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!
angelalovesD, Yes my Sailor got FMTB camp Lejeune and then going to Cherry Point. He wanted FMF but didn't get that. Not sure if he can still get it changed during the FMTB or not.
Please read the link above regarding FMTB and the FMF qualification. You have to do FMTB and then be assigned to a Marine unit before you can get an FMF qualification, and just because you go through the Field Med training does not mean that this will automatically happen. This is a big misconception for parents.
Also, I did not send my son his laptop either as it is very expensive and we didn't want to risk having it stolen (this happens all the time), he used the lab and one of his buddies had a laptop that they all used during study group.
As Britt said, they will have ALOT of stuff to carry and not a whole lot of room to stuff more things in, so don't bring them a suitcase full of things. Basic's are great, and yes they really want boxers/briefs as most hate the Navy issued ones.
My sons orders say 19 weeks for corpsman so the math isn't adding up does that mean he will be going to FMTB after the corpsman school and they have already included it?
Hi Britt<3corpman Wife, I'm new to this group. My SR PIR is on 11/22 I have few questions. Holidays is approaching and I want to know if they can come home on holidays ? Also what they expect on they first day they arrived in A school as a HM ? Thanks
Just a quick question, will there be any point during A-School that the sailors will be able to spend the weekend off base at a near by relitives place?
Rick, see the link above at Program Overview for "Hospital Corps School Phases and Liberty" - but also check with your future Corpsman in case there have been any changes.
I would have your sailor double check. They are only allowed to go a certain number of miles away from base on their off time. Dont quote me on this but I think its 70 miles or 150 miles. I can't remember. My husband is in C school and is still required to request a chit to go anything over 2 hours away.
So it looks like my sailor will graduate from A school on Jan. 10th. He will then go to C school for dental assistant. Does anyone knows how long C school is and if they get time off in between or after? He opted to not come home for Christmas so he can come after graduation, so I just wonder if they have time off for sure.
Raqi's mom- that is something your sailor will have to find out from his instructors. I don't see why it wouldnt be a possibility. I think the only classes that can't come home are those that arrive in San Antonio right before and during holiday exodus.
Clover65- the program is 6 weeks long. Confirmed it with a dental assistant friend who went thru the program last December. It really depends on t he timing whether or not they can come home between A school and C school. The two sailors that I know who went thru the program checked in to their C school the afternoon after A school graduation and started classes the next morning. But there could potentially be instances where they are put in holding for several weeks before their are enough students to form a full class. So it all really just depends.
I know its hard to wait, but you will most likely know closer to A school graduation.
Slicegirl- my husband is currently in C school for Xray Tech (8452). He went into it straight from A school. I believe they have phased 8451 (basic) out.
Thanks Britt. Does anyone know what are the requirement to take holiday leave? Is it true that there is a due date to return the request? if yes, when is the due date?
Been waiting to book a flight for graduation my daughter told me November 27 now I see it's changed to November 26. Will confirm first before I book flight I get to spend thanksgiving with my daughter nice
Raqi'smom- I know that there are requirements to take leave. My husband had to do his annual physical in order to take leave at Christmas last year. It was odd because some of his classmates did and some of them did not Have to do a physical to get the leave approved. And it wasn't even his birth month. They usually have to do all of their physical exams in their birth month. Your sailor will be briefed on the requirements. And I would assume it should be done in the next couple off weeks.
There is a due date due the chit. It will be told to your sailor when they are briefed.
Good morning! My son arrived at A school in San Antonio on Saturday. I wanted to introduce myself to this group as I will probably be on here quite a bit and be asking many questions. Soooo Hello!
Good Morning Smile09ship9div418 and welcome to the group. Take some time to look at the links and info above. There are many great members in this group who have awesome information.
EMILY! Yay! I bet ours are friends. My son told my husband on the phone he is developing some relationships with a couple of guys from 417. Message me your last name will you? I will do the same:) Wonder if we saw each other at the graduation. I am going to change our profile pic here now too:)
Hi Marcy, It was noticed in our A School fb group that class 250 A/B is missing from the new graduation schedule. I have posted to the BMTCP fb page regarding, but if you could maybe reach out to your contact also that would be appreciated. Thank you.
My daughter graduated A school in Sept. but she was a Motivator for the first time this past weekend to Sailors coming into San Antonio from Great Lakes. I bet she got to help some of your kids, spouses, ect. When they landed. She said she liked being a Motivator and helping the new Sailors. She started C school Oct 23rd.
I've seen questions and comments on here about recruits orders in boot camp. Just know that those orders can and do change. My daughter went to boot camp planning on leaving it to go to A school for MA. She ended up going to A school for HM.
And in a school, they make a dream list of what C school they want to go to and where they want to go if they don't get into a C school.
Also while my daughter was waiting to "class up" she was in three different classes and started A school before originally planned.
They are not guaranteed to go to C school. Whether they get into C school is based on their grades and they can be in the top 5 and still not get the C school they want so be prepared for that also. It is based on what the Navy NEEDS and then who has that listed anywhere on their list.
THEN... You can not be guaranteed a graduation date or time. Her class got the date changed on them the week before graduation and then the time of the ceremony got changed just two days before to an earlier time during the day.
So just know that nothing ever stays as planned while in the Navy. :)
I just messaged the group, but maybe I should have written here. Looking for who is on base that can help with travel arrangements for my sailor on leave from "A" school at Christmas.
Lolachazzy I made reservations for my daughter when she was there. We learned not to depend on the Navy for help with anything not military related. When she graduated A school, they handed her an airline ticket home for 10 AM the same day. Too bad it was already 2PM. She ended up in holding for another 2 days before they could get it right. Make the reservations online yourself.
I read that they are allowed over night liberty once they reach phase 3 at A school. But it also says within 50 miles. We live 100 miles San Antonio. I was excited about him being able to come home and visit some weekends, but now it doesnt seem so. Does anyone know if the 50 mile radius still applies?
I am pretty sure that rule does still apply. My husband is in C school in Virginia and that rule applies to him still. Have him ask an instructor if he can make a special request to go out of that 50 miles.
Just want to reiterate that Hospital Corps A school is an intense experience requiring much study, as they learning a huge amount of information in a compressed period of time. It's also a time when they are sharing a unique experience, and becoming friends with other future corpsmen whose paths they will cross in the coming years. Those memories will include the food (mixed reviews!), sharing taxis, hanging out together, and generally getting adjusted to military life :)
I am actually having a bit of an issue with my son moving forward to next orders. The staff at SA for outprocessing are not helping at all. My son is graduating Nov 26 and does not start next station until Dec 12-- and he is going to do RAP duty starting Dec 2. We are driving down for graduation in his car and intended on bringing him back with us-- so he can sign in at RAP at the proper time. Now the outprocessors are trying to say he cannot drive home-- must fly? Has talked to his next duty station counselor and they are saying he should have no problem driving home, doing RAP, then reporting on Dec 12 at new station-- and to provide fuel receipts for reimbursement. Who has jurisdiction at this point? It will be cheaper for him to ride home with us, so I am having a hard time understanding why they would force him to fly? Any suggestions?
1windhaven-Maria ( 9/132 - HM), Maybe you misunderstood my question. I wasn't looking for it to be paid. I was looking for travel assistance on base (guidance). :)
Lolachazzy- yOur sailor will need to make all of their travel arrangements themself. Their best bet wOuld be to take a cab to the airport with several other people who are flying home. Or find a friend who has a car and can take them to the airport.
I dropped several sailors off at the airport who went home for the holidays. Your sailor will just need to ask around and see what their options are.
Just to back up what Marcy is saying (although she doesn't really need it) about the friendships. My son's group got incredibly close. They work hard, they play hard, and see each other through hardships. Remember it is usually their real first time as adults away from everything they 'know' and are all looking for relationships. These friendships become very deep and form their brotherhood. Many times they move on to the next class whether it's the green side or the blue.
And, yes, it is a lot of studying. But the last approximately 3 weeks are clinicals where they have free time when not 'on duty'. No night time studying anymore. So they have time to go do things together.
Lolachazzy - I certainly can understand your frustration at trying to make sense of the fly-vs.-drive situation; I too would be looking forward to visiting during the drive home.
The answer I was given is that the Navy has to maintain "chain of custody," so to speak, to ensure that our Sailors get where they are supposed to be, and the same transportation rules apply to all.
So…another chance to accept orders and "the needs of the Navy," and be glad for the opportunity for a great visit once he gets home before he reports to his first duty station - exciting!
vanjr1
angelalovesD, has your sailor confirmed graduation is on the 22nd NOV?
Oct 23, 2013
angelalovesD(Ship 14 Div 274)
Vanjr1,
Yes, he did. I feel better now that you have said the same date as well. Your sailor is going to Lejune? Mine is going to Pendleton.
Oct 23, 2013
angelalovesD(Ship 14 Div 274)
tiffytbe, it's a specific amount of days, but generally 3 months.
Oct 23, 2013
tiffytbe
thanks! i thought so, but my son's recruiter told him 5 months! 3 is way better!
Oct 23, 2013
Libra's mom
Thanks Joshuamom...
Oct 24, 2013
vanjr1
angelalovesD, Yes my Sailor got FMTB camp Lejeune and then going to Cherry Point. He wanted FMF but didn't get that. Not sure if he can still get it changed during the FMTB or not.
Oct 24, 2013
louielou
Please read the link above regarding FMTB and the FMF qualification. You have to do FMTB and then be assigned to a Marine unit before you can get an FMF qualification, and just because you go through the Field Med training does not mean that this will automatically happen. This is a big misconception for parents.
Also, I did not send my son his laptop either as it is very expensive and we didn't want to risk having it stolen (this happens all the time), he used the lab and one of his buddies had a laptop that they all used during study group.
As Britt said, they will have ALOT of stuff to carry and not a whole lot of room to stuff more things in, so don't bring them a suitcase full of things. Basic's are great, and yes they really want boxers/briefs as most hate the Navy issued ones.
Oct 24, 2013
carafid1
My sons orders say 19 weeks for corpsman so the math isn't adding up does that mean he will be going to FMTB after the corpsman school and they have already included it?
Oct 24, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
"Holiday exodus approved leave dates: 20 Dec 2013 to 2 Jan 2014. Get those leave chits in early to avoid last minute hassles"
Oct 25, 2013
hawaiian mom
Oct 25, 2013
Rick
Oct 31, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Rick, see the link above at Program Overview for "Hospital Corps School Phases and Liberty" - but also check with your future Corpsman in case there have been any changes.
Oct 31, 2013
Rick
Nov 1, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Nov 1, 2013
vanjr1
Humm? Some how my last post went MIA "-)
Nov 1, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
The BMTCP graduation schedule for classes 205A/B (November 7, 2013) through class 030A/B (March 3, 2014) has been posted! Be sure to continue to check the BMTCP Facebook page for updates and possible changes. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=509236009173033&a...
Nov 2, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Nov 2, 2013
Libra's mom
Is it possible for my son who just arrived last week to take christmas leave?
Nov 2, 2013
clover65
So it looks like my sailor will graduate from A school on Jan. 10th. He will then go to C school for dental assistant. Does anyone knows how long C school is and if they get time off in between or after? He opted to not come home for Christmas so he can come after graduation, so I just wonder if they have time off for sure.
Nov 2, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Clover65- the program is 6 weeks long. Confirmed it with a dental assistant friend who went thru the program last December. It really depends on t he timing whether or not they can come home between A school and C school. The two sailors that I know who went thru the program checked in to their C school the afternoon after A school graduation and started classes the next morning. But there could potentially be instances where they are put in holding for several weeks before their are enough students to form a full class. So it all really just depends.
I know its hard to wait, but you will most likely know closer to A school graduation.
Nov 2, 2013
clover65
Britt, thanks for the info really appreciate it. Maybe will b better for him to take his time off over Xtmas, just in case. Have a great weekend....
Nov 2, 2013
slicegirl
Nov 3, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Nov 3, 2013
Libra's mom
Thanks Britt. Does anyone know what are the requirement to take holiday leave? Is it true that there is a due date to return the request? if yes, when is the due date?
Nov 3, 2013
Casu
Nov 3, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
There is a due date due the chit. It will be told to your sailor when they are briefed.
Nov 3, 2013
Smile09 AD/HM Mom
Good morning! My son arrived at A school in San Antonio on Saturday. I wanted to introduce myself to this group as I will probably be on here quite a bit and be asking many questions. Soooo Hello!
Nov 4, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Nov 4, 2013
EmilyD
Nov 4, 2013
Smile09 AD/HM Mom
EMILY! Yay! I bet ours are friends. My son told my husband on the phone he is developing some relationships with a couple of guys from 417. Message me your last name will you? I will do the same:) Wonder if we saw each other at the graduation. I am going to change our profile pic here now too:)
Nov 4, 2013
Smile09 AD/HM Mom
Thanks Britt!
Nov 4, 2013
louielou
Hi Marcy, It was noticed in our A School fb group that class 250 A/B is missing from the new graduation schedule. I have posted to the BMTCP fb page regarding, but if you could maybe reach out to your contact also that would be appreciated. Thank you.
Nov 4, 2013
EmilyD
Nov 4, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
louielou, I've contacted them and will let you know ASAP :)
Nov 4, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Regarding C school - ultimately it depends on the needs of the Navy at the time. Britt gave a good explanation in a Comment here on Sept 30 :) http://navyformoms.com/group/hmhospitalcorpsmanaschoolinsanantonio?...
Nov 4, 2013
Momof2NavyFemales
I've seen questions and comments on here about recruits orders in boot camp. Just know that those orders can and do change. My daughter went to boot camp planning on leaving it to go to A school for MA. She ended up going to A school for HM.
And in a school, they make a dream list of what C school they want to go to and where they want to go if they don't get into a C school.
Also while my daughter was waiting to "class up" she was in three different classes and started A school before originally planned.
They are not guaranteed to go to C school. Whether they get into C school is based on their grades and they can be in the top 5 and still not get the C school they want so be prepared for that also. It is based on what the Navy NEEDS and then who has that listed anywhere on their list.
THEN... You can not be guaranteed a graduation date or time. Her class got the date changed on them the week before graduation and then the time of the ceremony got changed just two days before to an earlier time during the day.
So just know that nothing ever stays as planned while in the Navy. :)
Nov 4, 2013
Smile09 AD/HM Mom
Thank you IowaGirls for the info. It is always helpful to hear from others who have gone before me so I can gain better understanding. Appreciate it!
Nov 4, 2013
Lolachazzy
I just messaged the group, but maybe I should have written here. Looking for who is on base that can help with travel arrangements for my sailor on leave from "A" school at Christmas.
Nov 5, 2013
Whit and Stephen's Mom (Ann)
Lolachazzy I made reservations for my daughter when she was there. We learned not to depend on the Navy for help with anything not military related. When she graduated A school, they handed her an airline ticket home for 10 AM the same day. Too bad it was already 2PM. She ended up in holding for another 2 days before they could get it right. Make the reservations online yourself.
Nov 6, 2013
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Nov 6, 2013
Dakota'sMom
I read that they are allowed over night liberty once they reach phase 3 at A school. But it also says within 50 miles. We live 100 miles San Antonio. I was excited about him being able to come home and visit some weekends, but now it doesnt seem so. Does anyone know if the 50 mile radius still applies?
Nov 6, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Nov 6, 2013
Dakota'sMom
Britt<3Corpsman_Wife Thank you!!! Maybe for special occasions. =] Like his girlfriends graduation.
Nov 6, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Just want to reiterate that Hospital Corps A school is an intense experience requiring much study, as they learning a huge amount of information in a compressed period of time. It's also a time when they are sharing a unique experience, and becoming friends with other future corpsmen whose paths they will cross in the coming years. Those memories will include the food (mixed reviews!), sharing taxis, hanging out together, and generally getting adjusted to military life :)
Nov 6, 2013
taysproudmom (HM class 220A)
I am actually having a bit of an issue with my son moving forward to next orders. The staff at SA for outprocessing are not helping at all. My son is graduating Nov 26 and does not start next station until Dec 12-- and he is going to do RAP duty starting Dec 2. We are driving down for graduation in his car and intended on bringing him back with us-- so he can sign in at RAP at the proper time. Now the outprocessors are trying to say he cannot drive home-- must fly? Has talked to his next duty station counselor and they are saying he should have no problem driving home, doing RAP, then reporting on Dec 12 at new station-- and to provide fuel receipts for reimbursement. Who has jurisdiction at this point? It will be cheaper for him to ride home with us, so I am having a hard time understanding why they would force him to fly? Any suggestions?
Nov 6, 2013
Lolachazzy
Thank you Whit's Mom!
1windhaven-Maria ( 9/132 - HM), Maybe you misunderstood my question. I wasn't looking for it to be paid. I was looking for travel assistance on base (guidance). :)
Nov 6, 2013
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
I dropped several sailors off at the airport who went home for the holidays. Your sailor will just need to ask around and see what their options are.
Nov 6, 2013
Bobbo
Just to back up what Marcy is saying (although she doesn't really need it) about the friendships. My son's group got incredibly close. They work hard, they play hard, and see each other through hardships. Remember it is usually their real first time as adults away from everything they 'know' and are all looking for relationships. These friendships become very deep and form their brotherhood. Many times they move on to the next class whether it's the green side or the blue.
And, yes, it is a lot of studying. But the last approximately 3 weeks are clinicals where they have free time when not 'on duty'. No night time studying anymore. So they have time to go do things together.
Nov 6, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
UPDATE! I spoke with my contact at METC -
CLASS 250 GRADUATION DATE IS JANUARY 27, 2014.
It was left off due to an system-driven situation with class numbering.
Nov 6, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Lolachazzy - I certainly can understand your frustration at trying to make sense of the fly-vs.-drive situation; I too would be looking forward to visiting during the drive home.
The answer I was given is that the Navy has to maintain "chain of custody," so to speak, to ensure that our Sailors get where they are supposed to be, and the same transportation rules apply to all.
So…another chance to accept orders and "the needs of the Navy," and be glad for the opportunity for a great visit once he gets home before he reports to his first duty station - exciting!
Nov 6, 2013