MEU(SOC)?

[Snack Dragon]

I leave for boot in july and was wondering a couple of things. One thing I'm wondering about is what kind of stuff, subject wise, will I learn in A school? The other thing is what it would take to be assigned to the MEU as a corpsman. If anyone could let me know I would appreiate it....



Thank you,
DEP HM Fousek

[DOC_Newt]

First of all, you will be learning a little bit of everything at A school, such as hospital skills, field medicine, shipboard, A&P, pharmacy. Second of all if you want to go on a MEU, you need to push for orders to green side, and try for Japan or Hawaii, if you go to Lejune or California then you may not see the MEU, and if you want some real knowledge that you can use go division not group, you'll just get fat with group. I'm not sure if they still do this or not but in Corps school if you have one of the highest 2 average scores you get to choose where you go so buckle down and study when you get there and don't waste your time and money drinking out in the burbs of Chicago.

HM2 (FMF) NEWTON

[hm1park]

I am currently on a MEU,so I'llchime in.

There are many different facets to the Marine Expeditionary Unit. It'sone big coming together of all parts of the MAGTF (Marine Air Ground Task Force) I have to agree that being with a green side unit will get you to a MEU. There are 7 of them. I MEF(11th, 13th, and 15th) based in Southern California, II MEF(22nd, 24th, and 26th) in North Carolina, and III MEF -31st MEU out of Japan/Okinawa.

A MEU is only a temporary arrangement. Typically your unit will "chop" or join the MEU as a whole, 3-6 months prior to deployment. During this time you work in garrison, at sea, and in the field, on training and medical readiness. That is followed by a six monthish deploymentas one big happy family of the strike group. You will work side by side with your 'Blue Side" brothers when you're embarked on the ship.

It's a complete merger of different elements, so you have Group, Wing, Infantry,artillery, amphibian units,recon, and a command element embarked aboard your ships or sometimes straight to the "dirt" MEU's aren't something you go join, rather you join a unit thateventuallyleaveswith theMEU elements.

It's purely a rotational cycle so with three years on the green side, it's quite possible for you to find yourself on one of these MEU's. I would recommend that you make your intentions known when youcheck in (To your unit) so that maybeDivision/Group/Wing admincan find an appropriate battalion/squadron tolead you toward your goal sooner rather than later. Be aware that they will most likely already have plans for you but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Don't knock the group guys. Those"fat" group guys made it to my pause in record time to help me and my guys. The STP (Shock/Trauma Platoonand CLB (Combat Logistics Battalion)performed superbly under pressure and we saved one. They provided a calm in the storm with their teamwork and care.

Study hard as previously mentioned. Anyone can pass HM "A" school if they pay attention. Thesailorsthat put forth the effort, retain that information, and recall itwhen it's needed most are the heroes. As a side bonus you may get choice of orders.

HM1(FMF) -15TH MEU Air Combat Element

[Snack Dragon]

Ok. Thanks, This info has been really helpful. When I get to A school I already planned on begging for green side. It's why I enlisted in the Navy. Thanks again...