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!
Thanks everyone for warm welcome. Hi cupcake girl! I need to get momma shell on this site as we'll. also changing my handle to just Froggy. I made my sons phone his own hotspot. That worked out beautifully. We are planning to visit over Easter weekend. Can anyone recommend good restaurants for Easter dinner? I will have rental car and can drive anyplace. Glad to be here!
Hi Froggy! I don't know about Easter dinner, but there are a TON of restaurants on the riverwalk. Pretty sure you could find a nice place there. Also, if you like Mexican (prob not for easter dinner!!) there is a must go restaurant at market square called Mia Tierra's. good food, fabulous atmosphere!!! Have fun!!!
Mia Tierra's is excellent. We had our son pickup tamales to bring home a few times. There is a great Italian restaurant on the river walk. Sorry can remember the name, but is is one of the few or only Italian. Restaurant and always busy. Good luck to your Sr in a school. Tell him or her to study
Thanks so much Emily and 1windhaven Maria. We'll be sure to check out the river walk. Love good Mexican and Italian. Sounds like a great way to spend the weekend.
We went to the Alamo, the Riverwalk, Sea World, a movie at the River Center. There are lots of wonderful places to eat. My son's favorite Mexican place was right on the Riverwalk. I just let him plan the weekend and it was all good! Of course I was there 30 June - 3 July so it was HOT AND HUMID.
cupcake girl, that's a question that really depends on your corpsman-to-be. A School is an intense eight weeks crammed with an incredible amount of learning and study, and doing well determines where one will place in getting their 'wish list' choice of C school or duty station.
Many struggle with the sheer amount of knowledge to master and really need to focus without distraction on their own and in study groups. Not everyone makes it.
A lot of people wait to visit till graduation…and you have to be prepared for the uncertainty of knowing if your corpsman will have time to visit before shipping off to the first duty station (and a visit to that duty station can be a lot less stressful).
It's wise to take everyone's recommendations and weigh them against your own sailor's situation and what he/she thinks is best. Ultimately, succeeding at A School is the #1 consideration :)
Fredricksburg is AWESOME! They have the National Museum of the Pacific War & Admiral Nimitz Museum. Both exhibits were great and took us a few hours to walk around and look at everything. We then walked up and down the main strip and ate lunch and went in several of the shops. There was a place with huge cookies that were SO good.
The Natural Bridge Caverns just North of the city off 35 were pretty awesome too! I think active duty service members are free and my ticket was discounted from the base ticket office.
Schlitterbahn water park is really neat too. As is tubing down the Guadalupe river. And visiting tue historic town of Gruene, TX. Oldest dance hall in Texas and you can eat at Gristmill Restaurant over looking the water.
As for visiting, I would talk to your sailor and see how they feel about a visit. My husband had a medical background. So A school was fairly easy for him. I visited for 10 days about 4 weeks after he got to SA, 4 days a few weeks later and I moved there when he had about 3 weeks left of A school (since he was staying for C school).
Every sailor is different though. I would suggest trying to find a time when they have a long holiday weekend and will have a few extra days off. Like Easter, Memorial Day weekend, 4th of July, etc.
As for weather. It is generally pretty mild weather there. It can get cold or very hot. Its Texas.. as they say "if you don't like the weather, check back in 5 minutes". You can experience all 4 seasons in Texas in one day :)
Ha! So it's kind of like Michigan then! We have a saying here that if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes! :) I've been to Texas in June twice. It was HOT! lol But, thanks for the advice, ladies! I will wait for a little while to hear how my son is doing & if he thinks he can stand a visit from his parents. They made him LPO & I think with that and his studies he may have a really full plate for a while..
Britt. Your comment about the weather herein Tx is spot on. On the last week we have gone from hi 70s to 11 with freezing rain. Hope you are enjoying living here .
Regarding the message sent from "Mom ship2 div924" about joining - this group is for everyone whose sailor is headed to or currently is at A School in San Antonio, to learn and make friends - and a big part is also our "alumni" who share with newbies what they've learned :) Welcome!
Just want you all to know this group is great. I am learning a lot just reading the different comments. Looks like I will be getting flash cards, and what ever else I can find to help with his training. He has some medical experience, many clinical hours in the Emergency Department. He has probably seen more and done more than many who are starting out. That is why he picked Corpsman.
I think it's at 1:00. Are you going? My son graduates that day also, and sadly I will not be going:(. We live in NY and were in SA about 4 weekends ago for a visit.
We are actually here. We came on Friday night.My son does not know the time of graduation for sure! We are planing on leaving right after graduation, and the later it is, the worst for us. We traveled 20 hours to be here, and we have to be back home by Tuesday night. I found once a PDF file with the schedules for graduation on Navy for Moms, and I cannot find it again, for the life of me!
I thought I had seen 8 or 9 in the morning. Josh thinks it is around 10-11:00 because that is usually when they would see graduates exiting the building.i wish I knew for sure!
The graduation schedule with class numbers, dates and time (usually 1400) is on the BMTCP Facebook page, the link is above in the group general information, look for Graduation Schedule and Updates.
Hi just thought i share our graduation time , he gradusted monday, it was great to see him and his classmates.We flew in om friday. He had leave from friday pm to sunday 8 pm so we spent the weekend
Together. We stayed near the river walk but rented a car for a few dats the cab gets expensive if you want to leave done town . We were able to drive on base no problem. After graduation he had liberty from about 5pm on to 11. He is a reserveist going to fmbt in camp pendleton eas told they would leave on the 11 but now is on hold until ?? Will stay at fort sam until he goes
My son graduated from basic last Friday and is currently in San Antonio waiting for his class to begin. He stated 1-2 weeks in the mean time he has a lot of free time what do they do during this down time?
My daughter graduated c school on Feb. 21. She was on the Deans list. She has soft orders to elsewhere but currently is still in San Antonio. A relative who is higher up in the Navy told us to tell her that because of Obamas budget cuts, the Navy has eliminated 600 openings for Corpsman. Recruiter are not allowed to recruit any civilian wanting to go into the Navy to be a Corpsman. He said the cuts don't only affect Corpsman though, he said there are cuts all across the board for every career choice. He also said that while in A and C school, they need to study hard and try to be the best of the best because when they graduate, there has been limited number of job openings and now there will be even less than before so the Navy will only be keeping the best.
There is the option for them to take civilian college courses online and some of their Corpsman classes will transfer for college credit. This is a good idea for all of them to take advantage of so they can get a college degree so they can find civilian jobs should the cuts affect them. My daughter looked into this and she will be allowed to enroll in these when she gets to her first duty station.
So keep encouraging your loved one to study hard and do well. If they need help, encourage them to ask questions of their instructors and classmates.
They want wash other to succeed.
That is great advice!! Thanks for sharing. My son has said basically the same thing, but he was told that the reason for the cut in corpsman is because troops are coming home, and not as many will be getting deployed. Since the main job of a corpsman is to be attached to a marine unit as a combat medic, they have recruited more than they need. More of a supply and demand problem, and less of "Obama's budget cuts".
Hi, I thought only the Corpsmen who went FMF were attached to Marine units? From What I understood, there are many jobs Corpsmen do? Also my son said classes will be starting on Wednesday for those who arrived last week.
I have a question and sorry it's attaché to this thread can't seem to post it by itself. My nephew is being taken off life support today and sadly does not have much longer to live. Do they allow the sailors to come home for a cousin? I don't want to disrupt his schooling as he graduates on 3/27. I'm just torn about what to do. We have told him as little as possible but he knows its bad any help would be appreciated
Yes, there are many jobs other than FMF, but my son said that particular job is why there currently are more corpsman than jobs currently. I believe he got his info from his nmti. ...and carafid, I am so sorry to hear about your nephew. Love and prayers.
Hi Cupcakegirl14! My daughter will start classes too on Wednesday for hospital corpsman but after that, she has to continue dental assistant training. Anybody in the same path? Would this job be affected by the budget cut?
What was your daughters soft orders? My son is currently in the SOC-P program for Search & rescue and is due to graduate A school on March 27th he has soft orders to return to Great Lakes, not sure for what though. He is also currently on the Dean's list and only has one test left to go and clinicals! ACK...fingers crossed.
After a decade of war, coupled with ever-changing technology, the Army is downsizing by about 100,000. As far as the Navy, its fleet of ships is what is being affected most by the budget and sequestration. The Navy is reconfiguring its fleet, limiting orders for some ships, decommissioning and refitting others.
The Navy graduates approximately 5,000 corpsmen from A School each year. In 2013, there were over 25,000 active-duty corpsmen. Of those, 6,500 were Fleet Marine Force. The rest were serving sea duty on ships and submarines, and shore duty at hospitals, clinics and schools. There is a list of no fewer than 38 HM NECs in the links above. Please take time to use the links above, there is much important information provided there.
If it makes you feel better, an old but true saying is that a ship can sail without its captain, but not without its corpsman :)
Froggy
Mar 5, 2014
EmilyD
Mar 5, 2014
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Mar 5, 2014
Froggy
Mar 5, 2014
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Mar 5, 2014
Froggy
Mar 5, 2014
DramaSoul
We went to the Alamo, the Riverwalk, Sea World, a movie at the River Center. There are lots of wonderful places to eat. My son's favorite Mexican place was right on the Riverwalk. I just let him plan the weekend and it was all good! Of course I was there 30 June - 3 July so it was HOT AND HUMID.
Mar 5, 2014
Karin417-14/DIV104
Mar 5, 2014
Karin417-14/DIV104
Mar 5, 2014
cupcakegirl14
When is a good time to visit your Sailor, school wise & season wise?
Mar 5, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
cupcake girl, that's a question that really depends on your corpsman-to-be. A School is an intense eight weeks crammed with an incredible amount of learning and study, and doing well determines where one will place in getting their 'wish list' choice of C school or duty station.
Many struggle with the sheer amount of knowledge to master and really need to focus without distraction on their own and in study groups. Not everyone makes it.
A lot of people wait to visit till graduation…and you have to be prepared for the uncertainty of knowing if your corpsman will have time to visit before shipping off to the first duty station (and a visit to that duty station can be a lot less stressful).
It's wise to take everyone's recommendations and weigh them against your own sailor's situation and what he/she thinks is best. Ultimately, succeeding at A School is the #1 consideration :)
Mar 5, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
I forgot to add…that's just my opinion!!
Mar 5, 2014
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
The Natural Bridge Caverns just North of the city off 35 were pretty awesome too! I think active duty service members are free and my ticket was discounted from the base ticket office.
Schlitterbahn water park is really neat too. As is tubing down the Guadalupe river. And visiting tue historic town of Gruene, TX. Oldest dance hall in Texas and you can eat at Gristmill Restaurant over looking the water.
Man, I miss Texas!
Mar 5, 2014
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Every sailor is different though. I would suggest trying to find a time when they have a long holiday weekend and will have a few extra days off. Like Easter, Memorial Day weekend, 4th of July, etc.
As for weather. It is generally pretty mild weather there. It can get cold or very hot. Its Texas.. as they say "if you don't like the weather, check back in 5 minutes". You can experience all 4 seasons in Texas in one day :)
Mar 5, 2014
cupcakegirl14
Ha! So it's kind of like Michigan then! We have a saying here that if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes! :) I've been to Texas in June twice. It was HOT! lol But, thanks for the advice, ladies! I will wait for a little while to hear how my son is doing & if he thinks he can stand a visit from his parents. They made him LPO & I think with that and his studies he may have a really full plate for a while..
Mar 6, 2014
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Mar 6, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Regarding the message sent from "Mom ship2 div924" about joining - this group is for everyone whose sailor is headed to or currently is at A School in San Antonio, to learn and make friends - and a big part is also our "alumni" who share with newbies what they've learned :) Welcome!
Mar 7, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Welcome Tyler's Gram and MomShip2div924!
A good group if you're planning to attend Pass-in-Review (boot camp graduation) is this one - PIR Reference Information.
Mar 7, 2014
Loralee
Just want you all to know this group is great. I am learning a lot just reading the different comments. Looks like I will be getting flash cards, and what ever else I can find to help with his training. He has some medical experience, many clinical hours in the Emergency Department. He has probably seen more and done more than many who are starting out. That is why he picked Corpsman.
Mar 8, 2014
Magali
I would appreciate any info you could give me.
Mar 8, 2014
EmilyD
Mar 8, 2014
Magali
Mar 8, 2014
Magali
Mar 8, 2014
EmilyD
Mar 8, 2014
EmilyD
Mar 8, 2014
Magali
Mar 8, 2014
HollySue
Mar 9, 2014
LisaRSB
Mar 9, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
WELCOME LisaRSB!
The graduation schedule with class numbers, dates and time (usually 1400) is on the BMTCP Facebook page, the link is above in the group general information, look for Graduation Schedule and Updates.
Mar 9, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
Hi everyone... my husband is in the Navy and will be attending A school in San Antonio, TX. His graduation is end of April and I am so excited.
Mar 10, 2014
beachwalker
My son graduates the end of April and just got orders for C school in orthopetics. Very happy for him!
Mar 10, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
LisaRSB my husband graduates basic that day too and then heads to school in San Antonio as well :)
Maybe they'll go to school together :)
Mar 10, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Congrats Beachwalker! As our birthdays add up, an orthopedic tech in the family would be pretty handy to have :)
Mar 11, 2014
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Please take a moment and look at the links above. There is a lot of good info in those links. As well as the members on this page.
Mar 11, 2014
Pjpckmcov
Together. We stayed near the river walk but rented a car for a few dats the cab gets expensive if you want to leave done town . We were able to drive on base no problem. After graduation he had liberty from about 5pm on to 11. He is a reserveist going to fmbt in camp pendleton eas told they would leave on the 11 but now is on hold until ?? Will stay at fort sam until he goes
Mar 11, 2014
NHBBALL MOM
My son graduated from basic last Friday and is currently in San Antonio waiting for his class to begin. He stated 1-2 weeks in the mean time he has a lot of free time what do they do during this down time?
Mar 11, 2014
Momof2NavyFemales
There is the option for them to take civilian college courses online and some of their Corpsman classes will transfer for college credit. This is a good idea for all of them to take advantage of so they can get a college degree so they can find civilian jobs should the cuts affect them. My daughter looked into this and she will be allowed to enroll in these when she gets to her first duty station.
So keep encouraging your loved one to study hard and do well. If they need help, encourage them to ask questions of their instructors and classmates.
They want wash other to succeed.
Mar 11, 2014
EmilyD
Mar 11, 2014
cupcakegirl14
Hi, I thought only the Corpsmen who went FMF were attached to Marine units? From What I understood, there are many jobs Corpsmen do? Also my son said classes will be starting on Wednesday for those who arrived last week.
Mar 11, 2014
cupcakegirl14
Jeters mom: My son said they go to briefings and stand watches until classes begin.
Mar 11, 2014
NHBBALL MOM
thanks cupcakegirl14
Mar 11, 2014
carafid1
Mar 11, 2014
EmilyD
Mar 11, 2014
Filnavymom
Hi Cupcakegirl14! My daughter will start classes too on Wednesday for hospital corpsman but after that, she has to continue dental assistant training. Anybody in the same path? Would this job be affected by the budget cut?
Her contract is for HMDA.
Mar 11, 2014
Kat72
IowaGirlsMom,
What was your daughters soft orders? My son is currently in the SOC-P program for Search & rescue and is due to graduate A school on March 27th he has soft orders to return to Great Lakes, not sure for what though. He is also currently on the Dean's list and only has one test left to go and clinicals! ACK...fingers crossed.
Mar 11, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
After a decade of war, coupled with ever-changing technology, the Army is downsizing by about 100,000. As far as the Navy, its fleet of ships is what is being affected most by the budget and sequestration. The Navy is reconfiguring its fleet, limiting orders for some ships, decommissioning and refitting others.
The Navy graduates approximately 5,000 corpsmen from A School each year. In 2013, there were over 25,000 active-duty corpsmen. Of those, 6,500 were Fleet Marine Force. The rest were serving sea duty on ships and submarines, and shore duty at hospitals, clinics and schools. There is a list of no fewer than 38 HM NECs in the links above. Please take time to use the links above, there is much important information provided there.
If it makes you feel better, an old but true saying is that a ship can sail without its captain, but not without its corpsman :)
Mar 11, 2014
DramaSoul
Mar 11, 2014
DramaSoul
Mar 11, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Hugs back, DramaSoul! How is your corpsman doing, and how are you? When does he PCS?
Mar 11, 2014
Emptynester
Mar 11, 2014