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!
When my son was in A School in GL it was winter...I'd call him and we'd chat for a couple of minutes when he'd tell me he was outdoors and when they talk on the phone they had to stop and talk, not walk along and talk and he was freezing his butt off in the snow. He'd only seen snow on Christmas visits to St. Louis, it doesn't snow much in Texas. Funny to see the posts about others acclimating to the heat in Texas. We've had very early cool weather this week, but it's humid again today. My son's theory on deployment is that Texans and those from the SW should deploy to the sand in summer, and those from up north should deploy in the winter...He says he functions much better at 115 degrees than at 20 below zero!
I'm sure all the food franchises are fighting to get in to Fort Sam. All of that area is very, very new build. All I know about Fort Sam is that my son was very unimpressed with their security at the gate, but I heard it has tightened down somewhat.
If you get a day trip when you are in SA, be sure to visit Fredricksburg, and the Nemitz Museum.(Pacific War Museum info ) They do reenactments a couple of times a year. Find the little German cafe with the peach bread pudding! and shop...it's a great place to visit, founded by Germans arriving in Texas in the early to mid 1800's, by ship loads from Germany.
My son wanted a Gerber...corpsmen pull them out like Wyatt Earp pulled out his gun of his holster....Gerber all in one I found them here in Texas at Academy's, a sports oriented store. Ran about 50 bucks. Our Austin airport has an off site store where they sell the things they confiscate, like these tools, knives, scissors, wine tools, etc...picked up a couple for 4 bucks each there.
A new mom to the site just asked if bicycles were allowed on base and if so how does this work? Where do they store them and when would they be allowed to get them? Does anyone know? When I was there I didn't see any. Great question that may have been answered before but I've missed it.
Thanks TexasDocMom for the link. Awesome. I've have been trying to think of a gift idea. That seals the deal. Assuming he's not lurking.
Hi Tina D! You are absolutely allowed to post where your sailor is going. If you go over to your right on N4M screen and read the community guidelines it tells you all about what you can and cannot post and why. It's basically about keeping our sailors safe. No last names, no dates and times of deployment. Read over the guidelines and then feel free to share whatever you're comfortable with. We love exciting news! :)
We love hearing where sailors are going. There is nothing wrong with posting it, nor you joining the group that she's part of (ie For example: you joining the USS Ronald Reagan group).
Stuff like that keeps the boards going. It makes it cool for the rest of us to see where the other go.
I just have to brag, my daughter received her orders today and she will be going to Camp Pendleton with the Marines. She is so excited she is beside herself! This is what she wanted to do since before she went into the Navy and after starting A school she thought it would be almost impossible. I believe she will attending FMTB in NC. She has worked so hard to get this and I am so very proud!
Congrats to all the new corpsmen with their first orders! Cathy, there are two FMTB Centers, one East in Camp Lajuene and one West at Camp Pendleton. I think Marcy has links posted to each up above the discussion area. There are also groups here on N4M for each base. You can also find more Corpsmen moms on the sites listed above as well.
My son received his orders today as well. He is so excited and happy as he will be going to camp Pendleton with the Marines. This is what he has been striving for and the reason he joined the Navy. We are so happy and proud of him!
TDM...I talked with my son last weekend. He is about 2 weeks shy of completing FMTB at Camp P. He said he thinks Camp P is building some barracks for females. As I understand it as of now, female FMTB are trained at Camp Lejeune, right? There were some female Corpsman in his A school class who wanted to go FMTB but there were no billets available. They were disappointed.
Congrats to everyone getting their orders! cyndyj...tell your son to be in shape before he gets to Camp Pendleton!! Also, if you get him the Fox River Mills socks, give them to him BEFORE he gets to Camp Pendleton. My son finally got the 4 pair I sent him last Monday when they have been there since August 3rd!! I will tell you my son is thriving on goin' green side!
But son went FMTB but in Camp Lejeune. He is on holding until Oct 22. He can't wait to start. While he is on holding he is working in the sick hall. When he calls I can't believe the words that come out of his mouth. Not bad words but things like Polio Shots and triage! Lol I'm so proud and he sounds so good ! Oh and he does PT too lots of that!
I'm excited to hear that more women are being assigned green side. Inga's daughter is in Astan right now with a Marine logistics battalion. I read about a totally female Marine unit working with the Afgani women. If all goes as planned, there won't be too many more Marine rotations there, so maybe this is part of our more lean military FMTB if very grueling, hard, hard work. And yes, as Drama says, they need to be in great shape, and will be in the best shape of their lives when they move on. Throwing 240 lbs over your shoulders and running for miles and miles ...my son was long and lanky when he went in, and, now, 8 years later as a new civilian, is working hard to bring those huge thighs down slowly so they don't turn to flab. Strongest legs I've ever seen!. His grandmother was a nurse (and Navy wife) for most of her life...told him that she taught her nurses to give shots by having them practice on oranges. Asked him who he practiced on..."Marines".
Katze, I noticed my son has his regular voice, and his Navy voice and vocabulary. They are on their way, life has changed for them all forever. Your kids are turning into military professionals, and you have every right to be so proud...and you will get even prouder!
and foxsox.com ! I love fox sox! When he brought all of his stuff from Lajuene, he still had the ones he got before his deployment, and new ones as well...he LOVED those socks. So I tried some on...like putting on velvet air. Even if they can't wear them all the time (like around and in water), just putting them on, even with no shower for 2 weeks, had to feel great! I think this Christmas I'm going to get him some civilian ones! First year of no military oriented stocking stuffers for us.
Just to clarify, my daughers orders are Marine Logistics Medical Battalion at Camp P. She will have to go to Camp L. for FMTB. It seems this type of billet for a female has been non-existent. She considers herself very blessed, this nothing short of a miracle from above! She and I are both very proud! She also spent some extra time at the gym last night.
Tina, congratulations to your daughter on her first choice, Guam! I heard she was very happy and excited when she heard the news!
Drama, does your son have any idea when the new female barracks will be finished?
TDM your right they will be very proud of there children : ) as we are. My son is taking his E5 test today and man did he study ! He just told me that he has requested to go back (Afg) not a good day for me but in saying that it was a proud day. I remember the 1st deployment and how you and many others helped me through it. He just got back from his 2nd deployment in Feb and then in May left CL to be totally Blue. Hmmmmm any way congrat to our girls I have a Combat Medic as well as a Corpsman
MM, good luck to your son! And if he's gone blue, you need to remember, it's up to Ma Navy if he goes back to green side...once they start moving up, it seems to me that she has plans for them. Suggest becoming an instructor in SA, my son liked it, teaching combat medical stuff.
When Inga's daughter enlisted, she took FMTB right out of A school, but didn't go green side until last year after several years of instructing at the A School in GL. Who knows how the Navy thinks....it's their needs over ours.
MM, we have a combat medic training in SA right now in our now extended family. May have some questions for you.
I just made a contribution w the flower shop at Fort Sam. Joanne was extremely helpful. Thank you again for streamlining this on behalf of so many who would like to reach out and show love and condolences to the family.
My husband is picking orders today! We already know he'll do FMTB, but I'm anxious to see if he'll be at Camp Pendleton or Camp Lejeune. And where we'll be after! I'm so nervous/excited and ready to be out of limbo for a bit :)
Div293, you might want to start packing up some clothes that he left behind to shop to him. This way, he doesn't have to go out and buy new civvies, unless he really wants to. If he has a laptop at home, you can ship that as well, or any of his favorite movies. Does he like fishing? There are quite a few fishing spots on or around base that he can fish, if you're able to ship his poles. (He can also go and get a fishing license for FREE in Texas.)
txbabydocmom - Just curious if your sailor got his orders? I know there was a hold up, in addition, with the fiscal year coming up, they could be delayed. Just curious what the scoop is....
Okinawa would be awesome. He's right in the middle of all the vacation spots. Looks like you'll be in Okinawa for vacation soon. Save up that money.....I bet you can easily catch a MAC flight to Japan. Here is a great link:
Div293...if you ship clothes, make sure they still fit. My son was in Ft. Sam from March to July and wanted me to send him some shorts and such. Problem was he dropped 20 lbs and really got physically fit and everything was HUGE on him. Same thing with his XL t-shirts. While you can get away with a large t-shirt, those baggy shorts look like bloomers with a belt holding them up!!
Unless your son is built slender, just the opposite.. he gained weight which was healthy and put on muscle..
up from 34 waist to a 36 waist...(38") length inseam did not change. just a few of the items I sent from home fit him. The shoes were good to send, though! He appreciated it very much.
My sailor is waiting to 'class up' in Ft Sam for corps school. My husband is heading there with a Durango-load of stuff for my son and his buddy from DEP, Boot, and now Ft Sam. My husband is attending a Corpsman reunion, first annual, right near the base so he is hauling stuff. My son's tv, a few civvies, friend's bike. I was able to talk with him yesterday. He's most surely looking forward to class starting. Boredom is setting in and P.T. isn't enough entertainment. :)
I am reposting my question. Sorry to ask again, but there seems to be some confusion on my part. Is Class 200's graduation set for October 23? I'm trying to finalize reservations. Thanks!
Norma,if you check the METC link above, there is a link for email and a phone number for support questions. Possibly you could find out that way? Good luck!
DIV293, I was with my son and a number of sailors from 293 at the mall yesterday before they headed back to midway. Was your son one of them? Otherwise I'm sure they know each other. Looking forward to learning about this next step, corpsman training:)
Thanks tbdm! I messaged them. If you spot any info on the Army's program, if you'd let me know I'd appreciate it. Seems this military support thing just never ends....
I met a woman at a folk concert last year here in Austin. Her husband had a Navy San Antonio t shirt on, and I commented...turned out she was in charge of coordinating the combination of the branches and the Navy in particular. Nice lady...and loves our live music scene in Central Texas.
Thanks! This is my son's gf's brother...and the family asks questions, my son said "mom, ask those moms on N4M!" My son was very disappointed (and somewhat worried) when her brother chose Army instead of Navy Corpsman. But his dad was in the Army...even tho his dad was drafted! that's why he was in the Army!
Thanks again, I want to have some place to send them for answers. We know how that feels when you can't find out anything.
Drama Soul, about the fox river mills soxs, are there any special color, or anything special I should look for when I purchase them? Figured I should get on it. thanks
Check the military link on foxsox.com, they ship free overseas. My son asked for a dozen pair for Christmas in 07,before he deployed... in the "coyote" color. They like them because, first of all they are so soft, and they come up, with padding under the laces of the boots, so they don't have to use duct tape to protect their shins.
TexasDocMom
When my son was in A School in GL it was winter...I'd call him and we'd chat for a couple of minutes when he'd tell me he was outdoors and when they talk on the phone they had to stop and talk, not walk along and talk and he was freezing his butt off in the snow. He'd only seen snow on Christmas visits to St. Louis, it doesn't snow much in Texas. Funny to see the posts about others acclimating to the heat in Texas. We've had very early cool weather this week, but it's humid again today. My son's theory on deployment is that Texans and those from the SW should deploy to the sand in summer, and those from up north should deploy in the winter...He says he functions much better at 115 degrees than at 20 below zero!
I'm sure all the food franchises are fighting to get in to Fort Sam. All of that area is very, very new build. All I know about Fort Sam is that my son was very unimpressed with their security at the gate, but I heard it has tightened down somewhat.
If you get a day trip when you are in SA, be sure to visit Fredricksburg, and the Nemitz Museum.(Pacific War Museum info ) They do reenactments a couple of times a year. Find the little German cafe with the peach bread pudding! and shop...it's a great place to visit, founded by Germans arriving in Texas in the early to mid 1800's, by ship loads from Germany.
Sep 12, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Sep 12, 2012
TexasDocMom
My son wanted a Gerber...corpsmen pull them out like Wyatt Earp pulled out his gun of his holster....Gerber all in one I found them here in Texas at Academy's, a sports oriented store. Ran about 50 bucks. Our Austin airport has an off site store where they sell the things they confiscate, like these tools, knives, scissors, wine tools, etc...picked up a couple for 4 bucks each there.
Sep 12, 2012
alexcmom
A new mom to the site just asked if bicycles were allowed on base and if so how does this work? Where do they store them and when would they be allowed to get them? Does anyone know? When I was there I didn't see any. Great question that may have been answered before but I've missed it.
Thanks TexasDocMom for the link. Awesome. I've have been trying to think of a gift idea. That seals the deal. Assuming he's not lurking.
Sep 12, 2012
alexcmom
Hi Tina D! You are absolutely allowed to post where your sailor is going. If you go over to your right on N4M screen and read the community guidelines it tells you all about what you can and cannot post and why. It's basically about keeping our sailors safe. No last names, no dates and times of deployment. Read over the guidelines and then feel free to share whatever you're comfortable with. We love exciting news! :)
Sep 12, 2012
Craig
Hey Tina,
We love hearing where sailors are going. There is nothing wrong with posting it, nor you joining the group that she's part of (ie For example: you joining the USS Ronald Reagan group).
Stuff like that keeps the boards going. It makes it cool for the rest of us to see where the other go.
Congrats to your daughter....
Sep 12, 2012
Cathy...Corpmen Roxy's Mom
I just have to brag, my daughter received her orders today and she will be going to Camp Pendleton with the Marines. She is so excited she is beside herself! This is what she wanted to do since before she went into the Navy and after starting A school she thought it would be almost impossible. I believe she will attending FMTB in NC. She has worked so hard to get this and I am so very proud!
Sep 12, 2012
TexasDocMom
Congrats to all the new corpsmen with their first orders! Cathy, there are two FMTB Centers, one East in Camp Lajuene and one West at Camp Pendleton. I think Marcy has links posted to each up above the discussion area. There are also groups here on N4M for each base. You can also find more Corpsmen moms on the sites listed above as well.
Sep 12, 2012
cyndyj
My son received his orders today as well. He is so excited and happy as he will be going to camp Pendleton with the Marines. This is what he has been striving for and the reason he joined the Navy. We are so happy and proud of him!
Sep 13, 2012
DramaSoul
TDM...I talked with my son last weekend. He is about 2 weeks shy of completing FMTB at Camp P. He said he thinks Camp P is building some barracks for females. As I understand it as of now, female FMTB are trained at Camp Lejeune, right? There were some female Corpsman in his A school class who wanted to go FMTB but there were no billets available. They were disappointed.
Sep 13, 2012
DramaSoul
Congrats to everyone getting their orders! cyndyj...tell your son to be in shape before he gets to Camp Pendleton!! Also, if you get him the Fox River Mills socks, give them to him BEFORE he gets to Camp Pendleton. My son finally got the 4 pair I sent him last Monday when they have been there since August 3rd!! I will tell you my son is thriving on goin' green side!
Sep 13, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Sep 13, 2012
KaylaRae
As of now all females go to Camp Lejeune for FMTB.
Sep 13, 2012
TexasDocMom
I'm excited to hear that more women are being assigned green side. Inga's daughter is in Astan right now with a Marine logistics battalion. I read about a totally female Marine unit working with the Afgani women. If all goes as planned, there won't be too many more Marine rotations there, so maybe this is part of our more lean military FMTB if very grueling, hard, hard work. And yes, as Drama says, they need to be in great shape, and will be in the best shape of their lives when they move on. Throwing 240 lbs over your shoulders and running for miles and miles ...my son was long and lanky when he went in, and, now, 8 years later as a new civilian, is working hard to bring those huge thighs down slowly so they don't turn to flab. Strongest legs I've ever seen!. His grandmother was a nurse (and Navy wife) for most of her life...told him that she taught her nurses to give shots by having them practice on oranges. Asked him who he practiced on..."Marines".
Katze, I noticed my son has his regular voice, and his Navy voice and vocabulary. They are on their way, life has changed for them all forever. Your kids are turning into military professionals, and you have every right to be so proud...and you will get even prouder!
and foxsox.com ! I love fox sox! When he brought all of his stuff from Lajuene, he still had the ones he got before his deployment, and new ones as well...he LOVED those socks. So I tried some on...like putting on velvet air. Even if they can't wear them all the time (like around and in water), just putting them on, even with no shower for 2 weeks, had to feel great! I think this Christmas I'm going to get him some civilian ones! First year of no military oriented stocking stuffers for us.
Sep 13, 2012
Cathy...Corpmen Roxy's Mom
Just to clarify, my daughers orders are Marine Logistics Medical Battalion at Camp P. She will have to go to Camp L. for FMTB. It seems this type of billet for a female has been non-existent. She considers herself very blessed, this nothing short of a miracle from above! She and I are both very proud! She also spent some extra time at the gym last night.
Tina, congratulations to your daughter on her first choice, Guam! I heard she was very happy and excited when she heard the news!
Drama, does your son have any idea when the new female barracks will be finished?
Good luck to everyone!
Sep 13, 2012
mikes mom
Sep 13, 2012
TexasDocMom
MM, good luck to your son! And if he's gone blue, you need to remember, it's up to Ma Navy if he goes back to green side...once they start moving up, it seems to me that she has plans for them. Suggest becoming an instructor in SA, my son liked it, teaching combat medical stuff.
When Inga's daughter enlisted, she took FMTB right out of A school, but didn't go green side until last year after several years of instructing at the A School in GL. Who knows how the Navy thinks....it's their needs over ours.
MM, we have a combat medic training in SA right now in our now extended family. May have some questions for you.
Sep 13, 2012
Craig
Good luck to all sailors E4 thru E6 sailors who take the advancement test this month.
The easy way to remember when the advancement is for E4 thru E6:
- Always either March or September
- E6 (1st class Petty Officers) = 1st Tuesday in March
- E6 (1st class Petty Officers) = 1st Thursday in September
- E5 (2nd class Petty Officers) = 2nd Tuesday in March
- E5 (2nd class Petty Officers) = 2nd Thursday in September
- E4 (3rd class Petty Officers) = 3rd Tuesday in March
- E4 (3rd class Petty Officers) = 3rd Thursday in September
This is actually a question on most rating advancement test.
Again, Good luck!
Sep 13, 2012
dianevdb
Good Morning Craig...from the west coast..
I just made a contribution w the flower shop at Fort Sam. Joanne was extremely helpful. Thank you again for streamlining this on behalf of so many who would like to reach out and show love and condolences to the family.
Sep 13, 2012
JillyBean
My husband is picking orders today! We already know he'll do FMTB, but I'm anxious to see if he'll be at Camp Pendleton or Camp Lejeune. And where we'll be after! I'm so nervous/excited and ready to be out of limbo for a bit :)
Sep 13, 2012
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Sep 13, 2012
JillyBean
Britt, I think he's in 200.
Sep 13, 2012
NormaH
Sep 14, 2012
luvmycorpsman
Bravo Zulu to this week's upcoming graduates!
Sep 15, 2012
NoCalNavyMom
Sep 15, 2012
luvmycorpsman
Div293, you might want to start packing up some clothes that he left behind to shop to him. This way, he doesn't have to go out and buy new civvies, unless he really wants to. If he has a laptop at home, you can ship that as well, or any of his favorite movies. Does he like fishing? There are quite a few fishing spots on or around base that he can fish, if you're able to ship his poles. (He can also go and get a fishing license for FREE in Texas.)
Sep 15, 2012
Craig
txbabydocmom - Just curious if your sailor got his orders? I know there was a hold up, in addition, with the fiscal year coming up, they could be delayed. Just curious what the scoop is....
Okinawa would be awesome. He's right in the middle of all the vacation spots. Looks like you'll be in Okinawa for vacation soon. Save up that money.....I bet you can easily catch a MAC flight to Japan. Here is a great link:
http://www.spacea.net/
Sep 15, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Sep 15, 2012
Craig
Katze - Do you remember White Beach? Geez, I felt like I was watching my sister playing Jacks. There were 1000's of these white Jack things.
Sep 15, 2012
DramaSoul
Div293...if you ship clothes, make sure they still fit. My son was in Ft. Sam from March to July and wanted me to send him some shorts and such. Problem was he dropped 20 lbs and really got physically fit and everything was HUGE on him. Same thing with his XL t-shirts. While you can get away with a large t-shirt, those baggy shorts look like bloomers with a belt holding them up!!
Sep 15, 2012
DramaSoul
Oh, and if you ship his laptop...FedEx has a special box for that. It worked really well.
Sep 15, 2012
dianevdb
Hello Div 293
Unless your son is built slender, just the opposite.. he gained weight which was healthy and put on muscle..
up from 34 waist to a 36 waist...(38") length inseam did not change. just a few of the items I sent from home fit him. The shoes were good to send, though! He appreciated it very much.
Sep 15, 2012
DramaSoul
dianvdb....that is sooo funny. My son went from a 38" waist to a 32-34"!!
Sep 15, 2012
GrannyRachel29Palms
My sailor is waiting to 'class up' in Ft Sam for corps school. My husband is heading there with a Durango-load of stuff for my son and his buddy from DEP, Boot, and now Ft Sam. My husband is attending a Corpsman reunion, first annual, right near the base so he is hauling stuff. My son's tv, a few civvies, friend's bike. I was able to talk with him yesterday. He's most surely looking forward to class starting. Boredom is setting in and P.T. isn't enough entertainment. :)
Sep 16, 2012
daubersmom
Hi all, my sailor's PIR was friday and he just arrived in Ft Sam last night...
Sep 16, 2012
NormaH
Sep 16, 2012
TexasDocMom
Norma,if you check the METC link above, there is a link for email and a phone number for support questions. Possibly you could find out that way? Good luck!
Sep 16, 2012
NormaH
Sep 16, 2012
NormaH
Sep 16, 2012
maboltship
daubersmom, my son must of arrived with yours last night. PIR was also Friday. What a wonderful weekend!
Sep 16, 2012
maboltship
DIV293, I was with my son and a number of sailors from 293 at the mall yesterday before they headed back to midway. Was your son one of them? Otherwise I'm sure they know each other. Looking forward to learning about this next step, corpsman training:)
Sep 16, 2012
TexasDocMom
Norma, I just posted your question on the facebook page for METC, we'll see if we get an answer.
Sep 16, 2012
NormaH
Sep 16, 2012
TexasDocMom
Would that page be also for Army Combat Medics in training? We have one in there right now, looking for links to send to family members.
Sep 16, 2012
TexasDocMom
Thanks tbdm! I messaged them. If you spot any info on the Army's program, if you'd let me know I'd appreciate it. Seems this military support thing just never ends....
I met a woman at a folk concert last year here in Austin. Her husband had a Navy San Antonio t shirt on, and I commented...turned out she was in charge of coordinating the combination of the branches and the Navy in particular. Nice lady...and loves our live music scene in Central Texas.
Sep 16, 2012
TexasDocMom
Thanks! This is my son's gf's brother...and the family asks questions, my son said "mom, ask those moms on N4M!" My son was very disappointed (and somewhat worried) when her brother chose Army instead of Navy Corpsman. But his dad was in the Army...even tho his dad was drafted! that's why he was in the Army!
Thanks again, I want to have some place to send them for answers. We know how that feels when you can't find out anything.
Sep 16, 2012
cyndyj
Drama Soul, about the fox river mills soxs, are there any special color, or anything special I should look for when I purchase them? Figured I should get on it. thanks
Sep 16, 2012
TexasDocMom
Check the military link on foxsox.com, they ship free overseas. My son asked for a dozen pair for Christmas in 07,before he deployed... in the "coyote" color. They like them because, first of all they are so soft, and they come up, with padding under the laces of the boots, so they don't have to use duct tape to protect their shins.
Sep 16, 2012
JillyBean
NormaH, my husband is in 200 and he said last night that graduation is still Oct 23. I hope this helps!
Sep 16, 2012
alexcmom
Sep 16, 2012