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!
We have stores in the town I live that do UPS, so we used them to overnight the phone and it was $60 + insurance for the phone. He is aware it's coming tomorrow. So hopefully he will be able to retrieve it.
My plan for future mailings is to use the post office. You can get these boxes and fill them full for one price. He wants some personal stuff from home etc.
USPS Express mail (overnight) includes $100 insurance coverage. But the best bet is priority mail flat rate boxes - gets there nearly as fast (usually two days) and for a lot less, $15.45 for up to 70 lbs :)
Go online to the USPS web site, they'll send you every thing you need. One thing to always remember, we many hurry to get stuff to them, spend the money on the faster postage, and all for naught. They have to get over there to pick it up, and the Navy has to have it available for all that to work. Priority mail vs Over night? they're going to get it at about the same rate of speed. That's been my experience.
Deffo let your sailor know if you ship something. My son abashedly let me know that a letter I sent was being returned as he never picked it up. They can have phones and laptops in A-school so text or email. :) My son likes corpsman training. prospective grad date is 15Jan13. hoping to get the time off work to attend.
jph - I run a Navy forum website and wanted to let you know you really need to think out everything. Most civilians don't understand the "Needs of the Navy", and don't understand the rules. I have a member on my website that was not able to live with his wife or their daughter for 3 years. He got married in "A" school and failed to submit a DD-1306 form notifying the Navy he had a wife. Understand being in DEERS and being on the detailers list saying you are married is two different things. He ended up leaving San Antonio and had orders to Japan, since he was E3 and below he was not allowed to bring dependants with him. Most marriage can't hack being separated for 2 years (except for an occasional 1 or 2 weeks vacation every 6 months). My member marriage was extremely strong, and his did. His name is Logicalchaos, and he's on NavyDEP.com.
You will find that the Navy isn't suppose to send married couples overseas, or to Hawaii. However, this is all based on the "Needs of the Navy". They can do whatever they want, if they need you somewhere.
So, if you are thinking of getting marriage and you do decided to do in in "A" school, remember you must have her submit a DD-1306 letting the detail know she is now married. Frankly, the sooner you get marriage, the better. That paperwork as a long way to travel.
Believe me, I'm not trying to scare you, but I do want you to fully understand that you could be put in a position of not seeing her for a really long time. Here is the rules:
b. Members in paygrades E-3 and below with family member(s), will not be assigned to accompanied tours in an overseas area, including Hawaii. Members may be assigned to unaccompanied tours, based on readiness needs. Additionally, members in paygrades E-3 and below who are pregnant will not be assigned in an overseas area, including Hawaii.
have a few questions here. 1st does anyone know if they get anytime off for thanksgiving? 2nd is he allowed to pick a speciality he wants to, wants xray tech? When will we a projected graduation date? Finally he says A school is 14 weeks, does anyone know how long c school is and where it could possiblly be.
Well, my son is scheduled to graduate Dec 6th and then back for dental A school in January. He put in for a Chit 2 Xs now and was turned down for Thanksgiving due to too many leaving at one time. He even found a replacement willing to take his duty watch scheduled for Friday after Tday. So not sure if it is too many off, or just cant take it off due to a replacement on the duty?
Is there anything we can do? Some sailors are just not going anywhere for Tday and will stay regardless. We bought a ticket to come home, (which is secondary for this subject) but wondered if he still has the possibility of this being futile?
Huggy- I was told they get 2 days (thurs&fri) then the weekend. But whether they have duty Sat or Sun I don't know. Mine will stay in SA for Thanksgiving. :(
I was under the impression they "pick" or qualify for specialty fields prior to BT but I'm not familiar w the general procedure. Only that my SN had qualified & selected & had his orders through C School confirmed even before he left for RTC. My SN is going to FMTB for C School & that will be another 8 weeks. But we don't know how long he might have to wait for class to start once he gets there.
Huggy, The address is for the post office there, just send it to the address given and your son will get it! I've sent my husband several packages and he got them all. He said he just scans his card or something and it'll pop up in the system if any mail arrived. I've also FedExed him some important docs and he got it no problem :)
JillyBean- can u pls elaborate on the "scans his card" part? Do they log onto their personnel systems to check for packages at the post office? I just sent my SN a package & postal clerk said it should arrive in SA Fri or Sat. I don't want him to waste time running down there just to check if he can do it online.
Thank you!
Katze, FMTB is not a C school. Recruiters may call it that but it is not.
FIELD MEDICAL TRAINING BATTALION (FMTB) is a 14-week course in advanced medical training, small arms training, and the Marine Corps way of life. Keeping a running flow of corpsmen trained to serve with the Marines is priority, especially with an active war zone.
I loved your two things...learned those as a Navy brat....especially "hurry up and wait" !
Hi All....I would definitely let your Sailor know something is coming. My ex complained that letters came back but my son wouldn't go to the post office because of the lines and the fact that they didn't get through with classes until very late. I ALWAYS let him know if a package was coming. I used FedEx for overnighting special food but otherwise, large flat rate boxes were the best...again letting him know when to expect it. The biggest issue with mail came when he was in FMTB West (Camp Pendleton) not Ft. Sam. My son graduated FMTB a couple of weeks ago and is now working at his first duty station.
TDM...one acronym I am having trouble with is DOR. I read it one another site but it means about 50 things. What is it in the Navy?
Katze...yeah those are the same two things I have learned since my son enlisted.
My son starts FMTB Oct 22. I heard someone on an earlier post call it C school and was confused. I myself am an Army Brat so kind of know the life lol.
I apologize if my use of the term (FMTB w C school) is incorrect. That was what our recruiter told us. That his C School will be in San Diego w the marines. I'll go back & read the recent post on the difference. There is so much to learn & absorb. And it seems I've had to take a crash course every time he enters a new phase. Thank you all for the info & support.
Glo - Just to clarify a little bit more. Not all sailors that arrive at Fort Sam are SN (Seaman). Some are SR (Seaman Recruits), some are SA (Seaman Apprentice) too. So there are 3 possible things when they come from boot camp (if you weren't prior service). They are SR, SA, or SN
No apologies necessary, it's all a learning situation CHN! Main thing to remember is Ma Navy always gets her way, and number two....Ma Navy always gets her way.
My SR changed his rate from CTN to HM while in BC. He is wanting to get in the Physical Therapy field. Does anyone have info on the chances of that and how to go about it. PIR 10/19/2012
CHN I'm still learning myself, that's why it's so easy to get confused. Lol thought I was learning something new that's why I asked. Not a problem. That's what's so great about this site. We all are learning as we go
I've read 8 weeks, 66 days, and 14 weeks for FMTB....don't know the difference. Seems like my son's was about 3 months when he did it in 05. They pulled a bunch of that class straight into Marine units and they were in Iraq within weeks of training. Thank goodness we are not at that level of war right now.
CHN, I'm pretty sure they either scanned his card at the post office or he just had to give his name/show his ID card. Either way, to see if you even have a package, you have to go to the post office, there is no other way for them to check (according to my husband).
Sometimes when I sent something to him, I'd get a tracking number so I could let him know when it was delivered. That way he wouldn't have to wait in the long lines only to find out there was nothing there.
I send all boxes with tracking. I go online and find out when it's been delivered to the base then text my daughter. That way she knows when it's there and doesn't have to make trip after trip to check.
I know I'm a broken record on this, but please take advantage of the wealth of information on the official websites for FMTB! The links are up top.
To wit: Click on the link above for FMTB-East, then on Students -> Welcome -> FMST -> Course Description, which reads: "During this 8 week course, you will have a mix of classroom and field training. Emphasis is placed on learning field medicine by using the principles of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC). This includes familiarization with USMC organization and procedures, competency in Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), logistics, and administrative support in a field environment. Additionally, training will include general military subjects, individual and small unit tactics, military drills, physical training/conditioning, and weapons familiarization with the opportunity to qualify on the rifle. Completion of FMST results in the student receiving Navy Enlisted Classification HM-8404. See “Student Material” to download a copy of the Student Manual that you will use during your training (you will receive a copy of this text upon arrival)."
Beneath the link to Course Description are no fewer than 17 more pertinent links, including what to bring, car info, mail, and much more.
It takes time to explore all this but it really pays off and it's interesting reading to know what your sailor will be doing. For example, at the top of that page under Resources you can see the class schedules and the FMST manual. Read a few chapters! You'll be awed.
can someone tell me how long the HM A school in San Antonio is? We have heard everything from 14 weeks to 1 year !! I am sure the answer is somewhere in the middle of that !!
LindaG- as far as I know, the actual class/program is 14 wks. My SN arrived in SA a week before his 1st class started. Which was good because he had a chance to get situated.
Txbabydocmom has truly been one of our anchors! As well as a couple of others. Can't be said enough...... Thank You for all you do. Our anchors can be seen on other pages of sites of Navy For Moms. They are a wealth of info and great support!
My husband and I are planning a trip to San Antonio in November and I am trying to figure out where we should stay. Would love any suggestions for a nice reasonably priced hotel. We are totally unfamiliar with the area, and the only thing we know for sure we want to do is sea world, so, any info on that would be welcome too.
Proudmom...be sure to get your tickets for Sea World online as you will save $25 or more. Your Sailor can get in free through the Heroes program. As to places to stay...we stayed at the Red Roof Inn about 1/2 mile from downtown and the Riverwalk. I like to walk and it was great to walk all over. Places on the Riverwalk were out of my budget range but I have heard of people getting deals. Parking downtown is EXPENSIVE!!! The RRI was $7 per 24 hour period. I know some people who stayed at the RRI near the base but after reading some reviews, I went with the other one.
proudmom there is a 6 flags, there is also a zoo and cave tours. Along with trolly tours. Picked up broucher at motel. Don't know where you live but a local motel may have some there as well. Have fun we are going at Thanksgiving.
Proudmom, I've stayed at the Econolodge on N I-35. It's actually really close to one of the gate entrances to Ft Sam. It looks a little dodgy from the outside, but it was very clean in the room! Parking was free and they serve a continental breakfast and waffles. Since it was right off the freeway, it was easy to get where we wanted to go (Riverwalk, Alamo Drafthouse cinemas, etc).
Glo Mom of Future Officer
We have stores in the town I live that do UPS, so we used them to overnight the phone and it was $60 + insurance for the phone. He is aware it's coming tomorrow. So hopefully he will be able to retrieve it.
My plan for future mailings is to use the post office. You can get these boxes and fill them full for one price. He wants some personal stuff from home etc.
Thanks DramaSoul for you input on this.
Oct 8, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
USPS Express mail (overnight) includes $100 insurance coverage. But the best bet is priority mail flat rate boxes - gets there nearly as fast (usually two days) and for a lot less, $15.45 for up to 70 lbs :)
Oct 9, 2012
DramaSoul
Oct 9, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Oct 9, 2012
TexasDocMom
Go online to the USPS web site, they'll send you every thing you need. One thing to always remember, we many hurry to get stuff to them, spend the money on the faster postage, and all for naught. They have to get over there to pick it up, and the Navy has to have it available for all that to work. Priority mail vs Over night? they're going to get it at about the same rate of speed. That's been my experience.
Oct 9, 2012
Glo Mom of Future Officer
Thanks again, you have all been a great help to me. Hopefully I will get a text from him tonight telling me he has his phone.
Oct 9, 2012
GrannyRachel29Palms
Deffo let your sailor know if you ship something. My son abashedly let me know that a letter I sent was being returned as he never picked it up. They can have phones and laptops in A-school so text or email. :) My son likes corpsman training. prospective grad date is 15Jan13. hoping to get the time off work to attend.
Oct 9, 2012
Craig
jph - I run a Navy forum website and wanted to let you know you really need to think out everything. Most civilians don't understand the "Needs of the Navy", and don't understand the rules. I have a member on my website that was not able to live with his wife or their daughter for 3 years. He got married in "A" school and failed to submit a DD-1306 form notifying the Navy he had a wife. Understand being in DEERS and being on the detailers list saying you are married is two different things. He ended up leaving San Antonio and had orders to Japan, since he was E3 and below he was not allowed to bring dependants with him. Most marriage can't hack being separated for 2 years (except for an occasional 1 or 2 weeks vacation every 6 months). My member marriage was extremely strong, and his did. His name is Logicalchaos, and he's on NavyDEP.com.
You will find that the Navy isn't suppose to send married couples overseas, or to Hawaii. However, this is all based on the "Needs of the Navy". They can do whatever they want, if they need you somewhere.
So, if you are thinking of getting marriage and you do decided to do in in "A" school, remember you must have her submit a DD-1306 letting the detail know she is now married. Frankly, the sooner you get marriage, the better. That paperwork as a long way to travel.
Believe me, I'm not trying to scare you, but I do want you to fully understand that you could be put in a position of not seeing her for a really long time. Here is the rules:
http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/milpersman/1000/130...
Read para 1b, which says:
b. Members in paygrades E-3 and below with family member(s), will not be assigned to accompanied tours in an overseas area, including Hawaii. Members may be assigned to unaccompanied tours, based on readiness needs. Additionally, members in paygrades E-3 and below who are pregnant will not be assigned in an overseas area, including Hawaii.
Oct 10, 2012
Huggy
have a few questions here. 1st does anyone know if they get anytime off for thanksgiving? 2nd is he allowed to pick a speciality he wants to, wants xray tech? When will we a projected graduation date? Finally he says A school is 14 weeks, does anyone know how long c school is and where it could possiblly be.
Oct 10, 2012
dianevdb
hi txbabydocmom..
Well, my son is scheduled to graduate Dec 6th and then back for dental A school in January. He put in for a Chit 2 Xs now and was turned down for Thanksgiving due to too many leaving at one time. He even found a replacement willing to take his duty watch scheduled for Friday after Tday. So not sure if it is too many off, or just cant take it off due to a replacement on the duty?
Is there anything we can do? Some sailors are just not going anywhere for Tday and will stay regardless. We bought a ticket to come home, (which is secondary for this subject) but wondered if he still has the possibility of this being futile?
Oct 10, 2012
CHN-B
I was under the impression they "pick" or qualify for specialty fields prior to BT but I'm not familiar w the general procedure. Only that my SN had qualified & selected & had his orders through C School confirmed even before he left for RTC. My SN is going to FMTB for C School & that will be another 8 weeks. But we don't know how long he might have to wait for class to start once he gets there.
Oct 10, 2012
Huggy
confused on address, son said no box number just address but doesn't match anything I have read. Need help figuring it all out
Oct 11, 2012
JillyBean
Huggy, The address is for the post office there, just send it to the address given and your son will get it! I've sent my husband several packages and he got them all. He said he just scans his card or something and it'll pop up in the system if any mail arrived. I've also FedExed him some important docs and he got it no problem :)
Oct 11, 2012
JillyBean
Oh, just be sure your handwriting is legible! One of the packages I sent sat in the post office for two weeks because of my handwriting. Oops!
Oct 11, 2012
CHN-B
Thank you!
Oct 11, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Oct 11, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Oct 11, 2012
Glo Mom of Future Officer
This is going to be a dumb question, but what does SN stand for?
Oct 11, 2012
TexasDocMom
Katze, FMTB is not a C school. Recruiters may call it that but it is not.
FIELD MEDICAL TRAINING BATTALION (FMTB) is a 14-week course in advanced medical training, small arms training, and the Marine Corps way of life. Keeping a running flow of corpsmen trained to serve with the Marines is priority, especially with an active war zone.
I loved your two things...learned those as a Navy brat....especially "hurry up and wait" !
Oct 11, 2012
TexasDocMom
Sorry, meant to add this: Navy Acronyms a big list of those annoying acronyms that Navy folks talk in...SN is Seaman.
Oct 11, 2012
DramaSoul
Hi All....I would definitely let your Sailor know something is coming. My ex complained that letters came back but my son wouldn't go to the post office because of the lines and the fact that they didn't get through with classes until very late. I ALWAYS let him know if a package was coming. I used FedEx for overnighting special food but otherwise, large flat rate boxes were the best...again letting him know when to expect it. The biggest issue with mail came when he was in FMTB West (Camp Pendleton) not Ft. Sam. My son graduated FMTB a couple of weeks ago and is now working at his first duty station.
TDM...one acronym I am having trouble with is DOR. I read it one another site but it means about 50 things. What is it in the Navy?
Katze...yeah those are the same two things I have learned since my son enlisted.
Oct 11, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Oct 11, 2012
CHN-B
Oct 11, 2012
CHN-B
Oct 11, 2012
Craig
Glo - Just to clarify a little bit more. Not all sailors that arrive at Fort Sam are SN (Seaman). Some are SR (Seaman Recruits), some are SA (Seaman Apprentice) too. So there are 3 possible things when they come from boot camp (if you weren't prior service). They are SR, SA, or SN
Oct 11, 2012
TexasDocMom
No apologies necessary, it's all a learning situation CHN! Main thing to remember is Ma Navy always gets her way, and number two....Ma Navy always gets her way.
Oct 11, 2012
CHN-B
Oct 11, 2012
David (Corpsman PMT)
My SR changed his rate from CTN to HM while in BC. He is wanting to get in the Physical Therapy field. Does anyone have info on the chances of that and how to go about it. PIR 10/19/2012
Oct 11, 2012
Glo Mom of Future Officer
Thanks for the acronym on SN. My son is an apprentice. So I guess he is an SA.
Oct 11, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Oct 11, 2012
dianevdb
Drama...is FMTB 8 weeks or 14 weeks?
Oct 11, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Oct 11, 2012
TexasDocMom
I've read 8 weeks, 66 days, and 14 weeks for FMTB....don't know the difference. Seems like my son's was about 3 months when he did it in 05. They pulled a bunch of that class straight into Marine units and they were in Iraq within weeks of training. Thank goodness we are not at that level of war right now.
Oct 11, 2012
TexasDocMom
FMTB EAST Photos from 2012 check out what your corpsman will be doing in FMTB...slide show at that link.
Oct 11, 2012
DramaSoul
Oct 11, 2012
JillyBean
CHN, I'm pretty sure they either scanned his card at the post office or he just had to give his name/show his ID card. Either way, to see if you even have a package, you have to go to the post office, there is no other way for them to check (according to my husband).
Sometimes when I sent something to him, I'd get a tracking number so I could let him know when it was delivered. That way he wouldn't have to wait in the long lines only to find out there was nothing there.
Oct 11, 2012
lizinnj
I send all boxes with tracking. I go online and find out when it's been delivered to the base then text my daughter. That way she knows when it's there and doesn't have to make trip after trip to check.
Oct 11, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
I know I'm a broken record on this, but please take advantage of the wealth of information on the official websites for FMTB! The links are up top.
To wit: Click on the link above for FMTB-East, then on Students -> Welcome -> FMST -> Course Description, which reads: "During this 8 week course, you will have a mix of classroom and field training. Emphasis is placed on learning field medicine by using the principles of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC). This includes familiarization with USMC organization and procedures, competency in Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), logistics, and administrative support in a field environment. Additionally, training will include general military subjects, individual and small unit tactics, military drills, physical training/conditioning, and weapons familiarization with the opportunity to qualify on the rifle. Completion of FMST results in the student receiving Navy Enlisted Classification HM-8404. See “Student Material” to download a copy of the Student Manual that you will use during your training (you will receive a copy of this text upon arrival)."
Beneath the link to Course Description are no fewer than 17 more pertinent links, including what to bring, car info, mail, and much more.
It takes time to explore all this but it really pays off and it's interesting reading to know what your sailor will be doing. For example, at the top of that page under Resources you can see the class schedules and the FMST manual. Read a few chapters! You'll be awed.
Oct 11, 2012
CHN-B
Oct 11, 2012
LindaG
can someone tell me how long the HM A school in San Antonio is? We have heard everything from 14 weeks to 1 year !! I am sure the answer is somewhere in the middle of that !!
Oct 11, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Lots of new members this week :) Welcome and join in!!
Oct 11, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Hi LindaG! The program is 14 weeks.
Oct 11, 2012
LindaG
Thank you Marcy.
Oct 11, 2012
Craig
jph1500 - Yep, I hosed you up. it isn't a DD-1306, it's a NAVPERS-1306.
Here is the form she will need:
http://www.cnrc.navy.mil/publications/Forms/OTHER%20FORMS/NP13067.pdf
Oct 12, 2012
CHN-B
Oct 12, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Oct 12, 2012
Proudmomof2navysailors Div 285
Oct 12, 2012
DramaSoul
Oct 12, 2012
Huggy
proudmom there is a 6 flags, there is also a zoo and cave tours. Along with trolly tours. Picked up broucher at motel. Don't know where you live but a local motel may have some there as well. Have fun we are going at Thanksgiving.
Oct 12, 2012
JillyBean
Proudmom, I've stayed at the Econolodge on N I-35. It's actually really close to one of the gate entrances to Ft Sam. It looks a little dodgy from the outside, but it was very clean in the room! Parking was free and they serve a continental breakfast and waffles. Since it was right off the freeway, it was easy to get where we wanted to go (Riverwalk, Alamo Drafthouse cinemas, etc).
Oct 12, 2012