"Fleet Marine Force" Warfare Pin
I am publishing this post as it was asked on our forums. It’s a good question, and SpykeCOD has received some valuable advice from his shipmates and those who have deployed before him.
Here’s the question:
Good Afternoon from US Naval Hospital Guam,
Today I was pulled into my Chief’s room to be told I’ve been assigned for a deployment, 1ST MARDIV. Most of the Corpsman here would be like, “That’s Awesome! Your so lucky!”, etc. I really wish I could say the same thing.
So I have been in for aprox. 1 YR 8 MONTHS. I’ve went to Field Med after Corps School, and ending up here at Naval Hospita Guam for 3 Year Orders. Now I’ve never worked in Patient Care. I’ve done a few IVs while I OJT’d in the ER, but I have no clue nor remember anything about working on a Patient. I’m scared of this deployment. All I know is Outpatient Records, from filing chits to registering. I’ve been doing this for a year now. So for those that deployed, Did that training come back? Please help.
I’m really not sure what to expect nor how to really read these orders. It doesn’t state where I’m going and I’m not sure if I’m allowed to post my NE on here. Whats the rules on that?
My answer to him, and mind you there were already a bunch of answers prior to me posting this was:
First of all I commend you for realizing that you don’t know everything and are concerned about it.
Second though and this is important, Understand that when we taught you at NHCS, and at FMTB, it was just the basic’s.. Everything you have been told on here by the folks who have already done the job, is “SPOT” on.
Take it from someone who went to “FMSS” (Prior to FMTB) back in 85 but didn’t get assigned to the USMC until 2000!
Find your senior Line Doc, Be confident, Listen to them. Listen to the Sgt’s and CPL’s who are there as well. Sgt’s are ususally in the know on everything as they have 1 foot in the NCO group but are also trying to step up to the SNCO group as well.
Last but not least, your most valuable asset are your ears. Listen, Listen LISTEN. But also take heed as to what your folks are saying.
I can’t say and won’t say nothing will happen over there. It’s a dangerous place and anyone telling you different is lying their asses off. You are now going to be doing the job that so many thousands have done before. We stand behind you and realize Corpsman.com is here to answer your questions. Your answers may not be what you want to hear, but they will be truthful.
Good Luck Shipmate..
Da-Chief
You can read the entire post and the answers in our forums. If you have something to add, how about leaving a message for him inside or in the comments below.
Da-Chief
