FMF

[Navy Nerd]

Hello all. Lookin for some advice. Hoping to go to FMF at Lejeune in July-Aug timeframe. Have been working out and will continue to do so, so the physical part should be okay, and I know the mental part is just that. I guess this is the issue......I have been a Paramedic for 12 years, Firefighting/EMS for 20yrs, SWAT Medic, Bomb Squad Medic, Disaster Response etc,......blah blah blah. Well I joined the Navy last year through the NRAC program with full intentions of being a "Devil Doc". I am 33y/o with a wife and 3 sons. I guess I am asking all of you out there with a lot more "Navy" experience if going 8404 is a smart move or a dumb move. Of course my family is scared shitless that I'll get sent over and won't come back, but I LOVE the Navy and more so love the CORPS. I know that I willget through the training, and will take great care of our Marines, but at my age, is it wise?

Looking for advice from my shipmates. Thanx.

Semper Fi

[crazycajun]

Navy Nerd,

Brother, let me tell you. I've been a corpsman with the Marine Corps since 1997. I was 31 when I went to FMF after doing 10 years on the blue side. That was the biggest killer because I wasn't in the greatest of shape, though that worked out. I enjoy the respect you get with the Corps! Yes, you'd more than likely get deployed with the Marines, though you have the same chance depolying from a Naval Hospital or Naval Medical Clinic. We are currently deployment centric, it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when. Though, I've deployed 4 times with the Marine Corps and I wouldn't have it any other way. As for going 8404, I belive most everyone is now filtered through FMF. And if I'm not mistaken, the program you came in on wasstarted to assist the Marine Corps.

Semper Fi,

crazycajun

[Navy Nerd]

Roger that, and appreciate it. I know that I'll go, and I am not afraid....I guess my biggest thing was thatI'm an old fart compared to these kids I will be takingcare of. Any advice to get me through 8404, and where did you go Carolina or California? Which one is better or worse?

[crazycajun]

Brother, either have their perks. Some say Cali is worse and some say Lejeune is worse. I went through Lejeune, and have been here ever since. The worst thing is the heat and bugs here! It's some what more physical, just be able to run three miles and be able to do pull-ups and that'll get you through FMF. They will teach you the way the Corps Operates and being a paramedic you should know most of the trauma stuff they'll teach you already. Any questions you have shoot them this way and i'll attempt to answer, if I don't know the answer, I do know where to find them!

Semper Fi!

[Navy Nerd]

Thanks, and I will definately keep in touch!!

Semper Fi

[Da-Chief]

Hey NERD,

Your a NRAC? Reservist?? Where are you located. I have a few hookups for Reserve Orders if need be. Drop me a line at hmc.crone@corpsman.com (mailto:hmc.crone@corpsman.com) and I will get you setup. The Corps have a need for You guys bigtime and I have hookups at Force Medical on the green side to help ya out.

Later Brother..

HMC Crone

[DevilDoc]

I don't think you will have any trouble because of age. Plenty of reservists are going through this school in their 30's and making it out alive. We have had several from my unit. I personally went to Pendelton, while alot of the guys in my unit went to Lejuene. Pendelton will be harder with the hikes, alot of long hills to climb. Alot of running to. I know someone who is in Lejuene right now who says they aren't doing alot of running, mostly strength training. But still be able to run 3 miles anyway. I hear the worst part about Lejuene is the nasty bugs and of course snakes, but if you are going in the summer, the humidity there will be a killer...you may want to consider CA where the humidity will be a bit less and they do the field evolutions in the hills, so it may be a bit cooler on the hikes and such. It's a matter of do you prefer the beach or do you prefer the swamp. Take your pick.

[Paramedic8404]

For the love of God whatever you do if you go to Lejeune please take ALOT of socks...LOL...no really Socks cause no matter how hard you try you will get the jungle rot. That is the worst thing CLNC has to offer...well snakes bears coyotes and a few mountain lions...but hey welcome aboard. I loved Lejeune ,yeah the humidity and heat sucked but at least I didn't go through it alone. You will learn there how to take carte of heat casualties that is for sure and if it snows 1-2 inches the whole city shuts down. The "hollywood" boys and girls have their own opinion but Lejeune and Johnson are the only way to go. WOOT!!!!!!!!!

Semper Fi

Doc J 2/6

[Navy Nerd]

Hey Paramedic 8404. Drop me a line at medic866@cs.com (mailto:medic866@cs.com) or fjhollister@wyomingco.net (mailto:fjhollister@wyomingco.net). I was a Paramedic Supervisor for AMR up in Fort Wayne for 8 1/2 years. Just want to shoot the BS. Thanks.