Can you give us some advice on Navy versus Army corpsman training

[stuart_midgley]

Hello,

Thank you for running a great site. It has already been an immense help to us.

My brother-in-law George is 19. He is smart, fit, quite self-disciplined and very interested in a military stint in the EMT field. He thinks he would like to work in the civilian EMT field after a period in the military.

Our family live in Sydney, Australia, and he is a joint US/Australian citizen. We are trying to figure out what differences there are between service as a Navy Corpsman and similar service in the Army - from a long distance away from any recruiters!

From your site, and other information, it seems to us as if Navy corpsmen get a wider training than those in the Army. Is this the case? Most of the Army websites seem to suggest that an enlistee would be only radiology trained, or only field medic trained, whereas the Navy seems to require more breadth from its people. is this right?

If George chose the Navy he would definitely be aiming for service attached to the Marines or similar. He's that kind of kid. What would be his chances of getting that kind of duty at the moment?

We would all be really grateful for any advice you could give us. Thank you very much for your time.

stuart.midgley@internode.on.net

[puckmedic]

The Army generally decides or the applicant decides prior to entering as to which specialty the applicant is headed for. Once pigeon holed many of them find it hard to go into a some other specialty.

We do it a bit different, our basic school gives us the general knowledge in first aid, anatomy physiology, pharmacy, preventive medicine etc.

Back when I was in , general duty corpsman were found through out. Now we want them to be technically proficient in at least one area. In my case, I was an Aviation Med tech, Orthopaedic tech and field med.

Translation : I was good to go if a pilot broke his leg camping(lil humor this AM)

Our way allows a person to choose, although I hear that may not be the story in a few cases. We can't take 300 xray techs if we only need 50, so needs of the Navy will rulethat portion to some degree.

I wn't toss barbs at Army medics, met plenty of really good field operators, and learned some tricks from Special Ops guys. However, please encourage George to go Blue and join us. He will find it challenging and it's the best travel plan ever.

[sandman78]

Hi all,

I'm currently going through the process of joining the navy and am really drawn to this field. I spent 8 years in the Army and am finally going into the Navy, I should have done it to begin with:). I was wondering if you are able to request being attached to the Marines or SEALS I was infantry and like being in a combat group as apposed to in a hospital all the time.

[Da-Chief]

Sandman,

I can pretty much assure you that if you ask to be assigned with the Marines and you are full time Active Duty (I.e 5 year contract) or in the Reserves and ask for Marines in your contract, you will get it.

Seals, you have to be a seal to be attached with the SEALS. Long process, if you are on a AD contract and come here I can put you with the right people to get in the pipeline for "RECON Marines" or SEALS.

Hope this helps..
V/R
Da-Chief

[sandman78]

Dir sir,

I would very mutch appreciate some contacts that may help my odds of getting placed with Recon. Thank you very mutch for responding to my post so fast. I feel the need to be a Corpsman because I have lost friendsin Iraq and I wan't to be on the life saving sideand lesson the life taker side. I want to be a little peice in a big puzzle making a difference by keeping people here. My nickname in the Army was "Mom" because I care allot for my buddies health and well being and worry way too mutch when they pull stupid stunts, so I figure this is the best way for me to serve.

[Da-Chief]

Sandman,

Understand, we are not just lifesavers anymore.. Most HM's are armed to the teeth when we go out now.. Standard issue is.

1. M-16 A/2

2. 9mm.

It is truly Kill or be killed over there. Please understand this.

Thanks
HMC Crone

[sandman78]

I understand it's kill or be killed, I am a good shot with an M-16 or M-4 I would rather go into this feild then re-up in the infantry or other combat field. I have always been the type to wan't to help or protect and I feel I will do well in this field. Don't get me wrong I'm just your average soldier not some hollywood hero but I would like makea difference Master Chief, My father was in the Navy in the late 60's and just retired from the Army and I have gone over this choice with him and he is happy I wan't to join the Navy but said the same thing you did about kill orbe killed. My best friend is a field medic in the Army and he has only a 9mm I didn't realize the Navy arms their corpsman that well. I will actually feel a little better with a rifle with me. I just wan't to make it known I will kill if I have to but I would rather be saving lives. I wan't to be a part of a field that has as many heros and outstanding sailors like the Corpsman do. I also have friends in the Marines who say they appreciate the "docs" allot and I would like a chance to prove my self and grow as a soldier. Thanks for your patience and time Master Chief.

[Da-Chief]

Thanks, but it is "CHIEF" not Master Chief.

I could use the pay raise.. but..

;-)


Da-Chief.

[JRSmith91W]

Well I thought since I was new to the forum. I think this might be the best post I could make for you all. I'm not a Navy corpsman but I am a bother in arms as I'm a Army Medic (68W). I have been for 5 years now seen the sand box twice. So with all that said and done. Here is my IMO about this post. I have a few HM whom I'm proud to call friends. Anyone of them I would let work on me if I was wounded.


68W Health Care Specialist (medic in layman terms). There is really nothing called Medic in the army anymore. Most of us who hold the MOS 68W call your self’s Medics. The days of the Combat only Medic are long gone. If you have seen combat and are a Health Care Specialist then I guess you are a Combat Medic. Our Training is very instances training at Fort Sam Houston Army Base. Its 16 Weeks long and is the 2nd longest MOS training. Before you can call your self a "Whiskey" you must ass the NREMT-B test. I don’t not believe HM's require that. As it was said there are not as many specialties as a Navy Corpsman have. And you will more then likely have to put in a full year as a 68W10 before you can apply for and ASI. There I a few exceptions such as the M6 program witch allows you to train for a LPN. The M6 is a contract available option. I do believe the other big difference in the two is that an 68W can apply for Special Operations Medical Course even if your are not going SF or Ranger....If you pass SOMC you get to take the test for NREMT-P. That is nice once you get out of the service. I have spoken with many HM's and all of they have told me that they had to attend outside classes to gain there NREMT crit. I truly believe that if this is true then the Navy is short changing you all. I have not meet a HM who could not hold a NREMT right out of A school. This might change after they combining the Navy corpsman and the Army Medic schools together at Fort Sam. Ether way if anyone has any ?? or just wants some Army Medic info then please just ask I will be more then happy to help. BTW my rank....E-5 or Sergeant...just smitty will work though.

PS I'm not much of a typer so sorry for any spelling mistakes....you should read my hand writing hehe

[Da-Chief]

Smitty,

Welcome aboard.. Took long enough to get Some "WHISKEY" in here.!! I appreciate the gouge.

The Name is Darrell "Da-Chief" Crone. I own this site, we are trying to make it accessible to all services. (I still don't know what the hell to call a zoomie?) and have served myself with Whiskeys when I was with the Marines.

Please get some of your fellow soldier on here, We want to include Army sections as well if we can get more Army involved. Yeah it says Corpsman.com but really it is for all of us.

Welcome aboard again!

HMC

[JRSmith91W]

For any of those looking for more of an in depth look at the Armys medical programs for listed personal please view my post in the other forum. It list's all the MOS (jobs) that one take try and go for. Also has a great break down of the 18D program take a look.

http://www.corpsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=334

[coastie16]

Well I thought since I was new to the forum. I think this might be the best post I could make for you all. I'm not a Navy corpsman but I am a bother in arms as I'm a Army Medic (68W). I have been for 5 years now seen the sand box twice. So with all that said and done. Here is my IMO about this post. I have a few HM whom I'm proud to call friends. Anyone of them I would let work on me if I was wounded.


68W Health Care Specialist (medic in layman terms). There is really nothing called Medic in the army anymore. Most of us who hold the MOS 68W call your self’s Medics. The days of the Combat only Medic are long gone. If you have seen combat and are a Health Care Specialist then I guess you are a Combat Medic. Our Training is very instances training at Fort Sam Houston Army Base. Its 16 Weeks long and is the 2nd longest MOS training. Before you can call your self a "Whiskey" you must ass the NREMT-B test. I don’t not believe HM's require that. As it was said there are not as many specialties as a Navy Corpsman have. And you will more then likely have to put in a full year as a 68W10 before you can apply for and ASI. There I a few exceptions such as the M6 program witch allows you to train for a LPN. The M6 is a contract available option. I do believe the other big difference in the two is that an 68W can apply for Special Operations Medical Course even if your are not going SF or Ranger....If you pass SOMC you get to take the test for NREMT-P. That is nice once you get out of the service. I have spoken with many HM's and all of they have told me that they had to attend outside classes to gain there NREMT crit. I truly believe that if this is true then the Navy is short changing you all. I have not meet a HM who could not hold a NREMT right out of A school. This might change after they combining the Navy corpsman and the Army Medic schools together at Fort Sam. Ether way if anyone has any ?? or just wants some Army Medic info then please just ask I will be more then happy to help. BTW my rank....E-5 or Sergeant...just smitty will work though.

PS I'm not much of a typer so sorry for any spelling mistakes....you should read my hand writing hehe

Greetings Smitty- Coast Guard Corpsman are required to hold N-REMT in order to proceed onto Corpsman - A School. I didnt realize our sister service didnt do the same. But I am certain that they have the opportunity to do so!
Like us the Navy Corpsman can choose to recieve very intensive training called IDC School which is a year long, this covers many specialty's but most importantly, it prepares them and us for the most rewarding job out there - Independant Duty. I have met and worked with several Navy Corpsman that were NREMT's. They have regular EMT-B school for these guys at some of the larger Naval Hospitals, one being Balboa in San Diego.
The Navy doesnt short change them, they short change themselves if this is what they are telling you, as they have MANY C-Schools of many specialty C Schools to choose from, its a matter of putting in for it and wantingit badly enough you stick at applying for it. The Coast Guard has our own EMT school as well, we have even had a few HM's pass through our classes.

Being a Corpsman is what you make of it, to me being one is the best job on the planet and I cant even believe they pay me to do what I do. I know there are plenty of HM's out there who feel the same. Its compassion, from flying in the back of a helicopter assisting a broken fisherman, being the sole provider on my ship for my crew, being a clinic supervisor,(and yes I have been to the sand box as well) and much much more......sky is the limit.

Like I said, its not "oh my service is better then yours" its what we choose and what we make of it.

[puckmedic]

I wan't to be a part of a field that has as many heros and outstanding sailors like the Corpsman do. I also have friends in the Marines who say they appreciate the "docs" allot and I would like a chance to prove my self and grow as a soldier.

you mean SAILOR right? snicker hee hee.

I read what smitty said as well and yes we got shortvchanged on the EMT stuff but hey its ok. Like he said when the schools combine(a most awesome idea by the way!!!) it may change.

I met some real good Army band aid jockeys and some really good AF sling tossers. That said I have also met some really poor enlisted medical types from all the services from which they come.

Luckily, I let them hold the flash light or battle lantern when I was sewing up some one.

I appreciate the kind words from our soon to be HM as well as the words from an Army COMBAT tested Whiskey man!! I'd like to think I'm one of those guys you boith look up to so much. If not let me come back and show ya what I got.

[Da-Chief]

I agree with Puck, Kidding aside, the Men and Women in the Navy, Army, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Marines get to notch care from Men and Women who are willing to put their own lives in harms way to take care of em.

BZ to all..

HMC

[JRSmith91W]

Ether way NREMT or not. All that matters is how you do your job. I know many bad medic and I mean BAD medics. I’m not one to talk down to anyone who services his country, but maybe they should have picked another MOS. I'm sure there are some bad HM's...I have not meet any yet, but there is bad in anything.

I do feel that once the services combine it will be good for all...only problem is Fort Sam Huston is very crowed right now this all the new soldiers going through AIT..if they are to combine the Navy and Army medic programs then Ft SM is going to need to build a lot of new barracks and bring in a lot more trainers. Last I heard all 5 company’s are up and running at 110% of capacity...that crazy.

To centralize the training for the medical service is a great idea...everyone needs to know how to do all the same things. Everyone know there are Corpsman assigned to Army units and we all know Army medic treat Navy and Marine corps and Air Force personnel when wounded in combat...Case in point Fort Lee, VA....there are Marines there who are going through Airborne rigger school. Fort Lee only have Army BAS so. If they train everyone the same we can guarantee the quality and equality of the training.
Ether way Medics and Corpsman is by far the great job in the Military.