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 Raqi'smom, My son went through Pre BUDS before going to SA so he went through the "phase's" in Great Lakes but I believe when your sailor arrives he will be phase I and will have curfew restrictions and will last maybe 3 weeks until he gets to phase III. Once phase III there are not as many restrictions and a lot of freedom. He will have access to FB and texting pretty much any time out of school hours.
Unfortunately, suicide is something that happens often within the military community. Last year while my husband was in A/C school there were several deaths and suicide attempts.
Thankfully, the Navy provides suicide prevention training and have several resources to turn to if a sailor feels that is their only option. Please reach out to your sailors and give them some extra love today. Also, remind them to keep an eye on their shipmates. Sometimes all it takes is a smile or hello to turn sometimes day around.
My heart hurts for the family and sailors who must go on. I pray that healing begins and all our sailors look out for one other!! God bless!! Oxoxoxoxox
The link to 'Basic Medical Technician Program on Facebook' is above at GRADUATION SCHEDULES AND UPDATES. Once there, scroll down to their latest graduation schedule posting on July 11.
WELCOME to all our new members - 17 so far this month, wow! Hope you'll introduce yourselves, it's fun getting to know each other as you join us on this roller coaster!
The Corpsman Oath
I solemnly pledge myself before God and these witnesses to practice faithfully all of my duties as a member of the Hospital Corps.
I hold the care of the sick and injured to be a privilege and a sacred trust, and will assist the medical officer with loyalty and honesty.
I will not knowingly permit harm to come to any patient.
I will not partake nor administer any unauthorized medication.
I will hold all personal matters pertaining to the private lives of patients in strict confidence.
I dedicate my heart, mind and strength to the work before me.
I shall do all within my power to show in myself an example of all that is honorable and good throughout my Naval career.
Marcy - my SN tells me her graduation date is Dec 12, but the FB page says Dec 16 (she's in class 230). Today she told me they aren't sure but could be somewhere between the 12th and 16th. Is there any way to get more accurate info? We need to plan the time away from work a little better than that. Thanks!
The July 11 sheet says my son (in 220 A/B) has graduation on Dec 13 but he is telling me that the instructors are saying grad date of Nov 27th, so I think there is a lot of play on what is listed there. I would have your son/daughter find out from their instructors.
taysproudmom is right - the Facebook page isn't to be relied on - it took much pleading to even get that list posted. Best to get info from your student. I'm not sure what goes on that there's so much variation; seems once class begins, the grad date should be a certainty! I have two contacts there and will inquire; but hesitate to give their info as an absolute. Advance planning makes a huge difference in airfare, too :(
Thanks for the responses! Hopefully we'll get better info as time gets closer. We're driving, but the main issues are planning the time from work and our youngest daughter's school schedule - she's still in HS. Just can't miss that graduation though! :)
Hi there! my son will soon going to his A school in San Antonio. I kind of confuse on what actually a sailor should bring. my friend suggest me to send my sailor a bed sheet and pillow case for him to use in his dorm. Do you gals have any suggestion?
Just so there's no misunderstanding: they are issued sheets and pillowcases! Don't want any moms thinking otherwise :) My son bought what he needed, and didn't ask for anything to be sent; he, along with most, feel that getting packages is an unnecessary hassle. Up to each to decide what they want to do though :)
The only thing I did, at my Sailor's request, was to send him a fleece blanket, as the one they issued him was not warm enough. Of course, I sent it to him and upon checking out, he realized that it would not fit in his suitcase, so he left it (washed and dryed) for his former roommate. :)
Hi. My son is DEP and will head out in August. Im curious, do all HM's go to the A school in San Antonio? Sorry if this question was asked before, I went back through and couldn't find anything. Thanks!
They have an Exchange store that is walking distance from the dorms where they can purchase anything they need. The exchange is basically a large department store like a Kohl's/JCP with an electronics dept. Many of the sailors buy different sheets from the exchange. We even bought our sheet set for our king size bed at the FSH exchange. The commissary (grocery store) is across the parking lot from the exchange. So everything is centrally located. Yes, it's a pretty decent walk from the dorms. But what else do they have to do in their free time;-)
I never sent my husband mail/packages while he was in A school. He said it was a hassle to get mail from the mail room. I was able to visit twice and moved there a month before A school was over. I probably would have sent packages had I not visited so much. And I was able to take clothes to him to take to A school after bootcamp. And I took a suitcase of clothes the first time I went to visit.
Hi..I am new to this group, my son's PIR is Nov8, needless to say I am super excited! My question is, will he need a laptop for A school...or would an IPad be ok?
I bought my husband a new laptop as a graduation gift. But only because we needed a new computer for after A school. They don't really NEED a computer or tablet, but it was nice being able to skype with him and he usedbit to watch Netflix.
Thanks for the advice...maybe the mini ipad would work ...can use it to study..look up info...FaceTime his mom...lol.
Sherry....guess I'll be meeting you soon..lol
My husband said that the blackboard is a copy of the slides they look at while in class. He said he never used blackboard on his computer or in the computer lab. He graduated third in his A school class and is now 1st in his C school class. I have seen him study once for about 10 minutes. They also have study sessions available every evening for the students.
Maybe you should set aside the money and let your sailor pick out what they want once they get to A school. FSH has a pretty nice electronics dept inside the exchange. If I had let my husband pick he wouldve gotten an ipad. But we needed a family computer, so a laptop was the best choice for us:-)
Sherry- I have seen sailors fly out of both airports. They won't know until a day or two before PIR. My suggestion would be to try and book the latest flight of the day or a flight the next day.
My sons PIR is nov 1st, and I am bringing his laptop. He will def need to study, and I figure better to have it i he needs it rather than wanting it later and have to screw around with sending it. As you all probably are well aware, we have had very little contact from him while at bootcamp, and probably like most 19 year olds, does not answer the questions I ask him in letters!! I have no idea what else he wants/needs!! I'm bringing that, his phone, some anatomy flash cards/coloring book, and I'm contemplating some boxers!! If I am leaving out any other essentials...moms and wives... Please help!!
Definitely Boxers my son is dying!!! I thought a pair of jeans a few favorite tee shirts and some gym shorts for lounging. Also he sent back his contacts wished he didn't so bringing them as well. I guess when they get there they will have a better idea of what they need.
They are allowed to basically have whatever they want. It just has to be put away. And they do random room inspections. They do come from boot camp with a razor and shaving cream. I believe it was gillette brand. So if your sailor likes a specific brand or an electric razor you might want to get it for them.
I took my husband a pair of jeans, flip flops, shorts, and a few shirts. He was able to squeeze all of it into his backpack. Oh, and new boxerbriefs! just remember that whatever you take to them at the airport has to go in their already packed bags. They dont have a lot of room. And they have to carry everything. I lived in SA from Oct thru May and it never got super chilly. There were a few days in December abd Jan that i wore shorts and a tank top. So a light sweater would probably be sufficient too.
My daughter is headed HM school after her 11-8 PIR. She has her own blood pressure cuff and stethoscope can I send these to her? She became an EMT prior to BC and was given them as gifts.
Thanks all....for your answers. What will the sailor expected to do in his/her first-two week in A school? Can we visit him the first-second week he is there?
Proudmama- that's probably correct information. The fiscal year begins on October 1st for the Navy. That's when everything starts new. I believe it goes in 5's, so your sons class is the second class of the fiscal year. You will notice that boot camp divisions numbers have started over as well.
I would rent a car. Its about an hour drive from Austin to FSH. You will want a car to drive around SA anyways. There is so much to see there! Austin is pretty interesting to. The capital building is gorgeous. And there are lots of things on the drive to SA.... HELLO Coach outlet!!!;-)
I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were talking about your sailor flying home. Would this be for the Holiday stand down? Maybe he can find someone who will be going that way and can give him a ride. I know there is a bus service that goes from SA to Dallas, but I'm not sure if they stop in Austin. He should be able to rent a car from SA to Austin. It might be on the more expensive side, but you will saying money with your jetblue credit.
vanjr1
Hi Raqi'smom, My son went through Pre BUDS before going to SA so he went through the "phase's" in Great Lakes but I believe when your sailor arrives he will be phase I and will have curfew restrictions and will last maybe 3 weeks until he gets to phase III. Once phase III there are not as many restrictions and a lot of freedom. He will have access to FB and texting pretty much any time out of school hours.
Oct 16, 2013
vanjr1
Raqi'smpm, I found this that might help explain "phases"
http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1927357132?profi...
Oct 16, 2013
knacksmom
JoshuamomNV Is it possible to respectfully provide more information about what happened yesterday? I am unable to reach my SA. Please and Thanks.
Oct 16, 2013
EmilyD
Oct 16, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Thankfully, the Navy provides suicide prevention training and have several resources to turn to if a sailor feels that is their only option. Please reach out to your sailors and give them some extra love today. Also, remind them to keep an eye on their shipmates. Sometimes all it takes is a smile or hello to turn sometimes day around.
Oct 16, 2013
knacksmom
Truly sad and heartbreaking. Thanks for sharing that difficult information JoshuamomNV. Hugs and prayers to all.
Oct 16, 2013
Coedy's Mama
Oct 16, 2013
Bobbo
Lord have mercy. I am so sorry for him and his family. May God have mercy on his soul and keep his family in love.
Does anyone know if his parents are part of this (Navy Moms) community? I pray that they have a strong support network.
Oct 16, 2013
vanjr1
My prayers go out to his family, friends and shipmates.
Oct 16, 2013
ED32
Where can I find the DATE and TIME for A-School graduation for CLASS 235?
Oct 17, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
The link to 'Basic Medical Technician Program on Facebook' is above at GRADUATION SCHEDULES AND UPDATES. Once there, scroll down to their latest graduation schedule posting on July 11.
Oct 17, 2013
ED32
Thanks, does the Navy sometimes change the date and times due to the holiday?
Oct 17, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
They recommend that you keep checking the BMTCP Facebook page for any updates and changes to the graduation schedule.
Oct 17, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
WELCOME to all our new members - 17 so far this month, wow! Hope you'll introduce yourselves, it's fun getting to know each other as you join us on this roller coaster!
The Corpsman Oath
I solemnly pledge myself before God and these witnesses to practice faithfully all of my duties as a member of the Hospital Corps.
I hold the care of the sick and injured to be a privilege and a sacred trust, and will assist the medical officer with loyalty and honesty.
I will not knowingly permit harm to come to any patient.
I will not partake nor administer any unauthorized medication.
I will hold all personal matters pertaining to the private lives of patients in strict confidence.
I dedicate my heart, mind and strength to the work before me.
I shall do all within my power to show in myself an example of all that is honorable and good throughout my Naval career.
Oct 17, 2013
MorningGlory
Oct 17, 2013
taysproudmom (HM class 220A)
The July 11 sheet says my son (in 220 A/B) has graduation on Dec 13 but he is telling me that the instructors are saying grad date of Nov 27th, so I think there is a lot of play on what is listed there. I would have your son/daughter find out from their instructors.
Oct 17, 2013
MorningGlory
Oct 17, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
taysproudmom is right - the Facebook page isn't to be relied on - it took much pleading to even get that list posted. Best to get info from your student. I'm not sure what goes on that there's so much variation; seems once class begins, the grad date should be a certainty! I have two contacts there and will inquire; but hesitate to give their info as an absolute. Advance planning makes a huge difference in airfare, too :(
Oct 17, 2013
MorningGlory
Oct 17, 2013
Libra's mom
Hi there! my son will soon going to his A school in San Antonio. I kind of confuse on what actually a sailor should bring. my friend suggest me to send my sailor a bed sheet and pillow case for him to use in his dorm. Do you gals have any suggestion?
Oct 21, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Just so there's no misunderstanding: they are issued sheets and pillowcases! Don't want any moms thinking otherwise :) My son bought what he needed, and didn't ask for anything to be sent; he, along with most, feel that getting packages is an unnecessary hassle. Up to each to decide what they want to do though :)
Oct 22, 2013
PatsFan923 HM Mom
The only thing I did, at my Sailor's request, was to send him a fleece blanket, as the one they issued him was not warm enough. Of course, I sent it to him and upon checking out, he realized that it would not fit in his suitcase, so he left it (washed and dryed) for his former roommate. :)
Oct 22, 2013
sevenblessings
Hi. My son is DEP and will head out in August. Im curious, do all HM's go to the A school in San Antonio? Sorry if this question was asked before, I went back through and couldn't find anything. Thanks!
Oct 22, 2013
EmilyD
Oct 22, 2013
sevenblessings
Thank you for replying Emily!
Oct 22, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Oct 22, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Oct 22, 2013
Karen (ship13-div421)
Oct 22, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Oct 22, 2013
Slynascar88 (ship 12 div 349)
Oct 22, 2013
vanjr1
anyone else have a sailor in class 215
Oct 22, 2013
Sherry
Hi, I am also pretty new to the group and have a son whose PIR is 11/8. Do any of you remember which airport your sailors flew from? O'Hare or Midway?
Oct 22, 2013
Karen (ship13-div421)
Sherry....guess I'll be meeting you soon..lol
Oct 22, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Maybe you should set aside the money and let your sailor pick out what they want once they get to A school. FSH has a pretty nice electronics dept inside the exchange. If I had let my husband pick he wouldve gotten an ipad. But we needed a family computer, so a laptop was the best choice for us:-)
Oct 22, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Oct 22, 2013
EmilyD
Oct 22, 2013
carafid1
Definitely Boxers my son is dying!!! I thought a pair of jeans a few favorite tee shirts and some gym shorts for lounging. Also he sent back his contacts wished he didn't so bringing them as well. I guess when they get there they will have a better idea of what they need.
Oct 22, 2013
Karen (ship13-div421)
Oct 22, 2013
carafid1
Good idea about the razor and shaving cream wonder if they are allowed electric razors?
Oct 22, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
I took my husband a pair of jeans, flip flops, shorts, and a few shirts. He was able to squeeze all of it into his backpack. Oh, and new boxerbriefs! just remember that whatever you take to them at the airport has to go in their already packed bags. They dont have a lot of room. And they have to carry everything. I lived in SA from Oct thru May and it never got super chilly. There were a few days in December abd Jan that i wore shorts and a tank top. So a light sweater would probably be sufficient too.
Oct 22, 2013
Sherry
Thanks Ladies! We are scheduled to fly out on Sunday, fingers crossed he will leave before we do.
Oct 22, 2013
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
Hi ladies,
My hubby is still thinking about becoming FMF, any advice? Also, how long is the schooling for FMF? Thanks ladies :)
Oct 22, 2013
JKRMommy
My daughter is headed HM school after her 11-8 PIR. She has her own blood pressure cuff and stethoscope can I send these to her? She became an EMT prior to BC and was given them as gifts.
Oct 22, 2013
hawaiian mom
Oct 23, 2013
Libra's mom
Thanks all....for your answers. What will the sailor expected to do in his/her first-two week in A school? Can we visit him the first-second week he is there?
Oct 23, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Oct 23, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Oct 23, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Oct 23, 2013
angelalovesD(Ship 14 Div 274)
Vanjr1,
My sailor/son is 215!!
Oct 23, 2013
tiffytbe
How long are they at HM "A" school?
Oct 23, 2013