1st MarDiv Deployments?

[jeepinva]

Howdy,

I have been wondering now about how long it might be, depending on the unit I'm assigned to, to be able to deploy. I'm also curious about the difference in the units that are available out of 29 Palms. For example is there really any difference between being placed in 1/7 as opposed to 2/7 or 3/7? I just want to have a good opportunity at being deployed and depending on the timing I wouldn't want to be placed in a unit just returning from a deployment and have to wait through a rotation. Are there any units that deploy more often even? Does a Infantry unit deploy more often than lets say the tank Bn. or LAR?

I guess my general questions are how long on average may I end up waiting at 29 Palms and are there units better than the others that seem to be sent more often?

Thanks for your time again guys.

[withoutsight7]

It all depends on the rotation of your battalion. If they just got back off deployment, don't expect to be going anywhere for a little bit. USUALLY, you'll have about 6 months on board before you deploy. This gives you a chance to familiarize yourself with not only your chain of command, but also your Marines, and also gives plenty of time for training, Training and more motivated TRAINING!
More than likely, since you selected MARDIV, they're going to send you where you're needed, and in most cases that means to units that are due to deploy, especially since you're a junior Corpsman. But, also express your desire to deploy, and if they can, your Chain of Command will accomodate that.
I personally would suggest going to a line company. You'll get tons of VALUABLE training and experience and if you're lucky you'll earn the moniker "Doc" from your Marines. And as an FMF Corpsman, there's no sweeter sound. Hope this helps.

HM2(AW) Swanson

[jeepinva]

Thanks Withoutsight,

So I can hopefully expect to be deployed within the first year even if the Bn is just coming back from a deployment. That's good, I'm glad to hear that. I'd try and get into a line company if I had the choice. I just don't know if there's anything to watch out for if given the option of multiple Bn's. But if they're pretty much the same until you actually get to the platoon level then it's all good.

It feels really different thinking about this stuff. Going through everything wondering if I might not even get the chance at FMTB and here I was able to get a MarDiv.

What can I expect as far as being placed in a Company? Would it more often than not be a junior company or mixture? And what is it like to be going through work-ups with your company as a Corpsman? And what do you end up doing for work-ups? And last but not least, when might I find out if I'm going to deploy? Would it be a probability to be placed in a company that is in work-ups that's going to deploy in a month?

I apologize for all of the questions, but I'm just trying to get somewhat of a bearing for the speed at which everything could end up going. Possibly a deployment after Christmas maybe, ha.

Appreciate the help HM2 and your answers did help.

[withoutsight7]

No problem. That's what we're here for shipmate.

In most instances, line companies consist of about 3-5 corpsmen, headed up by a senior line corpsman (usually a senior HM3).
Work ups usually consist of a lot of combat medicine and getting your Marines combat lifesaver ceritified (you'll learn more about this at your command). Your training is going to consist of a lot of what you've learned at FMTB, but more repititious and more in depth. I'd personally recommend spending some extra time on IV therapy, treatment for shock and triage, among other things. Your command may emphasize other areas, but these will more than likely be included.
Down time in company usually is filled with sickcall at the BAS. Learn as much as you can at sickcall because undoubtedly your Marines will be coming to you (at any time) with lumps and bumps along the way.
More than likely, 1st MARDIV isn't going to throw you into a company leaving country within a month. It has happened before, but they'll want to make sure you know your stuff before throwing you out into a war zone.
To get more information on deployments, I'd suggest contacting the command. They'll be able to give you more in depth information on what to expect, plus you'll be taking the initiative to contact them.

HM2(AW) Swanson

[Alaska dad]

I just left the stumps visiting my son who just returned. He was with a marine rifle company. There was 4 platoons in the company with 2 corpsman in each one. Over them was a senior line corpsman for a total of 9 in the company. He had one corpsman who arrived in the battalion just prior to deployment and was assigned to the BAS and not to a line slot.

[jeepinva]

How long was your son at 29 Palms before he deployed? Does he seem to be doing pretty well at the stumps?

I appreciate the help Alaska Dad and Withoutsight. I really appreciate it.

[8404]

Ahh ... an oasis of murals ....

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1433/1442686245_95a8fe40da.jpg

[devil_docwife]

yeah it's an oasis of murals alright...
The murals are beautiful don't get me wrong, but when I saw this place for the first time I cried because we're stationed here until 2011. It's desolate and has nothing to offer and you're miles from any real civilization. Ya just have to make the best out of this place and do what you can to get through each day. They're starting to add stuff to the base and they have a lot of programs for single marines or navy personnel.

[devil_docwife]

My Husband is currently with 3/7...
We got here in May of '08 and he deployed 3 months later.
He's not to fond of the grunt units, they deploy a lot, and so does LAR units.
My Husband just got back in March. Now they're out training for there next deployment which shouldn't be to long away. He's in a line company.

[Da-Chief]

Devil DocWife..

A Happy Doc is a "BITCHING" Doc, Trust me send him to a Hospital and he would want to murder someone to get back to the Corps..

;-)

D/C

[8404]

Trust me send him to a Hospital and he would want to murder someone to get back to the Corps..

That is the truth, I know a particular Sailor who would love to get back to 29 Palms. He spent 3 years there and would much rather be back there than a large blue side hospital.

3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment (http://www.i-mef.usmc.mil/div/7mar/3bn/)

Become familiar with the Family Readiness Officer, Family Readiness Program (FRP), Family Readiness Command Team (FRCT), Family Readiness Advisors & Assistants, to stay informed of activities for spouses of unit members.

3/7 Family Readiness Info (http://www.i-mef.usmc.mil/div/7mar/3bn/familyreadiness.asp)

Stay informed about the unit with their ongoing Newsletters (http://www.i-mef.usmc.mil/div/7mar/3bn/news.asp)

http://www.i-mef.usmc.mil/div/7mar/3bn/_images/bnlogo.gif

[Alaska dad]

My son got there in July and deployed about 5 months later and then was gone for 6 1/2 months on deployment. He is in the 1/7. They train constantly while at the stumps. He now has a vehicle so he can get out to Palm Springs or Vegas on the weekend. I don't know about programs for single marines but I asked him about a typical day and it starts with PT and usually ends with weight lifting. He would not want to leave his marines. Since I rented a 2 bdr bungalow for homecoming I had a bunch of sailors and marines crashing all over the place. Don't be in a rush to deploy especially in a line unit. You need to train to ensure your safety and to give confidence to marines that you can take care of them.

[8404]

You need to train to ensure your safety and to give confidence to Marines that you can take care of them.

Excellent and very true!

I don't know about programs for single marines ...

29 Palms Single Marine Program (SMP) & The Zone (http://www.mccs29palms.com/pages/gymsRec/smp.html)


View SMP Calendar Here (http://www.mccs29palms.com/calendars/smp.html)

The Zone Rec Center
[760] 830-8454
Bldg. 1531
Fri - Sat: 10am - Midnight
Sun - Thurs & Holidays:
10am - 10pm

[Alaska dad]

my son was referring to more the ability to interact with the non military opposite sex. He points out that there is a lot of marines and not a lot of females in the stumps.

[DOC P]

i dont know a lot about 29 palms seeing as how i have been at pendleton for 6 yrs but i have been with the infantry the entire time and a rifle company line corpsman the whole time as well. i have been deployed 5 times since june of 2004. so if you wanna deploy a lot go to a grunt batallion. i had a great time with the grunts and loved everyone of my deployments with them but i tell you what bro be ready for some good HARD training. be careful what you wish for

[8404]

my son was referring to more the ability to interact with the non military opposite sex. He points out that there is a lot of marines and not a lot of females in the stumps.

Club Silver Screen (club changes names) across the street from the 7-11. Out the main gate, make a right off of Adobe at 29 Palms Highway, it's on the right hand side of the road. Can't miss it. (73636 29 Palms Hwy) Lot's of single civilian ladies there Friday and Saturday night!

Also, be sure to check out Combat Billiards and the Combat Barber shop offers great regulation haircuts. For those off-base munchies ... cruise the local Fosters Freeze located at 73629 Two Mile Rd.



(http://www.urbanspoon.com/zip/290/92277/Southern-California-restaurants.html)

[jeepinva]

Well, I'm trying to understand the situation that "could be" a little better and I'm glad to see how many people decided to say something about this. I really do appreciate it. The fact of it is you never really know exactly what you might be getting yourself into until you're "really in it" so to speak. I've kept wondering how it's really going to be there at 29 Palms and possibly deploying overseas fairly soon thereafter. Therefore I just would like to hear from those who've been there done that. I'm cruising into the unknown and I just want to know beforehand I guess. And all of this has helped A LOT! Don't take it like I just want a plane ticket to wherever to fight. I'm just curious if they typically deploy you before you can get acclimated with anyone, which doesn't seem to be the norm much at all. I could end up typing all night about it, but I won't.

I hear you Doc P, I'm anxious to know what I/ we will be doing. I'm trying to pick my words wisely.

Y'all take care. Whew.




i dont know a lot about 29 palms seeing as how i have been at pendleton for 6 yrs but i have been with the infantry the entire time and a rifle company line corpsman the whole time as well. i have been deployed 5 times since june of 2004. so if you wanna deploy a lot go to a grunt batallion. i had a great time with the grunts and loved everyone of my deployments with them but i tell you what bro be ready for some good HARD training. be careful what you wish for

[IDCWife]

Devil DocWife..

A Happy Doc is a "BITCHING" Doc, Trust me send him to a Hospital and he would want to murder someone to get back to the Corps..

;-)

D/C

Ain't that the truth! Mine hasn't even seen a patient yet here b/c of the induction and he's already itching to get back green....OY!

[jeepinva]

Okay, time to resurrect an old thread.

Graduated Field Med and had the command tell those who were going to 29 Palms were going to deploy quickly. 8404, this is kind of funny. We arrived in after graduating and found out we are all going to 3/7. The first two guys went to Weapons Company and the rest went with rifle companies. So I'm officially with 3/7 Wpns, woohoo. And as far as deployment goes, I will be deploying exactly one year to the month of my enlistment last March. If we deployed 2 months earlier I would still be an HR.

Anyways, hope everyone is still having a good holiday season. Y'all take care.