Corpsman

[devin0116]

I have debated with myself of possibly becoming a Corpsman for the Marines (I believe its red and blue sides or something right?) Does anyone have any personal experience, info, or anything else helpful. I spoke to a recruiter that came by my school last semester. Just want some opinions, thanks.

Best regards,
devin0116

[ang1sgt]

Cadet,

I wish our Forum Medic was still here in these Ranks. Sadly, he passed away over a year ago, and Ltl Doc is sure missed.

Medics seem to be very dedicated people. They have a passion to take care of their Marines. It is total devotion to their calling as a Medic.

I don't have any advice for you, but I hope a Corpsmen will come forward and talk with you and give you the advice you need.

[army_grunt_11B]

Being a Fleet Marine Corpsmen is one of the toughest jobs for a Naval Corpsmen to do, right next to EOD and SEAL Corpsmen, But, earning the title Doc is well worth it, As a FM Corpsmen, you will undergo Naval BCT, then the normal Corpsmen School, and after those two, you will go onto the FMM course, its hell. You are taught some of the best field mediciene the Military Offers, After all your training, you will go onto a Marine unit, Which, could be an Infantry Brigade, a FA Brigade, or a Motor T Brigade, so its just where ever they need you, and from then on, you will wear, Marine Marpats with the BOS stating US NAVY and no EGA's on them, and on your cover, you will place your Rank over the EGA. So you still don't get the chance to fully be a Marine, but no Marine will give you shit, because one day, you might be saving there life, and they will treat you like there own.

[grunt0311]

The Marine Emblem is still on the Cammies, and if the Doc qualifies he can wear it on his cover as well. According to 2 different HMs I've talked with.

[ingbda01]

I know a former Corpsman, I can put you in contact if you would like. He was really satisfied with his job. I know they get tons of respect, and have a reputation for fearlessness that borders insanity.

[army_grunt_11B]

The Marine Emblem is still on the Cammies, and if the Doc qualifies he can wear it on his cover as well. According to 2 different HMs I've talked with.

Roger, sorry my Partner for EMS who is a Naval FM Corpsmen told me they are not allowed to wear EGA on Cammies at all, I stand corrected.

[devin0116]

I know a former Corpsman, I can put you in contact if you would like. He was really satisfied with his job. I know they get tons of respect, and have a reputation for fearlessness that borders insanity.

That would be great! I assume it would be via e-mail.

Thanks everyone for the responses.

[OleDoc]

I was a Corpsman for 11 years and I was a "Green-Side" Grunt Corpsman for over 8 of those years. It was great duty!

[devin0116]

Glad to see that we have a "Doc" here now. Well I have a few questions, if you don't mind me asking. If any of my questions seem stupid, I apologize before hand, I don't have much info on the subject.

1. As a Green side Corpsman, what were your likes, dislikes, and experiences?

2. Did you switch units you were attatched to, or just skip around?

3. If I became a Corpsman, would I be able to tranfer services and MOS? Meaning, If I wanted to be a Marine, could I?

4. What was training like?

And anything else you wish to convey to me, you are always welcome.

Sincerely,
devin0116

[eanreid87]

Hey I don't have any experiences but have heard great things about them. I know they are respected and fearless individuals. Good luck with what you decide.

[Saint Marc]

1. As a Green side Corpsman, what were your likes, dislikes, and experiences?
I was an Infantry Corpsman with A co 1/4 out at Horno. I liked the green side as opposed to the blue. The Navy is tight for making rank and is full of back stabbers and career over country types you don't find in the USMC, especially the further down the line you go. But the cool thing is you do what your Marines do from fast roping to landing on beaches off zodiacs to drinking beer till 0400 and taking a PFT at 0530 and maxing it. I disliked haircuts and shaving regularly, I refused Marine Corps Regs. That is their stuff, I was with them, but I liked to let it be known I was still a sailor and could hold my own. I liked the USMC over all better than the Navy and when you become an NCO you get treated like one, but are expected to be competent like one would imagine. Experiences, every HM will experience different things depending on the situation and unit.

2. Did you switch units you were attatched to, or just skip around?
I was BSO'd to my Company which means I lived with them, stood in formations with them and sometimes if the regiment was hard up I might go with another unit to pull medical coverage as a favor if my unit was just playing play station and cleaning weapons. I'd do sick call at the BAS and then after roll out to my platoon afterward which really used to get my Chief upset. I truly hated him and did my best to increase his stress level hoping the fat pig would have a heart attack. Like I said, other Sailors are your only worry. Your Marines will die for you, but also you will for them. Because you are different and you are a sailor and the sailors who went before you, you'll get up and move and do things people normally wouldn't rather than be shamed later. Dude not bragging on HM's, but read the citations for just the guys who got Navy Crosses let alone the MOH. You have a lot to live up too and they expect it. Plus truth to be told these guys will be your family and you'd take a bullet for your brother, just how it is.

3. If I became a Corpsman, would I be able to tranfer services and MOS? Meaning, If I wanted to be a Marine, could I?
NO! If you want to be a Marine be a Marine. Don't get to dreaming of being an HM and a Marine later. Matter of fact I knew an HM who left the Navy and tried to join the USMC, they told him no way.

4. What was training like?
Honestly the A school, Hospitalman Basic was the hardest single school I ever attended and I am an honor grad from CU who just happens to be lazy on a keyboard. So if you don't study 24/7 you will fail and fail badly and they will toss you on a big gray pig so fast you'll be chipping paint by the end of the week. Now once you make it, you are golden. FMSS after HM school is a walk in the park. But do know that if you mess up on a person medically that at any time the BUMED folks can gank your caduceus and will. I knew a guy that happened to and he went off chipping paint.

And anything else you wish to convey to me, you are always welcome.
Yes, get your EMT cert. before you join, it will take some of the stress at A school away from you and brother HM A school really isn't a joke. It is so much, so fast, if you blink you'll miss something and fail. You really need to be focused there. Get in good shape or FMSS and the line will be hard for you. And when you get to your platoon play life there with a big heart and for god sake listen to your squad leader in the field. Marines use live ammo more than blanks in training, make sure you aren't goofing around at night and end up on the target range. I was at 29 Palms in the trench course, I looked back at some Marines on a hill and looked forward and I was lost. I nearly ran in front of a SAW which was just starting to go off. Lucky for me a CPL from nowhere pulled me on my ass or me and you wouldn't be talking. Just stay close to your squad leader and do what he does and tells you to do.