New Guy

[firefighter_jer]

Imgoing to meps in a few days, and I was told that after boot and A school I was going to go to FMSS. What can I expect when I get there, and where is it?

[Arkengate]

Well,i believe you either go NC or Cali.. But, im curious, does every HM go FMSS now days? and can we pick which camp to go to? I have lots of friends out in cali and would rathergo there! :)

[DeeDee]

FMSS has 2 locations - Camp Lejeune, NC or Camp Pendleton, CA - during your "A" school is when you are sorted out as to which FMSS you will be attending - here are a couple of links to both bases so you can learn a little more about FMSS

http://www.lejeune.usmc.mil/fmss - for Camp Lejeune and
http://www.pendleton.usmc.mil/schools/fmss - for Camp Pendleton

congrats to you both and good luck
DeeDee

[Arkengate]

Is there any way to pick which one you go to?

[DeeDee]

i believe my son told me you can tell them which base you want to go to - but you have to remember that the final decision ultimately goes to the US Navy as they will send you where they need you. :)

Good luck
DeeDee

[HM Tomlinson]

As I understand it, as a current NHCS student, your FMSS location will be determined by your first set of orders from A school. It costs money to fly sailors around so if your duty station is geographically closer to one you know where you're headed.

Every male HM will go to FMSS. Period. That doesn't automatcially mean you're being sent with the Marines, but every male corpsman will be trained to serve with the Marines in case the need arises.

[Arkengate]

Thats perfectly fine with me, what exactly comes with FMSS? Just more physical work and some battlefield-medical teachings, eh?

I want to go pacific, so will i be put at camp pendleton most likely?

[HM_ChrisG]

Just to give you an idea on how the process went for me..

I went for my orders. 4 slots were for Camp Pendleton vs. 40 some for Campe Lejeune. I lucked out and got 1st MLG. I am about to class up (3 weeks) for FMSS in May and absolutely cannot wait.

On the other hand, about a month later there were more Camp Pendleton slots that opened up. It all depends. The CCC will try and work with everyone, but "Needs of the Navy" ALWAYS comes first.

Hit me up if you have any questions and all. I am a little over a month out of Corps school and soon to be an 8404 with 1st MLG here at Camp Pendleton.

-Chris