Camp Pendleton Corpsmen Moms

corpsmanswifeschu - just sent you copy of message I sent.

Oh, yes, Gloria, you are exactly right about sunscreen (and also chapstick).  My son had such a farmer's tan.  He definitely was a "redneck" with sunburn.

schu, did he buy a mouth guard?  Real important for when they are doing the martial arts because he does not want to share with someone who has cold sores...just a rumor that it might have happened before. 

For my son, who was eligible for "brown bag" status due to his home being local to CP, he was able to come home after two weeks. He didn't always do so due to the planned activity and the need to study (more difficult with a 3 year old and infant!). There are run rules around the time to report in the morning; be aware your sailor will have limited time to "spend" with you, even if they are "with" you. Laundry, study, uniform prep all will consume some of this "off" time. There's a link to a book with the experience and what to expect - I'll see if I can find it for you today.

Let the next journey begin.

Your husbands and sons will end this course with muscles they didn't know they had.  My son had doubts he would be able to finish the course because he was older and not as in shape as younger corpsmen.  I was a nervous wreck during the school, expecting a call telling me he was coming home.  How proud I was to watch him lead the sailors out at graduation.  It took a great deal physically and mentally to make it through the class.  Still no s'mores but maybe some kumbayas after graduation.

all week I've heard how tired my hubby is...just talked to him right now and he sounds exhausted but he was laughing and joking with the other guys..made me feel a little bit better..this is WAY better than boot camp the 1st time around!! Can't wait for graduation though!!

My son is the current group and it has been really confusing as to what they are doing.  Thanks for the information.  It is really helpful.

Thanks Ruth VH

hello...my son is currently going through FTMB,  Not sure what is really going on...how long is the class and when does graduation usually occur?  any information would be greatly appreciated.

TxNavyMom2011 - to get a really good idea of what your son is doing, watch this youtube video.  Each class is being filmed during FMTB and will have the opportunity to purchase a CD similar to this one at graduation.

They spend hours upon hours running (from class, to meals, for PT, etc.), hike up hills that I call mountains, crawl through the mud in obstacle courses.  As they progress, their packs get heavier, I think 70-80 LB of equipment.  The last field exercise is an 8 mile hike up and down horrible terrain, staying up for 36 hours straight.  They have several written tests that they must pass.  They stand barracks inspection at least once a week.  They usually get the weekends off unless they are pulling duty. 

Here is the link to the video.  I strongly suggest you watch it and then imagine that it is even worse than what you are shown.  But, they are so proud of themselves when they graduate that I think it takes all the physical pain away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR50BCff6So

Graduation is posted as 22 March.  Think the actually ceremony begins at 10:00 am but suggest you be there by 9:30 a.m.

This is the official FMTB website.  I did a lot of reading here while my son was in the last FMTB class.  http://www.marines.mil/unit/tecom/fmtbwest/Pages/Graduation.aspx

P.S.  Tell your son to purchase a mouth guard so he doesn't have to share one with other students during martial arts training.  For real!!!!!! 

Thanks corpsmanwifeschu, for telling me about the Facebook link.  Took me forever to get to it because my computer is not cooperating.  I don't know if we are allowed to post links here but I will take a chance since it is the official FMTB Facebook link.

https://www.facebook.com/FieldMedicalTrainingBattalionWest?sk=photo...

I found pictures of my son and even my granddaughter, d-i-l, and me.  Think Gloria is also in the picture but my eyes just can't focus.

My son graduates A school March 13 and will head here next before going on to Okinawa.  So glad for all the info...especially the stuff about feet.  He had pretty bad foot issues in boot camp and your info should help to control it here. 

kacketfan24, my son hated the first week when they are still wearing their Navy boots and running everywhere.  Said the Marine boots were much, much more comfortable.  He had moleskin with him but still ended up with blisters.  I admire these sailors who keep going with these horrible blisters.  I would be sitting on the side of the road crying and whining!

Son also had shin fractures.  Thinks they first started while in the Navy boots.  Is still healing. 

docsmom...what kind of socks are best?  I will get some and send them to him when the time comes.  He had shin splints (not fractures) when he ran track in high school but didn't have issues with them in BC.  He was in amazing shape when he first got to A school when he had time to work out all the time, but I don't think he's had time with the studying he's been doing there.  I have to admit, I am more of a private Benjamin type.  I couldn't do much of any of what they are doing. 

I don't know what particular socks he liked but it seems like the Marine fuzzy brown ones are the ones that were in the laundry the most often.  Gosh, he was so lucky I was there taking care of my granddaughter and he didn't have to do his own laundry.  Spoiled.

I am pretty sure they were issued those socks when they got their Marine cammies but I saw them for sale in the hospital exchange, too. 

I think the students coming from A school were still in pretty good shape because they are still doing PT in A school (well, 8 years ago they were) but my son was not keeping up with PT during IDC school and was older than a lot of the FMTB students.  He paid for his lack of exercising with his injuries!  Said he was never going to stop running and get out of shape.  That was before the shin fractures showed up on scans.  I hope he is going to get back to running, especially since he and wife just bought a jogging stroller.   

Corpsmanwifeschu and Aaronswife quick question my son is graduating in March, do you know of any hotels that offer a shuttle from the airport that are close to Pendelton?

There are two hotels on base.. One is at Del Mar right by the graduation. I visited for Thanksgving and stayed at the other one. It was very nice and affordable. My son will be graduating in March. I plan to stay at the one at Del Mar.

Do you have to be military to stay at the one on base?  Do you know the phone number?

Do we know what day they graduate in March?

Thank you.  Found out the Ramada will give you a 15% discount if you state you are there for Graduation.  They were great at PIR so will continue to support them

My son is the 22nd of March also. Here is a link for on base lodging. http://www.pcs-lodging.com/base/Camp-Pendleton.aspx

I stayed at Ward for Thanksgiving. I called and made the reservations, but my son had to show military ID for check in.

Unlike PIR and Great Lakes, you can get on base at Camp Pendleton with a valid ID (i.e., drivers license). To stay at one of the lodges/hotels on base, you do not have to "be" military, but you do need your family member to show their military ID in order for you to check in. 

There are a wealth of off-base hotels nearby the gate closest to FMTB grad. Look on the map for hotels near the 5 and 76 (both highways) or the 5 and Mission (the next exit south).

Can't wait to see my son.  Thank you for all of the information