HM (Hospital Corps) "A" School in San Antonio

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!  

WELCOME!! 

Load Previous Comments
  • Craig

    Nicks - Did you ever see this thread? It will tell you pretty much what your husband is doing today...

    http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=433

  • Craig

    Just sent it... Thanks....

  • Jenn_NicksWifey

    Thank you, Craig!  I have seen a couple week by week schedules and I try to talk about what he's doing in my letters to him.  I have not seen a schedule so descriptive, I really enjoyed reading this week's, he was really looking forward to the live fire.  His missed getting his FOID card in the mail by about 2 days when he left for bootcamp.  I think he is at 4-5 today.  I know I talked to him on 14 June and he said they were starting week 3 the next day. 

  • Craig

    I had a Navy Nuke gal write that.  That thread has been seen 34,000 times.  Everyone loves that thread....

  • DramaSoul

    Hi Craig!!  I just talked to my Sailor and he said the Navy will provide tuition assistance for EMT and Paramedic certification on the National Registry.  He said he may do that if he is in a duty station for awhile. 

  • DramaSoul

    NicksWife....that thread of the day-by-day at boot camp has REALLY spoiled me.  Now I want one for FMTB!

  • DramaSoul

    Okay...thanks for the info on the Challenge Coins.  I think I will get some for my Sailor. He was on the Kennedy at RTC.  Would that be a good gift for a CPO who just made Senior Chief after 21 years in the Navy?  One of my son's instructors just did and he has been a real inspiration to my son.  I am looking forward to meeting him at graduation. 

  • DramaSoul

    I realized I might not be clear.  I don't want to get the Sr Chief a Kennedy coin.  I was just thinking it would be good to get him a coin in honor of his accomplishment.  BTW, Craig, the coins are beautiful!!!

  • DramaSoul

    Gotta go pack...leaving tomorrow night after work for SA!!!! OMG...haven't seen my son for 4 months.  Any last words about stuff in SA? 

  • Craig

    Drama - Make dang sure you son brings you to Randolph AFB.  It's just up the road from Fort Sam.  It a beautiful base.  It's where the AF teach the pilots how to fly.  The Exchange is nice too...

    That's cool about the TA for the certification.  Man every sailor should do that.  You forget all that stuff when you get to the fleet.  

    Per the coin for the Senior Chief.  Challenge coins are always cool to sailors.   I've been talking about them for at least 1 1/2 years here on N4M's.  Check out this thread....  Heck, Nickswife should read the entire thread for a gift for her husband.....  (Again, if your easily offended don't click on this link).    

    http://www.navyformoms.com/group/pir07012011/forum/topics/graduatio...

    It's funny because the 2nd coin is the JFK.  It was suppose to be release 6-26-12 but they messed it up.  The bridge is not correct.  They made it cobble stone and it is truly just plain.  They hand carve and make each example of the coins and send me the example, then I find faults in them.  This one has been sent back about 5  times now.  Look at the bottom proof of JFK.   JFK actually looks like the 1920's singer Al Joslon ~ha  

    For those that don't know, Al Jolson was a white guy singer that dressed as a black man.   He was world famous for the movie The Jazz Singer, and, Mammy.  Black's love him because he was a  very active supporter of equal rights. He brought "black" music to white men and women around the world.  White people hated him.    It's funny because people today think he was dogging out black people by painting his face black.  When in fact he was actually promoting them but society today never looks at the facts and history....

  • Jenn_NicksWifey

    Funny you should mention it, Craig, I just placed an order for 2 challenge coins.  One is the Great Lakes one you have pictured below, the other is an E-3 coin, because he will graduate boot as an E-3.  I had it engraved "This is the start of our long journey together.  Love, Jenn"  He is starting as an E-3 but is ambitious to move up and he plans to make this a career.  It should be delivered in time for PIR.  Is it bad that I'm burning up the WiFi like this?  LoL

  • Jenn_NicksWifey

    And I definitely wanted the rating coin, but I'm not sure if he changed his rating yet.  He signed up for EN but when he called 2 weeks ago, said he was considering switching to HM.  I haven't gotten word on whether he did or not.  CAC card reader, definitely!  I do all the internet stuff and paperwork type things and research type things for us and even if he has to be there next to me while I search, it has GOT to be better than having to go to the base for access.  It will really be a gift "From me, To him, For me" which has a long tradition in my family, since my dad bought windshield wipers for my mom for Christmas, but they were the size for his truck, not her car.  : )

  • DramaSoul

    OMG Craig!  I didn't know JFK was related to Al Jolson.  Funny 'cause JFK was Catholic and Jolson was Jewish (as am I so I know lots about him!!)  I guess I will have to wait for the Challenge Coin.  So...for his Sr CPO (how is that abbreviated)...is there a coin for a Sr. Chief?  I think I will look for the HM rate for my son and wait until the JFK one comes out.  And where do I look for the coins? At the RTC site?


    Started to tear up as you talked about passing the coin on to your nephew.  I am sucha softy.  Got the industrial size tissues for Monday!

  • Katze90210 (3/113)

    When my son gave me a date it was a around kind of date. Like around aug15 th or around aug 25 sorry for the confusion. I think ge is in 150 b ? Does that sound right? Will double check
  • Katze90210 (3/113)

    Wio hoo in SA!!! Can't wait for 16:00 to see my Sailor Son!
  • DramaSoul

    Katze...I leave at 2035 tonight to arrive in SA at 0405 tomorrow morning.  Have a great visit with your Sailor!  Where are you staying?  I just have to get through my work day and then off to the airport. 

  • DramaSoul

    Txbaby...that sounds like what my son was telling me.  He also thought that the HM focus was a little bit different than the Army/AF medic focus. He is interested in getting those certifications at some point but right now, after graduation, his next focus is FMTB! Thanks for the link to NAVY COOL.

  • Katze90210 (3/113)

    Staying at the Fairfield two blocks from Riverwalk. Have to wait till 16:00 to see him! So close and yet so far! Worst part is he got pushed back for not passing room inspection :-( normally not that big a deal. But now he can't spend the weekend in the hotel with us :-(
  • 1proudmom

    Katze....,That stinks...sorry to hear that he cant stay with you.

    Thank  you for the info. on Graduation dates. It just gives me a better idea of what to expect and when......maybe! lol

  • Craig

    txbaby - Explain the "1x opportunity" again.  Are you saying 1x opportunity per course work, or are you saying 1x for your entire career?  To me, if I was a HM sailor I'd get that cert done asap. Just like me, I have a lot of math that I am required to do at work.  If I don't use it in a while, then I have to break out the book and see how to do the formula again.  

    Nickswife - If you didn't see the day-per-day at boot camp stuff, then you probably didn't read this thread either.  I want you to also take my 4 tests here and see how well you know the Navy.  Remember, it doesn't matter what you scored as long as you learned something.  I keep this stuff in the Cryptology section since I can easily update it:

    http://www.navyformoms.com/group/ctratemoms/forum/topics/boot-camp-...

  • Craig

    Nickswife - It seems like I keep picking on you, but you're the one that has a husband in boot camp now.  Just need to keep you entertained.  So... I posted a funny in the top section that you can send him....

  • SailorAiga

    Just got back from SA this past Tuesday. It was hot as *Bleep*! and humid! but so grateful and thankful to see my sailor graduate from A School. We enjoyed our time on the base. He had to stay one more week for clinicals and will fly home on Tuesday the 3rd and spend 10 days with us before he heads out to his station in Bethesda, MD.

  • Teach

    Katze- I think my son is in the same class with yours. If you meet Haven Smith, a handsome red head, give him a hug from me!
  • Katze90210 (3/113)

    Teach mines a handsome redhead too hope I don't get confused lol his name is Rob Sasway if you talk to your son. I will ask mine when I see him
  • Craig

    katze - Have him talk to his Chief.  Yes, he might have failed his room inspection, and he will have to pay his dues.  However, he needs to tell his Chief that his family is in town and that he wants to know if it would be possible to defer his sentence.  If the Chief knows this, then they might just make him pay his dues the next weekend.   It doesn't hurt to ask.  The worst that can happen is saying no.  You'd be surprised how many times I use to work with my sailors.  It's not like they got out of anything, they are just paying it back at a different time.   Chief's are human and can bend the rules to met the needs and still get the point across.  

  • Katze90210 (3/113)

    Woo hoo fit my Sailor Son! And yes Teach he does know your son
  • Katze90210 (3/113)

    Craig sooo nice to have you back. His room mate left some things out and that is why they failed. When his room mate found out we were coming this weekend they talked to their NMTI who let them off. Thanks any way looks like he will be stuck with me for the weekend! :-)
  • Craig

    Katze - Woo-hoo!  That's cool....You've got to respect the room mate for taking the responsibility and working the issue.  What these youngs sailors need to remember is the superiors are flexible.  I know I always looked out after my guys and made them always "owe me one".  This way I got the best work from them.  They respected me for always looking out after them.  I was always firm, but fair.

    When you go to the River walk, have him take you to the USO for drinks and food.  It's free and you will learn to respect the USO for what they do for our military.  Everyone should always take the time to look inside one.  It's about 1/2 block from the River walk.

  • Katze90210 (3/113)

    Craig my son says he really likes and respects his Superiors. His room mate is a good guy and things happen. His room mate is in C School and has been helping my son with A School, and that's why when I first posted I didnt mention what happened. It all worked in the end. The only hard part will be when I have to leave him again. But hopefully it will only be a few short weeks before he can come home! Again Craig soooo happy to have you back
  • Craig

    txbaby - Man, I'm just biting my tongue here....  I could go really far with that statement, but I won't.   

    I do hope your tiles turn out good and laid very well....

  • Craig

    Just curious for those that have sailors that are graduating.  Can you ask them what "NEC" code they are getting.  This is a 4 digit number that tells you exactly what their job is.  

    I'm trying to see if the Navy is pumping more sailors in jobs that have a low inventory level.  

    Here is the most current list.  

    http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/enlisted/community/medical/Do...

  • Amac23

    Hmm. My SN said 8404, but I dont see that on the list...

  • Craig

    Wow, my daughter just sent this picture from San Antonio.  Man is that cheap for gas...

  • Craig

    Amac - That's the stuff I'm looking at to try to figure out.  By that number, 8404, I can tell he's a Field Medic.  How?  I go to the NEC manual and it tells me.

    http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/nec/NECOSVolII/Docu...

    The NEC's are in numerical order.  Just scroll down to 8404 or you can do a Crtl-F and type in 8404.  It has the complete description.

    But now I need to figure out why you husband's NEC is not on that list.  I'm thinking he might be in the IA area for that NEC.  I'll let you know when I find out.  

    I'm trying to figure out which "C" schools are about to open up.  I know they sometimes send some to two "C" school. (primary & backup).  But as txbaby said, some of those NEC's are way overmanned and I'm wondering if they are keeping the school house open for those.    

  • Amac23

    I see, Craig.

    Well, he is a reservist- though I doubt that makes the difference. I'd definitely be interested in learning more when you find it...

  • Craig

    Ah, that makes a huge difference.... 

    I see that NEC has a Sea/Shore rotation.  Is he a Full Time Support (FTS) reservist?  You can find all the HM stuff here (if your bored).  I think he's in another section though if he's a normal reservist.

    http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/enlisted/community/medical/Pa...

  • Amac23

    I'd love to ask you both a question because I am getting a little confused. We live in CA, and was told that my SN would go on to Pendleton for FMTB. Now we hear some are sent to VA instead because Pendleton is filled? I also wonder- is the FMTB considered a 'C' school, and if not, as a reservist, can he still try to request 'C' school? (I feel like I will never 'get' it!!)

  • Craig

    txbaby - I'm wondering when NEC 8483 - Surgical Technologist comes open, how many billets are there for that class, and what is the break down (Air Force, Navy, Army) of people attending.

    Amac - If he's got a four digit number, then he's beyond basic.  Most of the time you must attend a "C" school for that number, but there are times that you can get it "On the Job Training" (OJT).  However your husband hasn't been in long enough to get that.  

  • Amac23

    So..that means Pendleton is the C school for FMTB?

    Sorry, I am very dense.

  • Jana

    Craig-my son is no longer in A school, but I still follow this group.  He graduated A school in December and then went to AVT C school in Pensacola.  He says his 4 digit number is 8406

  • Craig

    Jana - I can see why the 8406 is at  94.6%.  If you read the write up for a 8406 it says:

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    8406 - Aerospace Medical Technician
    Assists flight surgeon or medical officer in special examination and treatments for naval aviators and flight personnel. Assists in conducting aviation medical tests. Assists flight surgeon in investigating and reporting results of aircraft mishaps. Maintains aviation medical records and files.
    Source Rating: HM
    Course: Mandatory
    Sequence Code: 3
    Component NEC:
    Primary Advisor: BUMED M005C
    Billet Paygrades: E3-E7
    CIN: B-300-0017
    ESTB Date: REV Date: 5/11/11
    Related NEC:
    Technical Advisor: NAVMED MPT&E
    Personnel Paygrades: E1-E7
    CDP: 3301
    NR Ind: R
    Open to Women: Yes
    ECM: BUPERS-32

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    However, because that is a Core class, it is required for these these NEC's.   So they are losing people because they are gaining another NEC and that 8406 is going into second place (which is a good thing).

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    8401 - Search and Rescue Medical Technician
    Performs aircrew and emergency medical care functions in support of Search and Rescue, MEDEVAC and CASEVAC missions for Navy and
    Marine Corps Aviation. Certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Cardiopulmonary
    Resuscitation (CPR), Triage, Intravenous (IV) therapy, medicine administration, use of emergency medical equipment, patient handling, and aeromedical evacuation techniques. Must be NATOPS qualified to crew position of SAR Medical Technician.
    Source Rating: HM
    Course:
    Sequence Code: 4
    Component NEC: 8201
    Primary Advisor: BUMED M005C
    Billet Paygrades: E3-E6
    CIN:
    ESTB Date: REV Date: 8/29/11
    Related NEC:
    Technical Advisor: NAVMED MPT&E, NAVAIR
    Personnel Paygrades: E3-E6
    CDP:
    NR Ind: R
    Open to Women: Yes
    ECM: BUPERS-32
    NOTES:
    1. The medical standards established by NAVMEDCOMINST 1510.5 Series and the flight standards established by OPNAV must be met prior to
    award of this NEC.
    2. Member must hold HM-8406 NEC code prior to attaining HM-8401. Member will retain the HM-8401 NEC until paygrade E7. Upon reaching
    paygrade E7, the HM-8401 will be removed and the member’s following PCS assignment will be as an HM-8406 or HM-8409 unless they have
    qualified for another advanced closed loop NEC, i.e. HM-8425 or HM-8402.

    and

    8409 - Aerospace Physiology Technician
    Serves as a technical assistant to the Aerospace Physiologist. Provides instruction to aviation and non-aviation personnel in aeromedical aspects of
    flight, in-flight visual problems, spatial disorientation, emergency egress systems, personal life support equipment, and water survival techniques.
    Performs the duties of an inside instructor/observer on hypobaric chamber flights. Operates and maintains training devices peculiar to the aviation
    physiology and aviation water survival training programs. Performs the administrative duties required of the Aviation Physiology Training Units.
    Assists in the fleet introduction and evaluation of aviator's personal and survival equipment.
    Source Rating: HM
    Course: Mandatory
    Sequence Code: 4
    Component NEC:
    Primary Advisor: BUMED M005C
    Billet Paygrades: E4-E7
    CIN: B-305-0011
    ESTB Date: REV Date: 8/29/11
    Related NEC:
    Technical Advisor: NAVMED MPT&E
    Personnel Paygrades: E3-E7
    CDP: 02C6
    NR Ind: R
    Open to Women: Yes
    ECM: BUPERS-32
    NOTE: Member must hold HM-8406 NEC prior to attaining HM-8409.

  • Craig

    All,

    Sorry about all the NEC stuff.  Just trying to figure out which NEC are in short supply, and which ones are overmanned.  Then I can pretty much figure where the new classes are going to be.

    Amac - I haven't a clue about HM stuff.  Thus why I'm asking a bunch of questions.   However, I would have thought they would have sent him to Camp Lejeune.  God knows why they would send him to Va.  

    http://www.marines.mil/unit/tecom/fmtbn-e/Pages/default.aspx

    I did find this while seaching your NEC info:

    http://www.navyformoms.com/group/corpsmanmomsanddads/forum/topics/f...

  • Maltobella (HM - San Antonio)

    I don't know if this is the right way to ask cause I'm not completely sure how this works yet but my son is going to boot camp July 16th. Then he's going to San Antonio for A school to train for Corspman. We have no military background in our family and I don't know where to ask and he doesn't know the answer cause he's not thinking that far ahead but.... He wants to be an FMF? The Corpsman that goes out with the Marines. Does that require a C school? Is it a hard job to get? It scares me a little. Is it more dangerous? He wants to do it more than anything. Any advice for him? Thanks!!
  • Jana

    I see...didn't know that.  I do remember his talking about Search and Rescue a couple of times.  I'm not sure if that is one of those areas that he is disqualified for or if it was something else.  He is color blind, so he is kind of limited in some of his job opportunities.  

  • KaylaRae

    Hi maltobella: FMF does not require C school and it is extremely competitive. He will have to keep his grades up. That is what my bf is doing. He was 3rd in his class and that was the only FMF spot open. After he graduates he will go straight to Camp Pendleton for FMTB training and then come home for leave. We are stationed at Pendleton so when he has to report back he will work at the Navel Hospital on base until his unit deploys. He goes with his marine unit who deploys a year at a time and it depends where they go... That is all I know for now since that is as far as we have made it but I can keep you updated.

  • Craig

    Kayla - So do all the FMF go to Pendleton?  Does he earn the 8404 NEC?  

    Like I said, I haven't a clue on this HM stuff, but I have to get informed because I get HM deppers on my website.  I need to pass on the information that this group is providing....

    maltobella -  My daughter would love to be a FMF corpsman.  Her desire is working in a war zone and helping our military.  However, our military still doesn't consider our females for that environment.   Which actually ticks me off.

     A female in my book can do everything a man can do, except write their names in the snow.  Especially if the females name is Mackenzie.   She'd only get "the letter i" done correctly...before the snow went flying everywhere!  

    I wish our government would really look at changing that rule.  

  • Jenn_NicksWifey

    Craig - I totally agree with you on the women in combat situations.  The justification, from what I understand, is that men respond differently to a woman in danger or injured that they would to another man.  I think that's a lot of baloney.  Most humans respond poorly to many things that are just a fact of life for military members, especially in wartime.  Our servicemembers are trained to overcome that.  The policy is sort of saying that men cannot control themselves around women and punishing women for it by denying them equal oppurtunities.  I think it's unfair all the way around.

  • KaylaRae

    FMTB is done at both Camp Pendleton and Camp Lejeune. I think they send them to where ever is open. Bf was saying they only have 4 FMTB stuff a year at Pendleton which is why he has to immediately report there after graduation and then he will get leave. 

    I have no idea what 8404 NEC is but I can ask him tomorrow after his classes. Anything else that you guys would like to know? We are learning as we go so I will do my best to let everyone know, who is interested, how it works.

  • Craig

    Nicks - I hear you sister...  Why can other countries do it and not the U.S.?

    Our women are not weak.  Jessica Lynch was a prime example.  Yes, she got captured in Iraq, and yes, the SEALS had to go get her.  But if "she" was a "he", then they would have got a guy too.   

    kayla - I'd love to hear the info on how it works....  Here is the info on 8404.  It comes from this link:

    http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/nec/NECOSVolII/Docu...

    8404 - Field Medical Service Technician
    Provides medical and dental services for personnel in field units. Provides technical and administrative assistance to support the mission and
    functions of the Navy and Marine Corps field units. Maintains organizational level AMAL’s and ADAL’s. Assists in the procurement and
    distribution of supplies and equipment for field use and combat areas. Maintains field treatment facilities. Renders first aid and emergency medical
    and dental treatment to unit personnel/combatants. Coordinates and performs medical evacuation procedures. Ensures observance of field sanitary
    measures and preventive measures in specialized warfare. Conducts first aid and health education training programs.
    Source Rating: HM
    Course: Mandatory
    Sequence Code: 7
    Component NEC:
    Primary Advisor: BUMED M005C
    Billet Paygrades: E3-E9
    CIN: B-300-0013
    B-300-0213
    B-300-1013
    B-300-3312
    ESTB Date: REV Date: 9/9/11
    Related NEC:
    Technical Advisor: NAVMED MPT&E
    Personnel Paygrades: E3-E9
    CDP: 3387, 3388
    02FJ, 02FL
    05K8, 05K9
    06VR
    NR Ind: A
    Open to Women: Yes
    ECM: BUPERS-32
    NOTE: Last reviewed during “CIN/CDP” refresh completed 9/9/11.

  • Amac23

    You're right, Craig. He must have been mistaken about Norfolk. It would be NC. Though that's just as bad from where I am sitting in CA, merely an hour away from Pendleton.

    One thing that truly baffles me is: if FMF is such a sought after position, then why did my husband, a reservist, get it? You'd think the Navy would save those spots for the active duty? It doesn't make a lot of sense to me....