Changes At NHCS ?

[gkara]

I am hearing that NHCS students no longer select orders (from the pool of needs of the Navy) based on rank and test scores. I guess it's become a random selection thing now. There are lots of other reasons to do well on the tests but I wonder why they dropped this incentive.

Chief could you get the true scoop on this at one of your lunches?

Thanks.

[Kaymanism]

When my instructor, one known for his jovial attitude, came in and read an email stating exactly what you said, we all thought it was a joke. He wrinkled up the email and threw it away and left a few minutes later. Much to everyones surprise I walked over, pulled it out, and read the email to everyone. Word for word what he said. Unfortunately I didnt think about it in time (when I went back the trash had been emptied) but I should have kept it to post here.

But yes indeed its true. NO ONE is picking orders. Two people in our class that had C schools in their orders, had them written out and changed and are going to the fleet. From what the email said, with the new CO in place he finds it RIDICULOUS that almost 200 people were on hold at Corps School, that we were still sending people to FMSS when it was 140% over manned and housing was full to accept anymore, and that the current curriculum allowed for so many test failures and people were barely making it through. So the following changes are being made or have been made.

1. Three test failures and you are out. No questions asked. This is a verbal as they are still awaiting approval from the Admiral.
2. Captains Mass is no longer being televised. No longer are 45/45 being imposed. If you make it to captains mass you should already have your bags packed as you are now out of Corps School.
3. Unless you have FMSS (FMTB) in your orders you will go to the Fleet first then when the school is available you can put in a request to go there. No more waiting at Corps school to go there. This is good news for some and not so much for others.
4. Word is unless you are a Fleet returnee, have at least 3 years to go on your contract, and sign on for another 1 or 2 (not sure on the last part) then you are NOT getting a C school out of Corps school. This is in preparation that MANY of the rates are being turned over to the civilian sector now.
5. Last but not least, you are correct. Needs of the Navy are being STRICTLY enforced. Line up and recieve your orders. This last group of assignees (some whose opinion I highly respect and some I take with a grain of salt) said there was absolutely NO rhyme or reason to how the orders were given out. One person ended up in Virginia at a hospital and the person right behind him ended up stationed in Washington getting ready to board the USS Comfort to go to Africa (confirmed by both people).

This is not me conjecturing (except where noted) its straight from an email from the CO and from the LT himself. As things progress I will post what I find out and of course correct anything that is wrong.

For those interested, on the horizon there is a LOT of talk of getting rid of the self paced curriculum. It will be instructor lead now as well as longer labs etc. Most of this has been confirmed from a few instructors with the only question still remaining is what to do with people currently in school. Will we be switched over as well or will he be grandfathered in and allowed to graduate on our current paces.

Hope this helps and I will keep you up to date as we find out more.

[8404]

I'm glad it's going back to instructor based teaching with the labs. I believe one learns the material better and should be able to demonstrate his knowledge to an instructor in the labs.

I believe when my son went through Corps school, it already was three test failures and you're out, no questions about it.

I can't believe myself, they haven't given orders to those who completed the school. Graduates should be sent out immediately to hospitals, Marine Corps BAS's or somewhere. I know the hospital at 29 Palms is severely undermanned.

Great post kaymanism, keep us posted as to any other news.

[indolence]

So correct me if I'm wrong, but now I'm not gonna go greenside, I'm going to be assigned to fleet then have to apply and wait for a slot at FMTB?

[Da-Chief]

indolence,
I need to get with HMC Pace tomorrow I will give him a call and update everyone.

One thing I found out by working there is that CAPT Parker "CANNOT" make a decision like this, it had to come from on high. I do know it drove him banana's with our hold population. It costs money to the school to keep a student there.

Understand that the "GO TO FMSS" to everyone was started by BUPERS and sent down to us. I know CAPT Parker, He would not make this descision as he is not in the order writing process at Corps School, this is all handled up at BUPERS.

I Can also state that the reason people are on hold, is not because of the school being full (BS) etc.. It's because of "FUNDING" I already have conf on this. Anyone who has been in this canoe club knows at this time of year Funding is tight then in the 4th Quarter all of a sudden, somenoe turns over the seat cushions and we have money again for about a 5-6 week period again. This is generally when we all get new furniture orders are shipped etc..

But I will call HMC Pace, who knows a new Paradigm might have started since April of 2007.

Till tomorrow all..

Darrell

[Kaymanism]

Chief definitely let us know what you find out and I will edit my post...you know I would NEVER intentionally spread rumors :)

[indolence]

Thanks for looking into it Chief, I just know now that I'm definately gonna get FMTB put into my contract as active duty (since I'm pretty sure it can be)

[gkara]

Thanks all. That is about what I heard as well. I understand the rational for some of it, but I don't quite see what removing an incentive to do exceptionally well in school (and getting choice on orders.....within the needs of the Navy) is all about. What is the harm in a little competition and reward early in your Navy experience? After all they don't just give rank away for the next 20 years....you have to earn it.

[Da-Chief]

I'll call HMC Pace tomorrow, lets stop the rumor mongering till then. This is not a swipe at Kaymanism, I know that some of the instructors are prone to starting it sometimes.

Later
HMC

[Da-Chief]

All,
Read the announcement at the front. This will answer all your questions. If you have a question you would like asked, then call into the podcast. If you can't make it but have a question, Email us @ editor@corpsman.com.

Remember, the best question is the one that is asked!! There is NO Stupid question..

[gkara]

Thanks. We owe you for the "lunch"..... Didn't make sense. Look forward for the update.

You wrote - "I know that some of the instructors are prone to starting it sometimes."

The natural place to ask questions seems to be the instructors. To go up the chain for clarification would just seem like whining if the info in question were true.

Chief - What do you recommend as the best approach when you hear something that doesn't sound right but it seems to be coming from the right people?

Glad corpsman.com is out there

[Hm_Taylor]

I can confirm that no one is picking orders anymore. Only the valevictorian can elect to change his orders.

I graduated just in time, I am one of the last classes that could pick their orders. Oo-rah 94 avg, hehe

[kmax123]

What if I am going reserves and I have fmss in my contract, well it says "with an option" to go to fmss as my "c" school? Also, as a reservist will they send me home to my civilian career while I wait for fmss or will I stay and work in hospital until then?

Thanks for your time in answering my question, my recruiter doesn't know.

[8404]

Kmax123:

First, I would not recommend going reserves under the NCS program. It prevents good sailors from a lot of benefits active duty personnel get. Following is an earlier post from the Chief/owner of this website. Also; FMSS, now called FMTB is NOT a 'C' school. As a NCS reserve sailor, you are not eligible for a 'C' school. Read on:

National Call to Service, NCS program.

Right now as I type this (16 Feb 2006) Students who are in the NCS pipeline are going from BootCamp, to "A" School here then to FMTB, and off to the Marines. You will "NOT" I repeat "NOT" be going to a Naval Hospital.

If for some reason you get hurt while in the pipeline and are unable to perform your duties to get to FMTB and then to the Marines, you will be administratively separated from the Navy.

This is a "RESERVE" Program. Like mentioned before, you have to do 15 months of Active Duty time, but your clock does not start until you finish FMTB. So the time through Boot Camp, "A" School and FMTB does not start until after FMTB.

Follow?

Also, you are not eligible for "C" Schools even though your recruiter might tell you that you are.. They will tell you that FMTB is a "C" school which it is not.

You are not eligible for the GI bill (FULL).

You cannot reenlist into the NCS program, after your 15 months, you can extend up to 24 months (At which time you are then eligible for the GI BILL sign up then if you extend.)

IF after you have done your 15 months and the 24 months and you still like the FMF canoe club and want to stay in, you can submit a "Perform to Serve" package to ship over to the full active duty side to get a "C" school on Reenlistment if one that you want is available. You will also be eligible for Bonuses at this time. You will also be on full active duty, not affiliated with the Reserves.

Ok, now.. if you just want to do 15 months and get out, after which you have to affiliate with a Reserve Drilling unit. And since you are already a hard charging "FMF" warfare certified person, you will most likely be affiliated with a MARINE Reserve unit as their doc. BTW, they deploy all the time to IRAQ as well.

Ohh and did I mention that we are at war, and the Marines Deploy to fight such war all the time??

The reason I say this, every day I do a avail brief here at NHCS and I would say 75% of the people who join say they do it to "GO TO COLLEGE"

My response..

Did you know we were at "WAR?

Nuff said..

Hope this helps you make a educated determination.

HMC(AW) Crone

The-Chief.

[baldheadedsquid]

Way back in the stone age, when I finished "A" School, you didn't get to "choose" your orders unless you had been guarenteed them by the recruiter. The rest of us just waited to see what we would. Sure we got to put in a "dream sheet" but thats just what it was. Everyone from the newest recruit on up needs to remember that it is the MILITARY. We all agreed to serve. So SHUT UP and Serve.

[DeeDee]

Personnel need to remember the needs of the NAVY come first - just because you want to be attached to the Marines doesn't mean you will - NAVY billets are filled FIRST then the Marine billets.

Don't complain about where you get stationed - make the best of it, learn what you can from that duty station and take that knowledge to your next duty station. As BaldHeadedSquid said "We all agreed to serve. So SHUT UP and Serve."

I'll step off my soap box now :D
DeeDee

[pegasusHM]

Shipmate, just to clarify a few things about the changes that will be occuring at NHCS:
1. Yes, self-paced is a thing of the past.
2. 3 test failures still get you an ARB, but staff recomendations are enforced...for lack of a better term.
3. Captains Mast will get you the usual, plus restriction at TPU.
4. No, there are no more open masts (no more breakfast and a show).
There will be no more "orbiting" of the schoolhouse. If you are a student, we (staff) do know what that means.
5. The world of the student will be changing early in the morning next Monday, as they will all find out.
6. Welcome to the Navy...

[Da-Chief]

Pgasus..
PM me tell me who you are..
:-)

You know who I am right?

thanks
HMC

[pegasusHM]

Oh yes Chief...You know me as well!! hahaha
:)

[bsmith35]

Okay, I am going stricktly Reserves (NOT NCS!!!) I am contracted under the NAT Program. In my contract I have 1) Guarenteed Assignment to Hospitalman "A" School, & 2) Guarenteed Assignment to 8404 "C" School.

Does any of this mean I will not go to FMTB? If I am, what will happen when I finish Corps. School? Holding pattern or sent to my unit in Columbus? I know the LPO of Lima Co. 3/25 and I will be serving with them. What happens if I don't go to FMTB? Thanks.

[Da-Chief]

Tony,
We cannot get the recruiters to change the verbage about C-Schools, tried.

But this cat will be going to 8404 School right out of "A"-School. His seat is bought and paid for by the reserves. (VADMN COTTON).

Depending on where he lives at Most of these guys do get a FMF billet right out of school.

They also get the 20K bonus

Good Luck Bruce!

HMC

[DeeDee]

bsmith - you are DEFINITELY going to FMTB - no worries there

Good Luck
DeeDee

[HMC-FMF-PJ]

In my contract I have ... 2) Guarenteed Assignment to 8404 "C" School.

Does any of this mean I will not go to FMTB? If I am, what will happen when I finish Corps. School? Holding pattern or sent to my unit in Columbus? I know the LPO of Lima Co. 3/25 and I will be serving with them. What happens if I don't go to FMTB?

FMTB = 8404 School, but what do your orders say? They should tell you.

Here is my guess:
You will likely transfer to FMTB after Corps School, but as a Reservist your initial training period may not be long enough to cover all three courses (Boot, NHCS, FMTB). It is possible you may be released from active duty after Corps School. You may serve in a FMF billet as 0000 but there needs to be a training plan to get your 8404 since you are not fully qualified without it. (You also won't get your bonus without it.)

As a Reservist you may obtain your 8404 through NECAP (FMTB on drill weekends & Annual Training (AT)) or attend the 7wk active duty FMTB at some point in the future. Try to do the active duty class if possible. Either way, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[HMC-FMF-PJ]

FYI from the Navy's eLearning website:

Hospital Corpsman Interactive Course
The Basic Hospital Corp School course has been replaced by the Hospital Corpsman Interactive Course. The Navy’s Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) Reserve Affairs Department (Med-10) released version 2 of the Hospital Corpsman course in August 2007. This web-based course provides the Navy Reserve Hospital Corpsmen (HM) with a course equivalent to the “A” School classroom curriculum of NHCS located at Great Lakes, IL. The WBT version of the curriculum is supplemented by resident skills training, which will be performed during one or more Annual Training (AT) periods. Based on input from the fleet and field, the “A” school classroom curriculum underwent minor revisions in 2003 and major changes in 2005. Be aware that the version 1 “Basic Hospital Corps School” is replaced with the version 2 “Hospital Corpsman Interactive Course.” Beginning August 01, 2007 you will no longer be permitted to enroll in version 1 lessons. Any version 1 lessons you have previously enrolled in must be completed by September 28, 2007.

[crpsmnwife]

My husband is currently waiting to "class up" at NHCS, so I am trying to learn all I can about what the future may hold for us ... Here's my question: My husband was told that he may be "on hold" for 1-3 months after he completes A school. What does that mean? Will he continue on in Great Lakes on unaccompanied orders during that time? Will he be working at least? Obviously, this is all very new to me and I'm trying to catch on quickly! Thank you so much for any info you can provide.

[Da-Chief]

Ma'am,
Welcome to the site, I hope this answers your questions.

When students first get to NHCS they have to go through a training curriculum that is "NAVY" training, not essentially Corps School training. It's big Navy Training.

It is not essentially hold but training required by the Big Canoe..

Now as for him graduating.. You must understand the one constant about Corps School is what we call "SCUTTLEBUTT" It runs rampant there. School house lawyers etc..

As of last week, per HMC Pace who runs Student Personnel, Students who graduate were moving on after Grad about 85% of the time to their next duty station.

This being said.. we are at the end of the FY.. this always slows things down a bit.. But they have already picked back up.

What your Husband is hearing is Scuttlebutt. Numbers for hold are back down again. They were up to 300+ but now are down below 100.

Your husband will have "0" input into where he is going now. It is the needs of the Navy first "UNLESS" he does well in school and is selected for a C-School if he puts in for one.

Other then that. He goes where the Navy needs them.

FMTB is still required of all MALES leaving Corps School. There is scuttlebutt that this is not true, but it is per HMC Siefert who I met with last week as well.. (Command Career Counselor.)

I hope this helps. If you have any other questions please ask. I might also ask you join one of our online chats if you have any other questions.

Hope this helps..

Darrell Da Chief Crone

[bsmith35]

FYI from the Navy's eLearning website:

Hospital Corpsman Interactive Course
The Basic Hospital Corp School course has been replaced by the Hospital Corpsman Interactive Course. The Navy’s Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) Reserve Affairs Department (Med-10) released version 2 of the Hospital Corpsman course in August 2007. This web-based course provides the Navy Reserve Hospital Corpsmen (HM) with a course equivalent to the “A” School classroom curriculum of NHCS located at Great Lakes, IL. The WBT version of the curriculum is supplemented by resident skills training, which will be performed during one or more Annual Training (AT) periods. Based on input from the fleet and field, the “A” school classroom curriculum underwent minor revisions in 2003 and major changes in 2005. Be aware that the version 1 “Basic Hospital Corps School” is replaced with the version 2 “Hospital Corpsman Interactive Course.” Beginning August 01, 2007 you will no longer be permitted to enroll in version 1 lessons. Any version 1 lessons you have previously enrolled in must be completed by September 28, 2007.

So does this mean I will do A School here? Or will I still go to NHCS with the self paced program? Either way it doesn't matter. I've been a medic for five years now so I shouldn't have too much trouble if I keep my head in the books :). Thanks.

[bsmith35]

FYI from the Navy's eLearning website:

Hospital Corpsman Interactive Course
The Basic Hospital Corp School course has been replaced by the Hospital Corpsman Interactive Course. The Navy’s Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) Reserve Affairs Department (Med-10) released version 2 of the Hospital Corpsman course in August 2007. This web-based course provides the Navy Reserve Hospital Corpsmen (HM) with a course equivalent to the “A” School classroom curriculum of NHCS located at Great Lakes, IL. The WBT version of the curriculum is supplemented by resident skills training, which will be performed during one or more Annual Training (AT) periods. Based on input from the fleet and field, the “A” school classroom curriculum underwent minor revisions in 2003 and major changes in 2005. Be aware that the version 1 “Basic Hospital Corps School” is replaced with the version 2 “Hospital Corpsman Interactive Course.” Beginning August 01, 2007 you will no longer be permitted to enroll in version 1 lessons. Any version 1 lessons you have previously enrolled in must be completed by September 28, 2007.

So does this mean I will do "A" school here? Or will I still go to NHCS and complete it self paced?

[bsmith35]

Sorry, double post.

[kmax123]

Dont worry )8404) I am not going NCS I have heard too many bad things about the program. Just the regular reserves pipeline for me.

[The_Dirty_Name]

I'm glad it's going back to instructor based teaching with the labs. I believe one learns the material better and should be able to demonstrate his knowledge to an instructor in the labs.



Agreed. I enjoy this setting better. To be honest I was worried about the old system.

Now personnel are there for the 14 weeks. I planned on being there as long as possible anyway.