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

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 06:57:08 -0400

For those I've spoken to that have been through SOCM, I understand that it was -if not- the most difficult course they have ever attended in their careers. What are some ways to prepare and how is family life during the course?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2017 7:18 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 07:18:52 -0400

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.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2017 5:02 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 17:02:48 -0400

I just got dropped, peers are so important in this course, PT is so important in this course. You have SF rangers seals marsoc medics, they expect you to be on par with them in PT. Also, like everyone says have a knowledge of anatomy and physiology, i didnt and i failed the A and P block. Its a year of it in 5 weeks. But ill leave you with, it is passable. Completely. Good luck

Response by 1SG Alex Larson made Nov 1 at 2017 12:24 PM

1SG Alex Larson — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 12:24:59 -0400

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.

Response by SPC Kristopher Blume made Nov 4 at 2017 7:30 PM

SPC Kristopher Blume — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 19:30:19 -0400

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!!

Response by SGT Francis Abram made Nov 16 at 2017 4:19 PM

SGT Francis Abram — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 16:19:33 -0500

My desire to have a family and knowing that what I was doing was suicidal lead me Not to re-up.... there was a Huge re up bonus at that time !

Would not recommend going if you are not Fully committed to being a warrior... forever !

Response by SSG Arthur Stephens made Nov 28 at 2017 1:45 PM

SSG Arthur Stephens — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 13:45:28 -0500

I was single when I went through the course. Best prep? Run your ass off.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2018 4:36 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 16:36:45 -0400

SOCM is a very difficult course, the stronger your foundational knowledge is for Anatomy and Physiology the better off you will be.
Learn how to learn, remember and function in high stress. As a SOCM student you will be required to preform from day one. They performance will be PT (290 is the real minimum), as well as Academically. Be a team player. Study is best with a couple other guys.
Family life, that’s on you. As an instructor I told my students that they needed to think of themselves as deployed in my phase, other blocks tell you the same thing. If your good to go, study more, be a team player help others study, practice practice practice.
You have to know what your doing and why. Soon after you graduate you could find yourself in all of the worst situations you learn about. No time to study there.
That being said dedication and discipline will get you there. Build a schedule early to put time in the week for family. Don’t get distracted, if you don’t keep your family on board you will lose motivation and get distracted. Tricky balance.
Best of luck