Sailors becoming Hospital Corpsmen at A School in San Antonio, TX - best rating in the Navy! The Hospital Corps is the Navy's only enlisted Corps and the most decorated in the Navy. Families, friends and loved ones, join in!
Renee: Stethescopes: Order only Litman! any other is junk. I had to go to a medical supply store in a town nearby where nurses and doctors order their supplies. We gave it to our sailor when he graduated, but the clinic where he is working also gave him one as a welcome gift.
@ Doreen - Thanks a bunch! I bought a Mabis stethoscope at our local medical supply store and am feeling like I've been ripped off, pricewise! I'll be returning that and will order the Littman - David will be happy with the color choices! I'll also check out the knock off.
Ughh my husband is in a holding division and we have no idea when classes might start for him, but I have already booked my flight in May to go to TX to see him. Do you guys have any advice for a newbie with this A-school bussiness? Do you think he might be in phase 3 by May?
From what I was told, you phase up even if you are in holding, so no problem for May. But, as HJ said, it can be taken away. May is a couple months away, so, hopefully they will have all learned the rules by then.
HJ , wow that stinks. My daughter told me several times they might lose theirs, but, never did. Thank goodness. I did go see her when she was just in phase 2. It would have been nice for her to be able to stay at the hotel with us but, we enjoyed our time anyway. Good luck to all of you beginning this A school journey. My daughter was ready to call it quits while in A school (not that she really could, lol), but, now is helping deliver babies in Bremerton and absolutely loves it!
My husband is in BT still- PIR is 4/6 and then it's of to SA. I've been reading through the comments, but there are some things I don't quite understand. They're really basic questions- sorry!
What are 'cards' and 'phases'?
What is a 'dream sheet'?
DH is a reservist, so I am not sure what applies and what doesn't.
Amac,He has 3 phases (stages) of liberty. On base only, civilian cloths and off base but back by a set time and over night off base. They are given cards to show what phase they are at.
Dream sheet is a list of where they want to be stationed when they are done.
Yes Ladies, my son just called and confirmed they were phased back because some were not in uniform while on duty and they phased the entire class back. He needed to get his taxes done, but now cannot go off base to do so. Sounds like they are applying peer pressure.
That or some of them need to grow up and get with the program. Seems like they have forgotten what they were taught in Boot Camp. Really stinks for those who follow the rules.
Hello ladies, I am a new HM Mom and new to your site ( my son's was PIR 2/17). I am trying to understand some of the ins-and-outs of A School. My son said he is to begin classes on Mon., does that mean that he will be there an additional week? Is this piece of training really 14 weeks or can it take some longer? Also, if they "phase back" does that effect graduation? Thanks for the help...
There is about a 5 week wait to start classes. While waiting...there will be alot of briefings & cleaning!! Take advantage of this time to decompress & get used to being in the real world again!! Once classes start, very intense & alot of studying.
Right now, I think school is 12 weeks. My daughter and a few of her classmates (not all) were chosen to stay for week 13. She graduates next week. Hope that helps.
Thank you ladies! I also have read about flash cards and coloring book...did your sailors feel this was helpful? If so I will order them today. Also, can new sailors receive "stuff" from home? (favorite clothes, sweets, vitamins/medicines). I knew better then to send anything to BC but from what he is sharing this is a whole new world!
Celeste, Yes they have microwave and mini frig in rooms. I sent my daughter one piece correll set and send her care packages once a month. No medicines they can go to sick call and get that. Besides it's better if they do. That why it's on record what they have taken. And yes it's a lot better than BC. Does he have a cell phone. If so you can text each other. We do.
Yes, we are texting. Need to get an updated computer/laptop so we can skype although my guess is that won't be happening for long once classes start.Good idea about the cookware though...
Bandon'sgirl, I found some good bargains on amazon.com for the flash cards and coloring book. Just check the comments to see which one is the best...one set is done via the body systems the other is body parts. From what I read the body systems (muscular, bone,etc.) are the better cards at this stage, more like anatomy 101.
Ok N4M friends, haven't been here in a while but I need some hotel suggestions in SA. Driving back with him from Wisconsin and spending a couple days there, where have you stayed? What's nice? Where should I avoid staying. It's just me so don't need fancy, just clean and close to attractions
My wife and I were there last weekend also, We stayed at the Holiday Inn on the River Walk. They gave us a military discount and for a double room facing the River Walk is was $106.00.
For the River Walk that is a very good price. If you have never been to San Antonio and if you can afford it the River Walk is a great play to stay. My wife and I love the River Walk. San Antonio is a great city.
Celeste, Your sailor can receive packages and mail, but will have to wait in long lines sometimes up to forty-five minutes at the mail room. Some get their own PO Box at the post office. My son asked me not to send him mail or packages because he doesn't have time. So you have options based on your Sailor's needs. Some have packages sent to Ups, but they may charge $10.00 per package.
Those that are planning a trip to SA soon, check out VRBO.com. We rented a vacation home for 4 nights Presidents Day weekend. $148 p/night for a four bedroom house. That included taxes and cleaning deposit. If you want the owners contact information in-box me. This owner has 3 fully furnished homes in SA and rents them for vacationers. Plenty of room for us and our Sailor. 25 minutes south of the Ft. Sam. Near AFB.
Definitely renting from this owner again in May. We saved tons of $$$ eating in oppose to eating out every meal. Our Sailor liked that better anyway. Home cooking is something all of the love!
One last thing - we did eat mexican at the Riverwalk - Casa Rio or Rio Casa. Off Commerce. SCRUMPTIOUS!
I get a tracking number for packages I send. Only a couple dollars more and that way I can tell the daughter when it's there and she doesn't waste time standing in that line for nothing. UPS does deliver to the barracks. She has ordered stuff on line and had it shipped that way.
Buddy, tell your son to study hard from the beginning. Best of luck to all who start school next week. My son is still waiting for his orders to post. Hope they did not get messed up.
laura h
Renee: Stethescopes: Order only Litman! any other is junk. I had to go to a medical supply store in a town nearby where nurses and doctors order their supplies. We gave it to our sailor when he graduated, but the clinic where he is working also gave him one as a welcome gift.
Feb 17, 2012
laura h
Verizon discounts: Ripoff.. in MA they only allow a 15% discount off the highest premium plan which my sailor did not purchase.
Feb 17, 2012
Doreen(07/272)
Feb 17, 2012
Doreen(07/272)
I have each of these...I hear better with the knock off brand, and it looks pretty cool too.
Feb 17, 2012
Renee
@ Doreen - Thanks a bunch! I bought a Mabis stethoscope at our local medical supply store and am feeling like I've been ripped off, pricewise! I'll be returning that and will order the Littman - David will be happy with the color choices! I'll also check out the knock off.
Feb 18, 2012
brandon'sgirl
Ughh my husband is in a holding division and we have no idea when classes might start for him, but I have already booked my flight in May to go to TX to see him. Do you guys have any advice for a newbie with this A-school bussiness? Do you think he might be in phase 3 by May?
Feb 22, 2012
celinamae
Feb 22, 2012
celinamae
Feb 22, 2012
StevenHMmom
Hopefully this means he will phase up as well
Feb 22, 2012
MomP(Helen)
Just be prepared ladies. My daughters class got their phase cards taken away because of a few sailors were out of uniform while they had duty.
Feb 22, 2012
Tink
Feb 22, 2012
MomP(Helen)
Tink, my daughter's been there since before Christmas. They lost their cards 2 weeks ago. You would think they'd have it figured out by now.
Feb 22, 2012
Tink
Feb 22, 2012
Amac23
Hello All!
My husband is in BT still- PIR is 4/6 and then it's of to SA. I've been reading through the comments, but there are some things I don't quite understand. They're really basic questions- sorry!
What are 'cards' and 'phases'?
What is a 'dream sheet'?
DH is a reservist, so I am not sure what applies and what doesn't.
Feb 23, 2012
MomP(Helen)
Amac,He has 3 phases (stages) of liberty. On base only, civilian cloths and off base but back by a set time and over night off base. They are given cards to show what phase they are at.
Dream sheet is a list of where they want to be stationed when they are done.
Feb 23, 2012
CDMom
Yes Ladies, my son just called and confirmed they were phased back because some were not in uniform while on duty and they phased the entire class back. He needed to get his taxes done, but now cannot go off base to do so. Sounds like they are applying peer pressure.
Feb 23, 2012
MomP(Helen)
That or some of them need to grow up and get with the program. Seems like they have forgotten what they were taught in Boot Camp. Really stinks for those who follow the rules.
Feb 23, 2012
Judi(NavyMom)
@CDMom:
My daughter said a tax preparer was coming on base to help with tax prep for free! Not sure when/where..but may solve problem.
one more week until graduation! Yeah!! Then off to Bethesda.
Feb 23, 2012
Celeste(HA Mom)
Hello ladies, I am a new HM Mom and new to your site ( my son's was PIR 2/17). I am trying to understand some of the ins-and-outs of A School. My son said he is to begin classes on Mon., does that mean that he will be there an additional week? Is this piece of training really 14 weeks or can it take some longer? Also, if they "phase back" does that effect graduation? Thanks for the help...
Feb 24, 2012
Judi(NavyMom)
Hi Celeste & welcome!
There is about a 5 week wait to start classes. While waiting...there will be alot of briefings & cleaning!! Take advantage of this time to decompress & get used to being in the real world again!! Once classes start, very intense & alot of studying.
Right now, I think school is 12 weeks. My daughter and a few of her classmates (not all) were chosen to stay for week 13. She graduates next week. Hope that helps.
Feb 24, 2012
MomP(Helen)
Hi Celeste
No phase 1,2,3 has to do with liberty and how much freedom they are given. The only thing that really effects graduation is grades they get in class.
Feb 24, 2012
Celeste(HA Mom)
Thank you ladies! I also have read about flash cards and coloring book...did your sailors feel this was helpful? If so I will order them today. Also, can new sailors receive "stuff" from home? (favorite clothes, sweets, vitamins/medicines). I knew better then to send anything to BC but from what he is sharing this is a whole new world!
Feb 24, 2012
MomP(Helen)
Celeste, Yes they have microwave and mini frig in rooms. I sent my daughter one piece correll set and send her care packages once a month. No medicines they can go to sick call and get that. Besides it's better if they do. That why it's on record what they have taken. And yes it's a lot better than BC. Does he have a cell phone. If so you can text each other. We do.
Feb 24, 2012
brandon'sgirl
How do you get the flash cards and color book. Can the sailors get them on base or what?
Feb 24, 2012
Celeste(HA Mom)
Yes, we are texting. Need to get an updated computer/laptop so we can skype although my guess is that won't be happening for long once classes start.Good idea about the cookware though...
Bandon'sgirl, I found some good bargains on amazon.com for the flash cards and coloring book. Just check the comments to see which one is the best...one set is done via the body systems the other is body parts. From what I read the body systems (muscular, bone,etc.) are the better cards at this stage, more like anatomy 101.
Feb 24, 2012
brandon'sgirl
thank you Celeste!
Feb 24, 2012
buddy
Just put my wife and daughter in the car they are headed to San Antonio to check on our Sailor.
Feb 24, 2012
DRod's mom (HM-S.A.)
Feb 24, 2012
buddy
My wife and I were there last weekend also, We stayed at the Holiday Inn on the River Walk. They gave us a military discount and for a double room facing the River Walk is was $106.00.
For the River Walk that is a very good price. If you have never been to San Antonio and if you can afford it the River Walk is a great play to stay. My wife and I love the River Walk. San Antonio is a great city.
Feb 24, 2012
CDMom
Not sure if you can get the flash cards and coloring book on base. I ordered them from Amazon for our Sailor.
Feb 24, 2012
CDMom
Celeste, Your sailor can receive packages and mail, but will have to wait in long lines sometimes up to forty-five minutes at the mail room. Some get their own PO Box at the post office. My son asked me not to send him mail or packages because he doesn't have time. So you have options based on your Sailor's needs. Some have packages sent to Ups, but they may charge $10.00 per package.
Feb 24, 2012
ArNavyMom
Those that are planning a trip to SA soon, check out VRBO.com. We rented a vacation home for 4 nights Presidents Day weekend. $148 p/night for a four bedroom house. That included taxes and cleaning deposit. If you want the owners contact information in-box me. This owner has 3 fully furnished homes in SA and rents them for vacationers. Plenty of room for us and our Sailor. 25 minutes south of the Ft. Sam. Near AFB.
Definitely renting from this owner again in May. We saved tons of $$$ eating in oppose to eating out every meal. Our Sailor liked that better anyway. Home cooking is something all of the love!
One last thing - we did eat mexican at the Riverwalk - Casa Rio or Rio Casa. Off Commerce. SCRUMPTIOUS!
Feb 25, 2012
Judi(NavyMom)
I've used VRBO before and have been very pleased. Don't know why I didn't use the in SA. I guess I had Riverwalk on the brain!! LOL
Feb 25, 2012
ArNavyMom
@ Judi - we went to Riverwalk twice. $10 to park both times but noticed other open lots for $6-8. Gorgeous there.
We too have used VRBO in the past. Beach in Alabama and dessert home in Arizona. Super owners. And we found prices are NEGOTIABLE. Blessing.
Feb 25, 2012
MomP(Helen)
@Celeste
I get a tracking number for packages I send. Only a couple dollars more and that way I can tell the daughter when it's there and she doesn't waste time standing in that line for nothing. UPS does deliver to the barracks. She has ordered stuff on line and had it shipped that way.
Feb 27, 2012
MomP(Helen)
Anybody else have a sailor going thru the killer corpsman test today?
Feb 28, 2012
proudascanbe
Which Killer Test? Aren't they all?
Feb 28, 2012
MomP(Helen)
The end of EMT part of class.
Feb 28, 2012
proudascanbe
YES!!! My son is taking it today!
Feb 28, 2012
MomP(Helen)
My daughter is too.. She said she studied so much her brain hurt. lol
Feb 28, 2012
buddy
My son found out yesterday that classes for him start this coming Monday. He has been having a good time in SA now the work begins.
Feb 28, 2012
MomP(Helen)
buddy, Yes it does.
Feb 28, 2012
CDMom
Yes, I think all the tests are killer.
Feb 28, 2012
CDMom
My son took a killer test yesterday. Do they have another one today? My goodness It is no wonder their brains hurt LOL
Feb 28, 2012
proudascanbe
Yes, I believe today was test #7 and the last in the EMT section...Congrats to all who passed!
Feb 28, 2012
Judi(NavyMom)
Graduation today! So excited!!!
Feb 29, 2012
proudascanbe
Judi, Congratulations to all Graduating Today!
Feb 29, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Feb 29, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Feb 29, 2012
Tink
May be one of ours someday! :)
http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/01/10550666-navy-doctors-...
Mar 1, 2012