Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Navy FMF Hospital Corpsman

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Expert: - 8/15/2007


Question
Hello.  My question is regarding my son, who is about to graduate from Navy bootcamp.  He signed himself up in the Navy and was given the job FMF hospital corpsman.  After he was already in bootcamp, he began to get more insight into what his job would ultimately involve, and he's actually surprised to find out that he would ultimately be a medic working with the Marines possibly in a war zone (the job classifier didn't give him all those details).  He's coming to grips with that, but we are curious how tough the training is in "C" school - when he would be training with the Marines.  Do you remember having corpsmen training with you?  Do you recall if there was a high failure rate or drop out rate?  I really can't find any information on what's involved and I don't think the recruiters are giving me a clear picture.  Any info you could provide would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

Answer
Franci:


   I never had Corpsmen training with me so I really can't give you much insight on the failure/dropout rate, I have 'heard' that it is about 25 percent, due to a mix of both the physical and the bookwork.  Navy Corpsmen are loved by their Marines, and believe me, if your son makes it through, he won't regret it.  He'll have a good time, and be accepted by the Marines 100 percent if he becomes an FMF Corpsman.  Besides, it's better than being cooped up on a ship for 4 years!

By all means, write back if you have more questions, just remember I'm not a Corpsman, but a Marine :)

Jason

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.

Experience

Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984. Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years. I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.

Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.

Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars. Numerous other unit awards. I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...

Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

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