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!
I hate to say it, but the same can hold true for their first duty station, also. My son was fine at bc and Aschool other than the expected homesickness which he was prepared for. He's been at his duty station for two weeks, and for him, this has been his biggest adjustment so far. He's having a rough time.
Emptynester: Sounds EXACTLY like my son. Same situation. Was lost with having no one to tell him what to do. Had a roommate who was two weeks to his finish. He has watch duty and cleans also. Aced first couple of tests, but has to study hard now because the tests are on a lot of chapters at once. We text a lot and I make sure to get him on the phone once a week just to hear his voice. So far so good, but he's only been in A school since March 1.
Hi there! My son graduated BC this past weekend, and, after his original flight was cancelled, finally made it to San Antonio Monday night. Excited to check out the info above and start the next step in this great big adventure!
Marcy...that's what my son did when his gf came to SA for a long weekend visit. He had no problem renting a car! Of course that was July 2012.
I think my son has been lucky. He has two buddies who were in his division and they have been through all of their training together as well as their first duty station. They now have the same orders for their next duty station...with Marines in Okinawa. Nice to have the Three Musketeers together. They have a great work ethic together as well as workout ethic. I have noticed some big changes in my son with his focus and maturity. Pretty awesome!
We always stayed at the Country Inn and Suites on Broadway for our son's first few weeks of school last year. They offered free breakfast, have an indoor heated pool, and a large lobby with fireplace, books, board games and cookies. We have a young daughter who wanted to spend quiet, quality time with her big brother, so this worked well for us. When his gf came with us once, we even got the 2 bedroom suite that was beautiful, private and very reasonably priced.
We visited our son in San Antonio on the weekends, and then when he didn't have watch, he came home for the weekends. It didn't affect his studies, but it depends on each student. The week before the Killer Test he decided to stay on base and study...which was an excellent decision. That was a tough one! :)
We will be staying at the Hampton Inn Riverwalk next week for graduation on 4/3. It's 4 blocks from Riverwalk and even closer to Alamo, etc... very affordable and includes breakfast and wi-fi.
My daughter just called as she and her classmates have received their orders for after A school. She will be going to C school for radiation health technician. On this site it shows the school in Groton, Ct. But I also found info about a school for this in Pensacola, Fl. Does anyone know if there is a C school in Pensacola for this too? She has not been given her written orders yet.
I will let my daughter know you said she will like it there. She was a little disappointed when she first heard her next assignment and the location. Radiation health was not on her "wish list"; however, "C" school was and she got one. Groton was not on the list either! However, as the disappointment of not getting the "C" school she wanted is fading, she is starting to sound a little more interested in it. I think she is also anxious about it because none of her "new friends" will be going there with her.
I think your son and my daughter know each other . . . She said they usually have roving watch together.
Quick questions, my husband will be in A school for a month when Memorial Day weekend occurs and also for 4th of July. How do holidays work? I'm wondering if I would be able to hang out with him those two weekends and since 4th of July is on a Friday I HAVE to know ahead of time cause flights are already expensive.
I have a question I hope someone can answer. My daughter is currently in C school in San Antonio, and she tells me her pay is all messed up, but other than fill out forms and work through her instructors, she can't do anything about it. Can someone tell me how much she should be getting as an E3 in C school with any allowances such as for food? She's in barracks, but said beginning with C school she gets some kind of food allowance. Thanks in advance for any information!
Lizzie- he should get a 3 day weekend for both holidays. However, he might have duty one of those days. When my husband was in A school he had duty every 10 days. And he checked in for duty in the morning and they gave him his assignment for the day. It was usually a 2 hour shift doing something in the barracks. I would say its worth it to take your chances and book your flights now. If you book thru southwest airlines you can always change your flights if you need to. They are really good about helping people out. Especially if you tell them its because of the military. I love SWA!
Morning glory- the base pay for an E3 is 1787.40 (at least thats what my app says) BAS (food allowance) is around $350. The best thing she can do is keep asking about it. It took us being in Virginia for 4 months before my husbands BAS back pay finally caught up to him. He even put in claims for it here in VA. This is a downside to Ft. Sam. The people doing admin work are corpsman. So many of them are not trained properly in the admin areas of the navy. The pay will eventually catch up to her. Tell her to be patient and keep on them about it.
And when she does get the back pay, it will most likely be in 2 or 3 installments on her pay checks. I think they owed my husband a few thousand and we got it over 2 paychecks.
Britt you are just so smart check you out! Okay any hotels you recommend staying at? Should i rent a car? They are expensive for those weekends so I'll book them right away
I would definitely rent a car. I think thrifty was the cheapest I could find when I visited. But I was over 25, so I didnt have to pay the age fee. You might want to see if flights are cheaper in and out if Austin. Its about a 45 minute drive, but sometimes the flights are a lot cheaper.
As for hotels. I stay wherever is the cheapest so they aren't really nice hotels. I stayed at a red roof inn near the 10 freeway that was decent. And an americas best value in on austin hwy once. That was decent as well. But we didn't spend a lot of time in the room. We went out and saw ALL the sights. Lol and while he was in class during the week I went and explored on my own. When we drove thru SA in december we stayed at la quinta inn in the market square area. It was $100/night. But it was pretty nice, updated, they allowed dogs, and we had our 6 month old with us. So we wanted to stay somewhere decent.
Britt, thank you for the info! She's been really frustrated and with me being in the civilian world working in HR, I just couldn't imagine it getting so messed up! I'll tell her to be patient.
However, I haven't seen her LES, but her direct deposits are only around $600 each. That seems like a lot of deductions for $1800 a month, not even including $350 BAS.
Cprmom I'm sure there's a David's bridal down there and I got my BEAUTIFUL wedding dress for $400, alteration cost like almost 200 I think not sure. It was on clearance so it was last one of its kind and needed two alterations cause I dropped weight before the wedding.
Cprmom....there are actually two David's Bridal stores here in San Diego. One located in Mission Valley (centrally located to everything) and one in La Mesa. My daughter bought her wedding gown there and it was beautiful and yet reasonably priced. There are some other specialty stores in Fashion Valley Mall also with some high end department stores. How fun! Good luck.
At Cprmom, I am a bridal consultant at a specialty store in Louisiana. I realize that is not close to where you are planning a wedding. But if I can help with any questions on your daughters gown please feel free to ask.
I think the BAS is a little less than $350 a month, but remember that although they are given a food allowance, while they are in school they get it taken back out to pay for their meals while there. So they won't actually get to keep that money until they get to their permanent duty station. My son is an E3 and his pay was around $600 per check in A School. They really need to look at their LES every month because the Navy makes mistakes all the time. My son didn't have his meal money come out until the end of school and then it was almost all at once. His pay is just now getting to be normal and he has been in over a year.
HollySue . . .of course every kid is different; however, my daughter will graduate from A school soon and has done pretty well on all the test. She has listened in class, studied and attended study sessions when needed. (Or at least she has lead me to believe this is so!)
Based on this, I would think that if your son pays attention in class, studies and attends at least some of the many study sessions . . .he should do fine. The flash cards won't help if they are not used . . .and if he is actively participating in class and studying, he won't need flash cards. Save your money.
I send a text message to my daughter just about every morning. Sometimes I remind her how important it is to do her best and her GPA matters. Many mornings it is just a Good Morning, have a good day in class!" I also try to follow up in the evening with an "Are you studying tonight?, Did you learn anything new today?" or something similar just to help keep her focused and to know that I care. I try to always keep it positive and encouraging... And I make sure she knows I believe she can do well.
Your encouragement, positive support and constant interest in his classes may be the best flash cards available!
I guess I'm still a little confused about the pay and BAS. My daughter said while she was in A school they did not give them food allowance as they were allowed to eat at the cafeteria (or whatever it's called!) at no charge. Then when she started C school, she said they were no longer able to eat at no charge, so they were given the food allowance to compensate.
To complicate things further, she said initially when she got to A school she was being overpaid, so now they are taking it back a little each pay period.
They do not get BAS while in A school. It does show up on their LES and then they deduct it. While in C school they will receive BAS, however it can take a while to get switched over. They will get back pay as long as they keep on top of it and ask about it.
If they are ever over paid at some point the Navy will take that money back. With or without notice.
son graduating PIR 4-4-14. will be heading there for Corpsman school. Class doesnt start until a week after he graduates from Great Lakes. What happens the week in between? will he stay in GL or will he fly to SA after graduation?
He will fly out sometime the day after. My son flew out at 1845 the next day (6:45 pm) but he was dropped off at O'Hare at 0630. They can't leave the terminal. We spent the whole day there...I can tell you all about Terminal 3! It was great to visit with him. I was able to give him his cell phone and a few small things. They have a lot to carry with their seabag, backpack and clothing bag. I did send him his laptop as soon as I got his address. If he had had room, I could've given him his laptop but there was just no way! They have lots to do once they get there and get settled...especially if he has only a week. My son was there 4 weeks before he classed up. They still have inspections (room and uniform), PT (although not as intense as boot camp). They go through 3 phases which dictate when they can go off base and for how long and whether or not they have to be in uniform or can wear civilian clothes.
Hospital Corps School classes are numbered (i.e., 010), and your sailor will be able provide you with the class number once they start school.
Also, please note that if you share your last name with your sailor, Navyformoms.com guidelines request that you not use your last name as part of your member screen name, for Operational Security (OPSEC) and the safety of our sailors. Thanks!
My husband is planning to visit my son on Monday at Ft. Sam Houston. How difficult is it to get on the base? I read on line you can visit for the day. But then I read where they need 10 days advance notice of a visit. Not sure. Can anyone help? Thanks
Froggy: We have visited Fort Sam a few times this year to see our son who is now in C School. There is no need for advance notice for your husband to go on/off base . If your son is still in A School - his privileges will be determined by what Phase he is in. If he is in C School - there are no restriction and he is free to leave unless he has duty. Besides the Riverwalk, Garner State Park is a nice drive and has some wonderful trails if they want some outside hiking activity. There is also public golf courses near the base, and movie theaters. My husband just spent a 4 day weekend with my son and offered him ideas and had my son choose the plan for the day.
Hello Ladies! Is there anyone here who's son or daughter went to C-School in Yorktown, VA for the Optometry program? My son just got his "soft" orders this week and will be going there after graduation from San Antonio A School in May.
Hi, I was talking to my son yesterday and he told me he had talked to someone who had just received their orders. The person told him that those who were at the top of their class were going to C school and not going FMF. The person told him that they were taking those who GPA's were in the 80%. He wants to go FMF and is at the top of his class in GPA. I am concerned about this information. Does anyone know how to verify this?
Anyone know how or if the path is different if your son is in the SARC pipeline? My son is about 5 or 6 weeks into the corpman program, but am unsure if there is anything different regarding his pipeline. (ie graduation, East v West, when do they find out their next station, etc) I am new to all this and don't always understand all of the acronyms.
FMTB = Field Medical Training Battalion. Look up either FMTB East (Camp Lejeune) or FMTB West (Camp Pendleton). It will give you all you need to know about the training. FMF = Fleet Marine Force. It is those Navy Corpsman who have been trained to be assigned to Marines. Got a good laugh when my son told me he was joining the Navy to be in the Marines. :-)
Anyone know anything about the base in Rhode Island? My daughter said they "announced" her orders in class; but she has not received anything in writing yet. She said she was told today that the base is small and may not have housing.
My son got his orders today and will be going to FMBT AND will be going to Okinawa Japan. He is so excited!!! Not sure how I'm going to handle my baby on the other side of the world :(
EmilyD
Mar 26, 2014
Froggy
Emptynester: Sounds EXACTLY like my son. Same situation. Was lost with having no one to tell him what to do. Had a roommate who was two weeks to his finish. He has watch duty and cleans also. Aced first couple of tests, but has to study hard now because the tests are on a lot of chapters at once. We text a lot and I make sure to get him on the phone once a week just to hear his voice. So far so good, but he's only been in A school since March 1.
Mar 26, 2014
doubleAA'smom
Hi there! My son graduated BC this past weekend, and, after his original flight was cancelled, finally made it to San Antonio Monday night. Excited to check out the info above and start the next step in this great big adventure!
Mar 26, 2014
DramaSoul
Marcy...that's what my son did when his gf came to SA for a long weekend visit. He had no problem renting a car! Of course that was July 2012.
I think my son has been lucky. He has two buddies who were in his division and they have been through all of their training together as well as their first duty station. They now have the same orders for their next duty station...with Marines in Okinawa. Nice to have the Three Musketeers together. They have a great work ethic together as well as workout ethic. I have noticed some big changes in my son with his focus and maturity. Pretty awesome!
Mar 26, 2014
Karin417-14/DIV104
If we come for a weekend are some preferred hotels close to base y'all recommend?
Mar 26, 2014
Karin417-14/DIV104
Mar 26, 2014
Trish from Texas
Mar 26, 2014
Trish from Texas
Mar 26, 2014
DramaSoul
Mom2Bryan...I am thinking the EMT tests were the hardest and often referred to as Killer Tests!
Mar 26, 2014
tiffytbe
We will be staying at the Hampton Inn Riverwalk next week for graduation on 4/3. It's 4 blocks from Riverwalk and even closer to Alamo, etc... very affordable and includes breakfast and wi-fi.
Mar 26, 2014
Trish from Texas
Mar 26, 2014
Karin417-14/DIV104
Mar 26, 2014
Thinton88
Mar 26, 2014
PoodleLady
Mar 27, 2014
PoodleLady
My daughter is in 075.
She called me back later this afternoon and she is definitely going to Groton,CT for 8 weeks of C school.
Did your son find out what is next for him?
Mar 28, 2014
PoodleLady
I will let my daughter know you said she will like it there. She was a little disappointed when she first heard her next assignment and the location. Radiation health was not on her "wish list"; however, "C" school was and she got one. Groton was not on the list either! However, as the disappointment of not getting the "C" school she wanted is fading, she is starting to sound a little more interested in it. I think she is also anxious about it because none of her "new friends" will be going there with her.
I think your son and my daughter know each other . . . She said they usually have roving watch together.
Mar 28, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
Good morning everyone,
Quick questions, my husband will be in A school for a month when Memorial Day weekend occurs and also for 4th of July. How do holidays work? I'm wondering if I would be able to hang out with him those two weekends and since 4th of July is on a Friday I HAVE to know ahead of time cause flights are already expensive.
Thanks so much for whoever answers this :)
Mar 28, 2014
MorningGlory
Mar 28, 2014
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Mar 28, 2014
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Mar 28, 2014
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Mar 28, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
Britt you are just so smart check you out! Okay any hotels you recommend staying at? Should i rent a car? They are expensive for those weekends so I'll book them right away
Mar 28, 2014
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
As for hotels. I stay wherever is the cheapest so they aren't really nice hotels. I stayed at a red roof inn near the 10 freeway that was decent. And an americas best value in on austin hwy once. That was decent as well. But we didn't spend a lot of time in the room. We went out and saw ALL the sights. Lol and while he was in class during the week I went and explored on my own. When we drove thru SA in december we stayed at la quinta inn in the market square area. It was $100/night. But it was pretty nice, updated, they allowed dogs, and we had our 6 month old with us. So we wanted to stay somewhere decent.
Mar 28, 2014
MorningGlory
Mar 28, 2014
MorningGlory
Mar 28, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
Mar 28, 2014
PeaCoatMama
Cprmom....there are actually two David's Bridal stores here in San Diego. One located in Mission Valley (centrally located to everything) and one in La Mesa. My daughter bought her wedding gown there and it was beautiful and yet reasonably priced. There are some other specialty stores in Fashion Valley Mall also with some high end department stores. How fun! Good luck.
Mar 28, 2014
RedneckHippie
At Cprmom, I am a bridal consultant at a specialty store in Louisiana. I realize that is not close to where you are planning a wedding. But if I can help with any questions on your daughters gown please feel free to ask.
Mar 29, 2014
HollySue
My Son has PIR 04/04/14 and then will head to SA. Any advice on which flash cards to purchase? There are many to select from.
Mar 29, 2014
louielou
I think the BAS is a little less than $350 a month, but remember that although they are given a food allowance, while they are in school they get it taken back out to pay for their meals while there. So they won't actually get to keep that money until they get to their permanent duty station. My son is an E3 and his pay was around $600 per check in A School. They really need to look at their LES every month because the Navy makes mistakes all the time. My son didn't have his meal money come out until the end of school and then it was almost all at once. His pay is just now getting to be normal and he has been in over a year.
Mar 29, 2014
PoodleLady
Based on this, I would think that if your son pays attention in class, studies and attends at least some of the many study sessions . . .he should do fine. The flash cards won't help if they are not used . . .and if he is actively participating in class and studying, he won't need flash cards. Save your money.
I send a text message to my daughter just about every morning. Sometimes I remind her how important it is to do her best and her GPA matters. Many mornings it is just a Good Morning, have a good day in class!" I also try to follow up in the evening with an "Are you studying tonight?, Did you learn anything new today?" or something similar just to help keep her focused and to know that I care. I try to always keep it positive and encouraging... And I make sure she knows I believe she can do well.
Your encouragement, positive support and constant interest in his classes may be the best flash cards available!
Mar 29, 2014
MorningGlory
To complicate things further, she said initially when she got to A school she was being overpaid, so now they are taking it back a little each pay period.
Mar 30, 2014
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
If they are ever over paid at some point the Navy will take that money back. With or without notice.
Mar 30, 2014
shell005m
son graduating PIR 4-4-14. will be heading there for Corpsman school. Class doesnt start until a week after he graduates from Great Lakes. What happens the week in between? will he stay in GL or will he fly to SA after graduation?
Mar 30, 2014
DramaSoul
He will fly out sometime the day after. My son flew out at 1845 the next day (6:45 pm) but he was dropped off at O'Hare at 0630. They can't leave the terminal. We spent the whole day there...I can tell you all about Terminal 3! It was great to visit with him. I was able to give him his cell phone and a few small things. They have a lot to carry with their seabag, backpack and clothing bag. I did send him his laptop as soon as I got his address. If he had had room, I could've given him his laptop but there was just no way! They have lots to do once they get there and get settled...especially if he has only a week. My son was there 4 weeks before he classed up. They still have inspections (room and uniform), PT (although not as intense as boot camp). They go through 3 phases which dictate when they can go off base and for how long and whether or not they have to be in uniform or can wear civilian clothes.
Mar 30, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Just stopping in for a sec to say WOW - today we reached 800 members! Welcome since February 2014 -
JD’s Mom, kfallsfan, redneckHippie, NewNavywife, Mom4, Dee69, teresa g, doubleAA’smom, ConnerG’s mom, Rox 0502, Teetsmom, Cheyenne Ship13Div173, Teresa, v&e, Seth’smom, TNMmom, PeaCoatMama, Mom1314, guy, Paula, LisaRSB, Magali, Tyler’s Gram, Mom ship2 div924, navygf2014, Courtney, SammyJ101, Tammy (SonnyBoy’s Mom), Stacy C., cupcakegirl14, Bev63, Annychiquita, ProudCorpsmanMomShip14 Div 155, Jaimers, Filnavymom, Mikey’sWife, Michelle, jcbmom, DSSShip3Div137, GoBlue, IIcharle75, AmiesMom, AZAinge, movinahead, wesmom, HollySue Ship14Div126, WestCoast7, proudnavymom2013, bubbajoesmom, gabriela, 670dsdlc, kkgonline, csandjmom(Ship02DIV921), gmarriage, camillez, Leach73 S14D145, Jeter’s Mom, Earp13, Suzi, mannysmom, MOMom44, Jennifer, Ryans_Mom Ship11Dive089, BryansMom, Deborah Thomas, and jad0407 today makes 800 fabulous moms and loved ones of soon-to-be NAVY HOSPITAL CORPSMEN! ok, back to y'all! ;)
Apr 1, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Teresa, this page provides Hospital Corps School graduation photos, schedules and updates: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Basic-Medical-Technician-Corpsman-Pr...
Hospital Corps School classes are numbered (i.e., 010), and your sailor will be able provide you with the class number once they start school.
Also, please note that if you share your last name with your sailor, Navyformoms.com guidelines request that you not use your last name as part of your member screen name, for Operational Security (OPSEC) and the safety of our sailors. Thanks!
Apr 2, 2014
Froggy
My husband is planning to visit my son on Monday at Ft. Sam Houston. How difficult is it to get on the base? I read on line you can visit for the day. But then I read where they need 10 days advance notice of a visit. Not sure. Can anyone help? Thanks
Apr 2, 2014
1sail
Froggy: We have visited Fort Sam a few times this year to see our son who is now in C School. There is no need for advance notice for your husband to go on/off base . If your son is still in A School - his privileges will be determined by what Phase he is in. If he is in C School - there are no restriction and he is free to leave unless he has duty. Besides the Riverwalk, Garner State Park is a nice drive and has some wonderful trails if they want some outside hiking activity. There is also public golf courses near the base, and movie theaters. My husband just spent a 4 day weekend with my son and offered him ideas and had my son choose the plan for the day.
Apr 2, 2014
Froggy
Thanks 1 Sail, your information is most helpful :)
Apr 3, 2014
MOMom44
Hello Ladies! Is there anyone here who's son or daughter went to C-School in Yorktown, VA for the Optometry program? My son just got his "soft" orders this week and will be going there after graduation from San Antonio A School in May.
Apr 5, 2014
cupcakegirl14
Hi, I was talking to my son yesterday and he told me he had talked to someone who had just received their orders. The person told him that those who were at the top of their class were going to C school and not going FMF. The person told him that they were taking those who GPA's were in the 80%. He wants to go FMF and is at the top of his class in GPA. I am concerned about this information. Does anyone know how to verify this?
Apr 7, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
Apr 7, 2014
TNMmom
Anyone know how or if the path is different if your son is in the SARC pipeline? My son is about 5 or 6 weeks into the corpman program, but am unsure if there is anything different regarding his pipeline. (ie graduation, East v West, when do they find out their next station, etc) I am new to all this and don't always understand all of the acronyms.
Apr 7, 2014
Karin417-14/DIV104
Thanks!
Apr 7, 2014
DramaSoul
FMTB = Field Medical Training Battalion. Look up either FMTB East (Camp Lejeune) or FMTB West (Camp Pendleton). It will give you all you need to know about the training. FMF = Fleet Marine Force. It is those Navy Corpsman who have been trained to be assigned to Marines. Got a good laugh when my son told me he was joining the Navy to be in the Marines. :-)
Apr 7, 2014
MrsZ
Anyone know anything about the base in Rhode Island? My daughter said they "announced" her orders in class; but she has not received anything in writing yet. She said she was told today that the base is small and may not have housing.
Apr 7, 2014
Karin417-14/DIV104
Apr 7, 2014
mannysmom
Apr 7, 2014
carafid1
My son is going to Okinawa too he's home on leave until the 23rd he is going to the Naval hospital there he did not go through FMBT.
Apr 7, 2014