FC 'A' School FAQ (Updated 16 NOV 2010)

I thought I'd take the time to address some of the more common questions I have seen in the group.

Q.) What do FCs do?

A.) As Fire controlman, We Operate, Maintain and Repair Shipboard weapon systems and their support systems. This includes Radars, Computers, Displays, Power Conversion Systems, Cooling Systems and more. We also stand several tactical watches and in most cases, we are the person that gets to press "The Button."

Q.)What will my sailor Learn?

A.)The FC 'A' School curriculum currently starts off with the basic information you use on a day to day basis. We refer to these as "non-equip" modules since they are not based on specific equipment. Some of the modules include 3M (Material Maintenance Management), the system we use to schedule and track our equipment maintenance. ORM (Operationa Risk Management), a system used to weigh the risks and benefits associated with a task and can be applied to just about anything we do inside and outside of the lifelines. Safety, this covers the basics of shipboard safety to include electrical safety like how to avoid getting electricuted, handeling and disposal of hazardous materials, and the associated admin. These are just 3 of the 15 modules covered in the first section of the course. Once they have completed this area, they move on to the FC Modules. These modules teach the basic concepts of being a fire controlman, they cover different ammunition types and their purpose, the systems we use to deliver that ammunition and the methods we use to make sure the ammunition gets to the correct target. The last section of the course is the Radar section where students learn the fundamentals of RF (Radio Frequency) energy and radar operation. From there they get hands on experience with several of the Navy's basic radar systems. Students learn how the systems operate and the basic concepts of troubleshooting and repair.

Q.) How Long is FC 'A' School?

A.) FC 'A' School itself is 15 weeks long. ATT is a seperate school and is 10 1/2 weeks long. ATT is completed prior to attending 'A' School.

Q.) Why is my sailor on hold?

A.) There are many reasons a sailor might be on hold. The largest reason is students are awaiting transfer. The 'C' schools do not have enough room in the barracks for all the students graduating from 'A' School. Currently, there is no wait to get into FC'A' school from ATT. (16 NOV 2010). Some of the other reasons include medical issues, security clearances or legal trouble.

Q.) How does my sailor get orders?

A.) The order process has changed here in the last month or so (16 NOV 2010). The order process is no longer under the control of the schoolhouse. Students fill out a "dream sheet" listing the top 3 places they would like to go. Once orders are received, students are assigned orders based on thier dream sheets. If there are not orders to one of the places on their dream sheet, they will be assigned orders based on needs of the Navy.

Q.) My sailor went to bootcamp as an AECF. How was it determined whether they were selected to be an  ET or FC?

A.) At approxamately week 4 of bootcamp, the RTC detailers make the selection. They look at how many AECF Recruits they have and split them 52% FC and 48% ET. There are no special criteria for one or the other. It is pretty much luck of the draw.

Hopefully this will answer some of the basic questions you may have about your sailors and their time here. If there are more specific questions, Please ask them in the main group and I will answer them post haste. =)