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!
Katze-my son graduated from A school in December, but I still follow this group and put in my 2 cents worth from time to time whatever it's worth. His A school graduation lasted about an hour. It was a very intimate ceremony. There was just a handful of families there, nothing like PIR. The sailors sat in the middle and the families/spectators sat on the 2 sides. I believe my son's group had graduation in a different hall than usual because of some special speaker or guest there, so I'm not sure if all graduation venues are laid out the same. We were free to walk about and take pictures throughout the ceremony anywhere in the auditorium. His graduation was on a Tuesday and my daughter and I arrived there Monday evening and went home Tuesday afternoon/evening because this was at Christmastime and he was coming home on leave for 2 weeks. I don't know why I couldn't bring him home with me (he said something about having to get the car checked out first or something), but he had to fly from SA to Houston and I had to go pick him up at the Houston airport on Wednesday. There was not any list that you had to be on, or you did not have to let someone know that you were coming ahead of time. In fact, as much as I tried, I couldn't even get out of him until the nite before where the graduation was going to be and what time, but that's my son for you. Right now since he is overseas he can't use his phone and so we communicate through facebook and Skype. I will ask him a question and he responds with a one word answer, nothing more...trying to get any information out of him is like pulling teeth...it is so exasperating. Hopefully yours is more forthcoming with information
Katze, what Jana said is very true. It is far more intimate and personal. There were 88 graduates and only a handful of families. We were in Anderson Hall which is set up a little differently than Jana describes. As Jana said, there are no lists. It is an auditorium with the 'orchestra section' (the one closest to the stage) separated by a wide aisle and a 'balcony' section which is just behind that and not a real balcony. The Sailors sat in the front section and the families sat behind them in the second section. Anderson Hall is where they have most of their classes, according to my son. Families are allowed in the building 45 minutes before the ceremony to mingle with their Sailors. I got to meet lots of my Sailor's buddies and instructors, including the instructor who made the most impact on him, Senior Chief McMillan. We took pictures, chatted...very relaxed! Then the Sailors left and we were seated. The choir sang the Sailor's Hymn (my first reach of many for tissues!). The Sailors marched in (lookin' mighty fine in their whites) without their covers (hats) on because it is indoors. There was an introduction, parade of colors, the choir singing the National Anthem, retiring of the colors, the invocation and then the guest speaker, Master Chief Manlapaz who spoke beautifully and very personally about what it means to be a Corpsman. He was followed by the presentation of student awards and then the presentation of the certificates. One of the most moving parts of the whole ceremony is just before the final benediction when the newly-minted Corpsmen stand and recite the Corpsman Pledge....it gave me chills and the tears flowed so have lotsa tissues! Then the ceremony is over. We were able to chat awhile, meet more friends and instructors, get pics, etc. Then they went to and admin briefing which lasted about 90 minutes. My Sailor was flying home the next day so he had to change is flight because he had 14 days leave before he reports to Camp Pendleton for FMTB. I was flying home the same day but not on the same airline and we arrived in Portland Oregon within 10 minutes of each other!! Since the graduation was on a Monday, I flew in early Saturday morning to have the weekend with my son. It was the first time I had seen him in 4 months so we did some sight-seeing together. One thing to tell your Sailor...ship home a lot of the stuff he isn't going to be able to take to his duty station...and do it BEFORE graduation. While I was able to take my son to lunch, he had procrastinated so there was a lot of last minute packing with me running back and forth between the hotel and the base as some of the things he didn't have room for, I took with me.
Another thing...we weren't positive of his graduation date until 2 weeks before it happened. It wasn't that he didn't want to tell me...he just didn't know for sure. By all means...go to this graduation if you can. This is just so personal. I wouldn't have missed it for the world! I know this is a long post...sorry but it's all very fresh in my mind right now!
Craig...regarding tax stuff. I finally heard from my accountant and our state (Oregon) is very MILITARY FRIENDLY apparently. My son will not pay state taxes as long as he does not reside in the state and/or spends no more than 31 days in the state on leave. That means this year he won't have to because he left 3 Jan for GLRTC and will be home only 14 days now. Not sure if he will have any leave after FMTB graduation. The accountant definitely said NOT to change residency to California. Apparently Sailors (and any other military personnel) have to pay if they are resididnts but are not residing in the state. We happen to have high state taxes because we have no sales tax that was the reason my son was asking me about it. So if any of you live in Oregon, there is a benefit! Of course we have no Naval bases in Oregon. BTW, that is pronounced 'orygun' not 'or-ee-gone'. My son said no one outside of the state knows how to pronounce it!!! LOL!!!!!! :-)
Craig...I go back and read the Navy dep stuff because a lot of it is so funny. Thank you sooo much for makin' my day start with a smile more than once!
Thanks Jana that helps. I work at an elementary school and start work Sept 1. The graduation date will play a factor in the decision on if we go or not. I don't want to feel bad if my son did not have anyone there. Would love to see it but have to wait on a date
Dramasoul thanks that's just what I needed. Oh and now you got me crying! Can you take pictures during the ceramony? I guess I will just have to wait and see when the date is. Don't want to miss the first day of school! Thanks
Dramasoul thanks for asking. My son was given a rinse to gargle with that numbs his throat and antibiotics. He does not know the name of the meds but it made him feel better right away! I made sure he knew to finish all the meds. Don't want a relaps !
Katze. I probably asked this before, but what do you do at the school? My husband and I are both teachers. I have heard our graduation may be Aug 27. But, Haven said the instructors just said Aug the something. We st art back Aug 13 and the kids start Aug 20, so Aug 27 sort of works but Sept 4 would be even better for us so we get farther into the year, plus have Labor Day weekend. We are hoping to go, but are planning to drive as tickets are outrageous to fly. Southwest doesn't fly in our area. It is 700 miles to drive, but at least we could bring home some of the piles of purchases he has made. That is, if he isnt staying in SA. I am a planner and would really like a date, but I am learning to be patient.
Kstze...You can move around the room as you need to take pictures. Also the METC Facebook page takes pics of each graduate as he/she is given the certificate as well as other parts of the ceremony. If you go to the page, check out Class 120. That's my son's class. They also post pics of the Air Force graduating classes since the two branches take some of the same classes together. Also I am thinking that your son had to gargle/rinse with viscous lidocaine. It's an anesthetic used topically in the oral cavity and it really tastes very bitter. I know because I have used it.
Oh one other thing. My son flew home Soirhwest and he was concerned he would have to pay because he had 5 pieces of luggage to check and they were about 100lbs. He didn't have to pay ANYTHING! Also re-routing the trp to come home and the go down to Camp P 14 days later cost him only $92. I think Southwest is very military friendly. In the future I think I will try to fly them.
Teach I'm a para/sub/library aide. I basically fill in when teachers have meetings or have to go home early. I have my associates on education. I heard the same about Aug 27. School for us starts sept 5th staff goes in sept 4th. So hopefully aug 27 th will be the date
Teach I am a planner too. It's taking everything I have to sit and wait. There is no way we can drive. It would take too long and my husband will have to take off from work
As I remember things about the graduation and getting around I will post them. So...if you are going to Anderson Hall, it is best to enter the base via the Harry Wurzbach gate. There is a lot of construction and the easiest and closest way to get to the Hall and the Navy barracks is through that gate. I didn't realize just HOW BIG this Joint Base is and I am severely directionally challenged. On my way to pick up my son for the first time, I had to have him talk me in on his cell phone as I missed turns and ended up at another gate completely. I got very good navigating the base by Monday as I have noted, I had to go back and forth to pick up things from him that were going into my luggage. If you need directions from that gate, I can give you turn by turn directions!!!
Teach and Katze...I am one of those planners too. I am a dental hygienist so I know my schedule 6-12 months out. When I change my schedule at the last minute, patients are not happy. The lesson for me with my son being in the Navy is...patience and go with the flow. Sooo hard!!!
Teach and katze what's classes are your sons in and when did they start. I hate yet to ask about class number but we are expecting a graduation late august too.
That's right, Katze. I remember now because I wasn't sure if he said 150 or 115. He said they pick c school on the 13th. Does that sound correct? I thought the others were picking on a Wed.
.Craig I couldn't believe the cheap gas in SA!! 10 days ago in Oregon it was 4.29 but last night I filled up here and it was only 3.51. Don't quite understand the why there is such disparity throughout the country. We do not pump our own gas, although I wouldn't mind doing it. I did it when I lived in CA.
I am just getting around to really reading the thread since I had only my phone over the weekend and it is a small screen so I just skimmed stuff. txbabydocmom...did the floors get finished? (I really had something more along the lines of what Craig was saying but I thought I would just bite my tongue.)
DramaSoul - My mom has a friend that is renting their condo in FL for the week and she sent a pic of gas prices, it was $2.79! We're in N IL and it's $3.60-ish here.
We live in Florida and gas was under 3.00 when we left. We are traveling out west and the farther we go the more expensive it gets. Plus, in some states it was a lower octane and more expensive.
Thanks, txbabydocmom. My son told me he has been attached to a ship. So I guess if it deploys, he will be on it. This is after he completes FMTB and then goes to 29 Palms. Does that mean he is on a Sea tour rotation?
Sorry about your floors. Sigh. How was your daughter's birthday?
tx baby when you are talking about the individual augmentees that can be deployed on volunteer status, do they get assigned to a ship (and say that ship does not leave for a year then would they return for that ship to leave)? or are they on an individual status (as in they go when they are needed)?
txbabydocmom...so if he is on a ship (and he is on an aircraft carrier) is he ever off of the ship...as in on the ground with his Marine unit? If he is part of the Marine Air Wing, what are his duties?
My son just started A School classes today although he's been in SA for a month waiting to class up. Oso what is he in for as far as difficulty of courses? I really am trying to see what I am in for! LOL jk How high is the dropout rate?
NormaH...my son just graduated and he said the first 5 weeks are EMT training and those are the hardest. LOTS of information to absorb. They do in 5 weeks what civilians do in 12-14 weeks. They formed study groups. This is in addition to their other duties like standing watch, PT, laundry, "field day" (cleaning), marching, etc. I don't know about drop outs but I do know they can be rolled back if they fail a test more than once.
NormaH...rolled back just means they are sent back to a class that is behind them so the Sailor has a chance to learn the material and get tested again. When they were in boot camp, they could get rolled back for not passing all of the physical or academic tests. There was a recruit in my son's division in boot camp who had had difficulty passing the prone float. He had been rolled back to my son's division and he did pass it so he graduated boot camp with my son's division instead of the one he had originally started with. The learning of the lingo and the acronyms are an ongoing process for all of us!
DramaSoul, thank you! I feel like a bootcamp mom again. Lol I am confident he will do just fine. You will probably see me on here often...asking questions! Again, thanks.
NormaH...that's the wonderful thing about this group. Everyone is sooo helpful! Welcome and congrats to your Sailor! Check out the METC on Facebook. They post pics of the Corpsman graduations among other things. :-)
Per those that what to know about Sea/Shore rotation:
Here is something that might help you understand it. I wrote this last year to help out the CT area. (God knows why I don't have a life, and write this stuff)
My son just arrived in SA for A school. This is all new to me. If it hadn't been for N4M's I don't think I would have made it thru boot camp! Now, here I am, trying to learn what I can about this next phase. Any help at all will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for the welcome, txbabydocmom. You certainly have a lot of Navy experience ! I am sure I will have lots of questions. This is so different from BC...he has called or texted almost every day since he got there. Of course, I realize this will be less often once his classes start.
Txbabydocmom-we are coming to San Antonio the end of July in our rv and are looking to make reservations in the campground closest to Ft. Sam to see our son. Any suggestions on one nearby?
Teach - KOA is sort of expensive. Use your sailors eligibility and use a military RV park. You'll save a bunch of money, plus the profits go back into the Morale, Welfare, and Recrecation (MWR) funds which helps the sailors.
Txbabydocmom and Craig...thank you so much for all the great info. It just makes a world of difference as I try to keep myself informed. Hope you all have a fantastic weekend. We actually have sunshine and about 80 degrees in Portland with no rain for the weekend!!
As I said yesterday, mine just started classes, but I am trying to figure all this out. Just scanned quickly through Link Craig posted. What does it take for an HM grad to attach to FM? Is that the same as IA? Does it depend on scores? Mine wants to attach. Forgive me if I am misusing the lingo!
NormaH...if you are talking about Field Marine Training Battalion (FMTB), that was a billet that was open when my son went to pick his orders after the first 5 weeks of A school. My son ALWAYS wanted to do this..go 'green side'. I think it is the reason he joined the Navy Since picking orders is done based on the ranking in class, it is a good idea to keep grades up. Those who go FMF (Fleet Marine Force) are at the top of their game on all levels...physically, mentally and in their skills, according to my son. He is very excited to be going to Camp Pendleton for FMTB....basically his dream come true. And don't worry about the lingo!!!
DramaSoul
Jul 4, 2012
Jana
Katze-my son graduated from A school in December, but I still follow this group and put in my 2 cents worth from time to time whatever it's worth. His A school graduation lasted about an hour. It was a very intimate ceremony. There was just a handful of families there, nothing like PIR. The sailors sat in the middle and the families/spectators sat on the 2 sides. I believe my son's group had graduation in a different hall than usual because of some special speaker or guest there, so I'm not sure if all graduation venues are laid out the same. We were free to walk about and take pictures throughout the ceremony anywhere in the auditorium. His graduation was on a Tuesday and my daughter and I arrived there Monday evening and went home Tuesday afternoon/evening because this was at Christmastime and he was coming home on leave for 2 weeks. I don't know why I couldn't bring him home with me (he said something about having to get the car checked out first or something), but he had to fly from SA to Houston and I had to go pick him up at the Houston airport on Wednesday. There was not any list that you had to be on, or you did not have to let someone know that you were coming ahead of time. In fact, as much as I tried, I couldn't even get out of him until the nite before where the graduation was going to be and what time, but that's my son for you. Right now since he is overseas he can't use his phone and so we communicate through facebook and Skype. I will ask him a question and he responds with a one word answer, nothing more...trying to get any information out of him is like pulling teeth...it is so exasperating. Hopefully yours is more forthcoming with information
Jul 4, 2012
DramaSoul
Katze, what Jana said is very true. It is far more intimate and personal. There were 88 graduates and only a handful of families. We were in Anderson Hall which is set up a little differently than Jana describes. As Jana said, there are no lists. It is an auditorium with the 'orchestra section' (the one closest to the stage) separated by a wide aisle and a 'balcony' section which is just behind that and not a real balcony. The Sailors sat in the front section and the families sat behind them in the second section. Anderson Hall is where they have most of their classes, according to my son. Families are allowed in the building 45 minutes before the ceremony to mingle with their Sailors. I got to meet lots of my Sailor's buddies and instructors, including the instructor who made the most impact on him, Senior Chief McMillan. We took pictures, chatted...very relaxed! Then the Sailors left and we were seated. The choir sang the Sailor's Hymn (my first reach of many for tissues!). The Sailors marched in (lookin' mighty fine in their whites) without their covers (hats) on because it is indoors. There was an introduction, parade of colors, the choir singing the National Anthem, retiring of the colors, the invocation and then the guest speaker, Master Chief Manlapaz who spoke beautifully and very personally about what it means to be a Corpsman. He was followed by the presentation of student awards and then the presentation of the certificates. One of the most moving parts of the whole ceremony is just before the final benediction when the newly-minted Corpsmen stand and recite the Corpsman Pledge....it gave me chills and the tears flowed so have lotsa tissues! Then the ceremony is over. We were able to chat awhile, meet more friends and instructors, get pics, etc. Then they went to and admin briefing which lasted about 90 minutes. My Sailor was flying home the next day so he had to change is flight because he had 14 days leave before he reports to Camp Pendleton for FMTB. I was flying home the same day but not on the same airline and we arrived in Portland Oregon within 10 minutes of each other!! Since the graduation was on a Monday, I flew in early Saturday morning to have the weekend with my son. It was the first time I had seen him in 4 months so we did some sight-seeing together. One thing to tell your Sailor...ship home a lot of the stuff he isn't going to be able to take to his duty station...and do it BEFORE graduation. While I was able to take my son to lunch, he had procrastinated so there was a lot of last minute packing with me running back and forth between the hotel and the base as some of the things he didn't have room for, I took with me.
Another thing...we weren't positive of his graduation date until 2 weeks before it happened. It wasn't that he didn't want to tell me...he just didn't know for sure. By all means...go to this graduation if you can. This is just so personal. I wouldn't have missed it for the world! I know this is a long post...sorry but it's all very fresh in my mind right now!
Jul 5, 2012
DramaSoul
Craig...regarding tax stuff. I finally heard from my accountant and our state (Oregon) is very MILITARY FRIENDLY apparently. My son will not pay state taxes as long as he does not reside in the state and/or spends no more than 31 days in the state on leave. That means this year he won't have to because he left 3 Jan for GLRTC and will be home only 14 days now. Not sure if he will have any leave after FMTB graduation. The accountant definitely said NOT to change residency to California. Apparently Sailors (and any other military personnel) have to pay if they are resididnts but are not residing in the state. We happen to have high state taxes because we have no sales tax that was the reason my son was asking me about it. So if any of you live in Oregon, there is a benefit! Of course we have no Naval bases in Oregon. BTW, that is pronounced 'orygun' not 'or-ee-gone'. My son said no one outside of the state knows how to pronounce it!!! LOL!!!!!! :-)
Jul 5, 2012
DramaSoul
Katze...how is your son feeling?
Jul 5, 2012
DramaSoul
Craig...I go back and read the Navy dep stuff because a lot of it is so funny. Thank you sooo much for makin' my day start with a smile more than once!
Jul 5, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jul 5, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jul 5, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jul 5, 2012
Teach
Jul 5, 2012
DramaSoul
Jul 5, 2012
DramaSoul
Jul 5, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jul 5, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jul 5, 2012
DramaSoul
As I remember things about the graduation and getting around I will post them. So...if you are going to Anderson Hall, it is best to enter the base via the Harry Wurzbach gate. There is a lot of construction and the easiest and closest way to get to the Hall and the Navy barracks is through that gate. I didn't realize just HOW BIG this Joint Base is and I am severely directionally challenged. On my way to pick up my son for the first time, I had to have him talk me in on his cell phone as I missed turns and ended up at another gate completely. I got very good navigating the base by Monday as I have noted, I had to go back and forth to pick up things from him that were going into my luggage. If you need directions from that gate, I can give you turn by turn directions!!!
Teach and Katze...I am one of those planners too. I am a dental hygienist so I know my schedule 6-12 months out. When I change my schedule at the last minute, patients are not happy. The lesson for me with my son being in the Navy is...patience and go with the flow. Sooo hard!!!
Jul 5, 2012
DramaSoul
Correction on a previous post...'Southwest'. Sheesh....
Jul 5, 2012
DramaSoul
Jul 5, 2012
florida_girl ship 3/div 235
Jul 5, 2012
Teach
Jul 5, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jul 5, 2012
Teach
Jul 5, 2012
DramaSoul
.Craig I couldn't believe the cheap gas in SA!! 10 days ago in Oregon it was 4.29 but last night I filled up here and it was only 3.51. Don't quite understand the why there is such disparity throughout the country. We do not pump our own gas, although I wouldn't mind doing it. I did it when I lived in CA.
Jul 5, 2012
DramaSoul
I am just getting around to really reading the thread since I had only my phone over the weekend and it is a small screen so I just skimmed stuff. txbabydocmom...did the floors get finished? (I really had something more along the lines of what Craig was saying but I thought I would just bite my tongue.)
Jul 5, 2012
DramaSoul
Craig...when I read that it says 3 year Sea tour, 2 year Shore tour what does that mean exactly?
Jul 5, 2012
Jenn_NicksWifey
DramaSoul - My mom has a friend that is renting their condo in FL for the week and she sent a pic of gas prices, it was $2.79! We're in N IL and it's $3.60-ish here.
Jul 5, 2012
DramaSoul
NicksWifey...I never thought I would be excited to say gas was 'ONLY' 3.51!! Sheesh. It makes no sense to me.
Jul 5, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jul 5, 2012
Teach
Jul 5, 2012
Jana
I paid $2.99 here in East Texas yesterday.
Jul 5, 2012
DramaSoul
Thanks, txbabydocmom. My son told me he has been attached to a ship. So I guess if it deploys, he will be on it. This is after he completes FMTB and then goes to 29 Palms. Does that mean he is on a Sea tour rotation?
Sorry about your floors. Sigh. How was your daughter's birthday?
Jul 5, 2012
florida_girl ship 3/div 235
tx baby when you are talking about the individual augmentees that can be deployed on volunteer status, do they get assigned to a ship (and say that ship does not leave for a year then would they return for that ship to leave)? or are they on an individual status (as in they go when they are needed)?
Jul 5, 2012
DramaSoul
txbabydocmom...so if he is on a ship (and he is on an aircraft carrier) is he ever off of the ship...as in on the ground with his Marine unit? If he is part of the Marine Air Wing, what are his duties?
Jul 5, 2012
NormaH
Jul 5, 2012
DramaSoul
NormaH...my son just graduated and he said the first 5 weeks are EMT training and those are the hardest. LOTS of information to absorb. They do in 5 weeks what civilians do in 12-14 weeks. They formed study groups. This is in addition to their other duties like standing watch, PT, laundry, "field day" (cleaning), marching, etc. I don't know about drop outs but I do know they can be rolled back if they fail a test more than once.
Jul 6, 2012
NormaH
Jul 6, 2012
DramaSoul
NormaH...rolled back just means they are sent back to a class that is behind them so the Sailor has a chance to learn the material and get tested again. When they were in boot camp, they could get rolled back for not passing all of the physical or academic tests. There was a recruit in my son's division in boot camp who had had difficulty passing the prone float. He had been rolled back to my son's division and he did pass it so he graduated boot camp with my son's division instead of the one he had originally started with. The learning of the lingo and the acronyms are an ongoing process for all of us!
Jul 6, 2012
NormaH
Jul 6, 2012
DramaSoul
NormaH...that's the wonderful thing about this group. Everyone is sooo helpful! Welcome and congrats to your Sailor! Check out the METC on Facebook. They post pics of the Corpsman graduations among other things. :-)
Jul 6, 2012
Craig
Per those that what to know about Sea/Shore rotation:
Here is something that might help you understand it. I wrote this last year to help out the CT area. (God knows why I don't have a life, and write this stuff)
http://www.navyformoms.com/group/ctratemoms/forum/topics/what-is-se...
Jul 6, 2012
NormaH
Jul 6, 2012
stormy1123 ship 12 div 203
My son just arrived in SA for A school. This is all new to me. If it hadn't been for N4M's I don't think I would have made it thru boot camp! Now, here I am, trying to learn what I can about this next phase. Any help at all will be greatly appreciated.
Jul 6, 2012
Craig
Here are the IA handbooks:
Navy IA Sailors Handbook
IA Family Handbook
Jul 6, 2012
florida_girl ship 3/div 235
that is a lot of good info craig, thanks!
Jul 6, 2012
stormy1123 ship 12 div 203
Thank you for the welcome, txbabydocmom. You certainly have a lot of Navy experience ! I am sure I will have lots of questions. This is so different from BC...he has called or texted almost every day since he got there. Of course, I realize this will be less often once his classes start.
Jul 6, 2012
Teach
Jul 6, 2012
Craig
Teach - KOA is sort of expensive. Use your sailors eligibility and use a military RV park. You'll save a bunch of money, plus the profits go back into the Morale, Welfare, and Recrecation (MWR) funds which helps the sailors.
http://www.militarycampgrounds.us/state-listing/facilitylisting
Jul 6, 2012
DramaSoul
Jul 7, 2012
NormaH
Jul 7, 2012
DramaSoul
Craig...thanks so much for the info about Sea/Shore duty!! Very helpful!
Jul 7, 2012
DramaSoul
Jul 7, 2012