National Naval Medical Center/Bethesda Naval Hospital

[navyhmsemt]

Hey everyone this is HN (SW) Jeffrey Cohan. I am currently stationed at Bethesda Naval Hospital. I was previously stationed onboard the USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20) for 2 years before I was injured during Hurricane Katrina. I work in Patient Administration. If you have any questions for me please ask.

V/r

HN (SW) Cohan

[old navy]

Nice to meet you HN(SW) Cohan. On what ship did you earn your ESWS pin?

[Da-Chief]

Oh This is going to hurt if he says what I think he is going to say...

:shock:

HMC

[old navy]

Roger that. There have actually been efforts over the years to start an ESWS program on the T-AH's. My last duty station in the Navy was as the shipboard medical programs manager and headquarters senior enlisted at Military Sealift Command, the owner's of the hospital ships. The ships belonged to another code thankfully. My ships were the oilers and other supply ships but from time to time they would seek my advice on operational and personnel matters and starting an ESWS program was one of them. I shot it down big time. I retired almost three years ago. Things change. Maybe they have a program or maybe HN (SW) got his qualification on a previous ship.

[HM3_JD]

Didn't the Comfort get a CAR a few years back because a mine trailed them around the gulf for a few days before an anti-mine helo blew it up?
I think that's what one of the HM3's that was in my orientation class at Bethesda said, but that's been a couple of years now.

[Da-Chief]

They got the CAR back in Gulf I. I don't konw who blew who. (Sorry I am not PC), but it must have been a good one!

DFC

[old navy]

Theygot a CAR during GWI and that wasone of the arguments for starting an ESWS program.

Here are the arguments against starting one: no weapons systems (the W in ESWS means warfare), no SWO to be the program director, the engineering plant in run by civilians (the active duty Snipes run the oxygen plant if I remember correctly).

Disclaimer: I've been retired for 3 years so my information is getting dated plus I am getting old so if my memory and stories cross-polinate with other duty stations or programs that I have managed, then someone please put out the correct gouge so as to prevent me from sitting here with my foot in my mouth.

[Da-Chief]

No they have a weapons system,they strap the junior HN to the front of the ship with a 9mm...

;-)

I noticed we have necieved a answer yet as to what ship..

ACK!


I hope he is not taking it personally as if I was given the opportunity to get my pin on a ship I would take it. I don't care if it was on a row boat...

(Grin).

HMC

[old navy]

Yeah, I meant no offense. I was just curious and thought it would be a good opportunity for a young HM to brag about his ship. If it's the COMFORT, MERCY or whatever, good for him. Or maybe he put SW on his profile by mistake. It happens.

When I was on the Corps School staff, we would get students checking in with a full rack of ribbons, pins and badges you've never heard of. Usually from fleeties or OSVETS. We had one prior Army student who had three Purple Hearts. Not a ribbon with 2 stars but 3 actual ribbons with the rest of his "decorations" on his chest. We had a staff member HM1 who was prior Army and awarded the Purple Heart in Viet Nam. After he ripped off the student's cranium and defacated down his esophogus, the student came to school the next day with only 2 or 3 ribbons on his chest.

We also got the occasional student wearing a trident. At the time it was entertaining because we had a "SEAL" on staff who would take care of the situation. A few years later the "SEAL" was outed as a fake. He too would walk around the school house with his Navy Cross and everything else that shows up on the awards chart. We were all dupped.

I would occasionally walk around the Navy Yard at lunch time with my full complement of chest candy (7 rows plus ESWS pin) just to get a chuckle as the junior JAG officers would cuss as they realized they had just saluted an enlisted man. I usually wore only the top row.

I was never much into all that stuff anyway. I was more comfortable in wash khakis or cammies with nothing but my anchors and ESWS pin.

[Obnoxio]

Subscribed.



I had a wise acre HM2 try and give me flack when I reported on board at Corps School because of how many ribbons(three rows)I had as a Fleetie, and I had a Coxswains Badge as well. When I saw him in his working whites, I failed to notice a sea service ribbon, or anything else that told me he had been anyplace but on his butt. Oh, he did have a NAM. Whoopdeedoo.

He also took great pleasure in punching me as hard as possible when I made HM3 at the end of Corps School (TASP). I think he was just jealous.

[old navy]

There was an HM2 instructor while I was there that would do that. The right thing to do would be to check the student's service record before making an ass of one's self. Many students checked in with authorized ribbons and badges such as you did. I remember the day after I checked in as a student fleet returnee with my longer hair (this was the 70's), ship's ball cap, and faded dungarees. I was walking past the school house and a Chief was outside smoking. He called me over and 'counseled' me on how things were at Corps School. How I wasn't on that DD anymore and so-forth. I ran into him again when I checked aboard as an instructor. He was stationed at the hospital. He was a lot cooler then.

[navyhmsemt]

Yes I did earn my ESWS onboard the USNS Comfort. Damnit my board was 7 1/2 hours long. Sorry it took so long to respond back everyone. I just got out of my second spine surgery on thursday. I may not have been injured in Iraq but I was injured during Joint Task Force Katrina onboard my ship. I earned my pin and I am very proud of it. It may not be onboard a grey hull but I still had to learn a crap ton of stuff. But no offense taken, I catch hell and get made fun of all the time but I earned it.

HN (sw) Cohan

[navyhmsemt]

Please feel free to contact PSD at Bethesda Naval Hospital concerning my Service Record and if I earned my pin or not...it wouldnt be the first time I have been called out on it...I know I earned it and thats all that matters to me. Im sorry if I seem a little cranky today...like i said before...second surgery. This time it was an L5 Laminectomy. I hate Robaxin...makes u dizzy and Darvacet doesnt do a damn thing for the pain.....:P

[navyhmsemt]

here ya go

[oldavt]

Good on ya, HN. You earned it, wear it proudly. I remember way back when in AVT school, my best friend there was a former Army medic with two tours in Viet Nam. One of the Chiefs at school took a particular dislike to him, and rode him every chance. At our graduation, we were mustered for the first time in dress blues. The Chief was performing the inspection, and his eyes just about bugged out when he saw the rows of ribbons on my buddies chest, topped off with a silver star. Geez, that was sweet. I saw the citation, it was real.

[old navy]

navyhmsemt wrote: Please feel free to contact PSD at Bethesda Naval Hospital concerning my Service Record and if I earned my pin or not...it wouldnt be the first time I have been called out on it...I know I earned it and thats all that matters to me. Im sorry if I seem a little cranky today...like i said before...second surgery. This time it was an L5 Laminectomy. I hate Robaxin...makes u dizzy and Darvacet doesnt do a damn thing for the pain.....:P

HN(SW) Cohan, you have a right to be cranky if you think some old retiree is calling you out. I actually was sincere in wanting to know where you got your ESWS. Having been ship's company on 4 ships and embarked troops and TAD to others, I wanted to hear about yours. The best years of my career were spent aboard ship and that includes 3 tours with the Marines. I happen to know about the TAH's because I was the senior Corpsman at Military Sealift Command at one time. They belong to another code but they consulted me from time to time on various matters.

Like I said, I'm retired and my information is getting old. Today I am going to contact an old shipmate at MSC who is a program manager for the TAH's. He's a retired QMC(SW) who can update me on stuff so I can stop putting out bad information.

Seems likepeople should stop giving you a hard time about the pin. Surely you're not the only Sailor that returned to NNMC from the COMFORT with an ESWS pin. By now everyone should know the TAH's have a program you would think.

Congratulations on your achievements and best of luck in your recovery from back surgery.

[navyhmsemt]

All is well today...kinda...still feel like crap cuz of the meds. Thanks for your input Chief. I still know a lot of people over at MSC as well. I still keep in contact with my civilian buddies from the ship. Let me know if you need any info.

[Da-Chief]

I think the main point was you were given a opportunity and you took it..

Nuff said, Anyone else gives ya crap send em to me.. (We were not slamming you, hell I would have done the same thing!) But it does not mean I agree with it. But bigger brains then me make the rules.. I follow em..

;-)

HMC

[crazycajun]

Seven and a half hour board, not bad!

My murder board,aboard CGN-9,was that long with every freaking Chief(I can finally say this....LOL)who walked into the Chief's Mess for a dang cup of coffee was allowed to mess with you! Freaking six weapon systems and the hardware to run them, two types of engineering, blah, blah, blah, my freaking head hurts remembering that stuff! Then I still had to sit a board with a SWO for about 3 hours, then had freaking look-ups and redo that part of the board.....though I freaking earned my damn pin and I catch crap for not wearing my EAWS because I'm stationed with the Wing. Ain't gonna wear the EAWS because the ESWS was the first earned and the toughest!

Great job!Earning your pin. The Mercy and Comfort will always catch crap, just the way it is.

[Obnoxio]

Well good for you for taking advantage of a program when it was made available to you. I was stationed on a DD for three years and was not afforded the opportunity to get my ESWS pin. It was not permissable for E-3 and below to do it back in those days, but you could get your PQS done in advance for when you made E-4. I still have my books and whatnot, but I left the ship as a SN, so no ESWS for me.



Yeah, I think people were calling you out, as they should have. There alot of posers out there. So, you wrote the check and your butt could cash it as well. Kudos.

Now make HM3 and get your health back in one piece.

-OB

[navyhmsemt]

Next exam coming up...3rd time taking it and I hope I make it. Most people dont call out an E-4 with a warfare pin...

[old navy]

It wasn't a matter of you being an E-3. E-3's have been allowed to qualify in the ESWS program for a few years now. My initial question was which ship did you get your ESWS pin on because I didn't know that the hospital ships were authorized to conduct a warfare program. It seems a little odd, but if they can, they can.

Even though I pass the Pentagon and BUMED every day going to work, I'm so far removed from the Navy now days that my knowledge is getting old.Therefore, like I wrote earlier, I want to stop passing on bad information so I've asked the Assistant Director for Ship Operations at MSC to update me on when the T-AH's started their ESWS program. I asked him by e-mail. He might not know or give enough of a damn to find out. He might just tell me to stay retired and not worry about it.

[Da-Chief]

HM3,

You have time on your hands.. Study everything is here for you to make HM2. You already sound like a hard charger and you can take it as well as "DISH IT OUT". Time for you tomove up and get ready for Khaki's..

:shock:



HMC

[Obnoxio]

Da-Chief wrote: HM3,

You have time on your hands.. Study everything is here for you to make HM2. You already sound like a hard charger and you can take it as well as "DISH IT OUT". Time for you tomove up and get ready for Khaki's..

:shock:


HMC

I agree, except he hasnt made HM3 yet. Plus, since he works in PT admin, he should have plenty of study material at hand.

[Da-Chief]

Damn Duhh.. (Attention to Detail HMC!)

Thought I saw he was a HM3..

Well Same deal, HM3 first..

;-)

HMC

[navyhmsemt]

So one of the main reasons I decided to get my ESWS pin before was because that was the only way I could get my rank back early. I went to XOI in May of '05 on the ship and got busted to E-2. The XO said he would reinstate me to E-3 after I got my pin. Well we got deployed for Katrina/Rita and I had no time for ESWS underway...had to get the ship ready to take on patients. So I got it when we came home...and hence forth I am an HN again. I think I am taking the exam in March but I know I am getting Med Retired in April so whats the point?

[popsie]

It's funny in the navy, when I was in I only qualified for Navy good conduct and a national defence. When I was in the Air National guard. Itseemed every 6 months I was getting something.Some of themI didn't understand why I was getting them . There were a few state ribbons and someA.F. ribbons. Basically was awarded them for doing my job. Nothing special. Just showing up every month and doing whatwas asked. Then two weeks in the summer going away and having a great time. However seems like you did good wear it proudly.

[Obnoxio]

navyhmsemt wrote: So one of the main reasons I decided to get my ESWS pin before was because that was the only way I could get my rank back early. I went to XOI in May of '05 on the ship and got busted to E-2. The XO said he would reinstate me to E-3 after I got my pin. Well we got deployed for Katrina/Rita and I had no time for ESWS underway...had to get the ship ready to take on patients. So I got it when we came home...and hence forth I am an HN again. I think I am taking the exam in March but I know I am getting Med Retired in April so whats the point?


That explains it a bit better.



How do you know you are getting med retired? Are they putting you TDRL?

[crazycajun]

navyhmsemt wrote: I think I am taking the exam in March but I know I am getting Med Retired in April so whats the point?


Here's the point! You never quit, because things can happen! To me that's the point of taking your exam.

I was suppose to be retiring in OCT'07 as an HM1, dang near gave up. Now I'm wearing Anchors.....

[Da-Chief]

I can vouch for what HMC CrazyCajun is telling you.. He was ready to retire.. He was "SURE" Of it.. I think he was just "FULL" of it myself..

They Navy got smart, saw someone who gave 10 years to the FMF (The last 10 to be exact!).

Pretty damn awesome I think..

later

HMC

[chase]

Im E2, 20, Married And Have A 6month Old Daugher. I Leave For Great Lakes On Feb28 From Maryland. I Wanted To Be A Chef/cook But They Forced Me To Be A Corpsman. Im Just Learning What That Is. I Was Told After Basic Before A School I Can Change To A Cook If I Wanted. Is That True Or A Recuit Trick???will My Wife Be Able To Live With Me At My Permint Duty Station Even Though Im E2????i Was Told That I Have To Volunteer For Subs And To Go Tothe Real Field With The Marienes. Is That Tru Or A Recuit Trick??? I Wont Panic I Just Want To Know The Truth Im A Stand Up Guy. Im All My Wife Has Seeing As Though Both Her Brothers Are In Iraq Second Tour As Infentry. Do I Have A Choice As To Working On A Ship Or In A Hospital. Basically I Joined The Navy For Stability Not To Be In Direct Action I Know You Understand Regardless. Im All She And My Daughter Have.basically, Do I Have Choices Or Is The Service Going To Smash Me With Orders They Need Most. I Was Told I Would Have A Certain Choice As Far As I Must Volunteer For Subs And Mariene Field Tours. Like Real Warfare Experiences. Is This True??do I Have Choices Or Will They Jus Slam Me With Mariene Duties?? Im Not Intrested In Fielding With Them However I Wouldent Mind Staying On A Ship Or Ing A Hospital As Long As I Dont Have To Duck Bullets. I No Pussy Just All They Have.i Wont Panic But I Dont Thank You For Your Honesty And Responses....

[chase]

****i Do Thank You For Your Responses And Honest. I Just Saw That Error When I Read Over It...sorry No Disrespect

[Da-Chief]

Okay..
I don't even know where to go with all that.

1. Your a Sailor (Who is a fighting man!) If you don't want to fight and it's not in you, get out of your contract "NOW" and don't give us the extra paperwork once you come here.

2. Your a Corpsman, That is what you signed up for. If you don't want to be one, tell your recruiter you don't want to be one. Don't be a Shmuck and get led around by them. Tell em' I NO WANNA BE A CORPSMAN!"

3. Well there is no 3. Don't come whining to me at Corps School that you can't hack it. I told you what to do.

4. Just a FYI, We go where our leaders tell us to go, No matter wife, duaghter etc.. Hard facts.. If they need you in IRAQ, you go to IRAQ.

HMC

[chase]

thank you for your response. my real question to you is if its my choice rather i want to volunteer to be stationed with the marienes???? i was told that although i have to train, its still my decision to actually want to work directly with the marienes is that true.

[Da-Chief]

NO you don't have a say. That's like saying we only send volunteers to IRAQ or Afghanistan.

Chose another rate my friend.
HMC out..

[Corpsman77Wife]

Wow I am just in a dispair over this. Can I ask you a question when you signed your contract did you realize a war was going on? And how did they force you to be a corpsman? I am not in the Navy but have a husband who is in the Navy with a wife and 3 children. I don't feel one once of sympthany for you. Sorry but it is the way I feel. Do you think I want to lose the love of my life in this war if he was to be deployed? I knew what we were getting into when he signed on that dotted line. You have to also realize that once you join the military the military owns your life. You are to follow the orders they give you now matter what they might be. You have devoted yourself to your country so suck it up and take it like a man. If you or your wife were so worried about this you should of never joined the military.

[Da-Chief]

Marie..
:not:
God I hope I don't make you mad.!
HMC

[Corpsman77Wife]

Nope not at all. I take pride in my new navy family!

[Da-Chief]

Well that is all that can be said on this thread. It is officially closed.

V/R

Da-Chief