has set in. Hooyah/OOrah!

Granny....MCMAP is done on the sand....makes is sooo much harder, according to my son.

CHN-B, when my son graduated he was able to leave with me immediately after the ceremony (bags and all)...he was scheduled to fly out of SD two days later so we booked a hotel in Old Town and he spent the weekend with me and then headed to the airport from the hotel.  They do provide housing for sailors that aren't flying out right away if needed.  Congratulations to your corpsman and enjoy the graduation!

NormaH....Is it really that time ALREADY? Wow.  This getting older thing just isn't fair when time passes at lightspeed!