Independent Duty Corpsman

[Zealot]

Hi guys,

I'm a new corpsman, just graduated Corps School on 03Nov06. I'am currently awaiting FMSS at Camp Lejeune, and planning on trying to get into Force Recon. However, I have been told that should I go Force Recon I'll be going through a year long course at an Army SF Medic Schoolat Fort Bragg,and after completing that school I'll be considered an IDC. This is what I want to achieve, but I have two questions that pertain to that.

1. Do I have to wait until I make second class in order to go there as IDC must be a Second or First Class to do so?

2. Is it true that an IDC can challenge the board in any certain states for a PA license?

My first concern is to try to get into Force Recon, these are just side questions so that I can try to better plan my future. I realize that getting into, and staying in Recon is gonig to be hard enough, but I'd like information as to what becomes open to me afterwards if anything.

Thanks,

[Da-Chief]

Zealot wrote: Hi guys,

I'm a new corpsman, just graduated Corps School on 03Nov06. I'am currently awaiting FMSS at Camp Lejeune, and planning on trying to get into Force Recon. However, I have been told that should I go Force Recon I'll be going through a year long course at an Army SF Medic Schoolat Fort Bragg,and after completing that school I'll be considered an IDC. This is what I want to achieve, but I have two questions that pertain to that.
What I think they mean is that you will be working independantly.. Not a IDC.. All of us in the FMF ususally work Independant while in the field you take care of your guys.
1. Do I have to wait until I make second class in order to go there as IDC must be a Second or First Class to do so?You can bea second class but you have to be eligible for 1st upon grad. If you score well enough they automatically promote you to E-6. You can't work Indpendent unless you are a E-6. (I.e have your own ship, you have to be at least a E-6 to do so.)

2. Is it true that an IDC can challenge the board in any certain states for a PA license?
No it is not true, You have to go to PA School, just like our PA's have to in the Navy..
My first concern is to try to get into Force Recon, these are just side questions so that I can try to better plan my future. I realize that getting into, and staying in Recon is gonig to be hard enough, but I'd like information as to what becomes open to me afterwards if anything.

Thanks,Hope this helps.. Semper Gumby Da-Chief

[crazycajun]

There are two types of Recon HMs.

The NEC "8427 - Recon Corpsman" and the NEC "8403 - Recon IDC".

After completion of the training you will hold the 8427 - Recon Corpsman. You will work independantly, though you'll still have to wait until you are an HM2 to apply for the 8403 - Recon IDC.

Once you get to Lejeune, you can talk with the Recon HMs at II MEF, MARSOC or 2nd Recon Bn and they should be able to give you more insight on the Recon HMs and even tips for the training.

[Zealot]

Thanks for all of the input Chief. Much appreciated.

Zealot