Crossrating MM to HM

[MM to HM with help]

Hey fellas, I'm currently an MM and I'm trying to convert to HM (after navy benefits, SRB, experience, etc.) I am trying to go PA (perhaps through the navy commissioning program is possible) but the word I am hearing is that I'm probably going FMF. By the time I complete my conversion (assumings its successful) I will have 4 years active duty, SW/AW. I was wondering if you guys have any tips on a route to picking my orders. I have a specific set of orders (of which there are 5 billets open) and I was hoping you guys knew some ways that the detailer may be willing to work with someone on orders (ie re-enlistment upon completion of A-school, top in class, etc.) Thanks for your input.

MM3 soon to be HM3 with luck

[DocHolliday]

I graduated valedictorian and still didn't get to chose my orders, but then again I was brand new in the Navy and didn't know anything. My best advice is to prepare as if you were going to the Marines, going PA, which is what I am trying to do, takes time and a lot of college credits.

[DocGordon]

When I was in A-school, there wasn't any choice of orders, they were just given out. I am not sure if its true for today but when it came close to graduation, the instructors came in an ask if anyone wants to go to a C-school and then they would list which schools where open. A few of my friends choose pharmacy. As for going FMF, our whole class wanted to go but only two people went. The class 2 weeks behind us I found out later, pretty much every one went FMF. But just be ready just in case.

One of the best pipelines to become a PA is going through Independent Duty Corpsman (IDC) school first. A minimum of six years active duty and four years in rating. Member must be an E-5 and have minimum two years in grade. You would be rewarded college credit for the classes you take, also being a IDC is one of the best ways to see if you want to be a PA. The two are almost identical. But being a IDC is not for everyone, check out the following website for more info.
http://navmedmpte.med.navy.mil/nshs-sd/idc/IDC.htm

One option to become a PA is through the Interservice Physician Assistant Program which is operated by the Army, its rated one of the nation's top PA schools to attend. Check out the following link. http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/details.aspx?dt=158

Best of luck!

[MM to HM with help]

Thanks for the post guys. The more I'm getting to talk to people the more I'm finding that it's a crap shoot. I guess thats no different then everything else in the navy. I'm lucky I have a few FMF on the BHR to help me out with some info, but even they cannot give me definites. I'm attempting to get in touch with the detailers in hopes to find more information, but my NCC is telling me that Great Lakes would be the only ones that could really answer these questions. All the same, thanks for your time and best of luck.

R/
MM3