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!
I saw a news program that said the DDG had passed through the straits and was headed into the red sea. A tanker was headed toward the straits. The DD took a left, right in front of the tanker. That equals a COs career is over along with whoever had the conn.
You will find out that the CO was at fault.
USN ships have no inherent right of way in US waters. They must following the Navigation rule:
Conduct of Vessels within Sight of Each Other—applies to rights-of-way when two boats/ships approach each other. Rules 13 through 15 cover the three conditions under which you can encounter another vessel: overtaking, head-on and crossing. (Submarines have been known to surface under surface-going vessels, but that encounter is inexplicably missing from the Navigation Rules.) The rules covering encounters are very much like the rules of the paved road—just swap vehicle for vessel and right for starboard: If you’re passing, you’re obligated to keep clear of the slower vehicle. If you’re head-on, you need to get to the right side of the road. And if you’re crossing, you must yield to the vehicle to your right.
Craig, I read about that this morning and I just cringed and wondered who was at fault since all the news report said was that it was being investigated. I also saw the pictures but yours are clearer maybe because they are bigger here than on my phone.
@DaniHMSchoolMom Congrats to you and your son on his pic of Serg Tech and my son wants one too! and after reading about where he will be going it looks like he needs one just to get to and from where he will be staying and working!
@Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom thank you! Does anyone know what AVT acronym really stands for? I understand that he will be an aerospace medical technician but wasn't sure what AVT stood for.
About 14 years ago, I was a sailor...actually learned to sail small sailboats 'cause I was dating a guy who had a 24 ft sloop. Right of way is critical. Wow.
That's like making an illegal left turn into oncoming traffic.
NavyGirlz...I met my son at O'Hare @ 0630 and spent all hay with him until his flight left @ 1845. It was great to hang out with him. I think it woulda been tougher to go from 0000 to 0530 but I still would've done it because it was the only time to see him.
NavyGirlz - Have I got something for you! Years ago, the Navy was promoting how well the new Battle station would work to senior management. They release this video as public domain. Then they realized they didn't want to be public because they want to keep the recruits scared to see if they panic. This is when they made the sailors start signing page 13's to not disclose what happens. That form is basically useless with this video. This video tells it all.
Luckily, since government funds were used, it was released as "Approved for Public Release. Distribution Unlimited."
You won't find it anywhere on Youtube, or anywhere else. It only was public domain for less than a week.
I belong to a lot of different military forum website. I always forget which ones I post until the topic comes up again. Pretty awesome video huh? Kind of gets people to understand the stuff these guys go through. It pays off when things like the USS Porter happens....
Thanks for posting that video. I just watched it and got tears in my eyes and miss my son even more....but am more proud of him than I was a half hour ago and I'm going to write him another letter right now! :-) Thank you!!
txbaby - Can you try to find out who the Navy Ombudsman is for Ft.Sam? I don't want the staff/instructor one, I only want the one for students going through training at Ft. Sam.
I go down to Ft. Sam in a couple weeks and plan on staying there for a week because I want to either talk to the Ombudsman, MWR, or the Commanding Officer. This crap about sailors paying a fortune for taxi's is really ticking me off. I want to either help solve it or make it known that we parents are ticked.
I'm hoping that the Navy will take the lead and sponsor a bus to regularly come on base to take these sailors out on liberty. I don't mind the sailors paying a small fee to use the bus, but most of the amount should be covered by the MWR fund (I would hope). It can't hurt to ask.
My son also recently rcvd orders for Surg Tech. He finishes A school on 5 Sept and begins C school on 19 Sept. Best wishes to your sailor and your family.
My daughter was at Ft Sam over a year ago and they never complained about the Taxi's as a matter of fact a bunch of them would get in a go and explore : ) She loved it... It was new to them all and they all shared the cost..
Craig, on behalf of the young people (sailors, airmen, et al) thank you. Several weeks ago when we were discussing this I sent a message to METC as a concerned parent. The only reaction that came from it was to call my sailor into his chief's office and show him the message his "mom" wrote to them.
I think this taxi thing is highway robbery and sad that they either walk or pay the outrageous rates to rude drivers. My sailor graduated today and leaves tomorrow morning. I hope you are successful in making a change for the better for the future students there. Best wishes!
My son will be graduating in a couple of weeks and my question is....what is the usual procedure for shipping their stuff...whether it be home, if they are not reporting to duty station first or sending it directly to duty station, if they dont come home in between. In other words...is it up to individual or does Navy help?
1. Does anyone know if the sailors are recognized for making the Deans list? and if so....how?
2. Ive heard a couple of scenarios as far as when they get their tickets...3 days before grad., just before grad., etc. so I guess thats a "wait & see" & I understand he pays the difference between his duty station fare and home fare but then after that....does he then buy his own ticket down to duty station when he gets home?
I will do whatever this group wants me to do. My main focus is to do what the sailor think is right. So talk to your sailors, find out if they don't go on liberty because the taxi cost too much, or if they just prefer to stay in their rooms and play play-station or read a book. Some sailors truly would rather read a book than go out. Others rather explorer the world. Both are ok, but in life it "We the people". The majority rules....
The score so far about the taxi is:
For talking to someone: 1
Not talking to someone: 1
I know these guys are new in the Navy and don't want to "rock-the-boat". But I'm not afraid of too. Sometimes its fun to rock the boat and see where it takes you....
I will ask my daughters friends that were with her.. I just know that they never complained and seem to enjoy.. They went everywhere... While I was visiting Ft Sam ( it was commanders cup day ) it always looked like they would share the cost, which I found smart.. For me this is not that big of a deal..
My son was in SAT last year starting in April. Through A school he did not have his car and he always complained of how expensive they were. Several of tgem would share a cab but they could only afford to go to the mall or Riverwalk.
Craig..... I am for saying something. Even splitting cab fare, the drivers try to rip these kids off right and left. My daughter had a driver drop her off at Applebee's instead of their destination when he literally was going around and around jacking the fare up. One night, removing herself from a party out of control, she was charged over 40 bucks to get back from riverwalk to base. Something has to be done. Those first few days having to get you room ready with tris across base alone add up. Bring it up, someone has too!
I am for you to say something Craig! I think the taxi prices are crazy. It cost my husband and his roommate $40 to go to Buffalo Willd Wings and he said it wasn't far from the base at all. I understand some of the arguments from some stating that splitting the cost amongst other sailors. But remember this... my husband is 32 years old, his idea of a good time is going to a movie or eating dinner out. Someone who is much younger may not want to be as "boring" as him. So the wholle ridesharing idea doesn't really work out the way you think it does.
Well, thank goodness they aren't there for very long and once my daughter left Ft Sam her father bought her a new car .. They truly need cars when they finish school and they are at their duty station.. While they are in "A" school they should be studying so I would focus on after "A" school...
I just wanted to put out a thank you to all of you guys. You all of helped me even if I haven't been active.
I do want to say about the ride sharing that my husband found it to be a bit hard as well...but he's 37. He ended up being able to rent a car every couple of weekends and exploring the area that way. He also learned the bus system as well and spent a couple of bucks into town that way...but not everyone wants to do that. (I think the bus stop was right off base...so it was a walk.) But, it is a shame that the taxis bilk our Sailors out of their money. (When I was in a cab there recently it had a sign posted about $5 Fort Sam fare - but Husband thought it only had to do with trips ON base only...)
Also, if you have Sailors or others that are still at Fort Sam, please encourage them to give blood and/or platelets. My husband started the program while he was there and it has been a huge success!
(In fact, "Grandpa" - as my husband has been nicknamed - just received the Navy and Marine Medal of Achievement for putting together the blood/platelet drive! They say they've never given that out on someone's first day as a Corpsman. SO PROUD OF HIM!!! AND SO HAPPY I WAS THERE TO SEE HIM RECEIVE IT AT GRADUATION LAST WEEK! It was really nice.) /brag ;)
Thanks again everyone! I've really learned a lot here.
He's a Reservist, so, he will come back to his NOSC here in the Bronx. We would love to be Active Duty 24/7...so, we have to see what happens when he comes home in December. What is your Corpsman's specialty?
NavyGirlzMom, sorry I was missing for a while again. The book Marcy suggested was Kaplan EMT-Basic Exam byRichard Lapierre -- But I see Marcy answered again!
Wow, the bus is the deal! The taxi situation was the same at Great Lakes, and is the same at Camp Johnson (that's where FMTB is at Camp Lejeune). They may want to discourage too much running around - it's kind of good to pick up snacks for the room (micro and fridge) and spend time studying and working out. They're not there for that long anyway. And for the younger ones anyway, sharing cabs sounded like fun and a rite of passage :) They'll have their own cars soon, as this joined-at-the-hip stuff comes to an end.
Re shipping - it's up to them, which is why it's a good idea not to send too much stuff, or for them to buy a lot during A school. You can get a lot in a sea bag though - seriously. According to the FAQ the base has both a US Post Office and a UPS store. My son sent some stuff home via UPS the weekend before grad (a heavy jacket he wasn't going to need, etc). If he/she knows someone at their first duty station, I suppose they could ship a sea bag or box there - just insure it etc.
Mikes Mom - Is there a FMTB group on here? I think I saw a link for one a few days ago...but cannot seem to find it. You must be so very proud of your Son. I am just beginning to learn about the FMTB side of things. And couldn't be prouder! ;) Did he also go to Pendleton?
Thanks so much Marcy! Those links will help! I know that the "Basic Medical Technician Corpsman Program" group on FB posted pics from last Tuesday's Graduation. Here's a pic that I took of Husband receiving his Corpsman Certificate. Notice the Medal pinned to his Dress Whites! ;) (Can you tell I am so proud of him?!)
Thanks, Ladies! He is handsome, isn't he!? He is headed to Camp Pendleton to work in a Hospital until he classes up for FMTB. We've only been married a year (May 2011). It's hard...but SO worth it! Looking forward to learning all I can about the FMTB side of this Navy Life!
RedHeadedNavyWife....that is great that your handsome hubby is going FMTB.And congrats on his award! Tell him to get into shape while he is waiting to class up. According to my son, the next class begins sometime in December. He also said 3 guys were rolled back to that next class because they could not pass the PFA and their BMI's were too high. He said he was really glad he had started doing two-a-days with a couple of his buddies who also went to Camp P with him.
It's the sailors choice where he wants his stuff sent. If he wants some sent to their Home of Record (HOR), or, sent to the duty station. You can even split the shipment (some stuff to your HOR some to your new duty station. Remember, all official items: school books, computers, monitors, binders, awards, plaques, ect... don't count against your weight. You just need to separate them out and list them as "Professional items".
Your sailor can actually make some money doing a PPM move. (explained below).
I've been doing Navy forum websites site since 2006. I have most of the common questions already answered with web links for reference. You might want to read the below links in this old post:
Tasha - You must have some Navy family in your background. The reason I say this is "DITY" (Do it Yourself) is a really old term, that is still used by veterans. Within the last 12 years, the Navy now calls it "PERSONALLY PROCURED MOVEMENT (PPM)". Frankly being a Vet, I will never call it that. To me it's will always be DITY, but you need to know the PPO term to find the new stuff on it. I have done DITY moves, and they really don't pay off. It always seems like you lose money. If you break anything, then it's your own fault. You buy the boxes. You buy the Tape. You get the honor of arguing with your spouse for not packing the stuff correctly. You do the sweating loading the stuff. You suffer the back pains. You do the paper work trying to be reimbursed for your cost.
To me, I'd rather just sit back and drink a beer while the professional pack my stuff. All I do is list the items they break, and file a claim. I can see if you want some of your stuff eariler, then do a partial shipment using DITY. I think the majority of the sailors I know do not like using it.
Here is some great link, just in case you don't have any.
1proudmom....I have pasted what I wrote on 5 July about my experience at the HM graduation. It was back on page 59 or thereabouts.
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 his 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!
:) I thought we were talking sailors at A school who arrived from boot camp and whose possessions are mostly their uniforms, some civilian clothes, laptop and cellphone to take to their first duty station, not PCS'ing?
Re cabs and food, throw darts at me if you will but there are life lessons in this. The food in hospitals and on ships isn't going to be fine cuisine - not to mention MREs. More incentive to advance, get BAH and an apartment LOL If a cab driver burns you, complain and next time get the rate up front. They're grown-ups now. It's hard to let go but truly, they're out of the nest.......
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
@OKSusieq, here is some info about it - AVT - Aerospace Medicine Technician from med.navy.mil Congratulations to your sailor!
Aug 13, 2012
Craig
God bless the crew of the USS Porter (DDG-78) today. There appears to be NO loss of life. Thankfully...
I also feel sorry for the skipper as they put him through the wringer..
Aug 13, 2012
DaniHMItalyMom
OKCsuzieg - My son got Surg Tech. He stays in San Antonio for 6 more months of training. He wants to get a car so that he can purchase his own food.
Aug 13, 2012
DramaSoul
Craig....yes...thankfully no loss of life. What caused it?
Aug 13, 2012
DramaSoul
txbabydocmom....oh good! Gotta keep up those contacts!
Aug 13, 2012
Craig
I saw a news program that said the DDG had passed through the straits and was headed into the red sea. A tanker was headed toward the straits. The DD took a left, right in front of the tanker. That equals a COs career is over along with whoever had the conn.
You will find out that the CO was at fault.
USN ships have no inherent right of way in US waters. They must following the Navigation rule:
Conduct of Vessels within Sight of Each Other—applies to rights-of-way when two boats/ships approach each other. Rules 13 through 15 cover the three conditions under which you can encounter another vessel: overtaking, head-on and crossing. (Submarines have been known to surface under surface-going vessels, but that encounter is inexplicably missing from the Navigation Rules.) The rules covering encounters are very much like the rules of the paved road—just swap vehicle for vessel and right for starboard: If you’re passing, you’re obligated to keep clear of the slower vehicle. If you’re head-on, you need to get to the right side of the road. And if you’re crossing, you must yield to the vehicle to your right.
Aug 14, 2012
OKCsuzieq
Craig, I read about that this morning and I just cringed and wondered who was at fault since all the news report said was that it was being investigated. I also saw the pictures but yours are clearer maybe because they are bigger here than on my phone.
@DaniHMSchoolMom Congrats to you and your son on his pic of Serg Tech and my son wants one too! and after reading about where he will be going it looks like he needs one just to get to and from where he will be staying and working!
@Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom thank you! Does anyone know what AVT acronym really stands for? I understand that he will be an aerospace medical technician but wasn't sure what AVT stood for.
Aug 14, 2012
DramaSoul
About 14 years ago, I was a sailor...actually learned to sail small sailboats 'cause I was dating a guy who had a 24 ft sloop. Right of way is critical. Wow.
That's like making an illegal left turn into oncoming traffic.
Aug 14, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Aug 14, 2012
DramaSoul
Aug 14, 2012
DramaSoul
Aug 14, 2012
Craig
NavyGirlz - Have I got something for you! Years ago, the Navy was promoting how well the new Battle station would work to senior management. They release this video as public domain. Then they realized they didn't want to be public because they want to keep the recruits scared to see if they panic. This is when they made the sailors start signing page 13's to not disclose what happens. That form is basically useless with this video. This video tells it all.
Luckily, since government funds were used, it was released as "Approved for Public Release. Distribution Unlimited."
You won't find it anywhere on Youtube, or anywhere else. It only was public domain for less than a week.
http://www.teamorlando.org/case-studies/battle-stations.shtml
Aug 14, 2012
DramaSoul
NavyGirlz....military time (the 24 hour clock) actually makes it easier once you get used to it. It did take some time to get used to it!!!
Aug 14, 2012
Craig
I belong to a lot of different military forum website. I always forget which ones I post until the topic comes up again. Pretty awesome video huh? Kind of gets people to understand the stuff these guys go through. It pays off when things like the USS Porter happens....
Aug 14, 2012
Maltobella (HM - San Antonio)
Thanks for posting that video. I just watched it and got tears in my eyes and miss my son even more....but am more proud of him than I was a half hour ago and I'm going to write him another letter right now! :-) Thank you!!
Aug 14, 2012
Craig
txbaby - Can you try to find out who the Navy Ombudsman is for Ft.Sam? I don't want the staff/instructor one, I only want the one for students going through training at Ft. Sam.
I go down to Ft. Sam in a couple weeks and plan on staying there for a week because I want to either talk to the Ombudsman, MWR, or the Commanding Officer. This crap about sailors paying a fortune for taxi's is really ticking me off. I want to either help solve it or make it known that we parents are ticked.
I'm hoping that the Navy will take the lead and sponsor a bus to regularly come on base to take these sailors out on liberty. I don't mind the sailors paying a small fee to use the bus, but most of the amount should be covered by the MWR fund (I would hope). It can't hurt to ask.
Let me know what you can find out.....
Aug 14, 2012
Tally_Navy Dad
Hi DaniHMSchoolMom -
My son also recently rcvd orders for Surg Tech. He finishes A school on 5 Sept and begins C school on 19 Sept. Best wishes to your sailor and your family.
Aug 14, 2012
mikes mom
My daughter was at Ft Sam over a year ago and they never complained about the Taxi's as a matter of fact a bunch of them would get in a go and explore : ) She loved it... It was new to them all and they all shared the cost..
Aug 14, 2012
cindylou61
Craig, on behalf of the young people (sailors, airmen, et al) thank you. Several weeks ago when we were discussing this I sent a message to METC as a concerned parent. The only reaction that came from it was to call my sailor into his chief's office and show him the message his "mom" wrote to them.
I think this taxi thing is highway robbery and sad that they either walk or pay the outrageous rates to rude drivers. My sailor graduated today and leaves tomorrow morning. I hope you are successful in making a change for the better for the future students there. Best wishes!
Aug 14, 2012
1proudmom
My son will be graduating in a couple of weeks and my question is....what is the usual procedure for shipping their stuff...whether it be home, if they are not reporting to duty station first or sending it directly to duty station, if they dont come home in between. In other words...is it up to individual or does Navy help?
Aug 14, 2012
1proudmom
Couple of questions
1. Does anyone know if the sailors are recognized for making the Deans list? and if so....how?
2. Ive heard a couple of scenarios as far as when they get their tickets...3 days before grad., just before grad., etc. so I guess thats a "wait & see" & I understand he pays the difference between his duty station fare and home fare but then after that....does he then buy his own ticket down to duty station when he gets home?
Aug 14, 2012
Craig
Per the Taxi's:
I will do whatever this group wants me to do. My main focus is to do what the sailor think is right. So talk to your sailors, find out if they don't go on liberty because the taxi cost too much, or if they just prefer to stay in their rooms and play play-station or read a book. Some sailors truly would rather read a book than go out. Others rather explorer the world. Both are ok, but in life it "We the people". The majority rules....
The score so far about the taxi is:
For talking to someone: 1
Not talking to someone: 1
I know these guys are new in the Navy and don't want to "rock-the-boat". But I'm not afraid of too. Sometimes its fun to rock the boat and see where it takes you....
So post away and let me know your thoughts.....
Aug 14, 2012
mikes mom
I will ask my daughters friends that were with her.. I just know that they never complained and seem to enjoy.. They went everywhere... While I was visiting Ft Sam ( it was commanders cup day ) it always looked like they would share the cost, which I found smart.. For me this is not that big of a deal..
Aug 14, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Aug 14, 2012
lizinnj
Aug 14, 2012
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Aug 14, 2012
1proudmom
Thank You Rhonda & Craig for the info. on "Deans list" and "shipping stuff".
Aug 14, 2012
mikes mom
Well, thank goodness they aren't there for very long and once my daughter left Ft Sam her father bought her a new car .. They truly need cars when they finish school and they are at their duty station.. While they are in "A" school they should be studying so I would focus on after "A" school...
Aug 14, 2012
RedHeadedNavyWife
I just wanted to put out a thank you to all of you guys. You all of helped me even if I haven't been active.
I do want to say about the ride sharing that my husband found it to be a bit hard as well...but he's 37. He ended up being able to rent a car every couple of weekends and exploring the area that way. He also learned the bus system as well and spent a couple of bucks into town that way...but not everyone wants to do that. (I think the bus stop was right off base...so it was a walk.) But, it is a shame that the taxis bilk our Sailors out of their money. (When I was in a cab there recently it had a sign posted about $5 Fort Sam fare - but Husband thought it only had to do with trips ON base only...)
Also, if you have Sailors or others that are still at Fort Sam, please encourage them to give blood and/or platelets. My husband started the program while he was there and it has been a huge success!
(In fact, "Grandpa" - as my husband has been nicknamed - just received the Navy and Marine Medal of Achievement for putting together the blood/platelet drive! They say they've never given that out on someone's first day as a Corpsman. SO PROUD OF HIM!!! AND SO HAPPY I WAS THERE TO SEE HIM RECEIVE IT AT GRADUATION LAST WEEK! It was really nice.) /brag ;)
Thanks again everyone! I've really learned a lot here.
Aug 14, 2012
mikes mom
RedHeadedNavyWife - Congrats to your husband.. Is your husband going Green or will he be staying Blue ?
Aug 14, 2012
RedHeadedNavyWife
Thanks Mikes Mom. I want to say he said something about "green" side...but sometimes he gives me so much info I forget. But that sounds right.
Aug 14, 2012
mikes mom
My son has been a Navy Corpsman for 3 1/2 years and was greenside and now back to Blue .. Do you know where he will be stationed after this ?
Aug 14, 2012
RedHeadedNavyWife
He's a Reservist, so, he will come back to his NOSC here in the Bronx. We would love to be Active Duty 24/7...so, we have to see what happens when he comes home in December. What is your Corpsman's specialty?
Aug 14, 2012
OmahaRudy
NavyGirlzMom, sorry I was missing for a while again. The book Marcy suggested was Kaplan EMT-Basic Exam byRichard Lapierre -- But I see Marcy answered again!
Thanks, Marcy :)
Aug 14, 2012
mikes mom
He was with his Marines .. He didn't go to C school.. He has been on 2 deployments and now he is working in a hospital
Aug 14, 2012
1proudmom
Dramasoul, you mentioned in one of you comments that in a previous comment you wrote a lot of info. regarding graduation.
I think you said that you had just gone to your sons.
Would you happen to know, roughly, where that info. is. I have gone back many pages and cannot find it.
Aug 14, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Wow, the bus is the deal! The taxi situation was the same at Great Lakes, and is the same at Camp Johnson (that's where FMTB is at Camp Lejeune). They may want to discourage too much running around - it's kind of good to pick up snacks for the room (micro and fridge) and spend time studying and working out. They're not there for that long anyway. And for the younger ones anyway, sharing cabs sounded like fun and a rite of passage :) They'll have their own cars soon, as this joined-at-the-hip stuff comes to an end.
Re shipping - it's up to them, which is why it's a good idea not to send too much stuff, or for them to buy a lot during A school. You can get a lot in a sea bag though - seriously. According to the FAQ the base has both a US Post Office and a UPS store. My son sent some stuff home via UPS the weekend before grad (a heavy jacket he wasn't going to need, etc). If he/she knows someone at their first duty station, I suppose they could ship a sea bag or box there - just insure it etc.
Aug 14, 2012
mikes mom
I agree they need to study more and play less..
Aug 14, 2012
RedHeadedNavyWife
Mikes Mom - Is there a FMTB group on here? I think I saw a link for one a few days ago...but cannot seem to find it. You must be so very proud of your Son. I am just beginning to learn about the FMTB side of things. And couldn't be prouder! ;) Did he also go to Pendleton?
Aug 14, 2012
mikes mom
No he went to CL and yes he is my hero, but he has always been : )
Aug 14, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
@RedHead, here you go - FMTB. I have all the links there.
And congrats on your hubby's achievement!!!! Do you have any pics you can post?
Aug 14, 2012
RedHeadedNavyWife
Thanks so much Marcy! Those links will help! I know that the "Basic Medical Technician Corpsman Program" group on FB posted pics from last Tuesday's Graduation. Here's a pic that I took of Husband receiving his Corpsman Certificate. Notice the Medal pinned to his Dress Whites! ;) (Can you tell I am so proud of him?!)
August%207%20A%20School%20Graduation%20SAT%20105.jpg
Aug 14, 2012
mikes mom
That's such a sweet picture : ) Thank you for sharing some thing so special
Aug 14, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
I just love it! And so handsome in his dress whites :) You have one super guy. So is he headed to FMTB?
Aug 14, 2012
RedHeadedNavyWife
Thanks, Ladies! He is handsome, isn't he!? He is headed to Camp Pendleton to work in a Hospital until he classes up for FMTB. We've only been married a year (May 2011). It's hard...but SO worth it! Looking forward to learning all I can about the FMTB side of this Navy Life!
Aug 14, 2012
mikes mom
Please go into that group I PMed you about
Aug 14, 2012
DramaSoul
RedHeadedNavyWife....that is great that your handsome hubby is going FMTB.And congrats on his award! Tell him to get into shape while he is waiting to class up. According to my son, the next class begins sometime in December. He also said 3 guys were rolled back to that next class because they could not pass the PFA and their BMI's were too high. He said he was really glad he had started doing two-a-days with a couple of his buddies who also went to Camp P with him.
Aug 14, 2012
Craig
1proud - Per the moving....
It's the sailors choice where he wants his stuff sent. If he wants some sent to their Home of Record (HOR), or, sent to the duty station. You can even split the shipment (some stuff to your HOR some to your new duty station. Remember, all official items: school books, computers, monitors, binders, awards, plaques, ect... don't count against your weight. You just need to separate them out and list them as "Professional items".
Your sailor can actually make some money doing a PPM move. (explained below).
I've been doing Navy forum websites site since 2006. I have most of the common questions already answered with web links for reference. You might want to read the below links in this old post:
-----------------------------------------------------------
Tasha - You must have some Navy family in your background. The reason I say this is "DITY" (Do it Yourself) is a really old term, that is still used by veterans. Within the last 12 years, the Navy now calls it "PERSONALLY PROCURED MOVEMENT (PPM)". Frankly being a Vet, I will never call it that. To me it's will always be DITY, but you need to know the PPO term to find the new stuff on it.
I have done DITY moves, and they really don't pay off. It always seems like you lose money. If you break anything, then it's your own fault. You buy the boxes. You buy the Tape. You get the honor of arguing with your spouse for not packing the stuff correctly. You do the sweating loading the stuff. You suffer the back pains. You do the paper work trying to be reimbursed for your cost.
To me, I'd rather just sit back and drink a beer while the professional pack my stuff. All I do is list the items they break, and file a claim. I can see if you want some of your stuff eariler, then do a partial shipment using DITY. I think the majority of the sailors I know do not like using it.
Here is some great link, just in case you don't have any.
Here is a great website... it's awesome!
http://www.transcom.mil/dtr/part-iv/dtr_part_iv_app_k_1.pdf (This is outstanding)
and
http://www.baseops.net/faq.html
and
http://www.militaryavenue.com/Articles/Self-Moves+DITY+-+NAS+Pensac...
This link will really help you finding the other links:
http://www.warren.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123213869
See here, chapter 14
http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/JFTRV1-JTRV2_AFSU... .
Aug 14, 2012
DramaSoul
1proudmom....I have pasted what I wrote on 5 July about my experience at the HM graduation. It was back on page 59 or thereabouts.
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 his 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!
Aug 15, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
:) I thought we were talking sailors at A school who arrived from boot camp and whose possessions are mostly their uniforms, some civilian clothes, laptop and cellphone to take to their first duty station, not PCS'ing?
Re cabs and food, throw darts at me if you will but there are life lessons in this. The food in hospitals and on ships isn't going to be fine cuisine - not to mention MREs. More incentive to advance, get BAH and an apartment LOL If a cab driver burns you, complain and next time get the rate up front. They're grown-ups now. It's hard to let go but truly, they're out of the nest.......
Aug 15, 2012