What's the typical weekend like for an HM? What are the duties performed? If you're a new HM in the reserves, and you take the bonus, do you automatically get assigned to a Marine unit? Does this mean you are automatically slated to go to Iraq, or is there a waiting period?
First of all, understand that I've been out of the reserves since 1992, but that said here are some basic answers to your questions. If you're a new HM, I understand ALL male HMs are going to FMSS for training for service with the Marines. Nobody is "automatically" assigned to the Marines, nor "automatically" sent to Iraq if they are, BUT odds are very good you will be, and there is no way to work the system around that fact, you just roll the dice and take your chances. The whole point behind having a Reserve force in the first place is to have extra forces to call on in times of need. You don't have to listen to the news for long to know that our active duty brothers are in need right now.
As for what happens if you're doing regular reserve drills at your local reserve center, that can very but generally the HMs make sure that physicals get done for all the other reservists and like all reserves of any rate, train for deployment. If not ON deployment, your duty as a reservist is to train.
Anyone with more current experience than mine feel free to add to or correct what I've said.
I'm drilling an OHSU det, at a NOSC with about six units, the largest of which is a Seabee unit.
Our primary job is to make sure everyone else drilling there is ready for mobilization. That means "birth months". On the drill weekend of your birth month is when reservists (at least at my NOSC) get their HIV tests and any other vaccines they are due, and complete the rest of the Periodic Health Assesment (vision check, dental exam, etc.).
It takes up most of the Saturday for most HMs. Sunday is more about training and taking care of business (very important the in the reserves).
That's about it for drill weekends. As for ATs, they can be schools, training or specific missions that reservists either perform or augment staffing. For instance, Cobra Gold, USS Mercy or Comfort cruises.
As a Corpsman, there are plenty of ATs and ADTs that can be fun, educational and enhance your civilian career. You just have to do some research and take the initiative.
Just wanted to let you know that my description of the unbridled excitement of being a 0000 HM2 at a NOSC is not representative of all, or even most HMs.
Their are 8404's who drill with the Marines doing whatever crazy sheet they do. Some are with Seabees and are out doing Seabee stuff.
Some are with Seabees and are out doing Seabee stuff.
Could a reserve HM be in a Seabee unit if theres no seabee units in a local area...? Im in Tampa (Fl) and the only Seabee unit I know of thats closest is in Jacksonville (i think)?
Well im with a Marine unit and for our drill we cover ranges, field ex, MCMAP, we also do medical records and anything else that comes up. I was 8404 Active i took the bonus so I can be back with my jarheads. Semper Fi Doc
I'm an active duty HM2 I&I staff 4th Marines, 4th SupBN
I've never been a reservist so I don't know what they do on the blue side but what you do with the Marines depends on what type of Marine unit your assigned to: DIV - mainly field ATs with deployments to OIF, OEF, MAW - Few ATs with few deployments (depends which MAW unit your assigned to) MLG - Few ATs with some deployments.
As Doc2Marines said, be prepared to cover ranges, MCMAP, etc
