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!
The first weekend best to go...you will have the longest time with out him needing to study...they study 24 hours a day once class starts and its grueling..josh putting in all the hours for A+ the first 6 weeks test most important grades other wise mandatory study and may not have liberty during the week at night. Have fun and definetley go down!!!
cynthiag Can he come with another shipmate ? What happens if his roomate doesn't want to go? He told me I had to meet him at the visitor center so I can get in to see him . I guess I park my car there and walk with him ?
He just needs to meet you at the visitor center the first time so that you can get a base pass for the time you are in San Antonio. Once you have this pass he will not need to be in the car with you when you enter the base in your car. You do not have to walk (which is good because the visitor center is quite a ways from their area). He also doesn’t have to being his roommate with him, he just has to have a buddy to leave base with. We just got back on the 18th from visiting our son and he brought his friends with him and we took them to the River walk, Mall, and the Quarry Market (shopping center with Movie Theater nearby). I would visit also before classes start because once they start his Phase will solely depend on the class performance and behavior. So in our case ours was supposed to Phase up this week but this weekend there was a number of sailors who got in trouble for underage drinking on base and now the class was told they will remain at Phase 1 for a long time if not the whole time they are in SA. This is very frustrating since there are about 60 in their class and ALL are punished for the lack of judgment on the part of a few.
Thanks for the detailed info. What does Phase 1 mean? Are they able to call from their cell phones in phase 1? What other restrictions do they have in that phase?
Proud Navy Mom2, there is a link above that describes what the different Phases mean but basically Phase 1 means that they must remain in uniform at all times...No civilian clothes at all. During the week they can't leave base but on weekends they can but must be with with a buddy and in uniform at all times. It is hard for ones like my son and some of his friends that cross rated and had Phase 2 & 3 liberty when they arrived to be stuck back in Phase 1 again. The biggest thing for them and it seems funny to those in the civilian world but just the fact of being in normal clothes and not in uniform at all times. But once class starts they are so busy studying during the week and even on weekends that the time does fly by.
To "cross rate" means to change your Navy job (rate). In some instances the Navy will allow this; requirements include having served at least 24 months in the current rate; having served less than 12 years in the Navy or Navy Reserve; being a Petty Officer 1st Class or below; zero non-judicial punishments within a defined recent period; recommendation by one's current Commanding Officer.
"Only enlisted corps" means that of the Navy's staff corps, the Hospital Corps is the only one whose members are enlisted personnel and non-commissioned officers.
The Hospital Corps - the Navy’s only enlisted corps, it consists of more than 25,480 active duty and reserve Navy hospital enlisted corpsmen who provide health care to Sailors, Marines, and those entrusted to their care on the battlefield, at sea, under the sea, and in military treatment facilities worldwide. Established June 17, 1898, the Hospital Corps is the largest and most decorated rating in the Navy.
The Medical Corps - military physicians in a variety of specialties, and the senior corps among all staff corps, second only to line officers.
The Dental Corps - naval officers who have a Doctorate in either Dental Surgery or Dental Medicine (DDS or DMD) and who practice dentistry for sailors and marines.
The Nurse Corps - naval officers of the rank of Ensign to Rear Admiral (upper half). Navy Nurse Corps officers are commissioned through ROTC, STA-21, MECP, Nurse Candidate Program, and by direct commission.
The Medical Service Corps - officers in medical support duties and includes scientists, researchers and administrators.
The Chaplain Corps - ordained clergy who are commissioned naval officers.
The Supply Corps - officers concerned with supply, logistics, combat support, readiness, contracting and fiscal issues.
The Civil Engineer Corps - CEC officers are professional engineers and architects, acquisitions specialists and Seabee Combat Warfare officers responsible for executing and managing the planning, design, acquisition, construction, operation and maintenance of the Navy’s shore facilities.
The Judge Advocate General’s Corps (also known as the JAG Corps or JAG) is the legal arm of the Navy. Worldwide it consists of Judge Advocates, limited duty officers (law). enlisted members and civilian personnel.
Thanks again Marcy! I knew what 'cross rate' was but didn't know the guidelines to be able to do it.You rock, Marcy!
Regarding an earlier post that said something about why did everyone get punished for the actions of just a few. One of the things they learn in boot camp (and this is just as a Mom observer) is that once you master something, you are obligated to teach it to someone who has not yet mastered it. It's not necessarily about individual glory but about the whole team/unit/division/class. They are only as strong as the weakest link so they are all responsible for each other. This is especially important if they are ever in a deployment or emergency situation. I saw this further re-inforced in my son's FMTB training. Just my humble opinion and observations.
My nephew started out as an Army nurse (ROTC) and is now a PhD anesthetist and Lt. Col in the Army. (He loved the ratio of men to women in the nursing ranks!) He was the one who told my son that if he wanted to be a 'medic' he had better join the Navy because the Corpsman program is superior to all of the other branches of service. Of course, he will deny he said this!
DramaSoul, that's wonderful about your nephew! So glad your son has such a role model in his life!
Your comment about 'only as strong as the weakest link' is so true. Just yesterday, my son's team underwent training known as the 'helo dunk,' in which they (fully clothed and with gear) are strapped into a mockup of a helicopter, which is dropped by crane into an Olympic size pool, submerged and turned over a few times. Oh did I mention they are wearing black-out goggles? And due to their training and focus they get themselves out and surface. Every corpsman needs to be at the top of their game in this rating as DramaSoul says. They did it FIVE TIMES too…yikes. Note to newbies - he's been in a few years, this is not part of FMTB :)
Marcy...WOWWY! YIPES! I will remember that...."helo dunk". It's sooo important that they train and train so that it's just second nature for that time when it may be needed. :-)
Just as the USS Forrestal fire in 1967 was the impetus for fire fighting training in boot camp, this terrible incident in 1999 (11 saved, but seven lost) prompted the 'helo dunk' training:
Thanks, Marcy, for posting this video and the information about lessons learned on the USS Forrestal. I know one of scenarios that is possible for BST 21 involves the USS Cole and how to handle that situation. I had a chance to tour a DDG when it was here for Fleet Week. One of the interesting presentations was about damage control.
If you’re in the Cincinnati area, plan on attending the Hospital Corpsmen memorial highway dedication Wed., Sept. 3 @ 6 pm, Fort Wright City Building, 409 Kyles Lane, Ft Wright, KY. BUMED’s FORCE Master Chief Sherman Boss will join local and state dignitaries, including special guest Charles “Dan” Daniels, the very dedicated, passionate, persistent and charming 90 year old and very proud WWII Navy Corpsman who worked on getting the highway honoring Navy Hospital Corpsmen.
"Student Life" leads to student check-in info, and most important, "General Information" with a wealth of information including the student mailing address for personal correspondence, and various policies from standards of conduct to leave.
Note: Feedback from most A School students is that it's a pain to receive mail and packages, so ask first before mailing :)
From METC! "US Navy Sailors form up during a break in the weather to head to chow at the dining facility up the road." Maybe next time they'll show their faces instead of their backs! :)
I just joined another great group that brings Holiday cheer to our sailors on deployment.
Every year they adopt a ship that will be on deployment overseas during Christmas and send holiday stockings and bags to each sailor.
Its hosted by PAT (MP) and its NAVY FOR MOM'S HOLIDAY PROJECT. I think its a great way to support our sailors away from home.
Hi , hoping someone can help me. My son just returned home from his training corpsman and fmbt his name is spelled wrong on the cpr card. How can he get a replacement. He was told not to worry but they will not except it Thanks Jackie
Welcome, Nate's Mom! Pjpckmcov, I wouldn't worry too much, it should be accepted as his completion of the course is in his records too. Who issued it, and where?
Marcy, he recieved in hm school last dec. It was issued in Fort Sam It is signed by stephen m.matichak HM1. The issues he can not send with resumes He passed the EMT exam. They want it along with his resume. The first name is totally wrong
Try contacting the Navy Medicine Training Support Center in San Antonio; perhaps they can help. The link is above and has their phone number. Just curious, why is he sending resumes if he completed A School less than a year ago?
Thanks Marcy, He is a reservist. He came home in july. , He was gone 10 months he has done a few Long weekends with the marine units . He just took tbe state emt exams and passed. Hoping to bet a job as emt.
Welcome eileen1066! There is a lot of information to start out with at the links above. You'll be speaking in acronyms soon!! Ask away too, any question is a good one :)
My son graduated on September 11 he was supposed to come home but I guess some paperwork was lost and he stuck there now doing transient duty and I'm just a little worried they he may not come home before going to Okinawa. I wish I could talk someone about this, are we only allowed to talk to the sailors about it or is there like an office that I can call to figure it out? Feeling a little out of sorts without knowing.
Regarding graduation dates - the BMTCP page on Facebook hasn't updated the list since June 2. Keep an eye on their page for the next update. When they do, I put it together and post it above and if you see it before I do, let me know! Last class and date posted so far is Class 210/November 14, 2014. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Basic-Medical-Technician-Corpsman-Pr...
sailormomdiv179. My son got his orders to Okinawa and did not leave SA right away. Sometimes they get held up medical, paper work ect.. They extended his report date to Okinawa so he spent almost 3 weeks at home. Im not sure if that happens to everyone but since they wont be home for a long time it seems they make sure they get leave before they go.
carafid1 - good info! It's been a few years since mine went through, and we were fortunate to have an outstanding recruiting office that could answer (or get answers to) questions that came up during that first year. Not everyone has that kind of access, but for me it was a good resource - and I didn't know about NavyforMoms yet! :)
My son is in class 230 also . He told me the graduation date is a little bit up in the air because of the holidays . December 19 is about right but I think it's not set in stone yet
Good morning. This is my first post here in 'HM A School in San Antonio', and I apologize for not properly saying hello. My oldest child, my son, is currently finishing up his A-school training, and is part of the Class 175. The class graduates this week, so I'm super excited because we'll be traveling there from AZ to see my son graduate. I'm a single mom, so this makes me so proud that my son is following this path and is being a good example to his younger brothers. My dad will also be coming along, as he wasn't able to go to my son's boot camp graduation at GL this past June. I'm proud to be among this group, and I hope to meet some of you mom's of other Class 175 graduates this Thursday.
Hello! My son just arrived in San Antonio and is in class 250. Any tips would be welcomed--both for him and for me (ideas of how to support the corpsman during this training time). I'm so thankful for these groups!
My son will PIR on Oct 10. I know I can give him laptop and cell phone at airport. Wondering about sending his other "stuff" (PlayStation, tv, clothes) also he will be there during holidays. How long will this extend the time spent in TX? Trying to figure out approx month to go down for grad. Thanks! I have found so much helpful info on here. Made Getting thru boot camp possible. Now hoping to get support and tips for A Scool!
Trust me, he will barely have room for his laptop, they have to carry everything they own with them, keep it light, and they will have to take everything once again when they leave.
I'm confused about leave liberty and chit while in A Scool. Is it possible that he can put in a chit for leave during A school and come home for Xmas? "Home" is in Wisconsin. I read somewhere that the schooling pretty much shuts down anyway during this time.
MommaBB - This seems to differ from class to class, so I would at least put in the leave request chit and see if it gets approved. The earlier the better. :)
MommaBB, my son was there last year and was able to come home for the holidays. He was home for two weeks. The school pretty much did shut down for the holidays.
My son graduates October 23. He received his soft orders for J'ville Fla. He reports Nov. 13th. He doesnt have that much leave built up so he will report earlier. He will probably come home for 7 days before heading to J'ville.. It will be great to have him home and close enough to drive down on the weekend.
cynthiag- hospital corpsman mom
Aug 26, 2014
Michelle
cynthiag Can he come with another shipmate ? What happens if his roomate doesn't want to go? He told me I had to meet him at the visitor center so I can get in to see him . I guess I park my car there and walk with him ?
Aug 26, 2014
BusyMom13
Michelle,
He just needs to meet you at the visitor center the first time so that you can get a base pass for the time you are in San Antonio. Once you have this pass he will not need to be in the car with you when you enter the base in your car. You do not have to walk (which is good because the visitor center is quite a ways from their area). He also doesn’t have to being his roommate with him, he just has to have a buddy to leave base with. We just got back on the 18th from visiting our son and he brought his friends with him and we took them to the River walk, Mall, and the Quarry Market (shopping center with Movie Theater nearby). I would visit also before classes start because once they start his Phase will solely depend on the class performance and behavior. So in our case ours was supposed to Phase up this week but this weekend there was a number of sailors who got in trouble for underage drinking on base and now the class was told they will remain at Phase 1 for a long time if not the whole time they are in SA. This is very frustrating since there are about 60 in their class and ALL are punished for the lack of judgment on the part of a few.
Aug 26, 2014
ProudNavyMom
BusyMom13-
Thanks for the detailed info. What does Phase 1 mean? Are they able to call from their cell phones in phase 1? What other restrictions do they have in that phase?
Wendy
Aug 26, 2014
BusyMom13
Proud Navy Mom2, there is a link above that describes what the different Phases mean but basically Phase 1 means that they must remain in uniform at all times...No civilian clothes at all. During the week they can't leave base but on weekends they can but must be with with a buddy and in uniform at all times. It is hard for ones like my son and some of his friends that cross rated and had Phase 2 & 3 liberty when they arrived to be stuck back in Phase 1 again. The biggest thing for them and it seems funny to those in the civilian world but just the fact of being in normal clothes and not in uniform at all times. But once class starts they are so busy studying during the week and even on weekends that the time does fly by.
Aug 26, 2014
ProudNavyMom
Thank you BusyMom13! I see the link now. :)
Aug 26, 2014
motorcitymom
Aug 26, 2014
Michelle
Aug 27, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
To "cross rate" means to change your Navy job (rate). In some instances the Navy will allow this; requirements include having served at least 24 months in the current rate; having served less than 12 years in the Navy or Navy Reserve; being a Petty Officer 1st Class or below; zero non-judicial punishments within a defined recent period; recommendation by one's current Commanding Officer.
Aug 27, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
"Only enlisted corps" means that of the Navy's staff corps, the Hospital Corps is the only one whose members are enlisted personnel and non-commissioned officers.
The Hospital Corps - the Navy’s only enlisted corps, it consists of more than 25,480 active duty and reserve Navy hospital enlisted corpsmen who provide health care to Sailors, Marines, and those entrusted to their care on the battlefield, at sea, under the sea, and in military treatment facilities worldwide. Established June 17, 1898, the Hospital Corps is the largest and most decorated rating in the Navy.
The Medical Corps - military physicians in a variety of specialties, and the senior corps among all staff corps, second only to line officers.
The Dental Corps - naval officers who have a Doctorate in either Dental Surgery or Dental Medicine (DDS or DMD) and who practice dentistry for sailors and marines.
The Nurse Corps - naval officers of the rank of Ensign to Rear Admiral (upper half). Navy Nurse Corps officers are commissioned through ROTC, STA-21, MECP, Nurse Candidate Program, and by direct commission.
The Medical Service Corps - officers in medical support duties and includes scientists, researchers and administrators.
The Chaplain Corps - ordained clergy who are commissioned naval officers.
The Supply Corps - officers concerned with supply, logistics, combat support, readiness, contracting and fiscal issues.
The Civil Engineer Corps - CEC officers are professional engineers and architects, acquisitions specialists and Seabee Combat Warfare officers responsible for executing and managing the planning, design, acquisition, construction, operation and maintenance of the Navy’s shore facilities.
The Judge Advocate General’s Corps (also known as the JAG Corps or JAG) is the legal arm of the Navy. Worldwide it consists of Judge Advocates, limited duty officers (law). enlisted members and civilian personnel.
Aug 27, 2014
DramaSoul
Thanks again Marcy! I knew what 'cross rate' was but didn't know the guidelines to be able to do it.You rock, Marcy!
Regarding an earlier post that said something about why did everyone get punished for the actions of just a few. One of the things they learn in boot camp (and this is just as a Mom observer) is that once you master something, you are obligated to teach it to someone who has not yet mastered it. It's not necessarily about individual glory but about the whole team/unit/division/class. They are only as strong as the weakest link so they are all responsible for each other. This is especially important if they are ever in a deployment or emergency situation. I saw this further re-inforced in my son's FMTB training. Just my humble opinion and observations.
Aug 27, 2014
DramaSoul
Hey, Marcy! We need a LIKE button for your posts!
My nephew started out as an Army nurse (ROTC) and is now a PhD anesthetist and Lt. Col in the Army. (He loved the ratio of men to women in the nursing ranks!) He was the one who told my son that if he wanted to be a 'medic' he had better join the Navy because the Corpsman program is superior to all of the other branches of service. Of course, he will deny he said this!
Aug 27, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
DramaSoul, that's wonderful about your nephew! So glad your son has such a role model in his life!
Your comment about 'only as strong as the weakest link' is so true. Just yesterday, my son's team underwent training known as the 'helo dunk,' in which they (fully clothed and with gear) are strapped into a mockup of a helicopter, which is dropped by crane into an Olympic size pool, submerged and turned over a few times. Oh did I mention they are wearing black-out goggles? And due to their training and focus they get themselves out and surface. Every corpsman needs to be at the top of their game in this rating as DramaSoul says. They did it FIVE TIMES too…yikes. Note to newbies - he's been in a few years, this is not part of FMTB :)
Aug 27, 2014
DramaSoul
Marcy...WOWWY! YIPES! I will remember that...."helo dunk". It's sooo important that they train and train so that it's just second nature for that time when it may be needed. :-)
Aug 27, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Just as the USS Forrestal fire in 1967 was the impetus for fire fighting training in boot camp, this terrible incident in 1999 (11 saved, but seven lost) prompted the 'helo dunk' training:
Aug 27, 2014
DramaSoul
Aug 28, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
If you’re in the Cincinnati area, plan on attending the Hospital Corpsmen memorial highway dedication Wed., Sept. 3 @ 6 pm, Fort Wright City Building, 409 Kyles Lane, Ft Wright, KY.
BUMED’s FORCE Master Chief Sherman Boss will join local and state dignitaries, including special guest Charles “Dan” Daniels, the very dedicated, passionate, persistent and charming 90 year old and very proud WWII Navy Corpsman who worked on getting the highway honoring Navy Hospital Corpsmen.
Aug 29, 2014
daycare217
My son leaves sept 9th for GL. hospital corpsman
Sep 3, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Welcome daycare217!
Sep 4, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Just added a new link above! Navy Medicine Training Support Center, San Antonio, TX includes two important tabs - "Visitor Info" ( directions and maps) and "Student Life."
"Student Life" leads to student check-in info, and most important, "General Information" with a wealth of information including the student mailing address for personal correspondence, and various policies from standards of conduct to leave.
Note: Feedback from most A School students is that it's a pain to receive mail and packages, so ask first before mailing :)
Sep 4, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
From METC! "US Navy Sailors form up during a break in the weather to head to chow at the dining facility up the road." Maybe next time they'll show their faces instead of their backs! :)
Sep 5, 2014
ASTRID
Every year they adopt a ship that will be on deployment overseas during Christmas and send holiday stockings and bags to each sailor.
Its hosted by PAT (MP) and its NAVY FOR MOM'S HOLIDAY PROJECT. I think its a great way to support our sailors away from home.
Sep 6, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Link to graduation photos Class 160, September 5, 2014!
Sep 10, 2014
Nate's Mom
My Sailor Son is now in San Antonio and ready to start A school for Hospital Corpsmen.
Sep 11, 2014
Pjpckmcov
Sep 13, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Welcome, Nate's Mom! Pjpckmcov, I wouldn't worry too much, it should be accepted as his completion of the course is in his records too. Who issued it, and where?
Sep 13, 2014
Pjpckmcov
Sep 13, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Try contacting the Navy Medicine Training Support Center in San Antonio; perhaps they can help. The link is above and has their phone number. Just curious, why is he sending resumes if he completed A School less than a year ago?
Sep 13, 2014
Pjpckmcov
Sep 13, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Good luck to him! Hopefully you can get an answer Monday from NMTSC about having the card re-issued.
Sep 13, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Welcome eileen1066! There is a lot of information to start out with at the links above. You'll be speaking in acronyms soon!! Ask away too, any question is a good one :)
Sep 14, 2014
DramaSoul
And Marcy knows the answers! eileen 1066...I was where you are 2 1/2 years ago. Welcome to the Navy family....and it is that! :)
Sep 14, 2014
motorcitymom
Sep 14, 2014
wisc navy mom
Sep 14, 2014
SAILORMOMDiv179
Sep 14, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
I know how frustrating it can be. You might go to your recruiting office tomorrow, see if they'll look into it and can get some clarification.
Sep 14, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Regarding graduation dates - the BMTCP page on Facebook hasn't updated the list since June 2. Keep an eye on their page for the next update. When they do, I put it together and post it above and if you see it before I do, let me know! Last class and date posted so far is Class 210/November 14, 2014. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Basic-Medical-Technician-Corpsman-Pr...
Sep 14, 2014
carafid1
sailormomdiv179. My son got his orders to Okinawa and did not leave SA right away. Sometimes they get held up medical, paper work ect.. They extended his report date to Okinawa so he spent almost 3 weeks at home. Im not sure if that happens to everyone but since they wont be home for a long time it seems they make sure they get leave before they go.
Sep 14, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
carafid1 - good info! It's been a few years since mine went through, and we were fortunate to have an outstanding recruiting office that could answer (or get answers to) questions that came up during that first year. Not everyone has that kind of access, but for me it was a good resource - and I didn't know about NavyforMoms yet! :)
Sep 14, 2014
SAILORMOMDiv179
Sep 14, 2014
Michelle
Sep 15, 2014
Navajosunshine39
Good morning. This is my first post here in 'HM A School in San Antonio', and I apologize for not properly saying hello. My oldest child, my son, is currently finishing up his A-school training, and is part of the Class 175. The class graduates this week, so I'm super excited because we'll be traveling there from AZ to see my son graduate. I'm a single mom, so this makes me so proud that my son is following this path and is being a good example to his younger brothers. My dad will also be coming along, as he wasn't able to go to my son's boot camp graduation at GL this past June. I'm proud to be among this group, and I hope to meet some of you mom's of other Class 175 graduates this Thursday.
Thank you, and have a great Monday!
Sep 22, 2014
AymeeTX-Ship 03 Div 293
Hello! My son just arrived in San Antonio and is in class 250. Any tips would be welcomed--both for him and for me (ideas of how to support the corpsman during this training time). I'm so thankful for these groups!
Sep 22, 2014
MommaBB
My son will PIR on Oct 10. I know I can give him laptop and cell phone at airport. Wondering about sending his other "stuff" (PlayStation, tv, clothes) also he will be there during holidays. How long will this extend the time spent in TX? Trying to figure out approx month to go down for grad. Thanks! I have found so much helpful info on here. Made Getting thru boot camp possible. Now hoping to get support and tips for A Scool!
Sep 25, 2014
Lauren - Ship 11 Div 317
Trust me, he will barely have room for his laptop, they have to carry everything they own with them, keep it light, and they will have to take everything once again when they leave.
Sep 25, 2014
MommaBB
I'm confused about leave liberty and chit while in A Scool. Is it possible that he can put in a chit for leave during A school and come home for Xmas? "Home" is in Wisconsin. I read somewhere that the schooling pretty much shuts down anyway during this time.
Sep 25, 2014
MommaBB
Ok so no tv! Haha. Kinda figured but he mentioned sending stuff. I will let him know my veteran navy moms grapevine says keep it light.
Sep 25, 2014
Trish from Texas
MommaBB - This seems to differ from class to class, so I would at least put in the leave request chit and see if it gets approved. The earlier the better. :)
Sep 25, 2014
carfruit
Sep 25, 2014
Mon
My son graduates October 23. He received his soft orders for J'ville Fla. He reports Nov. 13th. He doesnt have that much leave built up so he will report earlier. He will probably come home for 7 days before heading to J'ville.. It will be great to have him home and close enough to drive down on the weekend.
Sep 28, 2014