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!
Britt, good for him! I took the accelerated EMT course at UCLA (accelerated, 3 weeks full-time) and yes, we all study and learn differently (I got an A and passed the National Registry fine; some others, including firemen and premed students, struggled). I would venture to say that as far as A school, the outset may be hardest as the sailors get adjusted and make their way through the HM manual and tests. It's a LOT of information, especially for those who have no medical/EMT background; and then the added Navy element (forms, procedures) is new to all. 574 pages. Definitely worth it for everyone to read through it, IMHO, to see what our corpsmen do. http://navybmr.com/study%20material%203/NAVEDTRA%2014295.pdf
I'd just drop it in a small or medium-size priority-mail flat rate box. It'll get there in a day or two at most; no need to spend more for Express Mail or FedEx.
You're welcome Shaylyn! I know how you feel, our first impulse is to head to FedEx, but priority mail is just as good (well, 2 days vs. 1) and saves about $50. I love flat-rate priority mail, you can cram in as much as you want - you'd have to send rocks to get up to the 70 lb limit :)
Kittycat, your sailor can wear civilian clothes once he moves into phase 2. Just keep in mind that when A school is over, he'll have to take carry his belongings with him (seabags) and ship home what he can't carry; so keeping things to a minimum makes it easiest to deal with at the end.
Marcy is soooo right about not acquiring a lot of 'stuff' in A school. You should have seen what my son had to schlep (Yiddish term for carry) as he came home on leave before reporting to FMTB at Camp P. He learned his lesson the hard way!! I actually had some of his stuff in my large suitcase. Man are those combat boot heavy!!!
I hope I'm at the right place... If not please re-direct... My HS Sr daughter plans to enlist as HM - met with recruiter yesterday & he basically said Navy hardly has any female HM slots (have too many females in this rate right now) & suggested she enlist at another rate & then change over to HM (specifically Air Crew rescue medic - she swims year round & is quite athletic). Her long term goal is to be a RN. Scoring on AsVAB & school grades shouldn't be a problem. She's going to do the physical next week (during Christmas break) to clear that hurdle.
Basically what I am wondering for those who have females in HM how long did she have to wait until an opening came available? My daughter really has time to "wait" as she graduates from HS in May & won't be 18 until September 2013.
Debbie, I have a daughter about to finish up Corpsman school in another week or so...It's the rate she wanted, but was told the same thing as your daughter, so she had other options selected in her mind of rates that would be "OK" with her...She wasn't waiting for the Corpsman rate, ( but was waiting to make weight), in the end she got lucky and made weight Oct. 5th ( the beginning of the new fiscal year for the military), and one female Corpsman slot was available that day, so she grabbed it...I've read that people do tell their recruiters there's only one rate they want and then wait, but I can't speak to how successful that is or isn't...But that was our experience...Apparently there were several rates opened up that first week of Oct. that aren't always easily had, because another rate she was interested in that isn't always available was open too and she could have chosen that one too...So perhaps the first of Oct. is a good time to enlist. LOL
Hi All, I am new to this group but looking forward to learning lots. My son is currently in boot camp with PIR on 1/25/13. The headed to A School in San Antonio. Looking forward to learning lots as heads towards A School. Kathy
Hello. I am new to this group. My sailor is home for the holidays (so blessed). He has said that many sailors are using a company named Clear (?) for internet service. My husband and I have read many bad reviews of the customer service and quality of signal. Does anyone out there have any experience with this. Is it cheaper to add unlimited data to his phone or go with a large provider like Verizon for a modem and monthly internet charge????? I am so unfamiliar with all of this and the phone charges are huge. We've got to get something figured out before he leaveson the 2nd. Thank you!!
Hi Debbie85614, I have a few cousins that are in the Navy and this is what they told my daughter when she went to talk to the recruiter. The recruiter really wants you to join so if she really wants a certain rate, tell them you will wait until there is an opening and then walk out. Don't let them talk you into a different rate. Be prepared to leave and it is amazing how fast they can find an opening especially if she has time to wait. Play hardball with them to get what you want. Hope that helps. Lisa
stevensmom.....go to verizon if thats your carrier upgrade his datapkg and get a mifi...its a smalllittle mode....my son went back with that...and he said its woking great...
Thank you wrwmom--my son was getting (mom and dad were spending!) about $50-$60 a month in data overage using his phone as a hotspot. I didn't know if the cost of a modem and monthly internet charge would be less than what is we are paying now.
I can hardly believe it. The time has come for me to join the Camp Pendleton group. We had two wonderful weeks of leave after corpsman graduation on Dec. 14th. He left on Dec 28th for FMBT and then it is to Twentynine Palms. This group is sensational. I have enjoyed being a part of it and have learned much. Thanks to all.
wrwmom I was wondering what size data package your son uses? My boy just arrived at Ft. Sam last night and we will need to get him set up too. Thank you!
lerae1125 i chose 8gb.but he shares it with his brother and dad....who also have smart phones.... it all depends on how much or what he is going to do but skpe uses alot of data.....so since he justwent back i thought that would be a good start and i will adjust after first month...
thank you wrwmom :) not to be a pain but after looking at verizon online I was wondering what mifi/modem he is using & if he is using it on a laptop or smartphone or both?
My son's phone plan has 2 gb. He has been going over that limit by approx 5 gb a month. That is costing about an additional $50 a month. Most internet plans will cost that anyway, plus the cost of the modem. So, we are going to continue having his use his phone as a hotspot to stream to his computer. He'll be done with A School sometime in March. We'll decide what to do when he knows where he goes next. He will proabaly at that point be on his own for his choice of internet and paying for it.
lerae1125- verizon 4620mifi 4g jetpack its really small..i got it from our local verizon store i did not pay for the modem in fact i got a rebate for it....i got it the week before christmas...he has his laptop,smartphone and his ipod he is using..and i also asked himto help me pay for his phone and wifi.....which is good for him cause the military discount from verizon is minimal....
Thx for replies re: daughter going in as HM - availability of openings... This is our 2nd rodeo with this recruiter - my son is at Basic as AC right now. My daughter & I have decided that she (we) will wait for THAT slot until 12/13 - with her regular follow up with recruiter - who I think we have a good rapport with. Maybe taking EMT course @ community college after HS graduation (while waiting) might even be the best scenario anyway. If no HM comes available in a year really!?!? then go with plan B aircrew rescue swimmer medic (which he says comes up all the time AND has a $$$ bonus). I'm still gonna lurk here & absorb all I can!! Thx!!
Ladies, if your kids are in the Navy and pulling a pay check, it's time for them to pay their own bills. My son paid his air fare home, phone and paid off a new car during his years in the Navy. If he could do it on his pay, so can your kids.
And to whoever it was dealing with a recruiter...absolutely play hard ball, get what you want, and walk out if they try to back out. It's your life, you have choices before you sign that contract.
I wish there was a "like " button as on facebook TexasDoc. My daughter pays her car payment, student loans, car insurance, internet access and cellphone bill. She has been able to save money as well. And I agree as well about the recruiter....my daughter was told there were no HM openings. They tried to get her to go admin and then "switch" later.....she held out and it was "amazing" how quickly a spot opened!
lizinnj...I am pushing the Like button for your comment as well as TDM's. My son pays for his part of the cellphone (we have a family plan), pays for his own Internet and has been putting money away for his retirement as well as savings. He does not have his car with him so no car insurance but he pays his own way. I send care packages of things he can't find on base that he likes to eat, mostly healthy stuff.
My daughter uses Clear for her internet. It is $50 a month and she will be able to take it with her to her next location. Her only complaint is when her roommate uses the microwave, she loses her connection.
As for no HM ratings available, I was blessed to have 2 C school Fort Sam HM's here for Christmas and 1 FMTB grad who happened to marry one of those HM's , my daughter ...........they said any recruiter saying there are no spots is pulling your leg. It is a new fiscal year. They were throwing out statistics and such but in Mom terms....you hold out for what you want...always!
Yeah. He has been in C school for almost 2 months already. And we just found out we will be leaving San Antonio with a little bundle of joy!... San Antonio has been really good to us:-)
Congrats Britt!!! Or as we say in my family...MAZEL TOV! Where do you guys go after SA?
My son is doing really well. He loves being a Corpsman. He said he is learning a lot and has some interesting stories. He is really fortunate as there are a couple of guys who were in his same division at GL, same class in A school and the same Company for FMTB and they are all together at this duty station. I haven't seen him since I took him to his duty station but he sounds good when I talk with him. I hope to go visit him in the Spring. Yesterday it was one year since I watched him get on that plane to GLRTC! Wow...guess the time is flyin' by. :-)
Thanks! We are really excited! Most of our family didn't think we were goinh to have kids since my husband is 32. But we were just waiting for the right time for us.
We arent sure where we are going next. His phase one ends at the end of April. We were told we could stay in SA or go to San Diego or Portsmouth for phase 2. Then he would get a duty station. We are hoping to stay in SA for phase 2 and that he gets a slot at the new Marine Corps hospital they are building at Pendleton. We would be just far away enough from family in LA County. Lol
Your son is in Palm Springs, right? I will have to ask my mom, but my parents stayed at a hotel there at the end of the summer and got a nice room with breakfast and dinner included. They loved it so much that they are having the hotel host our annual family reunion there this summer.
That's awesome he has friends with him. They really depend on eachother a lot. And its really hard to say goodbye so often. We learned that really fast. My husband has made a lot of friends, but he doesnt have anyone from his bc div in his class. I hope your son is enjoying the cooler weather... its not gonna last much longer. Lol
Britt...yeah Twentynine Palms is a bit warm. When I left the base at 2200, it was 90 degrees...and that was on 30 Sept! I know it's a lot cooler now 'cause he asked me to send his warm jacket and sweatshirts. I love having him on the West Coast. I grew up in LA and now live in Oregon so it's just straight down the I-5...well...a long way down the I-5!! BTW, I am an older mom and I highly recommend it. :-)
Drama that's great news. My son too is still with a few of his buddies. He is settling in fine in Va. They found out they can take a ferry to the mall and the round trip ticket only costs $3.00! Lol my son will be in for a year on Feb 13! I can't believe it and still get the chills when I read posts of other N4M that their child just left for boot camp. Those were some emotional days for me to say the least. I still get sappy sometimes but at least now pride over takes all the emotions!
Hi Kittycatsweetpea, my son gave me his address as soon as he got settled there... and after a few weeks he told me he got s box for all his mail, ask your SA to give you his address once he gets settled at Fort Sam
Class placement determines order of choice, so grades do count The needs of the Navy always come first, so not all C schools may be available at any given time. If there are not enough slots, an A school graduate may be classified "0000" (called quad-zero) and they are sent to a duty station as needed, as not all corpsman duties require C school training.
Stephanie, sailors may be on hold until a full class is ready to start ("classing up'), but yes, the actual school duration is 14 weeks.
The next round of HM A school graduation dates and times has been announced. I've put the schedule (09JAN2013 - 28FEB2013) in a pdf and posted a link to it above. Keep in mind that dates and times may change, so keep and eye out for updates on the BMTCP Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Basic-Medical-Technician-Corpsman-Pr...
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Britt, good for him! I took the accelerated EMT course at UCLA (accelerated, 3 weeks full-time) and yes, we all study and learn differently (I got an A and passed the National Registry fine; some others, including firemen and premed students, struggled). I would venture to say that as far as A school, the outset may be hardest as the sailors get adjusted and make their way through the HM manual and tests. It's a LOT of information, especially for those who have no medical/EMT background; and then the added Navy element (forms, procedures) is new to all. 574 pages. Definitely worth it for everyone to read through it, IMHO, to see what our corpsmen do. http://navybmr.com/study%20material%203/NAVEDTRA%2014295.pdf
Dec 28, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
I'd just drop it in a small or medium-size priority-mail flat rate box. It'll get there in a day or two at most; no need to spend more for Express Mail or FedEx.
Dec 28, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
The small size is about $5, the medium one $11.35 - and you could add some cookies, too :)
Dec 28, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
You might want to add the delivery confirmation and insurance options when you send it. (Wish I could get my thoughts together in just one post! lol)
Dec 28, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Kittycatsweetpea, the answer regarding transportation from the airport to Fort Sam is #2 on this FAQ page for new personnel (also in the links at the top of this page): http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/navmedmpte/nmtc/Pages/NewPersonnel.aspx
I think you hit the "add Discussion" button a few too many times! :) could you delete them please? Thanks!!!
Dec 28, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
You're welcome Shaylyn! I know how you feel, our first impulse is to head to FedEx, but priority mail is just as good (well, 2 days vs. 1) and saves about $50. I love flat-rate priority mail, you can cram in as much as you want - you'd have to send rocks to get up to the 70 lb limit :)
Kittycat, HM_MomRuth created this Discussion with lots of good info for new A school moms - it's interesting and super-helpful :) http://www.navyformoms.com/group/hmhospitalcorpsmanaschoolinsananto...
Dec 28, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Kittycat, your sailor can wear civilian clothes once he moves into phase 2. Just keep in mind that when A school is over, he'll have to take carry his belongings with him (seabags) and ship home what he can't carry; so keeping things to a minimum makes it easiest to deal with at the end.
Dec 28, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
ps :) you can post your questions here in the Comments, we'll answer! And could you delete your duplicate Discussions above? Thanks!!
Dec 28, 2012
DramaSoul
Marcy is soooo right about not acquiring a lot of 'stuff' in A school. You should have seen what my son had to schlep (Yiddish term for carry) as he came home on leave before reporting to FMTB at Camp P. He learned his lesson the hard way!! I actually had some of his stuff in my large suitcase. Man are those combat boot heavy!!!
Dec 28, 2012
Debbie85614
Basically what I am wondering for those who have females in HM how long did she have to wait until an opening came available? My daughter really has time to "wait" as she graduates from HS in May & won't be 18 until September 2013.
Thanks for suggestions!!
Dec 29, 2012
Jules ( Ship 3/Div. 277)
Debbie, I have a daughter about to finish up Corpsman school in another week or so...It's the rate she wanted, but was told the same thing as your daughter, so she had other options selected in her mind of rates that would be "OK" with her...She wasn't waiting for the Corpsman rate, ( but was waiting to make weight), in the end she got lucky and made weight Oct. 5th ( the beginning of the new fiscal year for the military), and one female Corpsman slot was available that day, so she grabbed it...I've read that people do tell their recruiters there's only one rate they want and then wait, but I can't speak to how successful that is or isn't...But that was our experience...Apparently there were several rates opened up that first week of Oct. that aren't always easily had, because another rate she was interested in that isn't always available was open too and she could have chosen that one too...So perhaps the first of Oct. is a good time to enlist. LOL
Dec 29, 2012
3athlete
Hi All, I am new to this group but looking forward to learning lots. My son is currently in boot camp with PIR on 1/25/13. The headed to A School in San Antonio. Looking forward to learning lots as heads towards A School. Kathy
Dec 29, 2012
Steven'smom
Hello. I am new to this group. My sailor is home for the holidays (so blessed). He has said that many sailors are using a company named Clear (?) for internet service. My husband and I have read many bad reviews of the customer service and quality of signal. Does anyone out there have any experience with this. Is it cheaper to add unlimited data to his phone or go with a large provider like Verizon for a modem and monthly internet charge????? I am so unfamiliar with all of this and the phone charges are huge. We've got to get something figured out before he leaveson the 2nd. Thank you!!
Dec 30, 2012
lgallagher16
Hi Debbie85614, I have a few cousins that are in the Navy and this is what they told my daughter when she went to talk to the recruiter. The recruiter really wants you to join so if she really wants a certain rate, tell them you will wait until there is an opening and then walk out. Don't let them talk you into a different rate. Be prepared to leave and it is amazing how fast they can find an opening especially if she has time to wait. Play hardball with them to get what you want. Hope that helps. Lisa
Dec 30, 2012
wrwmom
stevensmom.....go to verizon if thats your carrier upgrade his datapkg and get a mifi...its a smalllittle mode....my son went back with that...and he said its woking great...
Dec 30, 2012
Steven'smom
Thank you wrwmom--my son was getting (mom and dad were spending!) about $50-$60 a month in data overage using his phone as a hotspot. I didn't know if the cost of a modem and monthly internet charge would be less than what is we are paying now.
Dec 30, 2012
Curleytop
I can hardly believe it. The time has come for me to join the Camp Pendleton group. We had two wonderful weeks of leave after corpsman graduation on Dec. 14th. He left on Dec 28th for FMBT and then it is to Twentynine Palms. This group is sensational. I have enjoyed being a part of it and have learned much. Thanks to all.
Dec 30, 2012
lerae1125
wrwmom I was wondering what size data package your son uses? My boy just arrived at Ft. Sam last night and we will need to get him set up too. Thank you!
Dec 30, 2012
wrwmom
lerae1125 i chose 8gb.but he shares it with his brother and dad....who also have smart phones.... it all depends on how much or what he is going to do but skpe uses alot of data.....so since he justwent back i thought that would be a good start and i will adjust after first month...
Dec 30, 2012
lerae1125
thank you wrwmom :) not to be a pain but after looking at verizon online I was wondering what mifi/modem he is using & if he is using it on a laptop or smartphone or both?
Dec 30, 2012
Steven'smom
My son's phone plan has 2 gb. He has been going over that limit by approx 5 gb a month. That is costing about an additional $50 a month. Most internet plans will cost that anyway, plus the cost of the modem. So, we are going to continue having his use his phone as a hotspot to stream to his computer. He'll be done with A School sometime in March. We'll decide what to do when he knows where he goes next. He will proabaly at that point be on his own for his choice of internet and paying for it.
Dec 30, 2012
lerae1125
thank you steven'smom! good base line info. to help with planning for my boy :)
Dec 30, 2012
wrwmom
lerae1125- verizon 4620mifi 4g jetpack its really small..i got it from our local verizon store i did not pay for the modem in fact i got a rebate for it....i got it the week before christmas...he has his laptop,smartphone and his ipod he is using..and i also asked himto help me pay for his phone and wifi.....which is good for him cause the military discount from verizon is minimal....
Dec 30, 2012
Debbie85614
Dec 31, 2012
DramaSoul
Curleytop...My son is currently at 29 Palms as well. He works in the hospital and graduated FMTB at CP on 28 Sept. He loves what he is doing!
Dec 31, 2012
TexasDocMom
Ladies, if your kids are in the Navy and pulling a pay check, it's time for them to pay their own bills. My son paid his air fare home, phone and paid off a new car during his years in the Navy. If he could do it on his pay, so can your kids.
And to whoever it was dealing with a recruiter...absolutely play hard ball, get what you want, and walk out if they try to back out. It's your life, you have choices before you sign that contract.
Happy New Year to all!
Dec 31, 2012
lizinnj
I wish there was a "like " button as on facebook TexasDoc. My daughter pays her car payment, student loans, car insurance, internet access and cellphone bill. She has been able to save money as well. And I agree as well about the recruiter....my daughter was told there were no HM openings. They tried to get her to go admin and then "switch" later.....she held out and it was "amazing" how quickly a spot opened!
Dec 31, 2012
DramaSoul
Jan 1, 2013
lizinnj
My daughter uses Clear for her internet. It is $50 a month and she will be able to take it with her to her next location. Her only complaint is when her roommate uses the microwave, she loses her connection.
As for no HM ratings available, I was blessed to have 2 C school Fort Sam HM's here for Christmas and 1 FMTB grad who happened to marry one of those HM's , my daughter ...........they said any recruiter saying there are no spots is pulling your leg. It is a new fiscal year. They were throwing out statistics and such but in Mom terms....you hold out for what you want...always!
Jan 1, 2013
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jan 1, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Katze, sounds wonderful! jph1500, best wishes to you both. Will keep fingers crossed for Pensacola :)
Jan 3, 2013
Page ship 09 div 287 9-7-12
Looking to find someone of a HM that has been selected to go to C school for Radiation Technician???
Jan 4, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Jan 4, 2013
DramaSoul
Britt(Ship03/Div207)...OMG...is he in C school already? Wow. To say time flies would be a massive understatement.
Jan 5, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
How is your son doing?
Jan 5, 2013
DramaSoul
Congrats Britt!!! Or as we say in my family...MAZEL TOV! Where do you guys go after SA?
My son is doing really well. He loves being a Corpsman. He said he is learning a lot and has some interesting stories. He is really fortunate as there are a couple of guys who were in his same division at GL, same class in A school and the same Company for FMTB and they are all together at this duty station. I haven't seen him since I took him to his duty station but he sounds good when I talk with him. I hope to go visit him in the Spring. Yesterday it was one year since I watched him get on that plane to GLRTC! Wow...guess the time is flyin' by. :-)
Jan 5, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
We arent sure where we are going next. His phase one ends at the end of April. We were told we could stay in SA or go to San Diego or Portsmouth for phase 2. Then he would get a duty station. We are hoping to stay in SA for phase 2 and that he gets a slot at the new Marine Corps hospital they are building at Pendleton. We would be just far away enough from family in LA County. Lol
Your son is in Palm Springs, right? I will have to ask my mom, but my parents stayed at a hotel there at the end of the summer and got a nice room with breakfast and dinner included. They loved it so much that they are having the hotel host our annual family reunion there this summer.
That's awesome he has friends with him. They really depend on eachother a lot. And its really hard to say goodbye so often. We learned that really fast. My husband has made a lot of friends, but he doesnt have anyone from his bc div in his class. I hope your son is enjoying the cooler weather... its not gonna last much longer. Lol
Jan 5, 2013
DramaSoul
Britt...yeah Twentynine Palms is a bit warm. When I left the base at 2200, it was 90 degrees...and that was on 30 Sept! I know it's a lot cooler now 'cause he asked me to send his warm jacket and sweatshirts. I love having him on the West Coast. I grew up in LA and now live in Oregon so it's just straight down the I-5...well...a long way down the I-5!! BTW, I am an older mom and I highly recommend it. :-)
Jan 5, 2013
Katze90210 (3/113)
Jan 6, 2013
DramaSoul
Katze....I am soooo sappy. Oh my...can't look at anything with the military, especially the Navy, without tearing up.
Jan 6, 2013
kittycatsweetpea@yahoo.com
what is the address to send stuff to our kids at fort sam
Jan 6, 2013
ProudUSNCorpsmanMom
Jan 6, 2013
Sailor's GF
Jan 6, 2013
Nana
Jan 6, 2013
Nana
Jan 6, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Nana, this may help: http://www.navyformoms.com/group/hmhospitalcorpsmanaschoolinsananto...
Class placement determines order of choice, so grades do count The needs of the Navy always come first, so not all C schools may be available at any given time. If there are not enough slots, an A school graduate may be classified "0000" (called quad-zero) and they are sent to a duty station as needed, as not all corpsman duties require C school training.
Stephanie, sailors may be on hold until a full class is ready to start ("classing up'), but yes, the actual school duration is 14 weeks.
Jan 7, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
The next round of HM A school graduation dates and times has been announced. I've put the schedule (09JAN2013 - 28FEB2013) in a pdf and posted a link to it above. Keep in mind that dates and times may change, so keep and eye out for updates on the BMTCP Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Basic-Medical-Technician-Corpsman-Pr...
Jan 7, 2013
Nana
Jan 7, 2013
Jenn(RJs Mom) Ship 09 Div 273
my son graduates tomorrow !! Wish I could be there :(
Jan 8, 2013
Trish from Texas
We finished it in a month, so about 4 weeks.
Jan 8, 2013