A Reservists "A" school experience for all to read

[Navy Nerd]

Hello to all my fellow "Docs" and "wanna be's". I have just returned home from "A" school and would like to share my experience. Navy Nerd's the name...been here before and shared my story.....and it goes on.I went to "A" school as an HM3. Been a paramedic forever and came in last year as an HM3. Went through the full Corps school due to a new Navy reg that says even though I am already an HM3 andsince I did not attend the formal Corps school, and I am going 8404, I have to go to "A" school first. No big deal, I just do what I am told, so I can have the Navy carreer that I want. (rambled a little bit there)

Anyway, for those "Reservists" out there that want to go 8404, YOU WILL have to go to Corps school first if you have not already. Don't fret...it was a great experience! I know what you are saying right now....."I have been a Paramedic or Nurse for years and they brought me in as an HM3,2,1 or whatever, so why do I have to go?" Well, yes we got waived on lots of stuff, but trust me, having an "A" school under your belt is a good thing.

You have to first remember that Corps school is set up for "kids" right out of boot camp. Therefore you might have to put up with a little Bravo Sierra. That's life...suck it up. You will more than likely be put in a "leadership" position because of your "rank", which is good as long as it does not go to your head. Remember RHIP...rank has it's privaleges. Also remember though, your "privaleges" will be revoked if you screw the pooch and misuse what was given to you. Basically you have a company of about 150-200 students thathas4-6 instructors. You have to be the eyes and ears for these guys because this program is at "your pace" and they can't be everywhereall the time. You are also responsible to keep your barracks clean and every Thursday night is "Field Day" where EVERYONE cleans their barracks....competing for the CO's trophey for the cleanest barracks. We won a couple of times and I was in charge of 4th deck South in bldg 131....the best deck in that barracks!!!!!

Anyway, you will have about a week and a half of "In-Doc" and then get classed up into your company, which will be Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta or Echo. Can't remember if there was a Foxtrot. Oh well, short memory. I was in Bravo Company. My instructors Rocked, butall of the instructorsare all great. Not all, but most have been deployed multiple times with the Marine Corps and there is a lot of chests with A LOT of ribbons. These guys have been there and done it, and God Bless them for it.

The program is 14 weeks long, but again it's at YOUR pace. The previous record for completion was 24 days.......I did it in 19. Now that is from training day one to test thirteen. Traing days are days you are in class. It does not count weekends or Holidays that you are off. It's all a mind set. If you want it bad enough you can do anything you want, so keep focused on your goals and don't let the little piddly stuff wear on you, cause it AIN'T NO BIG DEAL. If you are not already proud to be a Corpsman......which you damn sure better be, Corps school will show you why we are the best in the business and have more Medals of Honor than anyone!!!!

Chief Crone is a huge asset for you and will do anything he can for you. He really busted his hump for me and I am forever grateful. Use him as a resource if your having problems...however, if you do have any problems, make sure you use your chain of command first through your instructors. Chief will bend over backwards for you, but don't go whining to him with piddly things that should have gone through your instructors! Also, the barracks are decent and the food is tolerable at the galley.....just remember our shipmates and marines are in the big sand box and don't have a place to pump and dump in peace, so if you feel the urge to complain cause you might get a cold shower every now and then, think about the fact that you get a shower every day and they don't.

I mean absolutely no negativity here at all. I had an awesome experience and met a lot of new friends that I will cherish forever. I know I ramled on,but Corps school is a great experience and I would gladly share more if there are questions.

Semper Fi

God Bless

[puckmedic]

YOU BROKE MY RECORD?!!!!!!! Gonna have to kill ya!!! LOL, not really I am from before the age of computers in the program. Like I read here"it makes our training look like we took a first aid course at SEARS!!"

Really it sounds like it changed so much. We had 31 kids, sat in a class all day long, listened to semi professional letures, fell into comas and dodged erasers, stood in corners when we fell a sleep, had the instrcutors always yelling about something. Mexico was a trolley ride away, and tequilla takes the burn off a long week in Bravo Sierraville.

Do you know that to this day,I can not smell tequilla with out hearing our HM1 tell me "You're a smart a--, you will never be a good HM" (showed her she was stupid by inviting her to my retirement in Guam).I also can't smell tequilla with out smelling burnt roasted corn, the most siickening thing I have ever smelled. Anyone been to Tiajauna knows what I say.

Seems like it's a bit more enjoyable. Glad a new guy gets it. Glad to see the experience was worth it for you. Sounded like a lot of work, 19 days wow- you are a stud muffin. I used to be studmuffin, now I'm just muffin.

I salute you on the feat. I'm glad to see the enthusiasm, the espirit de corps and of course I love that you get the history.

Sounds like the bar is about to be raised again. Amazing things are coming for our Hospital Corps and you're going to be part of it. I am jealously watching from the "rocking chair".

Keep your head on a swivel, your mind alert and your eyes open. If it looks hinky, it dang sure is hinky, proceed with caution. Good Luck "DOC"

[Navy Nerd]

Hey Puck. Thanks for the reply. When I was at Great Lakes I had a couple of guys that called me HM3 Father Time. Asked me what it was like going to school with Jesus. LOL. They were good guys and they actually had respect for an older guy, which was nice, cause a lot of those "Booters" needed an anal craniectomy. Seems like they got out of boot and forgot everything they just went through for the past eight weeks, and there was a string that automatically pulled their head off their shoulders and straight up their a$$. Not all, but there was definately a bunch that had no respect for anyone, especially a 34 year old HM3. I have always been the type to earn respect, not demand it, but every now and then my age, height and single striped crow would have to flex a little. Whatever, anyhow, it was great. I didn't mind being "Father Time" because a lot of kids did come to me for advice on school and life in general. It made these kids say that if this old guy can do it, then I sure as hell can. Good for them cause they were right.

I can say that I really wished that I'd have gone in the Navy back when I was 18, cause now I'd definately be at least a Chief..maybe a Senior, but on the same note, I think that being older with some "life experience" will help me make even a better Naval career. I can't wait to get down to Lejeune for FMSS and play with the Marines. It'll definately be a challenge for the old guy, but I already know that I will get through it with flying colors. To me that is 90% of it. Having the right attitude. So maybe I can borrow your rocking chair every now and then when my mind is saying move, but my body says NO FREAKIN WAY. LOL. Anyway, I can promise you this, I am VERY proud to be a Corpsman, and any Marine that comes across my path will be in good hands!

Semper Fi

[beavis]

I don't know how my reply got up here. See below.



Todd

[puckmedic]

Tears flowing , I raise my glass to the 12 o'clock position and salute the future. Rocking chair is a porch swing with room for two. Any time you want to stop and watch grass grow in west TN, come on.

I went through FMSS at 31, smoked a ton, don't anymore!!!!

Like I said elsewhere here , I made someone very mad at me and they must have called ahead to a friend. I was the shortest guy of the entire four platoons. I had to prove myself every day. They made me carry the heaviest guy, crawl out to the furthest "wounded" and I always had to lead the runs(which were painful, but eventually I was able).

I assigned myself to remedial, despite passing the PRT (navy). I was told I was an inspiring sight out there helping the others that were having trouble. I knew with out that five day regime and the optional saturday 5 am runs,which I never failed to show for, that I was not going to get faster, stronger etc. They never guessed I was just a weak runner who needed the road time daily.

The only reason I led the groups was because that's what HM2's are supposed to be- LEADERS. Much as I didn't want it, the responsibility was mine and I was not about to loet anyone fail.

FMSS and the wing tour at MAG 31 played a significant role in my development as a leader, and as a serving person. I got fine tuned those three years.

[beavis]

Hey Navy Nerd,

I am a civilian medic that is thinking about going Reserve. I am also prior service Army. I was wondering what did you get waived on? The recruiter hasn't got back to me with school info yet. Thanks.



Todd

[Navy Nerd]

Well, first of all....Puck, I raise my glass to you as well brother. It doesn't matter what age we are, if you have the Honor, Courage and Commitment, anything is possible. I applaud you and wished I could have served with you. Would have been a pleasure!

Beavis. Well when I came in last year, they waived Corps school for me due to my years of experience. (20 in Firefighting and EMS, last 12 as a Paramedic) Have also been a Paramedic Supervisor (God, that was a mistake) SWAT Medic and Bomb Squad Medic. Also Disaster Response and currently a Flight Medic. So they gave me E-4 (tried for E-5, didn't work) and made me a Corpsman. Could not wear my crow til I went to boot camp. Anyway, all I had to do to "keep" my rate was do a 100hr on-line course which is basically Corps school condensed, and do my BMR, Petty Officer book and Corpsman book. All through NKO (Navy Knowledge Online). Had to get that done within a year to keep my rate....which I did in about three months. Now, since I am leaving for FMSS in a month, I had to go through "A" school. New Reg, no big deal. I left May 16th and was not supposed to come home until after FMSS, which would have been October. However, as stated before, I basically smoked the course, set a new record (sorry Puck) and they said " go home and enjoy your family while you can". So I am. if you want to be a Corpsman and go to "C" schools, and or want other opportunities to progress in the Navy.......you WILL have to go to "A" school. More questions......ask Bro.

Good Luck

Semper Fi

[beavis]

Thanks for the info. One of my friends just came back from up there. He did the online thing. I had read your post and didn't know what he was talking about. He said he ran in to you up there. I don't think he is going to FMSS, so I guess that is why he did not have to do the whole "A" school.

I want to go to FMSS so I guess I will be going to "A" school. That is not a problem. I have never been to a school that I didn't learn something. I have another friend in my department that is wanting to do the same thing, so this info will help him out too. Thanks again.



Todd

[Navy Nerd]

No problem Bro. You said your buddy ran into me at Corps school? What's his name? Thanks. CYA.

[beavis]

His name is Dolnick. He is a paramedic from Florida.





Todd

[0311_DoC]

Navy Nerd, i have some questions. I went in the reservesas APG (advanced Pay Grade) for medicalin 1999 because of my years as an EMT-I. I think its called something different now nracs or something. Anyhoo, when I came in there was only a 2 week course (boot)in NSA NOLA. I didnt GET to go to Corps school even thoughI asked. I went to FMSS in 2000, have been with a Marine unit since then, been to the sand box etc. I am now concerned that when i read your post about A schools. I dont have 1. My HMC is trying to get me into IDC School or worst case Surg tech school which are obviously C- Schools. Now I am wondering if I am even going to bequalified to go.. Anymore info that you kno would be great.



VR

HM2 (FMF) DiGaetano

[Navy Nerd]

Hey Bro. Well, I don't want to mislead anyone by any means, but since you have been in so long and have FMSS, and been deployed, I think your fine. If I were you, I would drop a line to the Chief and he will better tell you than me. I sure as heck don't know everything, just what has affected me personally for the most part. I do know that there has been a bunch of changes this year, but you may fall into a different category.

I have a question for you as well.....where did you go to Field Med and tell me about your experience.

[0311_DoC]

I went to FMSS at Pendleton. I had a great time. It definately was a different experience from the Navy. I made the mistake a couple of times of loosing my military bearing and the Marine instructors were all up in my face :)I felt the medical stuff was good to go as well as learning how to function like a Marine. The field ops stuff was great as well as challenging. Did a lot of humping in the hills, definately helped out since i have been with the grunts. If you have any more questions fire away.



HM2

[Navy Nerd]

Cool. I am going to Lejeune. Was supposed to go in August, but body fat was 24%. made the weight but spare tire got me, so they wouldn't let me go. Dropped about 15 pounds and at 22% right now. Another two weeks and I'll be golden. Anyway, I have family in Carolina/. Got a retired Gunny Uncle about 5 miles from Cherry Point and have a 2nd LT Nephew at Cherry Point, so that's why I wanted Lejeune. Anyway, is the first week or two typical BS stuff. Paperwork, get treated like dirt, ect, ect? Not a big deal to handle, just curious. Also, how old were you when you went through? I'm 34 and can't wait. I'm sure there is always a few my age and maybe older, but it will be a great experience I'm sure.

[nprac4]

Navy Nerd,

When r u going to Lejeune? I will be there 10 Sept - 22 Sept for FMSO.

I also have had the pleasure of teaching at corps school a few times. I too am a reservist and absolutely love being at G Lakes. I was just there in June for thetwo weeks. Maybe you were there? Anyway always nice to meet fellow sailors and maybe toss back a mug or two. Let me know? Da-Chief is a fantastic asset to the program and the thought of him leaving next year saddens me...:(

[Navy Nerd]

Oct 22nd to Dec 16th or there abouts. Sorry. Would love to have tossed backa cold one with ya. I was in GL from like May 16th to end of June. Was in the 14 week program......broke the record by 5 days. Previous was 24 "Training Days". I did it in 19 and they waived my clinicals due to my experience. Probably crossed paths somewhere over there.

Yes, Da-Chief Rocks. Great guy, but even better sports fan.............RAIDERS ROCK!!!! Die hard Raiders fan since I was a kid.



Semper Fi

[nprac4]

Da Chief probably had you drop by our class. I was there teaching other reservists to become instructors and remember him bring by this "old guy ":D to talk about life back in corps school w/ the youngins. I too am sorry we will not be there at the same time, however, its a small Navy. Be safe and have a great time!

[DevilDoc]

I saw that someone asked about going to C school, after already having 8404 under the belt, but no A School. There should be no problem for you. The changes they are implementing are for new Recruits. Your initial contract laid out what you had to do to satisfy your requirements, and you did them. My understanding is that they are requiring corpsman to get the 8404 NEC before C schools now, and since you have that already, you are Golden.

For the guy asking about the First two weeks of FMSS, they treat you worse than anything at boot camp, you PT alot, get issued your cammies, take the Navy PRT, and do some basic Indoc things, like weigh in and get drilled to death about taking to long to get dressed. They do mock drills, waking you up at like 3am and telling you that you have 2 minutes to be in formation, that would be dressed and ready to go. But don't you dare sleep in your uniform, because if they catch you....BUSTED. And of course you will start your academic portion of it as well. I know when I went, I got very little sleep, about four to five hours a night at most, because you have to find time to do your laundry and study and whatever else you need to get done before the next day.

Hope that info. was helpful.

Devil Doc

[Da-Chief]

Spot on..

Da-Chief

:cool:

[Corpsman77]

Good description but I'd really like to see someone who didn't go in with all the experience tell the story. It'd be a lot closer to home for me as I'm entering with zero medical knowledge other than CPR training I've received a couple times for jobs.