68W conversion

[ArmyMedic14]

First I want to say hello to all of you Corpsmen. Here is my situation. I am an E-4 Army 68WM6 (medic/lpn) and I would like to join the navy reserve as a Corpsman and work with the Marines. I know that I would still have to attend FMSS but my question is if I would have to attend A school. Also would I likely retain my rank as E-4 ( or E-5 if things go right), and is there a similar position to the M6/LPN in the navy if FMF is not an option for me.

[dvldocjoe]

First of all, welcome to the site.

A. The navy does have a transitional program in which more than like you would be able to keep rank based on time in service, time out of active duty, and other factors.

B. Depending on your individual situation, you might have to attend NHCS and / or FMTB. from the basis of your medical training, I don't think NHCS would be applicable.

If you currently have your LPN, then why not consider an officer's position if it is possible to transition into the Reserves in the Nursing Corps?

Another possibility might be to see about IDC school if possible.

I know the others will answer up shortly on these if I am wrong.

[8404]

Originally Posted by dvldocjoe

A. The navy does have a transitional program in which more than like you would be able to keep rank based on time in service, time out of active duty, and other factors.

For informational purposes, can you name that transitional program and provide us a link?

[Doc Roberts]

ArmyMedic14,
I too was a 68W, but not M6, and looked at going into the Navy Resreves in 2008. I last attended the transition school in 2005 from 91W to 68W. I was seperating from the Army reserves in OCT08 as an E-5 and was looking at other options. In my case I was told no to keeping E-5, unsure of how that would affect your rank, and that I would have to attend the A school since I had been away from scholl for a couple of years. I opted instead to transition to the Air Force Reserve where I kept rank and did not have to attend school. If you have any questions please feel free to send me a PM. Don't have all the answers but I can help you some. Otherwise good luck with your search.

[dvldocjoe]

Per request by 8404, COMNAVCRUITCOMINST 1130.8H in Volume IV under the other Service Veterans (OSVET) program describes how and under what circumstances and regulations that rank can be retained along with the other factors I described.

[8404]

Originally Posted by dvldocjoe

Per request by 8404...

I wasn't requesting this for myself. My reason for prodding (program name/specifics) is solely for the benefit of the original poster and other potential applicants, who may be wanting to know 'which' program.

This would be good information for them, when they visit their local Recruiter.

Not everyone (who visits here) knows what a COMNAVCRUITCOMINST is. Some may think it an affliction or malady requiring them to see a Doctor.

[dvldocjoe]

He was already seeing the Docs... to get some of the much needed information to help with his discussion with the recruiter

[ice_nine]

We just had a new Sailor join our unit last month who was a 68W in the Army NG. If you want I'll talk to her this upcoming drill and ask her how the whole switch from Army Medic to Navy HM worked for her.

[MexDoc]

IDC School is for active duty. I haven't seen any reservists but two in my class were prior reservist who got the school after going back active. Do not plan on going to the school unless you are able to give 100% of your free time to studying. Class 5- started 20 people 5 are graduating 10 -started 19 strong and have 9, class 15 started around 20 have 7 left my class started with 22 and are down to 13 for now. It is a great program if you plan on coming active also...ask them if you can keep your E5 to be eligable for the school and when you graduate you will be an E6. if you are interested let me know and I will provide you with the pre- reqs you would have to complete.