Fmtb

[Corpsman77]

Hello everyone.

So here I am.

I'm not the oldest one here (there's like 2 people older ... maybe) but I am the senior E3. Basically the day starts out with wake up at 0400, muster at 0445, chow by 0500 (or we start to file in), PT starts roughly at 0600 and goes to 0800-0830. The rest of the day is marching places you need to go for instruction, gear pick-up, or just basic military drill and whatnot. There's mandatory PT at 0800 on Saturdays for people who were a little off in their BMI (you can be over 3% and sign a waiver to get better or get sent home). You can also volunteer like I did and just report you want to volunteer at 0800 muster and they send you over. PT is good for you, good for me. In the short time I've been here I feel stronger, more proud to be in the Navy and damn proud to be a Corpsman. I can't wait to complete all the training and look damn sexy for my wife. Honey, I'm gonna look good and be stroooong.

Our initial T-minus-1 day was quite the shocker as they came in early that day and woke us up. It was AMAZING that a trash can be that aerodynamic at 0400 in the morning. Wow. And then all that PT in the barracks with our utilities on. Ugh. Get some. Puuuuush.

It's hot. No, it's damn hot. Check that. It's really damn hot. Every day. All day. Hot. Did I mention it's hot? It's a slow process to get used to the humidity here and be able to breathe well during PT, etc.

We all just got our cami issued and we learn how to put it all together on Monday so it will be nice to not wear the damn prison uniform any longer.

That's about all I have for my first week here. I would advise EVERYONE who is coming here to get in shape. Immediately. Take care of your mind and your body will follow.

Ooh rah! Get some!

[bubba68]

yeah buddy@! biggest thing too is keep control of your people. our instructors told us that we were the worst class (as i'm sure they tell everybody) to come through there. believe it or not, it wasn't the boots (us) who were heinous...it was the fleet returnees. we hardly ever pt'd (which stopped with our class) or got beat. the only people who didn't get fat and nasty were the guys who they came down on for bieng tubby. for all you guys reading this, be advised! if you screw up there, libbo weekend goes bye bye! i promise! i think we had one weekend off....and we got called back sunday afternoon.

some good kit to bring with you aside from the list you get a corps school:

lifer tool...gerber multi tool or leatherman. anywhere from cooking mre's to fixing gear, it's a life saver!

cammie paint...either you use that or mud. get the compact so you can use the mirror.

black metal collar devices...at least 3 sets.

boot bands....alot!

brown indoor extention cord...charge phone, computer, ipod, whatever.

waterproof case for dip/chew/smokes

ziploc bags. big and little.

small mini mag flashlight w/red lens...in the field, you don't normally train at night gives you something to square away and read with.

powdered gatorade...nuff said
i
buprofen/aspirin
baby wipes...don't know how many times i used those between pt and classroom. you only have 3 shower heads per platoon.

and finally no-doz! stand by for three hour libbo briefs and long classes!
moleskin...you'll get blisters...the boots suck!

[sailorsgirl777]

i have a question... my hubby told me today he has to go to fmss school or whatever,, hes not going fmf but something else but he still has to do the school, he told me i could live with him during that part.. does anyone know if that is true??

[Da-Chief]

Not true your hubby is wrong.. Do "NOT" get up and move to FMTB.. it is only a "5" week school!!!

He might have to wait though to class up.. Spouses are not allowed to shack up with their hubbies unless he is PCS'ing to the same area.

If your hubby knows he is going to FMTB, what are his follow on orders?

Later
D/C

[HMC-FMF-PJ]

the boots suck!

Footwear and footcare is not rocket science, but it is not a No-brainer either. Personally I think the current issue boots are a pretty damn good considering. But there are plenty of mistakes that can cause your feet to hurt.

1. Obtaining the proper size boots is critical. Most people do not know how to size their footwear; especially when it comes to boots. Females who wear heels tend to do the worse. They are so used to wearing uncomfortable undersized shoes, they do not know what a proper fit feels like. INSIST on the proper length *and* width. If you do not know how to size boots, try visiting a good hiking shop with a knowledgeable staff or read up on it. Fuss now or your feet will pay forever -- or at least until you buy a new pair...

2. Invest in high quality socks and consider liners. I have avoided mil issue boot socks as much as possible since boot camp. Experiment with different types & brands until you find the socks that work best for your feet and activity. Get the right size, keep 'em clean, and wear 'em properly.

3. Socks, shoe inserts, & load (weight carried) will effect the fit of your boots. This is obvious, but people overlook it all the time. Give it a thought when sizing your footwear.

New boots may feel stiff and uncomfortable to walk in, but like a good baseball glove, you need to break in the leather. Most civilian leg muscles are not acustom to the extra weight of a boot and tend to tire quickly until adequate muscles are developed. Blah, blah, blah, a hundred more comments I'll let others chime in if they so desire...

[HMC-FMF-PJ]

ibuprofen/aspirin

IMHO Doc's should avoid administering aspirin and other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) while in a combat zone. (thins blood, increases photosensitivity) Because of this, Doc's should avoid developing a habit of relying on these med's during training ops. (Practice like you play, right?)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonsteroidal_anti-inflammatory_drug#Examples

NOTE: Aspirin and NSAIDs are *NOT* banned or prohibited. Sometimes an aspirin or NSAID will be the best medication for the job. Just know what you are handing out and what it does. Like all med's, be aware of the side effects and adverse reactions.

Such as:
- antiplatelet / anticoagulant: Not so good for stopping leaks.
- photosensitivity: Not so good for sunny days in OIF, OEF, HOA, or 29Palms
- gastrointestinal ulcers & bleeding: Not so good for areas with high incidences of GI problems already
- slightly increased risk of intracranial bleeding: Not so good for IEDs and TBI


But if its all ya got: Do the most good for the most men with the limited resources at hand...