Interested in FMSS, but have questions

[CuriousCat]

Hello all. First- I have been looking all over for information, this site is just what I was looking for.

Ok, the story goes a little smething like this. I am 36 (male)and have recently married an O-4 in the Air Force, by the way I enjoyed the group hug comment from another topic. I have decided to change careers, and am currently going to college, but I am also interested in serving. I have always felt that there would be nothing more rewarding than being a field corpsman.

I am looking at the reserves, and have spoken to a recruiter, but would like to hear from some of you who potentialy aren't as motivated to get me to sign. I as I said am 36, I work out regularly and have no back/joint issues,but am by no means in great shape. I am certain that boot would take care of that, but would like to hear what you all think about this training for an 'older' guy. As a side note, I am tenatious, I don't quit things I start. But I also don't want to put myself into a position where I am turned away from FMSS due to age and end up as a tech. I want to know as much as I can to make the best decision possible.

Thanks for the info, and thanks for your service.

C.C.

[DocHayes]

No you're not too old to go through FMSS. Even as a boot is concerned. The oldest boots we had in my Platoon where in their mid-thirties... Of course some of the reservist were older. In addition to that there will be a lot of E4's-E-6's who've never been who are just now going, in addition to that there are usually two or three chiefs too.

[CuriousCat]

Thanks for the info! I am glad to hear it. That should make the wife feel better about it too. I'm not sure she's 100% on board, but shes a high risk OB and tends to think in terms of worst case scenarios.

Another question; I understand there isn't any break in between boot and 'A' school, but is there typically any time between 'A' and FMSS?

C.C.

[DocHayes]

Yes. There can be a break between A-school and FMSS, a lot sailors PSI (Pre-school Input) either with their gaining command, or whereever. In a way it gets them used to the job they'll have after they graduate.

[DocHayes]

And generally its not a very long time. Just long enough for them to get in the next FMSS class...

There is also the possibility that you can get to FMSS and not class up for one reason or another. If that happens you'll be in SATT (Students Awaiting Training/Transfer) platoon, and be doing all the grunt work before you begin class.

[CuriousCat]

Thanks for the info, very much appreciated! Now as a reservist, would I be allowed to wait for the class to open up at home, or is it more like a few days?

C.C.

[Da-Chief]

Cat,

Nope you would go like this..

Boot -11/12 weeks

A-School--- 14 weeks or less (Work at your own pace)

FMF-- 7 weeks

All of these are continous.. Right now they area offering a 20K bonus for those joining the NPSB (Non-prior-service-basic) program.

I write your orders @ the school house to get you to fmss. You go to the next class after you grad. If there is a wait you will work like it was said above in PSI at either Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton or Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune..

So all in all plan for around 6-8 months of training.

You will earn leave and such while going through this..

One thing I want to let you know.. Dependents do not transfer wtih you on these orders.. You do start earning BAH while on orders for the duration, and after 30 days away you earn DLA (Dislocation Allowance) as well.. But it starts at each command, so you have to be gone 30 days at RTC then when you ship to us at NHCS you have to do 30 days again then reapply etc..

Let me know if you have any other questions!!
Where are you located at?

Da-Chief..

P.s if you haven't guessed my job is to take care of the Reservists at NHCS..

;-)

[CuriousCat]

Hey Chief, I appreciate the in depth info. And who could ask for a better source!

I live in San Antonio currently, but as stated, the wife is a Major in the Air Force. There is no needfor her to transfer with me. I just kind of like her and was trying to make it two 3-4 month periods apart, with a little time to see her in the middle. If it doesn't work that way, I understand. Can't blame a guy for hoping, right.

Now here's the thing. The recruiter I am working with didn't say a word about any $20,000 bonus. I'll have to ask him about that.

I do have one other question. I have an associates degree in culinary arts, and I thought I read somewhere that having a degree, even an associates, can boost your rank coming out of basic. Any truth to that?

Thanks for the heads up on the BAH and DLA.

At corps school, how much of the training is hands on? I understand that it is self paced, but it seems that a good part of the info needed would be best experienced not seen on a computer monitor. Is it jus the tests per section, that you choose when to take? I have to admit, I learn much better with an instructor than from a computer. Guess I better remedy that, huh?

Cheers,

C.C.

[Merly85]

Hello

I would like to know more about the 20k bonus is that for people who are first signing their service years contract with the navy? or does it apply it to whoever is going to HM A school?

[Da-Chief]

Initial Contract only

V/R
HMC

[Da-Chief]

Sorry,

There are Re-enlistment bonuses as well, but you have to be qualified to get them.

V/R
HMC

[Merly85]

Thank you Chief

v/r

SN Barahona