How is family life during SOCM? What are some preparation tips?

Re-learn how to learn. Many roll in expecting that the crappy study habits they had back in HS or college will work. It probably won't. So, relearn how to take notes, be organized, ask the right questions (what is it, how's it work, why is it important, and what happens when it doesn't?). Surround yourself with winners- guys who are doing well. Study group if necessary. Principles always, personalities never- get along with your cadre. Commit to passing at all costs, and remember that what you learn can and will save lives. The always-first step is to return fire and not become a casualty yourself. Once relatively safe, stop gap treatment, and reassess your situation. Then, continue treatment as you are able. Speed is the economy of motion- pack your med gear so you can find stuff without looking, quickly. Lastly, medicine is a humbling skill- learning never stops at graduation; it's a life-long commitment to sustainment and improvement. Good luck.

Get a super strong basis in anatomy and physiology before you go to the course. Also, figure out how you best study and ensure you minimize distractions. The first day of the course they’ll tell you treat it like a deployment, and that’s the truth. The schedule can be brutal at times and time management is essential. Family and friends who are not going through the course will not understand unless you brief them before hand that you’re basically going to be under a rock for 9 months.

This is definitely a difficult course, but it's passable. If you have the ability to be a SOF medic, you'll likely pass. If you don't, you probably shouldn't be a SOF medic! That being said, here's what you need to know...

Focus on physical fitness. You should enter the school house in the best shape of your life. You're expected to keep up with SEALs, MARSOC, Rangers, etc. If you are weak, it will be noticed.

Develop disciplined study habits. If you aren't comprehending the subject matter, use every available resource to figure it out. Khan Academy is your friend.

Learn to collaborate with your peers. Be humble. Show initiative.

Eat healthy and try to sleep 8 hours per night. There are many studies that show sleep deprivation to be a significant hindrance to academic and physical performance. It's almost always better to get the proper sleep than it is to stay up all night studying.

Do exactly as you are told. Students come up with some wild ideas... but they're not the people who are assessing you. Your job is to pass the course, not reinvent the wheel. The standards will be known. Meet the standards. Learn from your instructors; some of them are legends in the world of SOF medicine.

Do not cheat; if you do, MAKE SURE THERE IS NO POSSIBLE CHANCE THAT YOU COULD POSSIBLY GET CAUGHT. Seeing as the schoolhouse is staffed by a bunch of crusty SOF vets, your chances of getting caught are extremely high. I was there when they dropped 2/3 of a class for cheating, NCOs and junior enlisted alike.

As far as family life? Certain blocks are easier than others and four day weekends will sometimes line up with an "easier" block. Otherwise, tell your family that you're going to be gone... A LOT. Get used to spending long hours and long weekends at the school house. In fact, get used to being away from your family. The SOF lifestyle is demanding and hard. While you're in SOF, you'll consistently be deployed, on training TDYs, or on some bullshit duty.

Other than that, this school is amazing. You will learn more than you expect, and it will give you the baseline for further learning. This is only the very beginning of your initial introduction to SOF medicine. GOOD LUCK!!