Camp Pendleton Corpsmen Moms

kathy- glad that he likes it there! and yeah my bf liked doing all of that kind of stuff too. he would tell me about all the wonderfully gross things he got to do. like removing nails and such.. lol boys... and he will be gone till about the end of the year before he gets back to the hospital. though only a few months later our sation will change so not sure what is going to happen. he may be back in the hospital for a few months or go to security where he had been trained in too. have your son say hi to the people there from my bf... :)

docsmom...I asked him where he is working and he said internal medicine; respiratory therapy. 

Good Morning Camp Pendleton Corpsman Moms...... I am a new corpsman mom who has a corpsman waiting to class up the end of april.  He is currently working on the pediatric floor of the bas hospital waiting for classes to begin and he loves it.  If there are any veteran moms that have any suggestions or words of advise please share with me.  My corpsman will be shipping out for Japan after he is finished and I am not looking forward to that but I am very very proud of all our young men and women who fight for our freedom and our country.

Proud2baNavyMom, seems like I have to pry advice out of my son.  I keep telling people to tell their sons to run, run, run in preparation of FMTB and my son told me the other night that running is good because you are in shape and probably won't have as much problem with shin splints (he had fractures in both shins) but hiking uphill is even better, especially if they start loading a backpack heavier for each hike.  He said the FMTB first hike, three miles, with about 70-80 extra pounds of gear, was the hardest for him.  Because he and his wife climbed a lot of trails this past year, I think he probably did not anticipate being as hard as it was once you were loaded down and keeping pace with others.   

I love reading new corpsmen family member posts about their children enjoying each new procedure they learn.  It brings back memories of when my son removed first stitches, got to suture someone's head, removing toenails, etc. and the excitement in his voice when he told us about it.  Even eight years later, he still calls to tell us his latest accomplishment.  I could do without some of the detailed descriptions but I love hearing the confidence in his voice.   Our kids never stop making us proud, do they?  

proud2be...your son and mine may be in the same class.  He is also waiting to class up at the end of this month and will be going to Okinawa as well in July.  He said there were several of them from A school that were going to Okinawa at the same time. 

He said they got to go PT on the beach this week...he texted me a picture of the ocean and a picture of him in his scrubs.  He looked so professional!  I am so proud of him!

jacketfan, yes my son is going to Okinawa.  Funny story is, one of his buddies from A school is also going.  They have been together since BC and are now headed in the same direction after A school.  Our high school pricipal is a retired Navy officer and told my son some of the best friends of your life will be your Navy buddies.  I guess he is right.  Where r you from jacket, we r in Missouri and my son's friend is from Illinois so they are not even very far apart when they are home. 

We are from SC.  He's gone through boot camp, A school, and now this with quite a few of his friends...It's really cool that they could stay together and bond like they have. 

Hello Everyone!

Here come the standard newbie questions :) Actually, my sailor is in A school in SA right now, and will be moving onto Pendleton in August. I know this is sad, but I am sort of clueless as to what, in particular, he is learning there. He is also reservist, and this will be the end of the full time line for him. I've no idea, as a reservist, what will happen next and what he is qualified to do as far as full time support positions...

Thanks, Kathy! I am definitely all over that group as well :) My husband is reservist so I don't think there will be any duty picking for him. I think we are trying to think to the future and what other avenues we will be able to explore post C-School.

Did anyone sailor buy the the dvd of their time in fmtb?  Mines did but his didn't work so i was wondering if someone had the same problem? And if they didn't would anyone mine uploading the dvd?

Less than a month until our son comes home from that sandy place! I have a list of questions to ask him that I'm constantly adding to, but otherwise I'll forget! He will get 06 hours leave, then back to base for 2-3 weeks, then leave! So excited!!!

Hey All!!  My husband just got his orders, looks like he'll be starting class for FMTB-West in July.  Just wanted to say a friendly hello and warn ya'll that I'm going to be asking a bunch of questions!  I have a few, hope you can help...When it comes to liberty and phasing up, is it like A-School in San Antonio or do new rules apply?  I've been looking into flights out there, just wondering if anyone had any advice on where to stay and what to do.  Thanks in advance!!  I can't tell you how great it feels to have this kind of support, the Navy is so awesome!  Hooyah!

My son starts FMTB this coming week too and is very excited. The past 4 months he was at San Diego hospital.

Kathy-He said he had 4 corpsmen friends going together.

Hi my son is doing FMTB. I want to visit him later this month. Can anyone reccomend lodging?

If at all possible I need some info from a seasoned mom.  My sailor was supposed to start FMTB training this week and did not pass tape.   Arrrggggg, he has worked so hard and according to what he said (may not have told me everything) he was under tape when checked 4 different times then when fmtb trainer taped him he was over.  Now he is kicked back to next class and if he does not pass he says they will strip him of rating and send him back to start all over and that he will even loose corpman status.  does this sound correct or is my wonderful sailor leaving something out.  I am very worried and concerned.  Any help would be greatly appriciated.

proud2baNavyMom, just asked my son your question.  Good news, your son WILLwill pass his next taping because he is going to be doing PT like crazy the next two months.  Bad news, he will be doing a lot of crappy jobs while waiting to class up again. 

My son said that if he is a new corpsman, then he is correct that he could lose his rating.  If he is not a fleet returnee (hasn't had another command other than boot camp and A school), he would lose his rate.  If he is a fleet returnee, he would retain his rate but would probably be barred from reenlistment because he is not world wide assignable. You have to pass FMTB to be world wide assignable. 

I have been a Navy mom for over eight years and have not learned so much about the Navy as I have in the past year as a member of NavyforMoms.  Thank you, loved ones, for all the knowledge you have given me.  Also, thanks to my son for finally answering my questions that he used to half answer like so many of the young guys do.   

docsmom thank you so much for answering my question.  I know he is doing a lot of pt bc he has already told me that.  I know he will pass next round, he was only over by a little but enough that he did not make it.  He is a very determined person so I know if this is God's will he will make it.  You have been sucha great help explaining.

So just wondering what does "taping" mean?? My sailor just graduated corpsman school and is home on leave for one week. Then he heads down to CP ... I have not been on this site much so I may be asking some silly questions, forgive me!!! What can we expect for the next few months??? Where do they stay/live? Can they have a car? Once they start FMTB can they still have their phone ? Any info you think is enlightening would be great!!!! 

Does anyone happen to know in what location the FMTB school is on Camp Pendleton? My husband is looking for a place to live but we heard the base is rather large that we'd have to know where his school is before he can start looking for a place. Thanks!

KathyproudCorpsmanmom....THank you for the info - and good luck to your Son as well !!! I am SOOOO enjoying having "my boy" home ..... its going WAY too fast ..... Mothers Day was so awesome - I had both my daughter and my son home !!! That is a VERY rare occasion these days....so grateful for this day !!! Love and prayers to all you loving Navy families ....I am so thankful for this N4M's site !!!!

Just curious, why is he looking for a place to live when school is only 8 weeks long?  Where is he going after school? 

If he is assigned to the hospital, waiting to class up, wouldn't it be wiser to live in the barracks?  If he found a place off base, wouldn't he have to pay security, sign a lease, etc?

corpsmanswifeschu is exactly right with Oceanside being the closest community to Del Mar area where FMTB is located on Camp Pendleton.   

Thank you Corpsmanwifeschu and docsmom! My husband has orders to be stationed on camp pendleton on hold for over a month. Then he has orders for that school for 8 weeks. Then he has orders there for something else (i forgot what :( ) So in the end he is going to be at Camp Pendleton from the begining of June 2012 to the end of Dec 2012. Right now we live in San Diego and want to get out of the appartment we are living in. Since we figured it was only a 45 min drive up to Camp Pendleton, and we want to leave the place we are in anyway, we'd just move up there for that time. Idk, it might be a bad idea but he's been in School in TX for four months, and after Camp Pendleton is FL for 4 months and I'm just tired of being far from him. Plus we have the money to move.

ddsweety, well, that does make a lot more sense to me.  I thought it was just him.  That drive would be a long commute for him when he is able to come home.  I am assuming, since he has orders, it won't be a problem for him to break a lease.  My son had orders to Camp Pendleton for after FMTB but his wife was still stationed in San Diego so she had to pay to break her lease when they moved into Camp P housing.   

It would be a good idea to find out where his second class will be, as well, if it is for a significant period of time.  I know a lot of corpsmen live in Fallbrook but that is quite a drive from FMTB but closer to the hospital. 

Have you come up to Pendleton and taken a drive around this enormous base?  Everytime my son takes me for a scenic tour, I see something surprising.  The cows were probably the biggest surprise but the lush green golf course situated in a valley surrounded by browning shubbery was, too.   

I e-mailed my husband to see if he can get more information on where in the base he will be, so hopefully he can get that information sometime soon.

No I havn't been up to Camp Pendleton yet, but this weekend I'm hoping to make the trip :) Some of my friends don't want me to move up there so they tell me bad things about that area.... I hope it isn't so bad.

I think Camp Pendleton is a very nice base.  I grew up with the Air Force, lived in Army communities for many years as an adult, and now live in a Navy town.  I did not have high expectations of a Marine base and was very wrong.  Brand new MCX, new hospital being built, good commissary, very nice base housing (my husband and I would have been so excited to live somewhere like this when we first married so many years ago), great beach, lake with water sports, and much more.  This base is HUGE!  There is even a tiny Navy base attached to it.  Oceanside is a nice town.  Quite spread out.  Easy drive to lots of interesting places, including San Diego.  

Does anyone know if we (as family) can stay on the base any, when we go down to visit, or would you recommend staying elsewhere??

Hi all ....just wanted to say my son arrived at CP yesterday and got all situated. When he called he was "stoked" ....could not believe the base had a lake on it !!! He said people were swimming and fishing ..... also said the place was very close to the beach and could not wait to head that way !!! Not sure how things will all play out ...meaning do they start work this week or does it take time to get going?? Just curious!! 

kimberlydale - There is a lovely small lake on Camp Pendleton.  You can rent boats and camp there.  There is also a small mini golf course.  I don't know that I would go swimming in Lake O'Neil but I live in Florida so I stay away from most lakes.

The Pacific Ocean is about 6 or miles from the hospital but it is a very nice beach.  I love the view from the playground at the end of my son's street - Pacific Ocean to the west and mountains to the east.  There is just so much on this base.  Counted seven sleeping, black cows today.  I will never get over cows on the base. 

Hey navywifenewlywed! I messaged you.

Hello all! Our son got home from Afghanistan last Friday and we were at CP for the return! He had 96 hours liberty and I am still on a cloud! 

Regarding hotels at CP: There are a lot of places to stay in Oceanside, and there are also two hotels on the base. Where the corpsmen will have their FMTB graduation, you are closer if you stay at a hotel in Oceanside. However, if you want to stay on the base (I did, because I was traveling alone and just felt safer on the base) you can go to the CP website and get info. I stayed in Ward Lodge and I was right in the middle of things. My son had to go over and show his ID to prove that I was coming to stay for a legitimate purpose before they would confirm my reservation, but it was a very reasonable price, and nice place. It was on the other side of the base from FMTB graduation, but that didn't bother me.

Here is some info about lodging on Camp Pendleton.  The South Mesa Temporary Lodging Facility is closer than any off base hotel or the other on base hotel. 

When you drive through the main gate, you would turn left at the light to go to FMTB.  If you turn right at the light, Wire Mountain Road, you drive to the first stop sign, turn left on San Jacinto Rd, drive to the end of the street and you are at the lodge.  

I am assuming that making reservations is similar to making reservations on base at Great Lakes, that unless you are military affiliated or have paperwork saying you are attending a function on base, that your sailor would need to make the reservations for rates based on his rank. 

Hi Does anyone have a loved one going through FMTB graduating on the 29th of this month?

Hi everyone,

I don't know if there is an answer to this question but I am still struggling with getting accurate information on the training at camp pendleton. My SN, who is a reservist wants to pursue physical therapy. We know he probably wont get C school for it, being a reservist and all, but he wants to move into a PTA program.

They want to see what 'classes' he will be taking there and evaluate them for transfer, but heck if I can get any concrete information on how to find this info out!

Amac23, I have looked at the ACE Guide to see if there is any academic credit recommendation for FMTB but can't find any.  My son is going to check his transcript to see if any credit was awarded.  If anything is awarded, he doesn't think it would be significant. 

My son will at the graduation this month, picking up some of the graduates who will be assigned to his clinic.  He said he would be glad to speak to anyone with questions about what is ahead for their graduate.  He is an HM1 Independent Duty Corpsman and will be with another HM who has considerable experience with "green side."  Message me and I will give you his phone number.  

For family new to the Navy, you might not know about the Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART) that shows recommended college credit for military courses your sailor has taken.  Most colleges accept the ACE recommendation for college course equivalency. 

I personally find the ACE Guide NON user friendly so recommend that you ask your sailor to download a copy of his SMART to tell you what equivalent number of college credit he/she has already earned.  

I know there is a glitch in the system for corpsmen who have attended corpsman school in San Antonio and their credit recommendations may not show on their SMART.  The Navy and ACE are working on getting this corrected.       

Amac23, the answer to your question about FMTB credit is that ACE recommends 5 semester hours for Basic Emergency Care and 5 semester hours for Advanced Emergency Care.  

Proudmom and KathyCorpmanmom...my son will graduate that date also. 

My son is graduating that day too.

Kathy, no we are not able to come to the graduation.  I am absolutely sick about it, but we just can't afford it.  He's heading to Okinawa next, so I don't know when I'll get to see him again.  At least he was able to come home between A school and FMTB school.  Hope you have a great trip there!

Five graduates are going to Edson Range on Camp Pendleton.  Any of your young men going there? 

Kathy...sent a friend request.  Would love pictures if you are able! 

He showed us pictures of one guy's foot after their hike; it was nothing but a blister.  I feel for the guy!  Thanks to this site, I was able to get my son info on how to best take care of his feet and it worked.  He hasn't had any problems with them, not like some of the others.  He said next week will be a tough week, but he has loved every bit of this training. 

Hi All  My son and his friend sure could have used the info about blister prevention. These two young men along with all who serve are a testament to the fine young people serving our country! My son's feet are covered in blisters and his friend has one blister that is the size of a baseball!! They have been using their HM skills on one another and their blisters are healing!!