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!
Hello everyone, does anyone here has a sailor under The Post 911 GI Bill? Please inbox me I am trying to compare it with Montgpmery GI Bill, thank you!
Hi Paolo'sMom...here is a website that can probably help. I went to college under the Montgomery GI Bill, and here are some of the differences I noticed: they now have 15 years to use it (versus the 10 I had) and it covers rent, books, and supplies in addition to tuition. I am sure there's plenty more, but that's what I'm aware of. Good luck!
Has anyone had any problems with their loved ones receiving packages? I mailed my daughter a package on Dec 11th and it was scanned delivered on Dec 18th and she still hasn't received it. It was a lot of her clothes and a few sentimental item that can't be replaced. I have contacted both the San po and the mailroom at Ft. Sam and they are blaming each other. I work at the post office here in town and it just saddens me to think someone would steal from someone, especially someone serving in the armed forces. today is her birthday and I didn't mail anything to her but a few small, replaceable items and a card because I'm afraid she won't receive it. Has anyone else had any problems?
Oh No Morninglory! Very sorry to hear that :( So disappointing & frustrating!! Especially since I just mailed a very large box to my son last week & realized to late I should have insured it since it had his Kindle in it...Hope mine arrives this week and yours turns up!! I'll let you know if we have the same issue.
Oh, I hope yours gets there! I mailed a box of rice lol (long story) in one yesterday and a book today. I insured them both, signature conformation, and priority mailed it. I hope that deters anyone from even thinking about stealing them. Let me know if your son gets it or not if you don't mind!!! I am really sick to my stomach over this
Hi, I have mailed quiet a few to my son like clothes, ipod, ps and foods and so far he got it.. Last Thursday I sent Express mail and it gets there 12nn the following day... Yesterday he took a mailbox so he wont go in line when getting his mail/package. I also put his phone # in the address
Britt...thanks for the reply. Sorry it takes me so long to navigate back on here. My son is 18 so he really doesn't ask the questions I would had I got orders to C school, to another state! LOL! I believe he said it was radiation tech school tho. Im not sure if there is a difference in radiation vs radiology or not. Perhaps you or yours know? When he finishes A school in a couple weeks he will be going to Groton Connecticut if that helps?? Also, how long is your husbands school?
Marcy, I am now using the signature required label, we will see if that works...the person who picks up the packages at the po from the mail room will have to sign for it, but I'm not sure if the mailroom will have my daughter sign or not
Hi All! My sailor will be graduating A School next week (1/16)! I will be flying out to SA to attend the ceremony. Do u know if we can takes pics inside the hall during the ceremony? Can we take pics outside in front of Anderson Hall? R there any etiquette or protocol I should be aware of as a guest (dress code, restricted area in the hall, to do's/not to do's)? Is there plenty of parking available & how soon before the ceremony should I arrive? Do I need to bring any ID to enter Anderson Hall or do I need a parking permit? I'm so excited! Any advice u can offer would be much appreciated. Thank you!
My sailor just graduated from boot camp about 2 weeks ago and I want to send him the blanket I made him. Anyone know the best way to send this? I am really bad with mail and boxes and such lol
I send everything in a priority mail box with delivery confirmation. I have never had a problem with anything I have sent to Fort Sam. I do make sure I use block letters on all packages so the scanner reads it correctly. My sailor is opening the box I sent to her on the 7th. She received it today....
CHN-B...You can take pictures anywhere inside and they encourage you to do so. Dress is casual but they will be in dress uniforms. It is a much smaller and more intimate ceremony. My son graduated 2 July. I was able to go into Anderson Hall about a half hour to 45 minutes before the ceremony. I met his favorite instructor, Sr. Chief McMillan. There was parking a couple of blocks away from the Hall. You will need ID to get on the base but I didn't need ID after that. I had a chance to meet my son and his friends before the ceremony. It was just great! Enjoy!!!
Can I take pics during the ceremony or do I need to refrain until the ceremony is done? Will they indicate via signs where guest parking is or is it quite apparent? Thank you!!
Stephanie...I remember expressing surprise that it was only 14 weeks to my son. He pointed out that they do EMT training in 5 weeks when civilians have 14 weeks to complete the same course! Yeah...it is really intense.
Most EMT civilian courses aren't full-time. I completed UCLA's accelerated EMT-Basic course in three weeks, 8 am- 5 pm, and grueling - you can imagine.
Hi all ... Somewhere my son heard that one needs a G-force watch for A School. Is this true and what would be the recommended kind of G-Force to purchase? - analog or digital? is there a specific model type?
For corpsman training they need an accurate analog watch no digital , they will be learning to take pulses and blood pressures etc need that second hand going tic tock - no name brand necessary , just cannot be gaudy bright colors go to Navy Exchange after graduation you will find what he needs ;)
sailors will fly any airline my sailor flew out of Chicago Midway on Delta to Atlanta and then to San Antonio ; some of his class flew out of OHare on United , another group flew Southwest out of Midway. It's very scattered no rhyme or reason and every PIR is different. He/She will know the travel plans after BS21
Hello everyone! I am So happy my SA got his Orders.. Newport, RI.. He submitted NJ, NY, MD, England and Korea. So happy he ended up in RI, he's only 18 and too young (still my baby he he) to be deploy to Korea or any out of the country. He's graduating A Sch Feb 21st!
Thats great at least they know each other already, was your son's PIR 10/19/11 too? We live 4 hours away from Newport, I have visited NCC & NSC but never explore the base there.
Can anyone give me some info on mailing packages down to my son? I have his cell phone and some materials for his studies and I know he said he has a mailbox. But what do they do with boxes??? I am going to have insurance put on the box since it does have his cell phone and the study materials alone are worth $80 bucks. But any info would be greatly appreciated. :)
The mail goes to the mail building and then your son will check in to pick up his mail. I send stuff all the time. My son went down in Sept and is graduating A school on the 24th and then moving to another building for C school and he said just keep sending to the same address. I can give it to you if you want to direct message me.
I mailed stuff to my son every toi weeks since he went there in Oct and I have no problem, the only time he gets it late is when they're busy and the post office is close when they're free ... I also put his phone # on the address but I have not ask him if they call him if he has mail... his birthday is coming up and I wlll be sending a priority mail today so he gets it by Friday.
Paolo;s mom -what C School is your son doing where he will stay right there in San Antonion -I had not see anyone who was going to be doing that -my son heads there in Feb, so was just curious and have read about all the different places people are going for C School -which one is that?
Paolos mom -he submitted all of those other ones and did not get any of his choices -is that normal? my son is not at A School yet, just curious how it all works?
Mindy Navy Mom - it's normal. Each Corpsman can have a "wish list" for duty stations or C schools they want to attend, but unless a billet is open for it, it won't be available. Most of the C schools for HM specialties will be in San Antonio, such as surgical tech, radiation tech, phlebotomy, pharmacy, etc. The "Field" schools, for those HM's wanting to be attached to a marine unit are located in NC or CA.
Oh gotcha -so if he decides on a Specialty corpsman type C School -he will most likely be staying there. All the other people that I saw leaving there and going elsewhere for C School -were not all going with the Marines -so what all are they doing?
and I thought thatwhen they finish the EMT training and the grades for that section determine the order they get to pick -that they are only choosing from C Schools or opportunities that are out there and available -not just choosing randomly
I am not sure where the others were going. Most were probably just going on to their first duty stations. Lots of HMs don't pick a specialty, so they go directly to a hospital. As far as the timing, it all depends on the class schedule, but in most cases, they get leave after A school. Hope that helps!
As for the leave- it depends on what C school he gets and what the schedule is. My husband did not get leave between A School and C school because he only had 3 days in between them. His A school classmate got to go home for 10 days because his C school didn't start for several weeks after A school was over.
Also, not everyone gets a C school or FMTB orders. They can be quad zero and stationed anywhere as a general corpsman.
It also depends on what options are available. The class before my husbands none of the males were offered C school. And my husbands class got theirs about a week before the end of the fiscal year so they were just filling in spots. I would say out of his class there were only about 20 people who stayed in San Antonio. Its really the luck of the draw. They fill out a dream sheet and then are given orders off of that and what is available. Radiology Tech was my husbands third choice for a C school and that's what he was given. He was also ranked 3rd in his class. So he was one of the first to be given orders. Although, it wasn't his first choice he is really happy with school so far:-)
Alright I have a question for anyone whose ever sent a package...I sent a priiority flat rate package to my sailor at corpsman school and i checked the tracking this morning and it says it was delivered at 8:49am this morning. He went to his mailbox at 4:45pm and did not receive a slip for a package. Does it usually take a day or so to process at the actual mail room on base or something? any help would be appreciated!
Alley, when I sent mine last week the delivery time listed just said San Antonio not Ft. Sam & my son received it the next day. The USPS tracking system isn't as clear and specific as UPS or Fed Ex. hopefully your sailors will arrive tomorrow:)
Mindy I don't think its a C school in RI, yes they were asked to submit 5 choices and he did not get any of those LOL! .... Alley I usually send priority and he gets it the day after it say it arrived there, I sent express mail as well guarranteed next day ... True it did arrived 12 noon the following day but he was able to pick up Monday since he is busy while post office is still open.
navyaunt....It is a much more intimate ceremony. It is inside Anderson Hall on the base. There is no restriction on the number of guests and they encourage picture taking. The Corpsman will have a chance to visit with family and friends before the ceremony and then they will leave the Hall and march in as a class with the presentation of the colors, the choir singing. I recommend having tissues handy!! It is a briefer ceremony. Be sure to check out the lobby of the Hall. On one wall as you come in, there is a Memorial to the fallen Corpsman. It is very emotional but worth spending time with. I got to meet my son's favorite instructors as well. Very very different and more informal than PIR. I was so glad I went!
Mrs.SeniorChief
Jan 8, 2013
ProudUSNCorpsmanMom
Jan 8, 2013
Trish from Texas
Hi Paolo'sMom...here is a website that can probably help. I went to college under the Montgomery GI Bill, and here are some of the differences I noticed: they now have 15 years to use it (versus the 10 I had) and it covers rent, books, and supplies in addition to tuition. I am sure there's plenty more, but that's what I'm aware of. Good luck!
http://gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_gibill/index.html
Jan 8, 2013
morninglory96
Has anyone had any problems with their loved ones receiving packages? I mailed my daughter a package on Dec 11th and it was scanned delivered on Dec 18th and she still hasn't received it. It was a lot of her clothes and a few sentimental item that can't be replaced. I have contacted both the San po and the mailroom at Ft. Sam and they are blaming each other. I work at the post office here in town and it just saddens me to think someone would steal from someone, especially someone serving in the armed forces. today is her birthday and I didn't mail anything to her but a few small, replaceable items and a card because I'm afraid she won't receive it. Has anyone else had any problems?
Jan 8, 2013
lerae1125
Oh No Morninglory! Very sorry to hear that :( So disappointing & frustrating!! Especially since I just mailed a very large box to my son last week & realized to late I should have insured it since it had his Kindle in it...Hope mine arrives this week and yours turns up!! I'll let you know if we have the same issue.
Jan 8, 2013
morninglory96
Oh, I hope yours gets there! I mailed a box of rice lol (long story) in one yesterday and a book today. I insured them both, signature conformation, and priority mailed it. I hope that deters anyone from even thinking about stealing them. Let me know if your son gets it or not if you don't mind!!! I am really sick to my stomach over this
Jan 8, 2013
ProudUSNCorpsmanMom
Jan 8, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
I wonder if one should now add the 'signature required' option when mailing? Are any of you doing this now?
Jan 9, 2013
Page ship 09 div 287 9-7-12
Britt...thanks for the reply. Sorry it takes me so long to navigate back on here. My son is 18 so he really doesn't ask the questions I would had I got orders to C school, to another state! LOL! I believe he said it was radiation tech school tho. Im not sure if there is a difference in radiation vs radiology or not. Perhaps you or yours know? When he finishes A school in a couple weeks he will be going to Groton Connecticut if that helps?? Also, how long is your husbands school?
BTW.....Congrats on your new addition!!! :)
Jan 9, 2013
morninglory96
Marcy, I am now using the signature required label, we will see if that works...the person who picks up the packages at the po from the mail room will have to sign for it, but I'm not sure if the mailroom will have my daughter sign or not
Jan 9, 2013
CHN-B
Jan 10, 2013
alleyoop90 (Ship 14/Div 45)
My sailor just graduated from boot camp about 2 weeks ago and I want to send him the blanket I made him. Anyone know the best way to send this? I am really bad with mail and boxes and such lol
Jan 10, 2013
lizinnj
I send everything in a priority mail box with delivery confirmation. I have never had a problem with anything I have sent to Fort Sam. I do make sure I use block letters on all packages so the scanner reads it correctly. My sailor is opening the box I sent to her on the 7th. She received it today....
Jan 10, 2013
DramaSoul
CHN-B...You can take pictures anywhere inside and they encourage you to do so. Dress is casual but they will be in dress uniforms. It is a much smaller and more intimate ceremony. My son graduated 2 July. I was able to go into Anderson Hall about a half hour to 45 minutes before the ceremony. I met his favorite instructor, Sr. Chief McMillan. There was parking a couple of blocks away from the Hall. You will need ID to get on the base but I didn't need ID after that. I had a chance to meet my son and his friends before the ceremony. It was just great! Enjoy!!!
Jan 10, 2013
CHN-B
Can I take pics during the ceremony or do I need to refrain until the ceremony is done? Will they indicate via signs where guest parking is or is it quite apparent? Thank you!!
Jan 10, 2013
DramaSoul
They encourage pics to be taken during the ceremony.
Jan 10, 2013
DramaSoul
Stephanie...I remember expressing surprise that it was only 14 weeks to my son. He pointed out that they do EMT training in 5 weeks when civilians have 14 weeks to complete the same course! Yeah...it is really intense.
Jan 11, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Most EMT civilian courses aren't full-time. I completed UCLA's accelerated EMT-Basic course in three weeks, 8 am- 5 pm, and grueling - you can imagine.
Jan 11, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Lots of new members this week - Welcome!!
Jan 11, 2013
3athlete
Hi all ... Somewhere my son heard that one needs a G-force watch for A School. Is this true and what would be the recommended kind of G-Force to purchase? - analog or digital? is there a specific model type?
K
Jan 11, 2013
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Jan 11, 2013
Jenn(RJs Mom) Ship 09 Div 273
Jan 11, 2013
PatsFan923 HM Mom
Is it true that the SRs leaving Great Lakes fly out on Southwest to San Antonio? Can anyone let me know, please?
Jan 11, 2013
Jenn(RJs Mom) Ship 09 Div 273
Jan 11, 2013
DramaSoul
Jan 11, 2013
ProudUSNCorpsmanMom
Jan 11, 2013
DramaSoul
Jan 11, 2013
Huggy
paolosmom our sons will grad together and goto RI together as well.
Jan 12, 2013
Huggy
anyone know anything about Newport RI base?
Jan 12, 2013
ProudUSNCorpsmanMom
Jan 12, 2013
Huggy
no his PIR was oct 5. was rolled back. will request friend.
Jan 12, 2013
EagleMom2
Can anyone give me some info on mailing packages down to my son? I have his cell phone and some materials for his studies and I know he said he has a mailbox. But what do they do with boxes??? I am going to have insurance put on the box since it does have his cell phone and the study materials alone are worth $80 bucks. But any info would be greatly appreciated. :)
Jan 13, 2013
Maltobella (HM - San Antonio)
Jan 13, 2013
EagleMom2
I have his mail box address would that be the same?
Jan 13, 2013
Maltobella (HM - San Antonio)
Jan 13, 2013
ProudUSNCorpsmanMom
Jan 14, 2013
Mindy Navy Mom (Ship 12, Div 086
Paolo;s mom -what C School is your son doing where he will stay right there in San Antonion -I had not see anyone who was going to be doing that -my son heads there in Feb, so was just curious and have read about all the different places people are going for C School -which one is that?
Jan 14, 2013
Mindy Navy Mom (Ship 12, Div 086
Paolos mom -he submitted all of those other ones and did not get any of his choices -is that normal? my son is not at A School yet, just curious how it all works?
Jan 14, 2013
Trish from Texas
Mindy Navy Mom - it's normal. Each Corpsman can have a "wish list" for duty stations or C schools they want to attend, but unless a billet is open for it, it won't be available. Most of the C schools for HM specialties will be in San Antonio, such as surgical tech, radiation tech, phlebotomy, pharmacy, etc. The "Field" schools, for those HM's wanting to be attached to a marine unit are located in NC or CA.
Jan 14, 2013
Mindy Navy Mom (Ship 12, Div 086
Oh gotcha -so if he decides on a Specialty corpsman type C School -he will most likely be staying there. All the other people that I saw leaving there and going elsewhere for C School -were not all going with the Marines -so what all are they doing?
Jan 14, 2013
Mindy Navy Mom (Ship 12, Div 086
Also, if they choose something that is there in San Antonio- does that mean he will not get any leave between A and C School?
Jan 14, 2013
Mindy Navy Mom (Ship 12, Div 086
and I thought thatwhen they finish the EMT training and the grades for that section determine the order they get to pick -that they are only choosing from C Schools or opportunities that are out there and available -not just choosing randomly
Jan 14, 2013
Trish from Texas
The website has a list of the C school programs they have, so you may want to check to see if the program he is interested in is offered there.
http://www.metc.mil/academics/
I am not sure where the others were going. Most were probably just going on to their first duty stations. Lots of HMs don't pick a specialty, so they go directly to a hospital. As far as the timing, it all depends on the class schedule, but in most cases, they get leave after A school. Hope that helps!
Jan 14, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Also, not everyone gets a C school or FMTB orders. They can be quad zero and stationed anywhere as a general corpsman.
It also depends on what options are available. The class before my husbands none of the males were offered C school. And my husbands class got theirs about a week before the end of the fiscal year so they were just filling in spots. I would say out of his class there were only about 20 people who stayed in San Antonio. Its really the luck of the draw. They fill out a dream sheet and then are given orders off of that and what is available. Radiology Tech was my husbands third choice for a C school and that's what he was given. He was also ranked 3rd in his class. So he was one of the first to be given orders. Although, it wasn't his first choice he is really happy with school so far:-)
Jan 14, 2013
alleyoop90 (Ship 14/Div 45)
Alright I have a question for anyone whose ever sent a package...I sent a priiority flat rate package to my sailor at corpsman school and i checked the tracking this morning and it says it was delivered at 8:49am this morning. He went to his mailbox at 4:45pm and did not receive a slip for a package. Does it usually take a day or so to process at the actual mail room on base or something? any help would be appreciated!
Jan 14, 2013
lerae1125
Alley, when I sent mine last week the delivery time listed just said San Antonio not Ft. Sam & my son received it the next day. The USPS tracking system isn't as clear and specific as UPS or Fed Ex. hopefully your sailors will arrive tomorrow:)
Jan 14, 2013
ProudUSNCorpsmanMom
Jan 14, 2013
DramaSoul
navyaunt....It is a much more intimate ceremony. It is inside Anderson Hall on the base. There is no restriction on the number of guests and they encourage picture taking. The Corpsman will have a chance to visit with family and friends before the ceremony and then they will leave the Hall and march in as a class with the presentation of the colors, the choir singing. I recommend having tissues handy!! It is a briefer ceremony. Be sure to check out the lobby of the Hall. On one wall as you come in, there is a Memorial to the fallen Corpsman. It is very emotional but worth spending time with. I got to meet my son's favorite instructors as well. Very very different and more informal than PIR. I was so glad I went!
Jan 14, 2013
Jana
Mindy Navy Mom--my son attended AVT C School in Pensacola after graduation from A school.
Jan 14, 2013
TexasDocMom
That young Corpsman that Anderson Hall is named after trained with my son, in A school as well as FMTB.
Jan 15, 2013