Hello, my name is John.
I'm currently in the DEP Program and am shipping out to BMT in just a few weeks. My rate is HM.
I've done a lot of research on HM, but it seems I always come out of an article with more questions than answers. So, please help me out.
Of the paths that I'm aware of (which are, excluding "C" school, IDC, FMF, and Diver), I want to do them all- IDC, FMF, and Diver.
I'm aware that to qualify for IDC you must be at least E5 (Petty Officer Second Class), and that for Diver you can be between E2 and E6. FMF is a billet that you can choose at "A" school or be assigned later in your career (and that the ribbon/ medal thing is almost a necessity for evaluations).
My question is, can I do all three (not at once, of course)?
As IDC I can help my shipmates without having to go through someone (a medical officer) every time they need Motrin or water.
As FMF I can support the Marines and toughen myself up.
As a Diver, I can be a safety net for my shipmates.
Also, what other paths are available to me as Enlisted (I'm not really interested in a specialty like dentist or surgeon or the other vast majority of "C" Schools I've read about despite their translation into a civilian career)?
Side-note #1: I know you can get different kinds of certifications, such as EMT. What certifications are available to me while serving, how-and how early-can I get them?
Side-note #2: If time and the Navy permits it, I'd like to one day be an officer. What kind of job training opportunities do they have?
Thanks in advance.