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!
daizygirl72: What an amazing PIR ceremony today. I'm so paid off my son and my country!. My sailor son is heading to San Antonio @ 0530 hrs tomorrow. No extra time with him which makes me sad but he is glad to get to Texas. Thanks again for your help.
Congratulations Oregon mom!! The pir ceremony is so amazing. Really sorry he is leaving so soon though. Proud of your corpsman ! Are you going to the airport? Keep me posted on how's he is doing!
SR seeking help and information. My SR is set to PIR on 09/27. In a letter home today he asked me to PLEASE find Sailor's and Parents of Sailor's to write to him that attend A School in San Antonio. HM is his rate and he is trying to find out as much information that he can. Is there anyone that is willing to help me out with this for him or have a Sailor that would like to lend a hand. I am more then happy to message you his address. Thank you so very much.
Dorothea: My son just graduated today (9/6) and is leaving for SA in the morning for HM school. I printed info from the METC site, this site, and anything else I thought would help on the back of his letters.. He liked all the info I sent. If you can send 2-3 pages everyday until his PIR. You can also print info off and give it to him at the airport. I am emailing the links to METC to him tomorrow too and his sister is emailing him websites for anatomy, EMT, and other useful sites. Hope this helps a little. Good luck and let me know how he does.
Clover65: My son said he is scheduled to start 9/15, which is a Sunday (?) I think maybe the 16-17th. He arrives there tomorrow so maybe they will be in the same class? I believe I read that sometimes they can have to wait 2-3 weeks to phase in. Does that sound correct anyone? Good luck.
My Sailor daughter arrived METC on 8/17, and she just started HM classes this Thursday 9/5. Said they had to wait for Air Force to class up. Her class is made up of Navy and AF and there's 40-50 in her class. She said they were kept pretty busy while they were waiting with various briefings (personal safety, personal finance, etc) and Field Days (cleaning) among other activities. Hope this helps!
spoke with my sailor yesterday, he was told that classes will begin on Sep.18. He arrived on Aug. 31.
Question....Do they need their personal computer for their studies? I know a lot of sailors have their computer with them, I'm just wondering if it is not too much distraction, unless of course they will need it for school.
I think my sailor said you can access online study material which he thought was helpful. Can't remember what he called it though. He is on week 4 or 5 now and he really likes it. He is also working out with SAR team before school (0345 daily) in hopes to get a contract close to graduation NOV 22.
I believe I read that there are computer labs that they can use if they don't have a personal computer. My Sailor wanted both it and his phone so we complied. We are going he stays focused on this path he had chosen. We were impressed with his maturity for the little time we had with him after OIR.
We were able to video chat with our Sailor last night. He gave us a little tour of his dorm room and the "head". It was so nice to see him and talk. He bought a new phone and had to change cell phone providers (he got the phone on base for less than if he had went into town). It was amazing after only getting to spend less than 15 hrs. with him last Friday and Saturday. He should be starting his HM classes this next week. I am so glad BC is over and he is moving into the next school. He also did some shopping for clothes, toiletries and food at the PX (?). He isn't thrilled with the food. I asked what he wants us to send him thinking he would want civilian clothes, etc., but no, he wants homemade cookies! HOOYAH!
Oregon Mom yes a bit of contact is nice. One thing we heard about - 24 hour watches- what are those? Ours was noticing some in his class were back from the fleet and learning a new rate. These might be some potential mentors.
BigRed: I am not sure what the 24 hr. watch is. My sailor has already has to stand watch. He told us there are all kinds of different ranks going thru and some of the sailors are rooming with some that are doing clinicals or ready to graduate. If they are willing, they can learn from them. :-)
Oregon Mom, please share what cell service you went with. Our daugther is telling us her current cell service "stinks" (my words, not hers). I will get her whatever she needs, just so we can stay in contact. Im willing to pay the fee to cancel her current contract, if need be.
My daughter graduates A school on Wed. Due to work we told her we couldn't go. Now we will hopefully barely get there in time. It's a 16 hour drive from here. My question is... Where do we get into Sam Houston and where is graduation ceremony? Since we weren't planning on going after they changed the date, we didn't get this information.
IowaGirlsMom, scroll to the bottom of this page for some previous comments about access to the base, at least that's some info for now anyway :)
Sue2337, here's some info about Clear wireless computer connection about halfway down this page by Dm (Ship 03 Division 075). I know you're asking about cell service, but thought I'd add this :)
From JBSA-Fort Sam Houston on Facebook: The U.S. Army Institute for Surgical Research is currently treating a 22 y/o active duty IED blast/burn patient from Afghanistan. Because of the extensive burns and trauma injuries, he must receive B NEGATIVE blood. This blood type only makes up about 2% of the population, so it's critical that we locate potential blood donors and ask them to donate.
For each trip to surgery he will require 10-15 units of blood/blood products (40 - 50 units per week.)
The Akeroyd Blood Donor Center, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston is asking all service members, family members, DOD civilians, or retirees with B NEGATIVE blood type to please contact the BDC at (210) 295-4655 or Mark Salcedo via email at mark.t.salcedo.civ@mail.mil. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am - noon for walk-ins.
We have had several hours of AT&T calls from ours they have been fine. It may depend on where his/her dorm room is in the building and which way you face relative to the available cell towers His Internet is reported to be ok with occasional slow downs. Data and voice usually use different radio systems. You could experiment with a low cost prepaid phone to test the coverage.
The 24 hour watches seem to be related to building/aka ship maintenance and cleaning. Hopefully there is enough time to study. It sounds like in room dining is one way to avoid waiting in mess hall lines.
You can get on post through Walters gate with your driver's license. Just tell the guard that you are attending a graduation ceremony at Anderson Hall. Parking is another issue, there's not much parking that is close to the building.
My son arrived last night and we talked to him today. He likes his room and I can tell he likes the little bit of freedom he now has. If anybody has any advice to help him or me and his mother, please feel free to share. I did 21 years in the Navy. I did 14 years in aviation and then 6 as an NC and retired an NCC. I have been able to give my son some general information, but nothing specific about HM so anything helps.
Start with the links above and learn all you can about the HM rating - it takes some time, as there's a lot to know about the Hospital Corps, starting with its history, on through the 38 HM NECs. He'll end up going to Field Medical Training Battalion's eight week course sooner or later, see the FMTB-East link. "Blueside" corpsmen are assigned to ships, hospitals and clinics. "Greenside" corpsmen are attached to Marine units; read about the FMF qualification they earn. Here's a good overview of the rating today: Navy Medicine Almanac 2013, pages 42-47. And congratulations on his start in the best rating in the Navy! (with apologies to aviation LOL)
Hi Ladies! I just wanted to stop in and say hi to all of the new members who are going thru the A School journey. My husbands PIR was 7/6/12 and he flew to SA the next day. He graduated in November and started Xray tech C school a week later. He finished the classroom part of the course in April and we moved to VA so He could finish his clinical work in the Naval hospital here. He graduates in a few months and we should be finding out soon where we are going next. Hopefully back to SD:-) as that is close to our hometown.
Anyways, I just wanted to say to continue to support your sailors. Encourage them to get out and see the city of SA. It truly has a lot to offer and some of the best food I have ever had. Sure, they need to focus on school and study. But they should also enjoy their time in the Navy. As we are coming to the end of my husband "working"monday thru friday from 0800- 1530 we are realizing just how good he has had it while being in school. His next assignment he might not be so lucky.
This journey is a wild rollercoaster of emotions for everyone involved. Learn to be patient and learn to go with the flow. And enjoy anytime you get to spend with your sailor.
I will try to be more active on here. We welcomed a little guy into our family in July and have been learning the ropes of being parents. I am more than happy to share the knowledge I have of SA and A school:-)
Britt you sooooo much for posting. I'm a proud mom of a sailor and I appreciate your input & knowledge. Good luck to you and your husband in the next phase...keep us informed. God bless!
My daughter will start her A school in San An after BC in November. Does anyone have experience with which airport she will likely fly out of? We will be flying home the day she flies out so it would be nice to choose the same airport!
@JKRMommy, my daughter just graduated boot camp on 9/20 and flew to San An on 9/21 out of O'Hare, but Midway also flies to San An, so there really is no way of knowing 100% for sure until they get their official orders. Best of luck to your sailor and your family. Many thanks to her for choosing to serve out great country.
Wow! I have not been out here for a long time. At Codysmom - my Son was the leader for the HM A School students, and they departed GLakes at 0600, arrived at the airport by 0700, and then shuttled over to the large Main Terminal at O'Hare. Thier flight did not leave until 1735 and they had a connection through Houston. Flight was delayed departing O'Hare due to a storm and winds, barely made their connection in Houston and did not arrive to FSH until 1245 AM Sunday morning.
Well darn! Her PIR is 11-8 so I guess will have to just pick an airport and hope for the best. She flew to Chicago to O'Hare. We'll likely be purchasing tickets through SW which doesn't fly to O'Hare, Midway it will be. Thanks!
My daughter flew out of O'Hare to San Antonio also. She was at the airport at 0500, but didn't leave until 1700. She also flew to Houston and caught a connecting flight to San Antonio. This was on 8/17, the Saturday after PIR.
I hope my daughter will fly out of Midway! The 2 free checked bags is what sold me on SW airlines! It would be so much easier to be at the same airport!
Is it possible you can spend one more night in Chicago and fly out the next morning? I love Southwest too, and that they don't charge for ticket changes (though the fare may have an increase since it was purchased).
I have flown A LOT in the last year and a half and I must say SW is my favorite airline! My grandpa passed away and I was able to change my flight to an earlier one for a $40 fare increase. I had previously purchased a ticket because I had planned a visit home. They have excellent customer service both on and off the planes. They also don't nickel and dime you for every little thing.
That being said... my husband flew out of O'Hare on Saturday at 5pm. I had booked a flight thru there (not knowing which airport he would fly out of, it was pure luck!) My flight didn't leave til 7pm so I got there at 2 am when the bus dropped them off and hung out with him til his flight left. Your sailor won't know until a few days before graduation when and where their flight leaves from. Just try to get the last flight of the day.
As you know, member slicegirl just sent a message asking for any information about Radiology C school.
Which makes me think of this - If you have or have had a corpsman in any one of the C schools, would you let us know what the school was, its location and its duration? And any other handy tips? :) I'll amend the list in the Discussion about NECs above so we have it all in one place for everyone. Thanks!
X-Ray tech C school-
6 months of classroom training in SA.
6 months clinical work in San Antonio, TX, Portsmouth, VA or San Diego, CA. The clinicals locations depends on the class and/or the rank in each class. 4 people in my husbands class went to SD and 4 went to VA.
The Navy will pay for the spouse to move to SA for C school. Keep all of your receipts and go to the army moving office once you get there. The Navy will also pay for you to move to the clinical location. Get a POA and take care of everYthing for your spouse. They will not allow them to miss class for things like that.
School hours: M-F 5am (on PT days) til 5 pm
Clinical hours: M-F rotating schedule. Mostly day shifts 6:15 til 4pm or evening shifts 3 pm- 11pm.
Both classroom and clinical work have graduation ceremonies. But not as nig as A School and bootcamp.
Has anyone ever stayed at the Econolodge right outside of FSH? My daughter is graduating C school on Oct. 28 and I saw the price there is pretty good I don't need anything fancy...but clean would definitely be good! :)
Momof2sailors- I haven't stayed there, but I know where it is. There isn't much around it and its right on the freeway. So it might be a little noisy at night. Its super close to the Walter's gate though. It looks nicer than some of the other hotels in SA. I would call front desk and ask when the last time was that they renovated the rooms. That would give me a good idea if I would stay there or not.
Oregon Mom
Sep 6, 2013
Oregon Mom
Sep 6, 2013
daizygirl72
Sep 6, 2013
Oregon Mom
Sep 6, 2013
Dorothea
SR seeking help and information. My SR is set to PIR on 09/27. In a letter home today he asked me to PLEASE find Sailor's and Parents of Sailor's to write to him that attend A School in San Antonio. HM is his rate and he is trying to find out as much information that he can. Is there anyone that is willing to help me out with this for him or have a Sailor that would like to lend a hand. I am more then happy to message you his address. Thank you so very much.
Sep 6, 2013
Oregon Mom
Sep 7, 2013
Oregon Mom
Sep 7, 2013
clover65
Oregon Mom, that sounds right, I think they will start in about a week, good chance they will b in the same class
Sep 7, 2013
MorningGlory
Sep 7, 2013
paul2jack_ship13div312
My son landed in TX on 8/24 and he started classes on 9/4...I think or on teh 3rd had one test already, did great!
Sep 9, 2013
clover65
spoke with my sailor yesterday, he was told that classes will begin on Sep.18. He arrived on Aug. 31.
Question....Do they need their personal computer for their studies? I know a lot of sailors have their computer with them, I'm just wondering if it is not too much distraction, unless of course they will need it for school.
Sep 9, 2013
vanjr1
I think my sailor said you can access online study material which he thought was helpful. Can't remember what he called it though. He is on week 4 or 5 now and he really likes it. He is also working out with SAR team before school (0345 daily) in hopes to get a contract close to graduation NOV 22.
Sep 9, 2013
Oregon Mom
Sep 9, 2013
clover65
Thank you ladies, he already has the cell phone with him, laptop is on the way soon along with civilian clothes. Anxious for the classes to start...
Sep 9, 2013
Oregon Mom
We were able to video chat with our Sailor last night. He gave us a little tour of his dorm room and the "head". It was so nice to see him and talk. He bought a new phone and had to change cell phone providers (he got the phone on base for less than if he had went into town). It was amazing after only getting to spend less than 15 hrs. with him last Friday and Saturday. He should be starting his HM classes this next week. I am so glad BC is over and he is moving into the next school. He also did some shopping for clothes, toiletries and food at the PX (?). He isn't thrilled with the food. I asked what he wants us to send him thinking he would want civilian clothes, etc., but no, he wants homemade cookies! HOOYAH!
Sep 13, 2013
BigRed
Oregon Mom yes a bit of contact is nice. One thing we heard about - 24 hour watches- what are those? Ours was noticing some in his class were back from the fleet and learning a new rate. These might be some potential mentors.
Sep 13, 2013
Oregon Mom
Sep 13, 2013
sue_2337
Oregon Mom, please share what cell service you went with. Our daugther is telling us her current cell service "stinks" (my words, not hers). I will get her whatever she needs, just so we can stay in contact. Im willing to pay the fee to cancel her current contract, if need be.
Sep 16, 2013
Momof2NavyFemales
Sep 16, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
IowaGirlsMom, scroll to the bottom of this page for some previous comments about access to the base, at least that's some info for now anyway :)
Sue2337, here's some info about Clear wireless computer connection about halfway down this page by Dm (Ship 03 Division 075). I know you're asking about cell service, but thought I'd add this :)
Sep 17, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
IowaGirlsMom, here's a pdf map of Fort Sam Houston.
Sep 17, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
From JBSA-Fort Sam Houston on Facebook: The U.S. Army Institute for Surgical Research is currently treating a 22 y/o active duty IED blast/burn patient from Afghanistan. Because of the extensive burns and trauma injuries, he must receive B NEGATIVE blood. This blood type only makes up about 2% of the population, so it's critical that we locate potential blood donors and ask them to donate.
For each trip to surgery he will require 10-15 units of blood/blood products (40 - 50 units per week.)
The Akeroyd Blood Donor Center, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston is asking all service members, family members, DOD civilians, or retirees with B NEGATIVE blood type to please contact the BDC at (210) 295-4655 or Mark Salcedo via email at mark.t.salcedo.civ@mail.mil. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am - noon for walk-ins.
Sep 17, 2013
BigRed
We have had several hours of AT&T calls from ours they have been fine. It may depend on where his/her dorm room is in the building and which way you face relative to the available cell towers His Internet is reported to be ok with occasional slow downs. Data and voice usually use different radio systems. You could experiment with a low cost prepaid phone to test the coverage.
The 24 hour watches seem to be related to building/aka ship maintenance and cleaning. Hopefully there is enough time to study. It sounds like in room dining is one way to avoid waiting in mess hall lines.
Sep 17, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
IowaGirsMom, I just got this from a friend at BMTCP/METC -
Directions: Directions to Ft Sam Houston/Walters Gate
Sep 17, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Thirty-eight new members here in the past thirty days!
Sep 20, 2013
MYBChief
My son arrived last night and we talked to him today. He likes his room and I can tell he likes the little bit of freedom he now has. If anybody has any advice to help him or me and his mother, please feel free to share. I did 21 years in the Navy. I did 14 years in aviation and then 6 as an NC and retired an NCC. I have been able to give my son some general information, but nothing specific about HM so anything helps.
Sep 22, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Start with the links above and learn all you can about the HM rating - it takes some time, as there's a lot to know about the Hospital Corps, starting with its history, on through the 38 HM NECs. He'll end up going to Field Medical Training Battalion's eight week course sooner or later, see the FMTB-East link. "Blueside" corpsmen are assigned to ships, hospitals and clinics. "Greenside" corpsmen are attached to Marine units; read about the FMF qualification they earn. Here's a good overview of the rating today: Navy Medicine Almanac 2013, pages 42-47. And congratulations on his start in the best rating in the Navy! (with apologies to aviation LOL)
Sep 23, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Anyways, I just wanted to say to continue to support your sailors. Encourage them to get out and see the city of SA. It truly has a lot to offer and some of the best food I have ever had. Sure, they need to focus on school and study. But they should also enjoy their time in the Navy. As we are coming to the end of my husband "working"monday thru friday from 0800- 1530 we are realizing just how good he has had it while being in school. His next assignment he might not be so lucky.
This journey is a wild rollercoaster of emotions for everyone involved. Learn to be patient and learn to go with the flow. And enjoy anytime you get to spend with your sailor.
Sep 23, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Britt, it's so good to hear from you and that things are going so well. We have lots of new members who have plenty of questions for you, I'm sure!
Sep 23, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Sep 23, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Congratulations, that's wonderful news Britt! Wow, you really know how to keep life exciting :)
Sep 24, 2013
clover65
Britt you sooooo much for posting. I'm a proud mom of a sailor and I appreciate your input & knowledge. Good luck to you and your husband in the next phase...keep us informed. God bless!
Sep 24, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Welcome new members Summer and DeniseK!
Sep 24, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Sep 24, 2013
JKRMommy
My daughter will start her A school in San An after BC in November. Does anyone have experience with which airport she will likely fly out of? We will be flying home the day she flies out so it would be nice to choose the same airport!
Sep 25, 2013
Cheryl Ship 07 Div 160
@JKRMommy, my daughter just graduated boot camp on 9/20 and flew to San An on 9/21 out of O'Hare, but Midway also flies to San An, so there really is no way of knowing 100% for sure until they get their official orders. Best of luck to your sailor and your family. Many thanks to her for choosing to serve out great country.
Sep 25, 2013
codysmom SHIP11 DIV 383
Sep 25, 2013
PatsFan923 HM Mom
Wow! I have not been out here for a long time. At Codysmom - my Son was the leader for the HM A School students, and they departed GLakes at 0600, arrived at the airport by 0700, and then shuttled over to the large Main Terminal at O'Hare. Thier flight did not leave until 1735 and they had a connection through Houston. Flight was delayed departing O'Hare due to a storm and winds, barely made their connection in Houston and did not arrive to FSH until 1245 AM Sunday morning.
Sep 25, 2013
PatsFan923 HM Mom
It would have been great if I did not type so quickly - "Their flight did not . . ." Sorry!
Sep 25, 2013
JKRMommy
Well darn! Her PIR is 11-8 so I guess will have to just pick an airport and hope for the best. She flew to Chicago to O'Hare. We'll likely be purchasing tickets through SW which doesn't fly to O'Hare, Midway it will be. Thanks!
Sep 25, 2013
MorningGlory
Sep 25, 2013
taylormom010313
Sep 25, 2013
JKRMommy
I hope my daughter will fly out of Midway! The 2 free checked bags is what sold me on SW airlines! It would be so much easier to be at the same airport!
Sep 25, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Is it possible you can spend one more night in Chicago and fly out the next morning? I love Southwest too, and that they don't charge for ticket changes (though the fare may have an increase since it was purchased).
Sep 25, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
That being said... my husband flew out of O'Hare on Saturday at 5pm. I had booked a flight thru there (not knowing which airport he would fly out of, it was pure luck!) My flight didn't leave til 7pm so I got there at 2 am when the bus dropped them off and hung out with him til his flight left. Your sailor won't know until a few days before graduation when and where their flight leaves from. Just try to get the last flight of the day.
Sep 25, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
As you know, member slicegirl just sent a message asking for any information about Radiology C school.
Which makes me think of this - If you have or have had a corpsman in any one of the C schools, would you let us know what the school was, its location and its duration? And any other handy tips? :) I'll amend the list in the Discussion about NECs above so we have it all in one place for everyone. Thanks!
Sep 25, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
6 months of classroom training in SA.
6 months clinical work in San Antonio, TX, Portsmouth, VA or San Diego, CA. The clinicals locations depends on the class and/or the rank in each class. 4 people in my husbands class went to SD and 4 went to VA.
The Navy will pay for the spouse to move to SA for C school. Keep all of your receipts and go to the army moving office once you get there. The Navy will also pay for you to move to the clinical location. Get a POA and take care of everYthing for your spouse. They will not allow them to miss class for things like that.
School hours: M-F 5am (on PT days) til 5 pm
Clinical hours: M-F rotating schedule. Mostly day shifts 6:15 til 4pm or evening shifts 3 pm- 11pm.
Both classroom and clinical work have graduation ceremonies. But not as nig as A School and bootcamp.
Sep 25, 2013
clover65
Sep 26, 2013
Momof2sailors
Sep 30, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Sep 30, 2013