Navy Corpsman

Comment

Comment by Daniel Melia on November 17, 2009 at 1:51am

Here's a slightly old link about FMSS (name for FMTB until about a year ago).

When the corpsmen finish FMTB they are about up to Marine PT levels (the standards in the Marines are double the Navy boot standards in some things.) When they have successfully completed FMTB they get the NIC 8404 to tack on to 0000 ("quad zero") the basic Corpsman NIC number. If they serve with the Marines for a year (90 days in combat zone) and meet a bunch of physical and knowledge standards, they are awarded the FMF (Fleet Marine Force) warfare badge. I read a few months ago (maybe on corpsman.com) that the Navy plans to have all corpsmen do FMTB, but I don't know whether that is true or, if true, how long it would take to implement it. It would mean that all corpsmen would have the option of going "Green Side" once they had the 8404 qualification.

Comment by Jim on November 16, 2009 at 11:06pm

Hi Anthony. Here is a small description of what FMTB is. " Field Medical Training Battalion is a Marine Corps formal school. Our mission is to train members of the Navy Medical Department for service with Marine Corps Operating Forces. Students are trained to understand Marine Corps organization, treat disease, prevent illness or injury, stabilize trauma, and survive in combat. The school is physically demanding and it is your responsibility to pre-condition yourself prior to arrival for a vigorous daily routine of calestentics, 2-3 mile runs, sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups and various stretching exercises. Additionally, you will be expected to participate in conditioning hikes of 4,6,7 and 8 mile in length in field uniforms with packs."

If you can make the graduation from Corpsman school try to. We were unable to attend, but I was told it would have been worth it. My son was at O'Hara 2 hours after graduating and headed to Camp Pendleton. So our time with him would have been short. But we did see him at the FMTB graduation. Many Sailors left within a day or 2 for other bases around the world. My son is at Pendleton for 3 years.

Comment by Jim on November 16, 2009 at 12:41pm

My son had about I think around 4 weeks between PIR and classing up for the Corpsman "A" school. I think they need a minimum number of Sailors before they can start the class. So they kept them busy with PT and busy work till they class up. If I remember correctly about 4 to 6 weeks before the class finishes they get to fill out there dream ticket, they pick out what they would like to do next. Depending how well the Sailor did during the class and what the Navy needs at the time, effects what the Sailor gets to choose from. From what my son in-law (HMC) said that at some point during your time in the Navy as a Corpsman you have a better than 90% chance of going through FMTB. My son requested FMTB and Camp Pendleton, he received what he asked for. Also if they are looking for volunteers for being in charge of Sailors standing watches while he is at Corpsman school tell him to step up for that. It made a difference for my son. Good luck to your son and tell him to study hard during Corpsman school. The better he does the more options he will get.

Comment by John Frank on November 16, 2009 at 11:11am

My son is at Boot Camp at GL right now. After graduation, does he go to A school right away? He's heard every male HM must (should) attend FMTB, is this true?

Comment by Scott Wilkinson on November 10, 2009 at 2:37pm

Thanks so much. He is marrying a civilian so she will get to go with him to 29 Palms until deployment (whenever/if that will be). Interestingly enough, my Dad was stationed on Adak as well back in the 50's.

Comment by J & G's Mom(AK Mom) on November 10, 2009 at 12:16pm

There is a lot of paper work but it all depends if Carlton is gettng to another service member or non member. Too it also depends on other things such as if he is shipping out,etc. I was stationed on Adak, AK (The Rock) and Jim's dad was on deployement in Spain when we got married (21 yrs ago) and e-mail did not exis; however, with his mom and DSN (it was called Autovon att) were life savors. Send me a note and I can provide you with guidance. Congrads to your family.

Comment by Scott Wilkinson on November 9, 2009 at 5:54pm

Well there are exciting times in our family with our Corpsman, Carlton. He is getting to come home for Christmas this year. So he and our other sailor, Terrence (CTT) will both be home for the first time in several years. We also found out that, during the Christmas leave, Carlton will be getting married!!

If anyone has any advice as to what he needs to do as far as paperwork is concerned, any info would be appreciated.

Comment by anita soto on November 9, 2009 at 1:45pm

hi Mark, it's Anita john's mom, it's been along time since I've been here,i never did thank you for your kind words when i was lost hearing my son was deploying,you were so kind to me when other people were so rude,on this site.well things changed for john, they found a tumor on his vocal cords and he went through surgery,and is doing fine.in 6 months he will be on the list again, I've taken this opportunity to educate myself on the duties of a corpsman. again thank you. anita

Comment by Jim on November 9, 2009 at 12:14pm

Talked to my son on Saturday, he told me the Master Sergeant / Marines gave him a ticket for the Marine Corps Ball in Seaside, CA on Sunday. He said he has to pull the cracker jack out.

Comment by J & G's Mom(AK Mom) on November 4, 2009 at 11:28am

While reading your notes on our sons evolution process, I can totally relate and when I left Jim from BC it was like for an alien had replaced my child. It was so cool for he was finally wearing his pants correctly and being on time actually very important. What is way cool is that HW and getting the grade has value. The real point of it all is I cannot wait for him to come home and clearly inform Garrett (#2 Son) it is time to Man Up! Being a teenager, I do not believe Garrett realizes how much his bother has changed just in a short period of time. Yes, the military makes one mature quickly even though it is not one's choice, intention, or desire.

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