All the help I can get

[NAVY C0RPSMAN]

Hey everyone, I'm new to this site and came here to learn more about Corpsman. For my future I am either joining the Marines as infantry, or becoming a corpsman but working with Marine infantry. My big question is though, If I join the Navy How do I become a Corpsman that works with a Marine infantry unit?. Much help is needed for me and I give all of you my welcome and my thanks.

[8404]

Welcome Aboard:

I take it you do not have any military service? Prior service or not currently active duty? I wanted to clarify that due to your profile picture.

A Navy FMF Corpsman, (assigned with infantry Marines) and a infantry Marines' responsibilities are different. Make sure medicine is the field you want to really go into.

There is a fair amount of information already provided, that answers your questions. Spend some time reading up on them. Afterwards, feel free to post any questions you may still have and someone will be along to answer them.

Recruiting:
http://www.corpsman.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=27

Field Medical Training Battalion, FMTB:
http://www.corpsman.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=83

Corpsman.com Career Counselor:
http://www.corpsman.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=38

Naval Hospital Corps School:
http://www.corpsman.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=78

Be sure to tell others about this site.

[NAVY C0RPSMAN]

No I have no prior military service, My older brother is in the Marines which is why I know how they operate and he told me about corpsman and I got interested in what they do. As for medicine being the field I want to be in you made it sound like there was something wrong? also thanks a lot for your help.

[8404]

There is nothing wrong with choosing the medical field! It's an admirable profession, for sure!

Far to many enlistee's get into a field, without fully realizing what's at stake, or what it entails. I am only advising you to be sure what you want, as you are vacillating between two very different jobs.

Many of us here speak from experience and are only trying to pass on information, in order for you to make an informed decision. Some enlistee's envision a particular job one way, only to find out it's something entirely different. We are trying to prevent a, "I didn't know it was gonna be like this" type of scenario.

I too am a former Marine, Semper Fi to your brother!

[DevilDoc49]

I am a former Corpsman. When I joined the Navy I had the choice or so I thought. After about 6 months I was reassigned to the Marines and was sent to Camp Lejeune for my 8404 training. You have to make the choice but I will give you this as my opinion. When you join the military look at your future. If you are going to be a rifle men and that’s it well when you get out what is that going to do for you on the civilian side. When I got out I became a Firefighter/Paramedic. The field is wide open. You can go with the Are medical, You can get the training to be a dive medic, There is the option of becoming an IDC (Independent duty corpsman) These guys are all the ship may have no MD. So it’s up to you. My experience with the Marines was nothing but positive. But you have to make it what you want it to be. Just remember, if you do go navy and 8404. You all they have out there. They will depend on you as well as you will depend on them. Good Luck Semper Gumby (Always Flexible) Doc

[NAVY C0RPSMAN]

Thank you I will tell my brother that you wished him the best of luck. It makes him feel great when random people and other Marines tell him that, he is in SOI in Camp Lejeune. So I have the choice of doing 8404? Say if i pass the asvab (most likely will) and choose HM and say i want to be a 8404 evrything will work out the way i want it to?

[8404]

Some more info:
http://www.corpsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20553

You only have the 'choice' for Corpsman or any Navy Enlistment Classification Code, NEC that you may qualify for.

Currently, all males attend FMTB, which upon graduation gives you the Navy Enlistment Classification code of HM-8404. This school teaches the necessary skills for you, as a Corpsman, to operate within the Fleet Marine Force, FMF and the Marines.

What it does not do, is guarantee you a billet with the Marines. All of your military assignments will be based upon the needs of the Navy, or whatever branch you are a member of.

Anything can happen, once you graduate Hospital Corps school. You could be stationed at a hospital, a clinic or Battalion Aid Station, on a Marine Corps base and still not be stationed with a Marine unit! You could be stationed at a hospital on a Naval base and never see a Marine. Any of these assignments could be anywhere in the world.

However, because we are at war and HM-8404's are very much needed, I don't think you will have an issue getting orders with a Marine unit. Make sure you tell your instructors at RTC, (boot camp) and at Hospital Corps school of your wishes. They can help you out with that endeavor.