For any Navy Corpsmen out there, especially any FMSTs, any advice or suggestions you could give to give to a new recruit?

Aleczander Brune — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 03:22:57 -0400

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2017 4:28 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 04:28:23 -0400

Aleczander Brune Listen closely and observe those individuals that have knowledge that you need. Navy Corpsman (Doc) are highly respected by the Marines that they are assigned to. Become a great "Doc" to earn the respect and trust of the Marine unit that you are assigned to. Good luck.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2017 12:30 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 00:30:45 -0400

There's the usual advice, learn, stay in shape blah blah. That's the common sense stuff. I see you have your EMT-B. Keep that cert up to date, if it isn't NREMT I would consider pursuing that. The Navy will help pay to further your qualifications that build on your EMT-B. It helps for "brag sheet" purposes, and keeps your certs current in the event you find yourself getting out unexpectedly.

There's a lot of advice that could be said. Feel free to shoot me a message if there's any specific things you're looking for.

Response by HN Bailey Elley made Aug 7 at 2017 8:01 AM

HN Bailey Elley — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 08:01:13 -0400

If you're attached to a grunt unit prepare to run 3 to 6 miles every morning and evening, because the Marines love to run.

Response by HA Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2017 6:33 PM

HA Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 18:33:44 -0400

Be where you're supposed to be, when you're supposed to be there and I'm the right uniform. Do your job don't ask questions. Study and stay away from alcohol.

Response by PO2 Hank Kaczmarek made Aug 13 at 2017 12:00 PM

PO2 Hank Kaczmarek — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 12:00:32 -0400

Don't do anything until you're told to. Pay attention during training. take good notes. Study them well. as much as you probably don't want to, volunteer for everything you think you can handle. It's the only way to make it in today's Navy. Wear your uniform properly and with pride. Dress every day like there's a Personnel Inspection. If you look squared away, you'll act squared away and your superiors will take note. You're going to take the Oath of a Hospital Corpsman. Take it seriously. If you have no desire to help the sick, get re-classified to another rate.

Response by PO3 Robert Werner made Aug 13 at 2017 5:05 PM

PO3 Robert Werner — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 17:05:05 -0400

Work your butt off.

Response by LT Richard Mondak made Aug 17 at 2017 7:47 AM

LT Richard Mondak — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 07:47:36 -0400

Respect your profession and your "calling". Be empathetic to all - even those "Sick Bay Commandos" you might encounter. Learn something new every day.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2017 8:48 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 08:48:49 -0400

As far as boot camp goes just keep your mouth shut and do only and exactly what you're told to do and it'll be a breeze. When you get to A school don't try to act like you know everything. Study hard, especially through EMT and corpsman fundamentals. When you get to the fleet just do what you're told and ask questions if you don't know. Even if it's minor it could make a potentially huge difference in the patient.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2017 11:53 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Aug 2017 23:53:28 -0400

Don't be the only one not digging. Just listen and observe. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Everyone can teach you something. Enjoy it! You're going to learn a lot.

Response by PO2 Jim Davidson made Aug 28 at 2017 8:01 PM

PO2 Jim Davidson — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 20:01:22 -0400

Learn everything you can. Turn your brain into a sponge. Practice skills at every opportunity. Know what you don't know. Don't bluff. Respect your patients.

Response by PO3 Rick Chervenak made Oct 25 at 2017 12:39 PM

PO3 Rick Chervenak — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 12:39:57 -0400

Study hard, work harder. Stay high speed low drag.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2017 8:31 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 20:31:59 -0500

Be the first in and last out, learn from the ones that came before you, there's a time for everything, remember the reason why you pick this rate, why you answered this call, and wherever you go remember that being a Corpsman is a responsibility and the respect we've earned came from blood, sweat and tears. Rah!

Response by CPO Nate S. made Jun 27 at 2018 10:48 AM

CPO Nate S. — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 10:48:16 -0400

Mr Brune,

Simple!!! If you are going to be Hospital Corpsman:

- Know the history of the Hospital Corps
- Understand the honor and sacrifice of "Doc" (https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/23-heroic-navy-corpsmen-who-earned-the-medal-of-honor)
- Always care, even when things are tough, and they will be
- If you are going to be and FMF "Doc" those Marines are your FIRST and FOREMOST duty. Train them well and they may in turn save your life.
- Know all things medical. Be a student ALWAYS. Read a little on medicine/medical issues everyday. Be SMARTS (Serious, Mentally Alert and Ready To Serve).

If you are not going be an HM do the above by consider the history of the group you join BM, QM, MM, AE, PN, etc. Know all you can and always be the best when others are striving for mediocre. It will be hard, but when you come through that gauntlet of doubt you will be stronger!!!

Hope this helps!

Chief

We Are The Mighty