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!
Hi :) So i know that the sailors in a school have off for presidents day..but im hearing that might also have off the friday before making it a 4 day weekend. Does anyone know if this is true?
Also does anyone know about how long it takes to get to phase 3? My sailor started school Jan 21st and has been in phase 2 for about 2 weeks but isnt sure when he will be in phase 3..I was hoping to visit during presidents day weekend
I've heard Phase 3 comes after five weeks (and that's assuming all goes well and no one's goofs have caused the class to be moved back in their liberty phases) - anyone know for sure when Phase 3 is?
Can someone please explain all of the Phases, how long each Phase is and what course of studies are covered? I understand that they start off with EMT training as Phase 1, correct?
"Phases" refers to levels of liberty and privileges.
Phase 1 - Liberty on base. In uniform at all times. Must check in by 10 pm.
Phase 2 - Liberty off base until 10pm Mon - Thurs, weekends midnight. Civilian clothes.
Phase 3 - Liberty off base (overnight) Friday night until 10pm Sunday night.
Off base Liberty is permitted within a 50 mile radius.
A class may be moved back a phase if even one sailor commits a violation.
There is also Phase 0 for some who are on special types of hold, and curfew doesn't apply, however they must muster and attend programs and classes as required.
As I understand it: once class begins, the first ten weeks or so are classes split between EMT-Basic education and Nursing, followed by an overview of the corpsman rating. Clinicals (hands-on training i.e. blood draws, IVs, and giving injections) are the last week; then graduation. The entire program lasts about 14 weeks.
Hey, speaking of Phases, liberty and violations - did you all know that the Navy, as part of its zero-tolerance policies, has commenced use of breathalyzers for sailors reporting for duty? As of this week, sailors (regardless of rank) at 13 commands (ships, subs, squadrons) are being tested upon reporting for duty; and it will be fleet-wide by May. Sailors need to know that the Navy means business when it comes to behavior that can adversely affect their performance, their shipmates, and fleet readiness. The old 'boys will be boys' thing doesn't cut it. Might be worth a mention to your sailor.
Sailors have to change their perception of "drunk" as the sailor is quoted at the beginning of that article. From FORCM Boss's FAQ -
Alcohol remains in your system longer than expected and depending upon your weight and other physical factors, and the number of drinks consumed, you may still have alcohol in your system when reporting for duty in the morning that will affect your performance.
For example, a 180 pound male Sailor who consumed 9-10 alcoholic beverages or a 140 pound female Service Member who consumed 6-7 alcoholic beverages between 2000 and midnight, both would more than likely have an ADD reading of 0.04 when reporting for duty at 0600. That’s not mission ready!
Consider also that same 180 lb male Sailor who consumed 6-8 average-sized alcoholic drinks in the same time period (from 2000 the night before) would still more than likely have an ADD reading at 0600 the next morning of 0.02, which would be consistent with a BAC of 0.11 at midnight, and would likely appear completely normal to the OOD.
- 4 average-sized alcoholic drinks over 2 hours would require an additional 45 min to be alcohol-free
- 1 drink every hour for 6 hours would likely still blow a 0.02 at the end of the 7th hour.
- 4 average-sized alcoholic drinks within 4 hours of an ADD test would likely result in a test result of 0.04 and would appear to the OOD to be more relaxed, uninhibited and talkative than normal.
Consider also that same 140 lb female Sailor who consumed 3-5 average alcoholic drinks in the same time period (from 2000 the night before) would still more than likely have an ADD reading at 0600 the next morning of 0.02, which would be consistent with a BAC of 0.11 at midnight.
- 4 average-sized alcoholic drinks over 2 hours would require an additional hour to be alcohol-free
- 1 drink every hour for 6 hours would likely blow a 0.03 at the end of the 7th hour.
They usually don't phase back a whole class after they have been in Phase 3 for a few weeks, but they will under special circumstances. And it usually takes them a week to get to the next phase. So by the end of week 4 of being at Ft. Sam theybshould be in Phase 3. If they stay long enough to attend C school, the phasesno longer apply. They are responsible for themselves at that point. They just have to show up for morning muster. (Unless they get in trouble, then of course they pit them on a tighter leash).
If your Sailor follows all of the rules, keeps their room clean and keeps up with their school work they won't have anything to worry about.
Also, don't forget that they do have duty (for C Schoolers its every 9 days). And if they fall behind academically they will have to attend study group for several hours every evening after regular class gets out.
:) One mom said here that her SA's class was rolled back for one sailor texting in class! I remember my corpsman recounting what his unit went through at FMTB when one didn't bring a rain jacket - they all had to leave their jackets behind in the cold pouring rain. Some have to learn the hard way that the failure of even a small action by one affects the whole.
Just recently an entire class at A school, were phased back to 1 and stayed there till a week before graduation. My daughter was "fortunate" enough to room with someone in this class. It was not a pretty experience...
I thank you all for your posts. I need to share that there is not a link in N4Ms where I have not learned something from so many people. I very much appreciate all that you do to help the parents continue to be informed. Things are very different now than when I was active duty Navy 900 years ago and I think that some changes were warranted and perhaps others, not so much, however, our Sailors have a very difficult job to do and rules are in place to protect them, and for that I am ever so grateful. Thanks again everyone!!!
Thank you all for the information that you share here. I just discovered that the US Postal Service has a special military package. If you call 1-800-610-8374 they will send 6 assorted priority boxes along with shipping supplies and tape. You can order up to 4 packs at a time. You can also order postage online for up to 40% off. It takes 7-10 days to get the kit but I am planning my son's next care package already. Thanks again, I check out this site every day for all the news.
Trishd, you're absolutely right, they're wonderful! And you can cram pack up to 70 lbs in the large 12"x12"x6" box.
You have to be mailing to an FPO (Fleet Post Office) or APO address though, so doesn't work for A school moms - but will when their corpsman has an FPO address, when they're attached to a ship or an overseas military installation! Here's another way to order - by clicking "Format" on the right, you choose 10 or 25 boxes to get delivered to you free: military flat-rate boxes
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!
I mean grad... Also I am suppose to witness his grad but he told me not to anymore since he's leaving for RI sion after grad... Oh hi Huggy I was so preoccupied that I forgot I think you ask me something...
Marcy - my Sailor who just arrived in San Antonio on last Saturday (2/2) told me that they are going off base tomorrow for liberty. I did not know that they would have liberty privileges off base after one week and of course, he will be in uniform. Is this also part of Phase 1? Thank you!
PatsFan - he's lucky...that's usually not allowed until they have been there a few weeks. Phase 1 usually consists of liberty on base and in uniform. Hope he has fun!
Well, Trish, they have no civilian clothes, so I can only guess that they will be going off base in uniform and I am happy that they get that opportunity as well. His civilian clothes went out in Box 2 today . . . Thank you!
Haven't been on here in a while, but I have a question. Is anybody else having problems with there Sailor getting boxes. I mailed my son 4 boxes the first week of Jan. three boxes were insured or had delivery confirmation and he got those in 7-10 days. The last one just had misc items so I mailed it regular. He still has not received his last box. Thoughts, comments....
PatsFan, yes they can. My son came home for the holidays and was told he had to travel in civies so he has to the NEX and buy some since all his were still at home.
I had my first issue with mailing boxes this past week. From now on, I will always use delivery confirmation. My daughter mailed them and didn't get them. Took alot longer then expected. Mail at Sam is nuts. Sailor just got 2 Halloween cards in the mail last week.
As for liberty, my sailor had liberty the first full weekend there. In uniform of course, but quickly phased up. The PX doesn't carry alot of clothing. She phased up rather quickly. Some classes are rolled back alot as well.
What with the difficulties in getting packages there, and the time it takes for them to wait in line to get them when they do have free time, I wonder if the gift of a reloadable Visa card might be a welcome thing.
Public Affairs office 466-0681. I downloaded the base phonebook so I would have to find the area code. If my packages are not delivered soon I will find out if this number is correct. Or find the chain of command.
It's a huge base and a transient population, must be a nightmare for the post office. I do know that some moms in the past have said here that their sailors told them no packages - takes too long to pick them up, and don't need the distraction. CDMom said that 'your sailor can receive packages and mail, but will have to wait in long lines sometimes up to forty-five minutes at the mail room. Some get their own PO Box at the post office. My son asked me not to send him mail or packages because he doesn't have time. So you have options based on your Sailor's needs. Some have packages sent to UPS, but they may charge $10.00 per package.'
Once the USPS delivers to base, it is sorted by base employees to the proper mail pick up building. I always send boxes that are duct taped in obnoxious prints and always always delivery confirmation. We have been lucky, I know other Mom's have sent packages that never arrived. I know things are different there from other places. Once they are on an actual Navy base, it is a different set up.
On my experienced.. Got no problem with packages... I always do priority mail, mail it Monday and he gets it Friday since thats the only time he's not busy. Also I put his phone # on the address and they call him to let him know that he has a package.
The base is big, it's like a city itself!!! I'm sure they handle lots of mail, plus it probably gets double checked before its released. I also heard a few of the sailors say they already had their mail boxes but needed to go there and register?? I'm guessing they have to sign up or something?? Remember many Navy, Army, Air Force personnel living there and more coming in everyday, stores, households with complete families living there, school buildings, Golf course and lots more...that said I'm sure they have a very tight schedule with the mail processing.
I don't if you remember, but when my SR was in boot camp he didn't receive all his mail for the first 4 weeks (maybe even 5). Hope this kind of eases your worries a bit, I'm sure they will start getting their mail soon. Btw last week we were returning my son and a couple of his friends back to the base and they themselves didn't know how to get back to their living quarters (its big).
Also, they do get liberty everyday after 5pm (phase 1) and weekends too... But need to be back by 10pm (oh and need to go out in there peanut butters) . On Phase 2 they said they can go out in civilian clothing and need to bd back by 12am. By Phase 3 they are allowed to sleep outside the base on weekends. Of course all these are privileges that they can always loose if they are phased down. One whole class was already phased down to starting point because they were messing around with the flag (I believe they were already in phase 3).
My Sailor son asked us not to mail packages too For all the same reasons. He could stand there for 45 minutes only to be told there wasn't anything there yet. It was a guaranteed wait everytime he went. He was told to get po box but was only there a couple of weeks and did not plan on getting that much mail so it wasn't worth it. It's true with all the sailors that receive letters and packages. And as much as they move around. It's just impossinmble to make any changes. Good luck. Maybe you can find a way
Yes Marcy I think you're absolutely right. I plan to visit every other weekend (Feb. 16th is our next trip). We also enjoy taking out my son and his friends for some shopping and for lunch. The last time we were there on one day we were a party of 11, but we ended up loosing about half of the SR's because the waiting time for the restaurant was almost an hr and some had watch. The next day we only had 3 , I'm truly proud of all the men and women serving our country and extremely grateful for all they do!! When my son joined the armed forces I pledged I'd contribute to them in any possible way and treating them once in awhile to a nice restaurant is priceless. I also let them know how special and appreciated they are! If we can help in any way we will be there for them!!
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
*sternocleidomastoid = the muscles that give you a stiff neck lol
Feb 5, 2013
Rose HM A School
Feb 5, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Also these - Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1427796947/ref=oh_o01_s00_i00_details
Feb 6, 2013
alleyoop90 (Ship 14/Div 45)
Hi :) So i know that the sailors in a school have off for presidents day..but im hearing that might also have off the friday before making it a 4 day weekend. Does anyone know if this is true?
Also does anyone know about how long it takes to get to phase 3? My sailor started school Jan 21st and has been in phase 2 for about 2 weeks but isnt sure when he will be in phase 3..I was hoping to visit during presidents day weekend
Feb 6, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
I've heard Phase 3 comes after five weeks (and that's assuming all goes well and no one's goofs have caused the class to be moved back in their liberty phases) - anyone know for sure when Phase 3 is?
Feb 6, 2013
PatsFan923 HM Mom
Can someone please explain all of the Phases, how long each Phase is and what course of studies are covered? I understand that they start off with EMT training as Phase 1, correct?
Feb 6, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
"Phases" refers to levels of liberty and privileges.
Phase 1 - Liberty on base. In uniform at all times. Must check in by 10 pm.
Phase 2 - Liberty off base until 10pm Mon - Thurs, weekends midnight. Civilian clothes.
Phase 3 - Liberty off base (overnight) Friday night until 10pm Sunday night.
Off base Liberty is permitted within a 50 mile radius.
A class may be moved back a phase if even one sailor commits a violation.
There is also Phase 0 for some who are on special types of hold, and curfew doesn't apply, however they must muster and attend programs and classes as required.
Feb 6, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
As I understand it: once class begins, the first ten weeks or so are classes split between EMT-Basic education and Nursing, followed by an overview of the corpsman rating. Clinicals (hands-on training i.e. blood draws, IVs, and giving injections) are the last week; then graduation. The entire program lasts about 14 weeks.
Feb 6, 2013
hansumsgirl93
have the graduation dates & times been set for march?
Feb 6, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
No, nothing past Feb. 28 yet. This is the website to watch for updates to the graduation schedule: Basic Medical Technician Corpsman Program on Facebook.
Feb 6, 2013
PatsFan923 HM Mom
Thank you Marcy!
Feb 6, 2013
hansumsgirl93
many thanks, marcy!
Feb 6, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
You're both very welcome!
Hey, speaking of Phases, liberty and violations - did you all know that the Navy, as part of its zero-tolerance policies, has commenced use of breathalyzers for sailors reporting for duty? As of this week, sailors (regardless of rank) at 13 commands (ships, subs, squadrons) are being tested upon reporting for duty; and it will be fleet-wide by May. Sailors need to know that the Navy means business when it comes to behavior that can adversely affect their performance, their shipmates, and fleet readiness. The old 'boys will be boys' thing doesn't cut it. Might be worth a mention to your sailor.
Feb 6, 2013
PatsFan923 HM Mom
Marcy, can you share where you received that information on the breathalyser testing?
Feb 6, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
There have been ongoing articles on http://www.navytimes.com - which is a good site to keep an eye on for all kinds of news that affects our sailors. There is more detail here: http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/nadap/Pages/default2....
And this is from Force Master Chief Boss, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery: OPNAVINST 5350.8 FAQ.pdf that gives a good overview.
Feb 6, 2013
Nana
Feb 6, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Sailors have to change their perception of "drunk" as the sailor is quoted at the beginning of that article. From FORCM Boss's FAQ -
Alcohol remains in your system longer than expected and depending upon your weight and other physical factors, and the number of drinks consumed, you may still have alcohol in your system when reporting for duty in the morning that will affect your performance.
For example, a 180 pound male Sailor who consumed 9-10 alcoholic beverages or a 140 pound female Service Member who consumed 6-7 alcoholic beverages between 2000 and midnight, both would more than likely have an ADD reading of 0.04 when reporting for duty at 0600. That’s not mission ready!
Consider also that same 180 lb male Sailor who consumed 6-8 average-sized alcoholic drinks in the same time period (from 2000 the night before) would still more than likely have an ADD reading at 0600 the next morning of 0.02, which would be consistent with a BAC of 0.11 at midnight, and would likely appear completely normal to the OOD.
- 4 average-sized alcoholic drinks over 2 hours would require an additional 45 min to be alcohol-free
- 1 drink every hour for 6 hours would likely still blow a 0.02 at the end of the 7th hour.
- 4 average-sized alcoholic drinks within 4 hours of an ADD test would likely result in a test result of 0.04 and would appear to the OOD to be more relaxed, uninhibited and talkative than normal.
Consider also that same 140 lb female Sailor who consumed 3-5 average alcoholic drinks in the same time period (from 2000 the night before) would still more than likely have an ADD reading at 0600 the next morning of 0.02, which would be consistent with a BAC of 0.11 at midnight.
- 4 average-sized alcoholic drinks over 2 hours would require an additional hour to be alcohol-free
- 1 drink every hour for 6 hours would likely blow a 0.03 at the end of the 7th hour.
Feb 6, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
If your Sailor follows all of the rules, keeps their room clean and keeps up with their school work they won't have anything to worry about.
Also, don't forget that they do have duty (for C Schoolers its every 9 days). And if they fall behind academically they will have to attend study group for several hours every evening after regular class gets out.
Feb 6, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
:) One mom said here that her SA's class was rolled back for one sailor texting in class! I remember my corpsman recounting what his unit went through at FMTB when one didn't bring a rain jacket - they all had to leave their jackets behind in the cold pouring rain. Some have to learn the hard way that the failure of even a small action by one affects the whole.
Feb 6, 2013
lizinnj
Just recently an entire class at A school, were phased back to 1 and stayed there till a week before graduation. My daughter was "fortunate" enough to room with someone in this class. It was not a pretty experience...
Feb 6, 2013
PatsFan923 HM Mom
I thank you all for your posts. I need to share that there is not a link in N4Ms where I have not learned something from so many people. I very much appreciate all that you do to help the parents continue to be informed. Things are very different now than when I was active duty Navy 900 years ago and I think that some changes were warranted and perhaps others, not so much, however, our Sailors have a very difficult job to do and rules are in place to protect them, and for that I am ever so grateful. Thanks again everyone!!!
Feb 7, 2013
trishd
Thank you all for the information that you share here. I just discovered that the US Postal Service has a special military package. If you call 1-800-610-8374 they will send 6 assorted priority boxes along with shipping supplies and tape. You can order up to 4 packs at a time. You can also order postage online for up to 40% off. It takes 7-10 days to get the kit but I am planning my son's next care package already. Thanks again, I check out this site every day for all the news.
Feb 7, 2013
trishd
Sorry, you do not have to dial the "s" to get the USPS that was a typo.
Feb 7, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Trishd, you're absolutely right, they're wonderful! And you can cram pack up to 70 lbs in the large 12"x12"x6" box.
You have to be mailing to an FPO (Fleet Post Office) or APO address though, so doesn't work for A school moms - but will when their corpsman has an FPO address, when they're attached to a ship or an overseas military installation! Here's another way to order - by clicking "Format" on the right, you choose 10 or 25 boxes to get delivered to you free: military flat-rate boxes
Here's how the FPO/APO thing works: Overseas military mail
Feb 7, 2013
Huggy
Does someone have a son who grad. A school Feb 21 that is going to RI
Feb 8, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Important news to know about out of Norfolk - the aircraft carrier USS Truman's scheduled deployment tomorrow (Friday) was cancelled Wednesday - just two days' notice to thousands of sailors - due to budget cuts. All sailors are being affected by these budget woes. Sailors across the Navy will feel impact of carrier change and Pentagon to recommend 1% pay increase
Feb 8, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Hey Huggy, found it!
Comment by ProudUSNCorpsmanMom on January 11, 2013 at 7:50pm
Feb 8, 2013
ProudUSNCorpsmanMom
Feb 8, 2013
ProudUSNCorpsmanMom
Feb 8, 2013
ProudUSNCorpsmanMom
Feb 8, 2013
PatsFan923 HM Mom
Marcy - my Sailor who just arrived in San Antonio on last Saturday (2/2) told me that they are going off base tomorrow for liberty. I did not know that they would have liberty privileges off base after one week and of course, he will be in uniform. Is this also part of Phase 1? Thank you!
Feb 8, 2013
Trish from Texas
Feb 8, 2013
PatsFan923 HM Mom
Well, Trish, they have no civilian clothes, so I can only guess that they will be going off base in uniform and I am happy that they get that opportunity as well. His civilian clothes went out in Box 2 today . . . Thank you!
Feb 8, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
They can buy clothes at the PX on the base though, right?
Feb 8, 2013
PatsFan923 HM Mom
Yes, I suppose they can, Marcy, but he was not clear about that.
Feb 8, 2013
SailorsMomShip12Div023
Feb 8, 2013
SailorsMomShip12Div023
Feb 8, 2013
lizinnj
I had my first issue with mailing boxes this past week. From now on, I will always use delivery confirmation. My daughter mailed them and didn't get them. Took alot longer then expected. Mail at Sam is nuts. Sailor just got 2 Halloween cards in the mail last week.
As for liberty, my sailor had liberty the first full weekend there. In uniform of course, but quickly phased up. The PX doesn't carry alot of clothing. She phased up rather quickly. Some classes are rolled back alot as well.
Feb 8, 2013
Nana
Feb 8, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
What with the difficulties in getting packages there, and the time it takes for them to wait in line to get them when they do have free time, I wonder if the gift of a reloadable Visa card might be a welcome thing.
Feb 8, 2013
Nana
Feb 8, 2013
Nana
Feb 8, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
It's a huge base and a transient population, must be a nightmare for the post office. I do know that some moms in the past have said here that their sailors told them no packages - takes too long to pick them up, and don't need the distraction. CDMom said that 'your sailor can receive packages and mail, but will have to wait in long lines sometimes up to forty-five minutes at the mail room. Some get their own PO Box at the post office. My son asked me not to send him mail or packages because he doesn't have time. So you have options based on your Sailor's needs. Some have packages sent to UPS, but they may charge $10.00 per package.'
Feb 8, 2013
lizinnj
Once the USPS delivers to base, it is sorted by base employees to the proper mail pick up building. I always send boxes that are duct taped in obnoxious prints and always always delivery confirmation. We have been lucky, I know other Mom's have sent packages that never arrived. I know things are different there from other places. Once they are on an actual Navy base, it is a different set up.
Feb 8, 2013
ProudUSNCorpsmanMom
Feb 8, 2013
Dm (Ship 03 Division 075)
I don't if you remember, but when my SR was in boot camp he didn't receive all his mail for the first 4 weeks (maybe even 5). Hope this kind of eases your worries a bit, I'm sure they will start getting their mail soon. Btw last week we were returning my son and a couple of his friends back to the base and they themselves didn't know how to get back to their living quarters (its big).
Also, they do get liberty everyday after 5pm (phase 1) and weekends too... But need to be back by 10pm (oh and need to go out in there peanut butters) . On Phase 2 they said they can go out in civilian clothing and need to bd back by 12am. By Phase 3 they are allowed to sleep outside the base on weekends. Of course all these are privileges that they can always loose if they are phased down. One whole class was already phased down to starting point because they were messing around with the flag (I believe they were already in phase 3).
Feb 9, 2013
Katze90210 (3/113)
Feb 9, 2013
Trish from Texas
Feb 9, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
I truly think that a 'contribution' or two to an SA's USAA or Navy Federal account is a wonderful thing in their eyes.
Feb 9, 2013
Dm (Ship 03 Division 075)
Feb 9, 2013