Reserve Corpsman - FMF

[IronHorseMarine]

I'm really interested in joining the Navy Reserve to eventually be a FMF HM. About me: I was a Marine reservist, 0352 and 0313 from 1989-97, served in Kuwait with 2nd LAR during the Gulf War. Got out in '97 to finish my college BA with the intent on coming back in. Finally last year I got back in but joined the USAFR and haven't been too happy with it. Too corporate and not very military to me, but the opportunity to travel and actually get to sight see is great! I'm a 1C3X1 Command Post controller. I have less than 2 years left on that contract but want to switch over to Navy Reserve. My brother was a Doc and I really admired the Docs I served with in the line companies. I am truly a Marine at heart still and would love to be able to take care of them and fight with them again!!! So I have several questions:




I was an E-5 in the Marines and am currently an E-5 in the USAFR. Is it possible to enlist as an HM2 or would I have to take a demotion to E-3 or E-4? I serve for the pride and patriotism of it all so I would enlist even if demoted, but I sure would like to keep that E-5 that I earned as a Marine.
I am an NREMT-B. How would this benefit me as an HM? I presume I would still have to attend “A” school right? I would like to, but could my “A” school time be shortened since I’m an NREMT-B already? Would this be sufficient to enlist as an E-4 or E-5?
Is it correct that “A” school time is self-paced up to 14 weeks? Just a little concerned about leaving my civilian job for that long. Ideally, my goal would be to get through in 8 weeks if I could. I think I will really enjoy the FMF HM “C” school course, although I am 36 now.
If I enlist, what should I try to get guaranteed in my contract? Rate/rank, FMF assignment, etc.
I know this is a frivolous concern but I am a homeowner so that is why I ask. Will I get BAH while at “A” and “C” school? This really helps out making up the difference when I take leave from my civilian job. Like I said, I don’t care too much about rank or pay, just realistically, I need to make a similar income when on active duty so I can pay the mortgage. When I went TDY with the AF, I actually made more money than at my civilian job thanks to BAH.
If it is an option, would it be a wise option to accept another rating that my AF job or civilian job converts to in order to enlist as an E-5, with a guarantee that I can train to be an HM? Hope you understand that question.

Anyway, thanks in advance for your replies!

Semper Fi!

[Da-Chief]

Iron Horse

Iwas an E-5 in the Marines and am currently an E-5 in the USAFR. Is it possible to enlist as an HM2 or would I have to take a demotion to E-3 or E-4? I serve for the pride and patriotism of it all so I would enlist even if demoted, but I sure would like to keep that E-5 that I earned as a Marine.

All depends, you are not "NON-PRIOR" service, If there are billets for 8404 (Program-9) out there for E-5 you will get to keep the rank, I can tell you now that the Reserves are a hurtin bunch, I see you keeping E-5. Don't sign anyting unless they give it to you.

I am an NREMT-B. How would this benefit me as an HM? I presume I would still have to attend “A” school right? I would like to, but could my “A” school time be shortened since I’m an NREMT-B already? Would this be sufficient to enlist as an E-4 or E-5?

Not neccesiarily, You might be able to do our Non-Residentl course. If you are approved to come in as a HM2 with your background, both Military as well as medical, you might just have to attend our course for reserves. Can you get qualled as a NREMT-I? Also are you working in the field right now as a EMT?

Is it correct that “A” school time is self-paced up to 14 weeks? Just a little concerned about leaving my civilian job for that long. Ideally, my goal would be to get through in 8 weeks if I could. I think I will really enjoy the FMF HM “C” school course, although I am 36 now.

Read above.. You will have to attend FMSS though, they have a long drawn out Reserve course that takes a year to complete or you can go for 5 weeks either to Camp Pendleton or Camp Lejuene.

If I enlist, what should I try to get guaranteed in my contract? Rate/rank, FMF assignment, etc.

E-5/HM2 and FMSS for 5 weeks. I myself don't like the long drawn out reserve course, one thing the Marines teach you is camaradire.. You get that with the 5 week course.



I know this is a frivolous concern but I am a homeowner so that is why I ask. Will I get BAH while at “A” and “C” school? This really helps out making up the difference when I take leave from my civilian job. Like I said, I don’t care too much about rank or pay, just realistically, I need to make a similar income when on active duty so I can pay the mortgage. When I went TDY with the AF, I actually made more money than at my civilian job thanks to BAH.

Are you married, do you own a house? This all depends on these questions.. Let me know..

If it is an option, would it be a wise option to accept another rating that my AF job or civilian job converts to in order to enlist as an E-5, with a guarantee that I can train to be an HM? Hope you understand that question.

Zoomie, this is all upon what is in your heart.. You have to feel comfortable with yourself, nothing I can say or do can change that. If you want to be a HM then do so.. If all your worried about is E-5??? Well then maybe our rate is not for you..

Hope all this info helps.. Let me know if I can be of any more assistance, I realize I am quite blunt, but I think you understand..

Later

Da-Chief.

[IronHorseMarine]

Chief,

Thanks for the very informative reply!

Could you tell me some more basic details or qualificationsfor the non-resident program and reserve course? Such as program lengths, locations, course content, how practical skills are completed in non-resident course, etc.

Unfortunately in the area of California where I live there aren't any NREMT-Intermediate programs, so I amabout180 training hours short of that. I am actually a park ranger and I perform EMT functions as part of my job (mostly trauma, occassionally medical). I am also an EMS instructor for my department certified to train basic and advanced first aid, CPR, AED, communicable disease and EMR - emergency medical first responders.If it would help, I could also go work part time as an EMT-B on an ambulance rig, something I've thought of doing to keep my skills up.

I am married and own a home, thus my questions regarding BAH. Being a reservist, I have alwaystried to maintain things in order so that when I activate for TDY's, depoyment, etc., I won't have to worry about home, and that is why BAH is important.

HM sure sounds like what I want to do, so it's no sweat to me if I can't get E-5, but I'll sure take your advice and try.(I honestly thought there was no chance).

We have alot of USMCR units here in southern Cal since about a third of the active USMC is here so I think there should be quite a few program nine 8404 billets to choose from.

Thanks again Chief.

Semper Fi!

[0311_DoC]

IronHorseMarine wrote: Chief,

Thanks for the very informative reply!

Could you tell me some more basic details or qualificationsfor the non-resident program and reserve course? Such as program lengths, locations, course content, how practical skills are completed in non-resident course, etc.

Unfortunately in the area of California where I live there aren't any NREMT-Intermediate programs, so I amabout180 training hours short of that. I am actually a park ranger and I perform EMT functions as part of my job (mostly trauma, occassionally medical). I am also an EMS instructor for my department certified to train basic and advanced first aid, CPR, AED, communicable disease and EMR - emergency medical first responders.If it would help, I could also go work part time as an EMT-B on an ambulance rig, something I've thought of doing to keep my skills up.

I am married and own a home, thus my questions regarding BAH. Being a reservist, I have alwaystried to maintain things in order so that when I activate for TDY's, depoyment, etc., I won't have to worry about home, and that is why BAH is important.

HM sure sounds like what I want to do, so it's no sweat to me if I can't get E-5, but I'll sure take your advice and try. (I honestly thought there was no chance).

We have alot of USMCR units here in southern Cal since about a third of the active USMC is here so I think there should be quite a few program nine 8404 billets to choose from.

Thanks again Chief.

Semper Fi!

Iron, I can tell you since my H&S in based in Encino (2/23), that those So, cal guys got some pretty goodBAH when wewere mobilized. Here is an example we had an HM3 who was fom Cali, he was getting somewhere in the neighborhood of $*** BAH on top of his base pay. When we saw his LES we could not belive it. I was only getting$*** from Nevada. And here is the funny part... The BN Surgeon O-6 was from NV so he got the same BAH as I did. but this HM3 guy was pulling paychecks of barley$*** dollars less then the O6.. Also it is my understanding that it is upto your company tocompensate you on top of your military pay, we had quite a few guys in the Bn who were cops or firefighters whose agencies took care of them while deployed, As well as other companies that cared about the reservists working for them. I unfortunately wasnt one of those people, and it hurt quite a bit. My .02



HM2

[puckmedic]

Chief Crone----

Iron is a prior Marine. Why would he need FMSS? I understood FMSS to be an "introduction to the marine corps" and all the medical stuff he already has experience in.

Just curious to know why we're going to send a marine to a Marine Corps Indoctrination type class when he already got his intro via MCRD back in the day?

Is this going to be one of those times I shake my head and say "Stupid rule made by people with mashed potatoes for brains?"

[Da-Chief]

Hey.. I'm bald, I have scratched till it all went away..

Ours is not to complain just to say Aye Aye..

;-)

DFC

[puckmedic]

I know it is for you but I never kept my mouth shut. Hard to believe huh?

[IronHorseMarine]

puckmedic wrote: Chief Crone----

Iron is a prior Marine. Why would he need FMSS? I understood FMSS to be an "introduction to the marine corps" and all the medical stuff he already has experience in.

Just curious to know why we're going to send a marine to a Marine Corps Indoctrination type class when he already got his intro via MCRD back in the day?

Is this going to be one of those times I shake my head and say "Stupid rule made by people with mashed potatoes for brains?"





Good point Puck. I've been out of the fleet since late 97 so it would be a good refresher to attend FMSS though and learn the Corpsman's role, and the newer equipment that's been introduced since then. On a similar note, or rational, shouldn't former Marines also be FMF warfare qual'ed upon becoming Doc's? That is a really cool looking pin.

[Da-Chief]

As for the pin, you have to re-qualify for all the pins when you leave that element and then come back. This makes sure you are up to date on all the currrent info.

This goes for AW, SW, SeaBees, etc..

Later

HMC

[0311_DoC]

IronHorseMarine wrote: puckmedic wrote: Chief Crone----

Iron is a prior Marine. Why would he need FMSS? I understood FMSS to be an "introduction to the marine corps" and all the medical stuff he already has experience in.

Just curious to know why we're going to send a marine to a Marine Corps Indoctrination type class when he already got his intro via MCRD back in the day?

Is this going to be one of those times I shake my head and say "Stupid rule made by people with mashed potatoes for brains?"





Good point Puck. I've been out of the fleet since late 97 so it would be a good refresher to attend FMSS though and learn the Corpsman's role, and the newer equipment that's been introduced since then. On a similar note, or rational, shouldn't former Marines also be FMF warfare qual'ed upon becoming Doc's? That is a really cool looking pin.


GOOD LUCK with that one....... It is not an easy pin to get.....

[IronHorseMarine]

I went in and spoke to a recruiter and his Chief a couple of days ago. They aren't sure if I have enough EMS experience to come in as an HM2 or HM3.So they want me to complete a resume of my EMS experience for evaluation by someone in Tennessee??? The Chief did some preliminary research and didn't think that one year as an EMT-B would be enough for HM2 but since I have been an EMR (first responder with basically the same scope of BLS practice) for 4 years that might get me HM3 or 2. He indicated that about 4 years medical experience was needed to be somewhat equivalent to a HM2.

I appreciated theChief's concerns that he doesn't wantme to settle for HN at 9 years in despite my desire to be a Corpsman, so they also suggested I consider the #6 option from my initial post above and then try to switch rates once I'm in.They'll take me as a PO2 in theSeabee rates, MA and possibly RP also. Not interested in MA at all, butthe 'bees sounds like fun if I have to do something else while I gain more medical experience, RP just seems to small a field. They saidif I go this option, I could start taking the Corpsman courses on-line and thenrequest to change rates. I know nothing is guaranteed though.



PS: 0311 Doc, I know what you mean about the outstanding BAH rates out here. I was shocked when I went TADinMay and ended up making more $$ than at my civilian job, even though the base pay is alot less. My employer pays me for 1 month of active duty per year, which I fully intend to take advantage of every year. I used to work for a city that paid up to 2 years of deployment time. DohhH! Why did I leave? Now that's some sweet double dipping!

[HMC-FMF-PJ]

Back when I was trying to enlist, I went to 4 or 5 different recruiter offices before inking a deal. The first offices I visited seemed to have something else in mind and kept trying to sell me programs I didn't want. One salty PO1 sailor couldn't believe I wanted FMF and tried his damnedest to get me to go nuke sub service. Moral of the story, try another office before you stop trying or ink a deal you don't want. Second opinions are a good thing. (even if it takes 5)

Your package will go to Millington, TN for evaluation. The recruiter should have given you details, but things like: medical related courses taken, EMT hours worked, recognition received, instructor experience, certs held, professional recommendations, college credits, (blah, blah, blah) all help your case.

If you can't get a guaranteed permanent HM2, try for a conditional temp HM2. One of my HM2's was previously a MM3 -- went to the Army and became a medic Sgt -- came back to the Navy as temp HM2 -- jumped through all the hoops and is now a "real" HM2 8404 taking care of my Marines in Iraq.

If you have 18 months left on your contract, use that time to meet whatever standard the Navy needs for HM2. Get EMT-P, complete some college, whatever. You have some time, so use it.

There are bonuses up to $20,000 for HM 8404. Even if you have to go HM3, you should be able to get a conditional deal that guarantees FMF service and includes some extra change in your pockets once you jump through all the hoops in a timely manner.

Before going MA2 or RP2, you might want to visit a NOSC (aka Reserve Center) and talk to Admin to see how easy/plausible it would be to convert to HM2 after enlisting.

Finally, if you really want to be a Doc taking care of Marines then go HM3 with credit for time-in-rate & leadership so you can take the HM2 exam immediately (Feb or Aug) and you'll be a HM2 within 6 months if you know your stuff.

[HMC-FMF-PJ]

wrote: we had an HM3 who was fom Cali, he was getting somewhere in the neighborhood of $1500 BAH on top of his base pay. When we saw his LES we could not belive it.I know what you mean about the outstanding BAH rates out here. I was shocked when I went TADinMay and ended up making more $$ than at my civilian job,

Note to all,

Without getting into a debate over the disproportionate prices in CA vs NV, you should only praise your pay publicly in mixed company if you are bragging and never want a raise. If you think they pay you enough to leave your family at home while you go dodge bullets on the other side of the world and wash your buddy's blood out of the vehicle & off your gear -- keep talking about how over paid you are in the military. Sure, you'll make more on a deployment than staying at home flipping burgers, but I don't know anyone who cried over burning a burger.

Yes, some people beat the system with soft jobs in cushioned positions collecting extra entitlements in tax free zones, but don't provide ammunition to the bureaucrat trying to cut costs from paying the warriors in the foxhole every penny they deserve. The Bush Administration and some in Congress are already balking at the proposed numbers and trying to cut back raises in next year’s budget.

[0311_DoC]

Chief,I copy head up A$$.. Didnt look at itfrom that angle.I edited the post accordingly.. well sort a...



HM2

[puckmedic]

SHHHHHHHHH be vewy vewy quiet the A-- Holes in washington are watching us.

(yes the same one's who vote for a raise for them selves and deny many of us a wage above poeverty --- think e2's with kids)

Those elected officials who can be replaced, and by golly I have no problem urging that, yeah they can cut our pay. Yeah well we vote too don't we?



Point is, yeah some of these guys are paid well for being on TAD, others aren't. Certainly we don't get paid a whole lot (just wait til you retire then you'll see what I mean) but I don't think a small known website like this is going to attract attention and certainly not going to be a basis for big cuts in funding. I think we're "safe" here.

I ain't skeered, I'm petrified.

[HMC-FMF-PJ]

puckmedic wrote: I don't think a small known website like this is going to attract attention and certainly not going to be a basis for big cuts in funding. I think we're "safe" here.


Time to review your OpSec manual. I know that bloggers and MySpace users often insist that they are invisible and nobody cares what they post.... but irregardless of that, it is bad form to publicly discuss certain issues in mixed company, especially when the discussion is counterproductive to the goals of the membership.

While I agree that a post in this forum is "safer" than a letter to your local newspaper editor or an email to Congress, I still maintain that employees who publicly boast about high pay are less likely to see a raise and may even experience a cut in benefits or increase in fees.

Let's no forget that we just had a bump in SGLI and TDP premiums and the fight over increasing all aspects of TriCare costs rages on (premiums, co-pays, prescription, etc). The exact amount of next year's military pay raise is still unknown. The Senate version (S2766) calls for an across-the-board 2.2 percent basic pay raise as requestedby the Bush Administration. The House version (HR5122) calls for a 2.7 percent across-the-board raise in basic pay.

[puckmedic]

Did I step into it again? OPSEC? Oh no the door bell rang I think it's NCIS... whew just the pizza guy but I think he was wired. ;)

So this is an OPSEC issue? For the record, I had NOTHING to do with it.