Corpsman Moms

Lots of Corpsman moms around!  Share your experiences here, your wisdom and your support of one another!  All are welcome!  HM 'A' School moms/dads/loved ones, please also join us at

 http://www.navyformoms.com/group/hmhospitalcorpsmanaschoolinsanantonio

Current admins Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom and TexasDocMom

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FMTB vs. FMF explained -also qualifications ESWS and EAWS

FMTB (the acronym for Field Medical Training Battalion) is an eight week educational and training program combining classwork and field training that takes place at only two locations:  Camp Johnson/Camp Lejeune, NC, and Camp Pendleton, CA.  Upon completion, the corpsman earns an additional HM rating of 8486.  Corpsman commonly refer to FMTB as "Field Med."

FMTB East:  FMTB East info

FMTB West:  FMTB West

 

FMF (for Fleet Marine Force) is a qualification is earned by Navy enlisted members assigned to the Fleet Marine Force of the U.S. Marine Corps who have successfully completed the necessary requirements of the Enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist (EFMFWS) Program. This involves serving with a Marine Corps Unit, passing a written test, demonstrating skills used in service with the Marines, and an oral examination by senior enlisted sailors who are FMF qualified.

This link answers frequently asked questions about FMF:

FMF Enlisted Warfare Specialist FAQ

 

This is the FMF pin:

 

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Corpsmen serving on surface warfare ships also have the opportunity to earn these qualifications:  Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS), pronounced by sailors as EE-swass), and Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist.  These are also extremely rigorous processes involving a a range of written tests and two oral boards ("qual boards"), the second of which is colloquially called the "murder board" because of its difficulty.  There are other qualifications to earn, but these are the most prevalent for corpsmen sailors.

The Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) qualification recognizes the efforts of a select group of enlisted individuals trained in surface ship operations. The ESWS pin signifies that the wearer is fully competent in his rate, as well as in the areas of damage control, maintenance and material management, safety, watch standing, general knowledge of engineering and combat systems.

There is a formal pinning ceremony upon successful completion of any of these qualifications, and if you sailor earns one, be immensely proud, as they are hard to earn and are taken very seriously.  

ESWS pin:  

A corpsman receives her ESWS pin during a ceremony onboard the USS Kearsarge: