Uniforms for Corpsman on the Green Side

[Sgt O.B.]

Greetings from an 'Old Corps' Marine and parent of a 'New' Sailor. My son is currently at Great Lakes doing his 'boot camp' or maybe I should say 'basic' to be P.C. He's on the NCS program, at least I think so, because he is reserve and was guaranteed to go to Corpsman School and then to FMSS. I couldn't offer much advice other than old Marine scuttlebutt and my experiences with Corpsman.His Granddad, (my Dad), was a Pharacist Mate attached to the 2nd Marines and managed to live through landing on Tarawa in 1943, has indicated that as long as he takes care of his marines he'll be welcome among them. Now to my question. While on the 'green side' as you call it, do Corpsman wear Marine Greens or Navy Blues for a dress uniform? Another question, Do Corpsman qualify with rifle and pistol (other than a familiarization course) and do they then wear qualification badges as the Marines do? Keep up the good work and believe me when I tell you, all of us that have been there are very proud of you and the great job you are doing for the Navy and Marines. Sgt O.B.

[crazycajun]

Sgt OB,

Here's the scuttlebutt on your questions. FMSS is a basic school there to teach Corpsman all about the Marine Corps, a little more training on combat type wounds and learning to live like a Marine would! Though for him, he'll just need to be able to pass the Navy Physical Fitness Assessment and the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test. Navy consits of : 1.5 mile run, curl-ups(sit-ups), and push-ups; Marine Corps consists of: 3 mile run, curl-ups and pull-ups, if he can do both of these he'll do well in both boot camp and FMSS.

Uniform, once a Hospital Corpsman starts serving with the Marine Corps he'll get to decide if he wants to stay Navy Regulations or go Marine Corps Regulations. Navy Regs is pretty simple he'll have to abide by the Physical Readiness/Grooming Standards for the Navy, If he goes Marine Corps Regs he'll have to abide by the Marine Corps Physical Readiness/Grooming Standards. He'll also ge to wear the Marine Corps "Charlie" Uniforms while serving with the Marines if he elects the Marine Corps Standards, though he will not be eligible to wear the "Alpha" Marine Corps Dress Uniform. Though the Dress uniform for a Sailor is and will always be the Navy Service Dress Blues (Cracker Jacks).

Corpsman do get to qualify for Marksmanship for Pistol and Rifle. If a Sailor is wearing the "Charlie" Uniforms then he'll wear the Marksmenship Badges like the Marines (I think, well check and get back to you). The Navy's standard is the Pistol and Rifle ribbons unless you qualify Expert then you'd were the Medals for when medals are required.

Many thanks to your Father, he has paved the paths we Corpsmen now take, and has instilled the honor all Corpsmen strive for!

Semper Fi,

crazycajun