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 have looked into all those links, but it is a little confusing, I doesn't clearly state if they will do the rescue swims or dives, it just talks about the PT requirements and what the medical part is. The other thing that it doesn't tell me is the specific training details, how long it is and where is class is and all that good stuff.
I too am a new mom to this site and the military and it is a little overwhelming. Not to mention my wonderful son doesn't always fully share!
Thank you again for all you do and your quick response.
cupcakegirl14-me too!
kat72-this is SO not an "official" kind of answer, but the movie The Guardian (Kevin Costner) would give you a good idea of the program (minus all the romance). :)
They do both medical and physical duties depending on their strengths and the task. They may be assigned as Lead Rescue one mission, and medic the next. Hope that helps!
Thank you, I always refer to his job as that movie but then I wasn't a 100% sure because of the medical part. He left San Antonio about 2 weeks ago and is in Pensacola waiting to class back up. What has me really confused is the training/class schedule. Sounds like he is going to be going to so many different bases over the next year to get trained and certified instead of just one base like the initial A school.
BTW, I loved that movie (rommance and all!) not so sure I like the danger that my son will be in...kids!
I joined right out of high school, when the Gulf War (part I) just started, so I was a misguided thrill seeker myself, which helps me understand our son. :) Ahhhh, the virtues of youth. Thank goodness God is always watching over all His children, or we would all get ourselves in a heap of trouble. ;) Your son is going to love his job and make awesome memories!
So very true, this rate is right up my son's alley. He is a very strong swimmer...a complete river rat! :) He had always planned on going into the Coast Gaurd to do rescue swimming, search and rescue, but they wouldn't take him because he hurt his back his sophmore year in college. Frankly, I was shocked the Navy accepted him! Once he was accepted he immediately wanted to be a SEAL...shocking I know! However, I think Search and Rescue is a much better fit for my son! I am so proud of him and know that he will love it!
Hey everyone my husband arrived today and he's excited, so am I especially for him. Trying to connect with moms and SOs like I did in our PIR page. Hope everyone had a wonderful graduation and weekend <3
Lizziebear0803 my son uses a Verizon hot spot. They don't get great cell reception on base. At least Verizon doesn't. But he continues to use his hotspot in Noth Carolina. I got him a pretty high data package which he pays for on our phone plan. Hope this helps a little.
T-mobile seems to get the best reception on most bases. His hotspot is not affected by the cell reception though. It works great. It's picking the plan that's the hardest. My kids are spread out now all over the globe so they communicate through facetime on their iPhones. They use a lot of data. Figure out how much data he will need use. He used a lot more in San Antonio then he uses now. So we play around with it.
I am asking my friend who happens to work at Verizon, obviously will be biase about which one I should use, but I want one so he can listen to music and facetime with me mostly. He says he did get back reception there :(
Lizziebear- my husband had a verizon hotspot and the reception was not very good. He was in the C school dorm (even during A school) and his room faced one of inner courtyards. So that may have had something to do with it. And you would be surprised at how fast they use the data. What cell phone plan do you have now? We have tmobile and we now have a hotapot capability on our phones. We connect our tv, laptop and ipad to it. We no longer have internet service at home because of it. And the best part is that its included in our monthly plan :)
Good morning! My daughter just arrived at A school last night. Her birthday is Tuesday and would like to send her flowers (daffodils are her favorite). Can I send her flowers while at A school?
Glad y'all liked the humor :) Rox, welcome to the Navy Corpsman family! I think most would agree that it's not like sending to a dorm and getting packages at A school is a challenge, let alone a delivery like that. Better to gift her with something like gift cards right now, IMHO :) Tell her Happy Birthday from all of us here too, and congratulations on starting her path to becoming a corpsman!
Hello I am a new Member! My son Leaves for Boot Camp June 3rd! He was so thrilled to get the job he wanted! He wants to do FMF and then career Navy Surgeon! I am so excited and proud, but worried I will be a mess June and July without him in the house! He is my best friend! Once in San Antonio, I will be fine! He will be only 1 hour from the house too! Congrats to All Hospital Corpsman!
Hi Loralee....your son will probably want you to send him some civilian clothes. I just mailed my son some clothes, shoes, baseball cap etc. Ask him what he needs or wants (within reason) haha.
I didn't send my son anything :) He headed to the Exchange and picked up what he felt he needed. Regarding mailing stuff, keep in mind that after A School they have to pack up everything and either ship it home or cart it to the next location.
MARCY IS RIGHT!!! Big lesson my son learned was all that stuff that collected in his room..had to be out of there. I suggested he started boxing it up and shipping some of it home BEFORE graduation. Weelllll....he didn't do that but he learned his lesson as he was frantically packing things at the last minute. Fortunately for him I brought an extra piece of luggage when I went to graduation and he was going home on leave. You should've seen us going to the airport the next morning. I picked him up at the base and we had different flights but it all made it home.
We didn't send anything either, knowing it would add to his packing later on. He bought some stuff while in San Antonio, and we ended up bringing most of it home for him. Not only do they have to take it with them to the next duty station, but they will incur extra baggage fees that they are responsible for. For those going to FMTB after school- their storage space for clothes is a narrow locker. Nothing close to the walk-in they have at Fort Sam! Collapsible luggage (canvas duffle bags) that can be folded up works wonders since there isn't even room for a standard size suitcase.
Does anyone know how soon after corpsman graduation sailors get to pack up and leave San Antonio to go home? Are they required to stick around a few days? I know that some orders require them to immediately report (C-school), but if they do get leave, I don't want to be stuck in San Antonio while my sailor is already allowed to be home.
Most of our son's class didn't get to go home after graduation. For those staying on base for an additional school, they have mandatory briefings and room inspections that take about an hour, then they are free to visit. Most of his class left that night for their next duty station. If they requested leave, and it's granted, the time they can leave for home is printed on their leave chit. Hope that helps!
Hi christophersMom! My husband is in class 135 as well so I plan on attending the Aug. 7 graduation. I haven't booked anything yet though since I want him to confirm the date first but I'll probably try to make reservations soon. I have no idea about his orders yet though or where he is headed after so it's definitely hard to know how to plan ahead. Such is Navy life I guess, lol.
Hi all my son just arrived on Saturday. They are doing briefing today and then he is off to shop for wifi. We have Verizon and calls keep dropping. What is Killer week?
Please help. My son is in A school. He is giving it his all and is in mandatory study hall. He studies nonstop. He just informed me he has failed the same test (chapter 3) for the third time. HM is clearly not for him. when he went to enlist he was interested in Master of Arms. He was told at MEPS that he'd have to wait til Fall for bootcamp. He was anxious and was talked into HM. who can he talk to to switch to another field. He wants to be in the Navy but he cannot get this. Can someone please advise as to who/what he can do. Please help he is at his wits end. THANKS!
My Son just told us his grad date for a school has changed from the July 9th to July 2
No soft orders yet, we live 4 1/2 hrs from San A so we can drive, Where do we get info about graduation???Is ceremony early ?
( Wed is a terrible day for us due to work)and added prob w 4th of July holiday
Kelly - I'm so sorry that your sailor is struggling. Has he talked with his instructors about his initial goals and his current situation? I'll see if I can get more info for you.
SailorMom, don't get stressed, I sort of hate that people sling terms like that around. Tell your son to settle down, FOCUS and study hard all the way through and he'll be ok :)
Hi all! You'll hear from your corpsman about Field Medical Training Battalion. Sooner or later, nearly all corpsmen attend the eight-week training course called "Field Medical Training Battalion" at one of two Marine Corps bases: Camp Lejeune, NC (actually Camp Johnson at Camp Lejeune), or Camp Pendleton CA north of San Diego. Females attend at Camp Lejeune only.
This is NOT a C school. Upon completion they earn the additional Navy Enlisted Qualification (NEC) of HM-8404 (Field Medical Service Technician).
Thanks Marcy. I posted this to my FB timeline because I get tired of people asking me "So what does your son do? How did he join the Navy and now he's in the Marines?"
Hello everyone my son just arrived at ft Sam Houston last Wednesday. Is is four month school? I just sent him his phone he should get it today. How long does it take for the mail there? Any help is appreciated. I will keep reading the posts.. New corpsman mom Paula
Hi Paula! We are also in Indianapolis. My son arrived at Fort Sam Houston toward the end of March. He is scheduled to graduate mid-July. The METC Facebook page also posts graduation dates...if you do Facebook and once you know what class he's in. My son loves it. I'm sure your sailor will too!
I am looking for a bit of info - my son just completed Nursing 3 mod do you know where I can find a list of the mods that are next so I can figure out when he will graduate?He is class 130 or if possibly I can go down for a weekend before his clinicals start.
I am having surgery and can not fly for 4 weeks after just trying to see if I can make it or not.
Jeters mom there is a Facebook page for corpsman school with the list of grad dates. My husband is 145 and he's graduating August 14th so I'm not sure abt yours.
Kat72
Thank you Marcy~ Corpsman Mom,
I have looked into all those links, but it is a little confusing, I doesn't clearly state if they will do the rescue swims or dives, it just talks about the PT requirements and what the medical part is. The other thing that it doesn't tell me is the specific training details, how long it is and where is class is and all that good stuff.
I too am a new mom to this site and the military and it is a little overwhelming. Not to mention my wonderful son doesn't always fully share!
Thank you again for all you do and your quick response.
Apr 25, 2014
cupcakegirl14
Thanks for clearing that up Trish from Texas! It just makes me a little nervous giving any kind of information like that in this public forum. :)
Apr 25, 2014
Trish from Texas
kat72-this is SO not an "official" kind of answer, but the movie The Guardian (Kevin Costner) would give you a good idea of the program (minus all the romance). :)
They do both medical and physical duties depending on their strengths and the task. They may be assigned as Lead Rescue one mission, and medic the next. Hope that helps!
Apr 25, 2014
Kat72
Trish from Texas~
Thank you, I always refer to his job as that movie but then I wasn't a 100% sure because of the medical part. He left San Antonio about 2 weeks ago and is in Pensacola waiting to class back up. What has me really confused is the training/class schedule. Sounds like he is going to be going to so many different bases over the next year to get trained and certified instead of just one base like the initial A school.
BTW, I loved that movie (rommance and all!) not so sure I like the danger that my son will be in...kids!
Apr 25, 2014
Trish from Texas
Apr 25, 2014
Kat72
So very true, this rate is right up my son's alley. He is a very strong swimmer...a complete river rat! :) He had always planned on going into the Coast Gaurd to do rescue swimming, search and rescue, but they wouldn't take him because he hurt his back his sophmore year in college. Frankly, I was shocked the Navy accepted him! Once he was accepted he immediately wanted to be a SEAL...shocking I know! However, I think Search and Rescue is a much better fit for my son! I am so proud of him and know that he will love it!
I totally get the thrill seeker side of him.
Apr 25, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
Apr 26, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
Anybody know of a really good hotspot for wifi I can send my husband?
Apr 28, 2014
daizygirl72
Apr 28, 2014
daizygirl72
Apr 28, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
I am asking my friend who happens to work at Verizon, obviously will be biase about which one I should use, but I want one so he can listen to music and facetime with me mostly. He says he did get back reception there :(
Apr 28, 2014
daizygirl72
Apr 28, 2014
Britt<3Corpsman Wife
Apr 28, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Happy Friday! For our future HM-8451s and HM-8452s (and yours, Britt!) -
May 2, 2014
Karin417-14/DIV104
May 2, 2014
DramaSoul
Marcy....that's hilarious!
May 2, 2014
Echo3
Marcy your pic is great! It reminded of when copy machines first came out and people would put body parts on the copiers...
May 3, 2014
Rox 0502
May 4, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Glad y'all liked the humor :) Rox, welcome to the Navy Corpsman family! I think most would agree that it's not like sending to a dorm and getting packages at A school is a challenge, let alone a delivery like that. Better to gift her with something like gift cards right now, IMHO :) Tell her Happy Birthday from all of us here too, and congratulations on starting her path to becoming a corpsman!
May 4, 2014
cynthiag- hospital corpsman mom
Hello I am a new Member! My son Leaves for Boot Camp June 3rd! He was so thrilled to get the job he wanted! He wants to do FMF and then career Navy Surgeon! I am so excited and proud, but worried I will be a mess June and July without him in the house! He is my best friend! Once in San Antonio, I will be fine! He will be only 1 hour from the house too! Congrats to All Hospital Corpsman!
May 4, 2014
Rox 0502
May 4, 2014
Loralee
My son just arrived yesterday. Is there anything any info on what I should expect, or anything he may need?
May 4, 2014
PeaCoatMama
Hi Loralee....your son will probably want you to send him some civilian clothes. I just mailed my son some clothes, shoes, baseball cap etc. Ask him what he needs or wants (within reason) haha.
May 6, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
I didn't send my son anything :) He headed to the Exchange and picked up what he felt he needed. Regarding mailing stuff, keep in mind that after A School they have to pack up everything and either ship it home or cart it to the next location.
May 7, 2014
DramaSoul
MARCY IS RIGHT!!! Big lesson my son learned was all that stuff that collected in his room..had to be out of there. I suggested he started boxing it up and shipping some of it home BEFORE graduation. Weelllll....he didn't do that but he learned his lesson as he was frantically packing things at the last minute. Fortunately for him I brought an extra piece of luggage when I went to graduation and he was going home on leave. You should've seen us going to the airport the next morning. I picked him up at the base and we had different flights but it all made it home.
May 7, 2014
Trish from Texas
May 7, 2014
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
May 7, 2014
camillez
Does anyone know how soon after corpsman graduation sailors get to pack up and leave San Antonio to go home? Are they required to stick around a few days? I know that some orders require them to immediately report (C-school), but if they do get leave, I don't want to be stuck in San Antonio while my sailor is already allowed to be home.
May 8, 2014
Trish from Texas
May 8, 2014
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
May 8, 2014
carafid1
mine graduated on friday and couldnt leave until tuesday but he was also going overseas so that might have factored into it
May 8, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Thanks Mom2Bryan!
May 11, 2014
Sammy
Hi christophersMom! My husband is in class 135 as well so I plan on attending the Aug. 7 graduation. I haven't booked anything yet though since I want him to confirm the date first but I'll probably try to make reservations soon. I have no idea about his orders yet though or where he is headed after so it's definitely hard to know how to plan ahead. Such is Navy life I guess, lol.
May 14, 2014
cupcakegirl14
Does anyone know when/how "hard" orders are given?
May 23, 2014
cupcakegirl14
How do the hard orders come? Paper, online, ????
May 24, 2014
Casu
May 24, 2014
SAILORMOMDiv179
May 25, 2014
Kelly
May 27, 2014
Karin417-14/DIV104
No soft orders yet, we live 4 1/2 hrs from San A so we can drive, Where do we get info about graduation???Is ceremony early ?
( Wed is a terrible day for us due to work)and added prob w 4th of July holiday
May 27, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Kelly - I'm so sorry that your sailor is struggling. Has he talked with his instructors about his initial goals and his current situation? I'll see if I can get more info for you.
Karin, updates are posted here (but it's not 100% reliable) https://www.facebook.com/pages/Basic-Medical-Technician-Corpsman-Pr..., Your own sailor is the best source of info.
SailorMom, don't get stressed, I sort of hate that people sling terms like that around. Tell your son to settle down, FOCUS and study hard all the way through and he'll be ok :)
May 28, 2014
Karin417-14/DIV104
May 28, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Hi all! You'll hear from your corpsman about Field Medical Training Battalion. Sooner or later, nearly all corpsmen attend the eight-week training course called "Field Medical Training Battalion" at one of two Marine Corps bases: Camp Lejeune, NC (actually Camp Johnson at Camp Lejeune), or Camp Pendleton CA north of San Diego. Females attend at Camp Lejeune only.
This is NOT a C school. Upon completion they earn the additional Navy Enlisted Qualification (NEC) of HM-8404 (Field Medical Service Technician).
Here'a a good article released today about FMTB, or "Field Med," at Camp Pendleton: Bridging the Gap between Navy Medicine and Marine Corps Tactics
May 30, 2014
DramaSoul
Thanks Marcy. I posted this to my FB timeline because I get tired of people asking me "So what does your son do? How did he join the Navy and now he's in the Marines?"
May 30, 2014
Paula
Jun 4, 2014
Paula
Thank you for the information. We are in indianapolis. I need to find out what class he is in to see when he id due to graduate.Thanks again Paula
Jun 5, 2014
doubleAA'smom
Hi Paula! We are also in Indianapolis. My son arrived at Fort Sam Houston toward the end of March. He is scheduled to graduate mid-July. The METC Facebook page also posts graduation dates...if you do Facebook and once you know what class he's in. My son loves it. I'm sure your sailor will too!
Jun 5, 2014
Paula
Jun 5, 2014
NHBBALL MOM
I am looking for a bit of info - my son just completed Nursing 3 mod do you know where I can find a list of the mods that are next so I can figure out when he will graduate?He is class 130 or if possibly I can go down for a weekend before his clinicals start.
I am having surgery and can not fly for 4 weeks after just trying to see if I can make it or not.
Jun 9, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
Jun 9, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
Jun 9, 2014