Confused!!

[lonzy1988mom]

My son is in Chicago at A school. I am a little confused when he was recruited as a corpsman they told us nothing about going to train with marines as FMF. My son seems fine and excited about it! But I think we should have been told as he was recruited. Can some one please explain to me what this is and why they done this. Please help I am a confused mom.

[Jbureau]

i would say some recruiters dont say everything if you dont ask and if you dont konw to ask then it doesnt come up. alotof recruiters also say that going with the marines is compleatly voluntary which in many cases its not. im a corpsman and i can say that its an honor to serve with the marines. marines love their docs and will do anything for them. i konw its scary for a mom to think about but if hes happy about it then its a good thing

[lonzy1988mom]

Thanks, I do not want to be sound selfish! We were told he would be in hospital! I did not know what to ask! What do they actually do?

[Margaret_ProudTexasMomof2Sailors]

If you happen to have a copy of his contract, I would read over it. I know that my son wanted to be a Marine, but had to go Navy. All he has wanted to do for as long as I can remember is be a combat medic with the Marines. I know that he asked at MEPS what the process was to be assigned to a Marine unit.
Also, from what I have read from other moms. all go through the training, but not all are assigned to a marine unit. I'm sure other moms can give you their views.
Good luck

[Betty B]

Corpsmen fulfill many different medical assignments. Many work in hospitals and clinics all over the world. They serve in every medical area doing all sorts of things. Many receive specialized training in dental, surgical, optometric, etc. All Corpsmen will complete FMTB training which qualifies them to serve with the Marines as a "Doc". There is no medical job that a Corpsmen does that is not vital or important. The Navy sends its Corpsmen to serve wherever there is a need. Many mothers on this site (and some dads) can share more about what their Corpsmen does. When my son started in A school I googled Corpsmen and found many interesting articles that explain many of the aspects of Corpsmen life. Perhaps that would be a place for you to get a crash course. Good Luck and continue to ask questions. We are all here to support each other through each phase of Navy life.

[Dawn]

My son and I were also told that he would work in a hospital when he completed his A school. Now his orders are for Afghanistan. As you can imagine, we are both in shock, upset, sick to our stomaches and scared half to death. I am reaching out for anyone who knows anyone currently in Afghanistan or recently home that is a corpsman that can email me with any information that I can share with my son that will ease his fears and mine. Thank you all so much for your support!

[Carol]

Dawn, we have several moms in this group whose sons are currently deployed, and several whose sons have been deployed. Check within some of the other discussions within this group and you will find LOTS of information. One resident expert is Ruthella, whose son is currently deployed to Afghanistan, and he has been before. She will be a wealth of comfort and information for you.

[nbobbiesock]

My son was also in Chicago and choose FMTB (Field medical training battalion). There are lots of Corpsman moms that can probably answer this better, but my son is a line corpsman with 3/6 Lima company stationed out of Camp LeJeune, NC. My son trained at Camp Johnson and then moved to camp LeJeune once completed. They learn how to take care of the marines and other sailors, and can be stationed out of a hospital or be assigned to a battalion.
Your son is doing a great great thing, and the Marines really love their "docs". I hope this helps

[renee1116]

When my son came home to tell me he wanted to be in the Navy and would his Dad and I meet with the recruiter just to hear what he had to say I was so scared to think that my only son wanted to join the Navy. When the recruiter came he was very informative but I had gone on the internet in search of information about the Navy, corpsman and anything else I could think of and I am glad I did because I would never have known what questions to ask. My husband and I knew that he could be assigned to a Marine unit and he was. He deployed to Afghanistan in March 2008. He came home in Oct. 2008 for a 10 day leave, then went back until Dec. 2008. I know that he did not tell me everything that happened over there but he did tell me that he felt like he was doing his job and he really felt like he made a difference to his unit and the people there. I know that it would have been better knowing before your son left but searching the different sites can give you more information and maybe some peace. I am very thankful for the recruiter we had because he did his best to answer or get the answers to any questions we had. The people on this site do a great job also.

[AKMom]

My son wanted to go into the marines; however, he knew I was not in favor of that choice. So he joined the Navy but took the back door to the Marines. In formed me that he loved me and understood but he is a man. I had to just deal with it. He also said going as a corspman would give him the opportunity to be a paramedic while he goes to school after he is out. That might all change for he is seeing the econ is not positive and has mentioned to go OCS and become a Line Officer. He did now he did not want to be on a ship or a sub as a nuke which he was offered since he is too tall. On a side note recruiters say a lot and when one is focused to get in one does not listen too well no ask the right questions (nor seek insight of what is valid/non valid). I can speak from personal experience (what I was told was not what I wanted to do but I served my time and moved on). When my son signed up the recruiter informed him up front that he was going to the sands and yes it is scary but that is what he wants to do. As a parent all one can do is pray and hold your ground. Furthermore, once they sign the dotted line they are considered as adults. Yes, you can be told that you are going to be assigned to a hospital one week and be told you are leaving tommorw for another location (It is referred to the needs of the Navy and there is no exceptions (no questions asked; do what you are told). Having worked for the DoD for the past 24 yrs, it is difficult to think anything different but as a Civ, after 1600hr I can do as I please. Yes, I worry about my son but I know he is well trained, educated, has gainful employment and proud of what is doing in life. Like he mentioned it is so cool to have a direction ( he is not flondering looking for work and still at home under my thumb) and he has seen freedom and independence (he now has $ in his pocket) and has met many friends who knows will be his friend for life.

As a single parent who has two boys for the past 16 yrs, I have learned that our children are projects (gifts from God) that we love, protect and guide but ultimately they are their own. When they make the decision to fly we must give them that respect that they have given us over the years. Once they have seen the world and return to with their kids the benefits will be 10X fold; They will have become respectful, loving and professional adults whom will continue our legacy; ie our grand kids and will be the leaders of our future.

[Lynda]

My son trained with the Marines at Camp Le Jeune. He wanted to be a combat medic. The wealth of knowledge and skills he now has is amazing. He is leaving for Afghanistan with the 5th Anglico Marines. He loves what he does and says that he couldn't be with a better group of guys. I am so proud of him and support him. Am I scared? You bet. But this is what he really wants to do.

[Jon]

My son is leaving for Afghanistan with the 2nd Marines .. Just have to support them ... Thats what he wanted to do ...

[Lynda]

Hi Jon. When does your son leave for Afghanistan? Mine leaves the early part of May. I want him to go because that is what he really wants to do, but I don't want him to go. Make sense :)