future corpsman shipping out 20080731

[stefanm84]

hello everyone?! Hope your all having a great day so far. I just signed my contract 2 weeks ago only knowing and HM as a medic. After researching the bet for hours a day I am proud that I have chosen the most awarding job in the navy, and honored to help our fellow marines if called on.

Now my questions :-), I am currently taking abd EMT-B class will I just be learning the same things over again with a touch of the military?

I want to gain as much info as possible during my 6 year commitment with the navy so I can become a PA, what route do you recommend I take? Fmss & FMF? I know this is required a way but is it the most knowledge gaining route to take?

Lastly is it possible to get and 'C' school added to my contract?

That's all.

Mackey

[HMC8404]

hello everyone?! Hope your all having a great day so far. I just signed my contract 2 weeks ago only knowing and HM as a medic. After researching the bet for hours a day I am proud that I have chosen the most awarding job in the navy, and honored to help our fellow marines if called on.

Now my questions :-), I am currently taking abd EMT-B class will I just be learning the same things over again with a touch of the military?

I want to gain as much info as possible during my 6 year commitment with the navy so I can become a PA, what route do you recommend I take? Fmss & FMF? I know this is required a way but is it the most knowledge gaining route to take?

Lastly is it possible to get and 'C' school added to my contract?

That's all.

Mackey
First off ...
Welcome Aboard! http://forums.tccoa.com/images/smilies/SailorSalute.gifhttp://www.landofmarbles.com/phpbb/images/smilies/006.gif

Secondly, if you're aiming to become a PA ... then as you pick up rank you'll eventually want to become an 8425 (Independent Duty Corpsman). That will give you credits towards it and will give you the opportunity to work isolated duty as the SMDR (Senior Medical Department Representative) on ships, etc. But that NEC comes with rank so make sure you complete all of your requirements as you need to and steadily climb that ladder. You can get a seat in the school as early as HM2. Someone correct me if that's changed.

[stefanm84]

Thanks a whole bunch for the much much needed info sir. I did a little research on IDC and found out I get 60 transferabl units! That's great! By I'd have to be and E5... I'm entering boot as and E3 and I heard if you do good enough in 'A' school you can possibly get to E4? If this is possible please exlain to me how? And also whats the best possible route I can take to getting IDC training and making it to E5 cause I do understand it is dificult to rank as and HM. Thank you

Mackey

[HMC8404]

Mackey, you have to pick up HM3 (E4) through the regular advancement system and tests. No skipping that route initially through the schools, so make sure you do all the requirements and correspondance courses ASAP before your time is even reached in your current HN/E3 rank after graduating "A" school.

Yes, IDC gives you not just transferable credits, but more importantly the experience and exposure to the field so you know if it is truly what you want to do. Who knows? You may want that full blown MD behind your name? Think big and go for it! :D

PS, No "Sir" here. I used to work for a living and I am very female. ;)

[stefanm84]

just want to apologize for the grammar and puncuation I'm on my cell.

[HMC8404]

Were there errors? I didn't notice. No grammar or spelling nazis here. :)

[stefanm84]

thank you so much for the info HMC8404!couple more questions, sorry lol, I understand everyone wants to go to japan, but is it possible for me to get stationed in yokosuka japan? or are HMs only sent to Okinawa? i know its "what the navy wants" but its just a dream of mines to be stationed there. also if with a marine unit, other then "the green side" where else would i be going?

Mackey

[HMC8404]

stefan, there's a HUGE Naval Hospital in Yokosuka Japan. I know because I was stationed over there from '91-'94 and that is where my daughter was born. We have clinics in Sasebo, up near Yokota, and other various places. So to answer your question, "are HMs only sent to Okinawa?".... the answer is "No!" I was stationed in Lejeune prior to being sent to Yokosuka. Then there are many ships sitting there forward deployed that have medical departments that must be manned. The majority of the marines go to Oki, and if you're assigned to a marine unit that is heading there? The marine unit is your command and you'll go with them. But if you get shore/ship duty not with a marine unit you have a great chance to go anywhere in Japan. You'll have to be specific with your detailer. If he/she offers you a marine unit then you know you'll be in Oki. But that can only happen if you've got your 8404 NEC.

[0311_DoC]

you may also want to consider the IPAP program as well

http://www.samhouston.army.mil/ipap/New%20IPAP%20Home%20Page.htm

and more info here:

http://www.usarec.army.mil/armypa/

[0311_DoC]

stefan, there's a HUGE Naval Hospital in Yokosuka Japan. I know because I was stationed over there from '91-'94 and that is where my daughter was born. We have clinics in Sasebo, up near Yokota, and other various places. So to answer your question, "are HMs only sent to Okinawa?".... the answer is "No!" I was stationed in Lejeune prior to being sent to Yokosuka. Then there are many ships sitting there forward deployed that have medical departments that must be manned. The majority of the marines go to Oki, and if you're assigned to a marine unit that is heading there? The marine unit is your command and you'll go with them. But if you get shore/ship duty not with a marine unit you have a great chance to go anywhere in Japan. You'll have to be specific with your detailer. If he/she offers you a marine unit then you know you'll be in Oki. But that can only happen if you've got your 8404 NEC.

he could also get sent to the clinic at Camp Fuji, could he not????

[HMC8404]

You're right, forgot about that one, too. Like I said, there's a ton of other places that he could end up at and not just Oki.

[8404]

You can read all about Okinawa, Japan and the Marines at:

http://www.okinawa.usmc.mil/

[stefanm84]

Thanks a lot all. Im more excited then ever to ship out. If I have anymore question I will be sure to come here before anywhere else.

mackey