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!
Thanks everyone. I'm hoping for the best for her. She just took a quiz / test yesterday and only got one answer wrong. So, a great start to a new beginning.
Hmmmm....I see a pattern here. My son really struggled and did graduate high school. He even did a year-and-a-half at college, changing his major twice and not really doing well. He seems to have found his way!
Glad I am not the only one concered about my sailor doing well in A school after his history at Hs. I got a nice feeling when we called him and he was studying, that's when I realize this is what he wanted. He DECIDED to study and me not on his case.
I agree with others here....when it's something they are interested in, they will rise to the occasion....my middle son struggled in school. It was a constant struggle. Even after HS, he didn't know what he wanted to do. One day he came and said he was taking the police exam to be a county sheriff deputy. I hid my concern and told him as always "Do your best". When he went back for his test results, you can imagine my shock (and his too) that he finished in the top 3 of 600+ people. WHY DIDN'T YOU DO THAT IN SCHOOL?!?!?!?!!? Just goes to show you what they can when they find their way..............
Thank you, Jennifer! Yes, my son is attending Corpsman A School in San Antonio...he and the other "new" Sailors from his Boot Camp got to SA on 10/13 and just started classes last Wed.
Questions: do ALL in Corpsman A School do the same training, or does it depend on what they plan to do after Corps School (FMF, Hospital, etc.)? I have found that I get more answers on N4M than I do from my son! LOL!!!
FMTB = Field Medical Training Battalion. Before a Corpsman can become FMF, he or she goes through FMTB. Not sure if everyone has to go through it now. C school is training in a specialty (like surgical tech or respiratory tech, etc.). Txbabydocmom or Marcy are more knowledgable than I am. FMTB...they train with Marines to work/deploy with a Marine unit or, as my son is doing, working in a hospital or clinic on a Marine base.
HStemler....we were all rookies once!!! My son went to boot camp 4 January of THIS year. He has completed A school at SA and FMTB at Camp Pendleton. I can't even believe how much he has changed and learned in just 9 months.
A couple of things to remember about the Navy: Hurry up and wait and the only constant is change! Sooo....take a deep breath and be aware that things change all the time. For those of us who are planners and have things organized, this is a really big lesson (one I am still learning). That's why I said I wasn't sure if everyone had to go through FMTB now. When my son got his orders and completed his training, that was not the case. It just depends on what the Navy needs. Just remember....this is one big family and it's great to have a place to ask questions. No one really knows what it is like to have your son or daughter in the Navy except other Navy moms and dads.
To Hstemler- my daughter graduated on 10/12 as well. She is in A school in San Antonio. I talk/text her almost every day, and she seems to be so motivated. I am glad that I found an active group to get through this.
There are still others who do so well in A school that they get to "choose" where they go based on availability. Depending on the need and location of available stations, your son or daughter could go straight from A school to a base of their choosing and start working. My son opted out of C school, he wanted to go overseas right away.
Thanks again, DramaSoul & txbabydocmom for the FMTB explanation. My son plans to go FMF, so guess he'll do that if all goes according to plan. So is FMTB only at Camp Pendleton or is it offered at other bases too? (We live in San Diego so if he goes through FMTB, CP would be awesome!) TOTALLY get the "hurry up and wait + change" routine. I am an organized/planner type; learning patience on a daily basis, LOL! Right now I just want to know what the "holiday" schedule is, if he can come home or if we plan our family Christmas gift to be Ft. Sam for the family...does anyone know how that works or when we might know if our son will need to stay for duty?
Hi, kaitsmom! I may have "laid eyes" on your daughter, unknowingly at Midway Airport on 10/13 if she traveled to SA that day. We saw so many in uniform (both men and women) HM traveling to SA that morning, but spent all our time catching up with our son. We met him at 3am at the airport and were totally blessed to receive a gate pass so that we could go through security and join him for breakfast near his gate before he boarded his plane (we had to wait for restaurants to open at 5am - but it was so worth it!) Were you at PIR in GL?
FMTB West is Camp P. FMTB East is Camp Lejeune. My son had a choice and chose Camp P 'cause how can you compare Delmar to Camp Lejeune? Actually we live in the Northwest so it is great to have him on the West Coast!!
I was just thinking the same thing....only two days? That's the military for you. My son will be in limbo at that time. He will be leaving one command on 12/21 and report to the next 12/23! He can't get a chit from the old command and there may not be enough time to get one from the new command! Ugh. So it's a wait n see for the holidays. He has a sponsor in the new command who is trying to help him out. I might be getting in the car for a last minute 6 hour trip to bring him home. Won't even be able to get a flight that late. But I don't care if it means he can come home!
I'm hearing mixed things about Christmas leave, it worries me mine may not get approved. I first heard they need to wait until the month of to request. For example, if requesting for thanksgiving, put in no sooner than Nov & if for Xmas, wait till Dec or it will not get approved. o.O But recently I'm hearing they should put in their request now for Xmas.?? Is there a formal rule/guideline to follow? Pls advise. Thank you.
To HStemler- I was at PIR at GL on 10/12. Div 948. She was standing right beside me in the little hallway leading to the bathroom. She played the bass drum. We stayed at the airport for awhile; however, she had not slept, and we were all so weepy. We said our goodbyes earlier so she could catch some ZZZZZZ's at the USO.
I know I have already asked this, but I can no longer find the response, so forgive me...what is the next phase after EMT? My son has completed the EMT phase and I believe the nursing portion is next. I was curious to know how many tests and is it easier than the EMT portion.
Hello everyone, My name is Lori and my son Christopher arrived in San Antonio on Saturday. He is learning to be a corpsman. This site has been very helpful with learning the ins and outs about the process and what to expect. Thanks for sharing all the useful information.
needing help the sucide ribion that the sailors made. I need to see if I can get an email copy of that.My son is in the picture. My brother committed suicide in august,and it would mean a lot to us to have a printed copy. I tried to save and print and it wouldn't work.
Huggy - Sorry to hear about your brother. It would be good to have a copy of that photo to show you how the Navy does recognize that their is a problem and they are addressing it with the sailors.
Unless you live is a box, everyone has known of someone who has taken their life. It's one of those subject than people need to continue to discuss. It's not a taboo subject, it's real, and it happens.
I just want to throw this out there for anyone who has a sailor in San Antonio who will not be able to go home for Thanksgiving. My husband and I are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner. We are used to having a big Thanksgiving dinner surrounded by friends and would like to continue that tradition. I have already bought tons of food and a GIANT turkey!
Anyone is welcome!! Even if you are coming in to town to spend the weekend with your sailor you are welcome too! Please just let me know ahead of time so I can give you the details:)
Oh, and we will be able to drive them to and from base.
Craig...uhm...I have everything in that picture. Yep...even an old floppy. I had a friend who was a computer major at UCLA in 1967....there were whole buildings of computers!
I know I am dating myself but we didn't even get a TV until I was 10. I remember swooning (really dating myself now!) over the Beatles on Ed Sullivan...couldn't make up my mind between John and Paul.
Britt...what a wonderful thing you are doing! My son is working the day after Thanksgiving...maybe the whole weekend...at the hospital at Twentynine Palms. This will be the first Thanksgiving without him...sigh...
Britt- U & ur family have such a big heart. Thank you for opening up ur home & offering to share Thanksgiving w our sailors & the traveling families. God bless.
Craig...funny you should mention the story of the wolf...just had this conversation with my bff. She is a writer/drama therapist and is putting together a storytelling piece. This was one of the Native American stories we talked about.
When does the Nursing start? My son is stressing over all the test and is worried about his GPA... He hasnt failed anything just want to do his best...
Can anyone tell me what time graduation is tomorrow? The FB page says 1400-1500. But someone in my husbands class said their NMTI told them family members need to be there by 8 am for graduation.... I'm so confused!
psd(Shp 9 Div 356)....sent a request to join the group.
momof3...nursing started after EMT and it is much less stressful. My son really enjoyed the nursing part of his studies. It's more hands on I think txbabydocmom said and I would agree.
txbaby....yeah it is tough to get 35mm processed and EXPENSIVE. My daughter used to do her own. She hasn't had much time since she has been finishing her Master's and teaching school! She liked being able to manipulate the depth and such with doing her own developing. Also, about when they pick orders, my son's was about a week after they finished EMT but then it wasn't the end of the FY.
Yay! Today is my sons graduation at 2pm or should I say 1400! Then he gets to come home for 2 1/2 weeks with us so excited to spend some quality time since he left for bootcamp 6 months ago! So needless to say Thanksgiving will be Christmas at our house! Now on to his next phase .....FMTB at Camp Lejeune and you better believe I've already joined that group. I'm gonna need all the help I can get to get through that 8 weeks. Thanks for all the comments you all gave I read them everyday several times a day!
I am so excited and sad at the same time. My son graduate next week which makes me happy but he's not coming home until Christmas. He going to CA. This will be our first Thanksgiving without him. Congrats to all the Graduating SA.
Jph1500...just wait until she gives you her address. There are two barracks for A school. I know it's frustrating. I had to wait to send my son's laptop. Congrats on your fiancé's PIR and choice of A school.
joh1500, I think all flying out of the same airport, will be drop off all together regardless of their departure time ...my son left RTC 2AM but his flight was 4PM... they have the chance to sleep at the office in the airport.. Good luck on ur SA!
jph...I spent 12 hours with my son at O'Hare as he was dropped off at 0630 for a flight that didn't leave until 1845. As Paolo'sMom said, a bunch of them were dropped off with various flight times.
jph..My son has Verizon and his phone worked immediately. Of course his is part of our family service. It was my understanding that since the PX is on the base, they can always go there. I thought the phases pertained to going off base.
Does anyone have suggestions/options concerning what can be done about getting internet service in their rooms? My son said the signal is weak or not a useable signal. Any suggestions would be appreciated..
lgallagher16
Thanks everyone. I'm hoping for the best for her. She just took a quiz / test yesterday and only got one answer wrong. So, a great start to a new beginning.
Oct 26, 2012
DramaSoul
Hmmmm....I see a pattern here. My son really struggled and did graduate high school. He even did a year-and-a-half at college, changing his major twice and not really doing well. He seems to have found his way!
Oct 26, 2012
Craig
Thanks TexasDocMom & txbabydocmom for the info. The HM's I know aren't FMF and they didn't know. I do agree it's probably "some do, some don't"....
Oct 26, 2012
Huggy
Glad I am not the only one concered about my sailor doing well in A school after his history at Hs. I got a nice feeling when we called him and he was studying, that's when I realize this is what he wanted. He DECIDED to study and me not on his case.
Oct 27, 2012
Harley Gramma
I agree with others here....when it's something they are interested in, they will rise to the occasion....my middle son struggled in school. It was a constant struggle. Even after HS, he didn't know what he wanted to do. One day he came and said he was taking the police exam to be a county sheriff deputy. I hid my concern and told him as always "Do your best". When he went back for his test results, you can imagine my shock (and his too) that he finished in the top 3 of 600+ people. WHY DIDN'T YOU DO THAT IN SCHOOL?!?!?!?!!? Just goes to show you what they can when they find their way..............
Oct 28, 2012
HStemler
hello everyone! I'm new here. My son just got to San Antonio (PIR'd on 10/12/12). Am I in the right group?
Oct 29, 2012
HStemler
Thank you, Jennifer! Yes, my son is attending Corpsman A School in San Antonio...he and the other "new" Sailors from his Boot Camp got to SA on 10/13 and just started classes last Wed.
Questions: do ALL in Corpsman A School do the same training, or does it depend on what they plan to do after Corps School (FMF, Hospital, etc.)? I have found that I get more answers on N4M than I do from my son! LOL!!!
Oct 29, 2012
DramaSoul
Oct 29, 2012
HStemler
Thanks DramaSoul! What is FMTB or C School? Do they ALL go through one or the other (or both)? As you can see, I am a total rookie here! : P
Oct 29, 2012
DramaSoul
Oct 29, 2012
DramaSoul
HStemler....we were all rookies once!!! My son went to boot camp 4 January of THIS year. He has completed A school at SA and FMTB at Camp Pendleton. I can't even believe how much he has changed and learned in just 9 months.
A couple of things to remember about the Navy: Hurry up and wait and the only constant is change! Sooo....take a deep breath and be aware that things change all the time. For those of us who are planners and have things organized, this is a really big lesson (one I am still learning). That's why I said I wasn't sure if everyone had to go through FMTB now. When my son got his orders and completed his training, that was not the case. It just depends on what the Navy needs. Just remember....this is one big family and it's great to have a place to ask questions. No one really knows what it is like to have your son or daughter in the Navy except other Navy moms and dads.
Oct 30, 2012
Craig
Tina - I want your daughter to understand this benefit too...
MILPERSMAN 1306-250
Oct 30, 2012
dianevdb
hello does anyone know how many seats are offered for Dental Tech per year and if there might be a class starting up end of Feb or first of March?
Oct 30, 2012
kaitsmom
To Hstemler- my daughter graduated on 10/12 as well. She is in A school in San Antonio. I talk/text her almost every day, and she seems to be so motivated. I am glad that I found an active group to get through this.
To Dramasoul - thank you for the insight
Oct 30, 2012
alexcmom
There are still others who do so well in A school that they get to "choose" where they go based on availability. Depending on the need and location of available stations, your son or daughter could go straight from A school to a base of their choosing and start working. My son opted out of C school, he wanted to go overseas right away.
Oct 30, 2012
HStemler
Thanks again, DramaSoul & txbabydocmom for the FMTB explanation. My son plans to go FMF, so guess he'll do that if all goes according to plan. So is FMTB only at Camp Pendleton or is it offered at other bases too? (We live in San Diego so if he goes through FMTB, CP would be awesome!) TOTALLY get the "hurry up and wait + change" routine. I am an organized/planner type; learning patience on a daily basis, LOL! Right now I just want to know what the "holiday" schedule is, if he can come home or if we plan our family Christmas gift to be Ft. Sam for the family...does anyone know how that works or when we might know if our son will need to stay for duty?
Oct 30, 2012
HStemler
Hi, kaitsmom! I may have "laid eyes" on your daughter, unknowingly at Midway Airport on 10/13 if she traveled to SA that day. We saw so many in uniform (both men and women) HM traveling to SA that morning, but spent all our time catching up with our son. We met him at 3am at the airport and were totally blessed to receive a gate pass so that we could go through security and join him for breakfast near his gate before he boarded his plane (we had to wait for restaurants to open at 5am - but it was so worth it!) Were you at PIR in GL?
Oct 30, 2012
DramaSoul
FMTB West is Camp P. FMTB East is Camp Lejeune. My son had a choice and chose Camp P 'cause how can you compare Delmar to Camp Lejeune? Actually we live in the Northwest so it is great to have him on the West Coast!!
Oct 30, 2012
Katze90210 (3/113)
Oct 31, 2012
CHN-B
Oct 31, 2012
kaitsmom
To HStemler- I was at PIR at GL on 10/12. Div 948. She was standing right beside me in the little hallway leading to the bathroom. She played the bass drum. We stayed at the airport for awhile; however, she had not slept, and we were all so weepy. We said our goodbyes earlier so she could catch some ZZZZZZ's at the USO.
Nov 1, 2012
Mrs.SeniorChief
I know I have already asked this, but I can no longer find the response, so forgive me...what is the next phase after EMT? My son has completed the EMT phase and I believe the nursing portion is next. I was curious to know how many tests and is it easier than the EMT portion.
Nov 1, 2012
Lori H - Christopher's Mom
Hello everyone, My name is Lori and my son Christopher arrived in San Antonio on Saturday. He is learning to be a corpsman. This site has been very helpful with learning the ins and outs about the process and what to expect. Thanks for sharing all the useful information.
Nov 1, 2012
DramaSoul
My son said the same thing about Nursing and his GPA did definitely shoot up!
My son is now working on an MSW (multi-service ward) in a hospital at a Marine base. He likes the variety of things he gets to do.
Nov 1, 2012
Lee57
Nov 2, 2012
DramaSoul
txbaby...I miss hearing the AROC call out the cadences when those Corpsman-in-training were marching. It was the best and they were soooo sharpe!!
Nov 3, 2012
Craig
Great pictures txbabydocmom!
Nov 4, 2012
Huggy
needing help the sucide ribion that the sailors made. I need to see if I can get an email copy of that.My son is in the picture. My brother committed suicide in august,and it would mean a lot to us to have a printed copy. I tried to save and print and it wouldn't work.
Nov 4, 2012
Craig
Huggy - Sorry to hear about your brother. It would be good to have a copy of that photo to show you how the Navy does recognize that their is a problem and they are addressing it with the sailors.
Unless you live is a box, everyone has known of someone who has taken their life. It's one of those subject than people need to continue to discuss. It's not a taboo subject, it's real, and it happens.
God bless you, your brother, and your sailor!
Nov 4, 2012
DramaSoul
txbaby....do you have a REAL camera? The only real camera I have takes 35 mm film!!
Nov 4, 2012
Craig
Drama - A 35mm camera? Man you're dating yourself...(btw I still have one too)...
You need to put those next to your Sony Walkman, your VHS player, and your 5 1/2 inch floppy. Ok, you can keep your 5 1/2 inch floppy....j/k
Nov 5, 2012
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
I just want to throw this out there for anyone who has a sailor in San Antonio who will not be able to go home for Thanksgiving. My husband and I are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner. We are used to having a big Thanksgiving dinner surrounded by friends and would like to continue that tradition. I have already bought tons of food and a GIANT turkey!
Anyone is welcome!! Even if you are coming in to town to spend the weekend with your sailor you are welcome too! Please just let me know ahead of time so I can give you the details:)
Oh, and we will be able to drive them to and from base.
Nov 5, 2012
DramaSoul
Craig...uhm...I have everything in that picture. Yep...even an old floppy. I had a friend who was a computer major at UCLA in 1967....there were whole buildings of computers!
I know I am dating myself but we didn't even get a TV until I was 10. I remember swooning (really dating myself now!) over the Beatles on Ed Sullivan...couldn't make up my mind between John and Paul.
Britt...what a wonderful thing you are doing! My son is working the day after Thanksgiving...maybe the whole weekend...at the hospital at Twentynine Palms. This will be the first Thanksgiving without him...sigh...
Nov 5, 2012
dianevdb
Britt..
thanks for the VERY warm reception for Tday! This looks like my sailor's first Turkey dinner away from home! We are so greatful for Moms like you.
Nov 5, 2012
Craig
Britt - I know this sounds dorky, but I'm proud of you & your husband!.... You're doing a great thing. You're feeding the correct wolf....
Nov 5, 2012
CHN-B
Nov 5, 2012
DramaSoul
Craig...funny you should mention the story of the wolf...just had this conversation with my bff. She is a writer/drama therapist and is putting together a storytelling piece. This was one of the Native American stories we talked about.
Nov 5, 2012
momof3djm
When does the Nursing start? My son is stressing over all the test and is worried about his GPA... He hasnt failed anything just want to do his best...
Nov 5, 2012
psd(Shp 9 Div 356)
We are a group of newly graduates from Bootcamp.....our sailors are off to Corpsman school in San Antonio.
we'd learn to love with you.......
https://www.facebook.com/groups/365855973496773/373776926038011/?no...
Nov 5, 2012
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Nov 5, 2012
DramaSoul
psd(Shp 9 Div 356)....sent a request to join the group.
momof3...nursing started after EMT and it is much less stressful. My son really enjoyed the nursing part of his studies. It's more hands on I think txbabydocmom said and I would agree.
txbaby....yeah it is tough to get 35mm processed and EXPENSIVE. My daughter used to do her own. She hasn't had much time since she has been finishing her Master's and teaching school! She liked being able to manipulate the depth and such with doing her own developing. Also, about when they pick orders, my son's was about a week after they finished EMT but then it wasn't the end of the FY.
Nov 5, 2012
Craig
NavyGirlz - I love that artwork to go with that saying! I never had the picture, but now I do.... When I 1st saw that saying, I liked it...
Nov 6, 2012
Jmama
Nov 6, 2012
Lee57
Nov 6, 2012
DramaSoul
Nov 10, 2012
ProudUSNCorpsmanMom
Nov 10, 2012
DramaSoul
jph...I spent 12 hours with my son at O'Hare as he was dropped off at 0630 for a flight that didn't leave until 1845. As Paolo'sMom said, a bunch of them were dropped off with various flight times.
Nov 10, 2012
DramaSoul
Kathy...Thanks for posting!! My sentiments exactly.
Nov 10, 2012
DramaSoul
Nov 11, 2012
Rhonda-S12D347
Does anyone have suggestions/options concerning what can be done about getting internet service in their rooms? My son said the signal is weak or not a useable signal. Any suggestions would be appreciated..
Nov 11, 2012