mm3toHM3
07-27-2008, 07:52
With all the loads of information on this site, I decieded to give people like myself (fleet returnees) a single page with all kinds of great information I have read on this site.
First off, I am in the process of converting to HM from MM (as so my username states). I am currently serving on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, CVN-69, the most badass carrier on the east coast. I have my ESWS and working on my EAWS.
DISCLAIMER: Some of the following information was taken from this website's forums, and paraphrased by the author of this post. The information contained in this post was not written by the author, but it is being used in good faith from the users of Corpsman.com for the help of all users of Corpsman.com! This information was compiled with the intent of helping people who are looking to, or already have converted to the HM rating, but the information is available for all to learn from.
So you are starting your crossrate package?
First off, as a prespective convertee, you should research all the information on eligiblity requirments. Check Milsperman 1306-610 and 1440 for your requirements. These forms have a wealth of information that you need to read before even getting your hopes up. Things such as:
1) As a perspective convertee the following apply:
a) NO NJP convictions within the last 18 months
b) If you recieved an SRB(selective reenlistment bonus) you need to be
eligible for PCS, i.e. be within 9 months of your PRD/EAOS
c) Have spent 24 months (2 years) within your current rate. This TIR (Time in Rate) is displayed on your electronic service record, or you can get this date from your CCC. For example, my TIR date is October 31st, 2006, so I am eligible to crossrate as of November 1, 2008 (24 months)
d) Those is critical NEC's are generally not eligible for a conversion unless it is a forced conversion (you F*cked up and PERS is making you convert)
e) You have to be in a CREO 2 or CREO 3 rate, and apply for a conversation into a CREO 1 or CREO 2 rate. CREO is the Navy's Career ReEnlistment Objectives. This is a 2x a year Navadmin that displays all the rates in the Navy and their current manning levels. For example, MM (Machinst Mate) for E-1 to E-4 is a CREO 3, meaning it is "overmanned". HM for E1-E4 is a CREO 1, meaning it is "undermanned". So I fit the criteria setforth by the CREO standards.
f) You must be within Navy Physical standards, ie you passed your last PFA. (the navy doesnt want to spend the money to re-train you to another rate if you cant even pass a PFA)
Once you have met these criteria, you have to meet the standards for the rate you want to convert to.
a) All rates in the Navy have a minimum for the ASVAB. Line scores count here. You have at least the minumum ASVAB scores to quailfy for the rate you want to convert to.
b) Some rates have physical standards that you must meet. Color perception, Hearing, visual acuity.
c) Finally, some rates (like HM) have a MOS OBLISERV. Meaning you have sign on for a certain amount of time for them to allow you to convert. HM requires a 60 month OBLISERV. For me, I will have to extend my current 6 year contract up to 2 years for me to fulfill my MOS OBLISERV. (becasue I have done about 2 years, and HM requires I serve as a HM for 5 years, i will make my 6 year contract a 8 year contract in order to complete 5 minimum years for HM.
Once you have done your homework, worked with your CCC, and made sure you are eligible, this is when you can start working on your conversation package.
Most Commands require a CDB, a Career Development Board. This is where your immediate chain of command and a representive from the rating you want to convert to sit you down and discuss your intentions. If you are a good sailor, your chain of command and the representive will agree to support your rating conversion. The outcome of your CDB is crucial in the babysteps of your Conversation package, becasue if your chain of command does not believe you are good enough to convert, then the representive will almost defintely not sign off saying he accepts you to convert. This technically cannot stop your conversation request, but if you do not have the approval of your chain of command, you are basically S.O.L, and its HIGHLY unlikely any request will get approved.
After your CDB (assumming good things happened) your CCC will take it from there. He/She will assemble the complete package, and once you are eligible with the TIR date, they will submit it to the ECM (Enlisted Community Manager) of the rate you wish to convert to. From there, it is a waiting game, for you to find out your results.
While you wait, though, it is a very good idea to start working on stuff!. As a HM convertee, you want to get as much information as you can and as much PT as you can. You want to try to work with the medical Dept or IDC from your command to familiarze yourself with how a HM works. Secondly, if you are going to be taking care of patients and possibly Marines on the battlefield, you have to be in shape. Corpsman School is a PT intensive school. 4-5 miles a day is a regualr thing, and being able to pass, if not excel on the Navy PFA and USMC PRT is a start.
Any type of EMT/CPR training you can get your hands on will help you in the long run. I found that getting my Shipboard DC quals and Warfare qualifications not only make me a more rounded sailor, but there is a wealth of Medical and casualty knowledge that can only help you as a HM. Basic wound care, (sucking chest wounds, lacerations, burns ect, all of these I learn in my quals for shipboard Damage control) reconizing heat relative illness, stretcher barer training, CPR, SCBA (if your a shipboard person) will all assist you in your time at NHCS and as a HM.
Before you leave your ship/command for NHCS make sure you life isnt in shambles. Dont have crazy debt, be on top of your game, relationship wise and financial wise. You are going to school to be paid to learn and train as a US Navy Hospital Corpsman, no to go drinking at the local bar on base. Becasue NHCS is on Great Lakes, you will have to follow all rules and regs of the base. When you check in, you have to have a full inventoried sea bag. Good to have all that stuff before you go!
As my conversation package continues, I will have more to add on this post on my own experiences, but please feel free to add on any information that I may have left out!
****** I am a bit fuzzy on orders and billeting and such once you leave NHCS/FMTB so any addons to this post regarding that would also be most helpful!!!!!!!!
Like I said before, I did not come up with this information, I only compiled it into one post. All this information was written by the users of www.Corpsman.com (http://www.Corpsman.com), who are "Docs" and have a large wealth of knowledge to pull from!
Thanks again, and yes, my conversation package is still in the works!!!
Heres to HMs!!:not:
MM3 (SW/AW) soon to be HM3 (SW/AW) with a (FMF) added on!!!
First off, I am in the process of converting to HM from MM (as so my username states). I am currently serving on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, CVN-69, the most badass carrier on the east coast. I have my ESWS and working on my EAWS.
DISCLAIMER: Some of the following information was taken from this website's forums, and paraphrased by the author of this post. The information contained in this post was not written by the author, but it is being used in good faith from the users of Corpsman.com for the help of all users of Corpsman.com! This information was compiled with the intent of helping people who are looking to, or already have converted to the HM rating, but the information is available for all to learn from.
So you are starting your crossrate package?
First off, as a prespective convertee, you should research all the information on eligiblity requirments. Check Milsperman 1306-610 and 1440 for your requirements. These forms have a wealth of information that you need to read before even getting your hopes up. Things such as:
1) As a perspective convertee the following apply:
a) NO NJP convictions within the last 18 months
b) If you recieved an SRB(selective reenlistment bonus) you need to be
eligible for PCS, i.e. be within 9 months of your PRD/EAOS
c) Have spent 24 months (2 years) within your current rate. This TIR (Time in Rate) is displayed on your electronic service record, or you can get this date from your CCC. For example, my TIR date is October 31st, 2006, so I am eligible to crossrate as of November 1, 2008 (24 months)
d) Those is critical NEC's are generally not eligible for a conversion unless it is a forced conversion (you F*cked up and PERS is making you convert)
e) You have to be in a CREO 2 or CREO 3 rate, and apply for a conversation into a CREO 1 or CREO 2 rate. CREO is the Navy's Career ReEnlistment Objectives. This is a 2x a year Navadmin that displays all the rates in the Navy and their current manning levels. For example, MM (Machinst Mate) for E-1 to E-4 is a CREO 3, meaning it is "overmanned". HM for E1-E4 is a CREO 1, meaning it is "undermanned". So I fit the criteria setforth by the CREO standards.
f) You must be within Navy Physical standards, ie you passed your last PFA. (the navy doesnt want to spend the money to re-train you to another rate if you cant even pass a PFA)
Once you have met these criteria, you have to meet the standards for the rate you want to convert to.
a) All rates in the Navy have a minimum for the ASVAB. Line scores count here. You have at least the minumum ASVAB scores to quailfy for the rate you want to convert to.
b) Some rates have physical standards that you must meet. Color perception, Hearing, visual acuity.
c) Finally, some rates (like HM) have a MOS OBLISERV. Meaning you have sign on for a certain amount of time for them to allow you to convert. HM requires a 60 month OBLISERV. For me, I will have to extend my current 6 year contract up to 2 years for me to fulfill my MOS OBLISERV. (becasue I have done about 2 years, and HM requires I serve as a HM for 5 years, i will make my 6 year contract a 8 year contract in order to complete 5 minimum years for HM.
Once you have done your homework, worked with your CCC, and made sure you are eligible, this is when you can start working on your conversation package.
Most Commands require a CDB, a Career Development Board. This is where your immediate chain of command and a representive from the rating you want to convert to sit you down and discuss your intentions. If you are a good sailor, your chain of command and the representive will agree to support your rating conversion. The outcome of your CDB is crucial in the babysteps of your Conversation package, becasue if your chain of command does not believe you are good enough to convert, then the representive will almost defintely not sign off saying he accepts you to convert. This technically cannot stop your conversation request, but if you do not have the approval of your chain of command, you are basically S.O.L, and its HIGHLY unlikely any request will get approved.
After your CDB (assumming good things happened) your CCC will take it from there. He/She will assemble the complete package, and once you are eligible with the TIR date, they will submit it to the ECM (Enlisted Community Manager) of the rate you wish to convert to. From there, it is a waiting game, for you to find out your results.
While you wait, though, it is a very good idea to start working on stuff!. As a HM convertee, you want to get as much information as you can and as much PT as you can. You want to try to work with the medical Dept or IDC from your command to familiarze yourself with how a HM works. Secondly, if you are going to be taking care of patients and possibly Marines on the battlefield, you have to be in shape. Corpsman School is a PT intensive school. 4-5 miles a day is a regualr thing, and being able to pass, if not excel on the Navy PFA and USMC PRT is a start.
Any type of EMT/CPR training you can get your hands on will help you in the long run. I found that getting my Shipboard DC quals and Warfare qualifications not only make me a more rounded sailor, but there is a wealth of Medical and casualty knowledge that can only help you as a HM. Basic wound care, (sucking chest wounds, lacerations, burns ect, all of these I learn in my quals for shipboard Damage control) reconizing heat relative illness, stretcher barer training, CPR, SCBA (if your a shipboard person) will all assist you in your time at NHCS and as a HM.
Before you leave your ship/command for NHCS make sure you life isnt in shambles. Dont have crazy debt, be on top of your game, relationship wise and financial wise. You are going to school to be paid to learn and train as a US Navy Hospital Corpsman, no to go drinking at the local bar on base. Becasue NHCS is on Great Lakes, you will have to follow all rules and regs of the base. When you check in, you have to have a full inventoried sea bag. Good to have all that stuff before you go!
As my conversation package continues, I will have more to add on this post on my own experiences, but please feel free to add on any information that I may have left out!
****** I am a bit fuzzy on orders and billeting and such once you leave NHCS/FMTB so any addons to this post regarding that would also be most helpful!!!!!!!!
Like I said before, I did not come up with this information, I only compiled it into one post. All this information was written by the users of www.Corpsman.com (http://www.Corpsman.com), who are "Docs" and have a large wealth of knowledge to pull from!
Thanks again, and yes, my conversation package is still in the works!!!
Heres to HMs!!:not:
MM3 (SW/AW) soon to be HM3 (SW/AW) with a (FMF) added on!!!