Does anyone have any tips on being a Navy Corpsman?

Answer 1

I was a FMF (Fleet Marine Force) HM3 on independent duty in Viet Nam and in combat daily.

If there is a war; you will be in combat.

Learn as much as possible; someone's life will depend on what you know.

Never say you can't do something in training or in the field.

You are a Navy volunteer. You must live up to the responsibility of the job.

Don't be stupid. Valor is tempered by courage. Other people depend on you.

Study, not only medicine and surgery; but, human nature too!

You will see a lot of unusual things as a Corpsman.

When faced with a lifesaving situation you must provide a positive lifesaving intervention.

Keep your wits about you. If you panic who will save your Marine who protects you?

Don't be afraid of blood. The more someone bleeds; the closer they are to shock and death.

Don't do this job for self-satisfaction. Do it because of someone else's life.

Enjoy the Esprit-de-Corps that comes with wearing not only the Navy Blues and Whites; but, the Marine Dress Greens you have earned that right.

You will use your medical training the rest of your life.

Let God be your guide. He will take care of you.

That answer makes me proud to be a HM. Some people think that this job is not strenuous and I can tell you that those people have not been in combat. If the had they would not dare have anything but respect for the task we are given. When men are down we are up, no rest, always putting our lives in danger for our brothers. I have been to Iraq 3 times and counting and seen and done some things that don't rate repeating, and even I am in awe of the things that myself and fellow corpsman have done time after time. Most of us don't ask for anything, the oath a HM makes is binding once you say it your brother Marines and Sailors put there lives on the line with the confidence that you will take care of them. The only tip I can give you would be trust in yourself and your training, and learn to forget words like CAN'T, WON'T, or QUIT. When in doubt improvise it needn't be pretty it just needs to work. If you're thinking on becoming a Corpsman, I say go for it as long as you are reliable and work well under pressure. If you want gratitude do something else, but I can tell you that a combat Corpsman whom saves just one wounded man will see something more than gratitude in the eyes of that man and all those who know you'd do the same for them. If you go to the Marines, which I recommend you do, they will test you. Don't take it personal but make it a personal goal to do your job plus there job, and do it all better than they do. Marines are true to there nickname, DEVIL DOGS, they will smell fear on you and make your life hell. Keep your mouth shut, eyes open, and remember no matter what uniform you wear, what you are and what it is you are there to do. Save lives.

As an Independent Duty Corpsman, these answers resonate through me and reinforce why I became a Corpsman. I am a multiple-trip combat veteran also, and it is one of the most rwarding professions out there.