Question regarding FMF

[Rupe]

Hi again.

I posted in the introductions forum and I have one of those "many questions" that I mentioned.

In speaking to my Brother-In-Law (Retired AF - E6 / TSgt - KC-10 Flight Crew - 2 TDY Desert Shield/Desert Storm as well as others) he is under the impression that Corpsmen are, 1) in demand and 2) required to be part of FMF in support of land based Marines.

He feels his recruiter has kinda pushed him in this direction. I'm trying to set up a meeting with his recruiter to get answers.

My wife and B-I-L are concerned (as am I, a bit) that he'll end up in the middle east by rushing into HC.

Please forgive my ignorance in this matter and my confusion. Much of it is brought on by speaking to people that have served and have seen Corpsmen in some pretty hairy situations. Its not that I feel he can't handle it. I know he can. Its more of a feeling that he is being sold a career as a Corpsman under the wrong pretense and that he may be in for more than he expects.

Thank you for yout time, consideration, and above all, for your service.

Chris

[dvldocjoe]

Please feel free to post any questions or other concerns you might have.. We will answer to the best of our ability...

[8404]

Rupe:Thank you for posting your concerns, they are valid!You can read about the:History of the Hospital Corps at the following link:http://www.corpsman.com/history/history-of-the-hospital-corps/Anyone who tells someone that serving with the Marine Corps as a Corpsman is voluntary, is selling you down the river! It can be voluntary if the Corpsman decides to volunteer. But there are many who do not volunteer and are sent anyway. The United States is at war and on mulitple fronts. The Marines have and are being deployed to war zones. Corpsman serve with them and have done so for many many years. It is not a secret. Much to their credit, some actually do volunteer for these assignments. However, there are quite a few, who are volun-told (given orders involuntarily) to deploy! Most of the jobs within any of the branches of the military, deploy now. In fact, Corpsman have been known to have served with all of the branches of the military in Iraq and Afghanistan. If the possibility of going to war doesn't sit well with anybody contemplating joining the military, it is best not to join.