Hospital Corpsman Study Guide: Key
Concepts and Questions
Heritage of the Hospital Corpsman
Key Principles of Service
The key to service with distinction includes Honor, Courage, Customer Service,
Professional Ethics, and Stellar Performance.
Honor and Courage are foundational values that guide the actions of Hospital Corpsmen
in their duties.
Customer Service emphasizes the importance of patient care and satisfaction in medical
settings.
Professional Ethics ensure that all actions taken by Hospital Corpsmen are in line with
moral and ethical standards.
Stellar Performance reflects the commitment to excellence in all medical and
administrative tasks.
Historical Milestones
Medical care on naval vessels was emphasized on March 2, 1799, marking the
establishment of the Hospital Corps.
The first member of the Hospital Corps to receive the Medal of Honor was Loblolly Boy
Russ, highlighting the valor of medical personnel in combat.
The foundation for the current rank structure was established in 1924, shaping the
hierarchy within the medical field.
The first Hospital Corps School for Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service
was commissioned in Great Lakes, IL, showcasing the evolution of gender roles in
military medicine.
Significant Contributions and Recognitions
The Honorable James Forrestal, as Secretary of Defense, publicly acknowledged the
contributions of the Hospital Corps during WWII, emphasizing their critical role in
military operations.
, The original rating insignia of the Hospital Corps was the Caduceus, symbolizing the
medical profession.
Shock Trauma Platoons (STP) were first deployed during the Afghanistan phase of the
War on Terror, illustrating the evolving nature of military medical response.
The concept of Soft Power was articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1911,
influencing military policy and strategy.
Medical and Administrative Responsibilities
Reporting and Documentation
The Officer of the Day (OOD) should be informed of bacteria in potable water and
service members with injuries for duty logs.
SAMS (Sick Call Management System) is an administrative tool that tracks Sick Call Logs,
Potable Water Testing Results, and Medical Training.
The 3-M system (Maintenance Management) regulates scheduled equipment
maintenance, ensuring operational readiness.
Medical personnel must be aware of planned operations to prepare for supplies,
possible injuries, and extended work hours.
Medical Readiness and Classifications
Medical readiness deficiencies are addressed through Periodic Health Assessments and
Immunizations.
Dental classifications determine the priority of treatment for personnel before
deployment, with Class 1 and 2 being the highest priority.
A patient in Class 2 dental status requires evaluation within one year, indicating a need
for monitoring and potential treatment.
The primary mission of the FMF medical battalion is to provide specialized surgery and
preventive medicine during operations.
Directives and Correspondence
Permanent directives regulate policy, while temporary directives provide guidance for
short-term issues.
Change transmittals should be filed with the most current change on top to maintain
accurate records.
Concepts and Questions
Heritage of the Hospital Corpsman
Key Principles of Service
The key to service with distinction includes Honor, Courage, Customer Service,
Professional Ethics, and Stellar Performance.
Honor and Courage are foundational values that guide the actions of Hospital Corpsmen
in their duties.
Customer Service emphasizes the importance of patient care and satisfaction in medical
settings.
Professional Ethics ensure that all actions taken by Hospital Corpsmen are in line with
moral and ethical standards.
Stellar Performance reflects the commitment to excellence in all medical and
administrative tasks.
Historical Milestones
Medical care on naval vessels was emphasized on March 2, 1799, marking the
establishment of the Hospital Corps.
The first member of the Hospital Corps to receive the Medal of Honor was Loblolly Boy
Russ, highlighting the valor of medical personnel in combat.
The foundation for the current rank structure was established in 1924, shaping the
hierarchy within the medical field.
The first Hospital Corps School for Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service
was commissioned in Great Lakes, IL, showcasing the evolution of gender roles in
military medicine.
Significant Contributions and Recognitions
The Honorable James Forrestal, as Secretary of Defense, publicly acknowledged the
contributions of the Hospital Corps during WWII, emphasizing their critical role in
military operations.
, The original rating insignia of the Hospital Corps was the Caduceus, symbolizing the
medical profession.
Shock Trauma Platoons (STP) were first deployed during the Afghanistan phase of the
War on Terror, illustrating the evolving nature of military medical response.
The concept of Soft Power was articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1911,
influencing military policy and strategy.
Medical and Administrative Responsibilities
Reporting and Documentation
The Officer of the Day (OOD) should be informed of bacteria in potable water and
service members with injuries for duty logs.
SAMS (Sick Call Management System) is an administrative tool that tracks Sick Call Logs,
Potable Water Testing Results, and Medical Training.
The 3-M system (Maintenance Management) regulates scheduled equipment
maintenance, ensuring operational readiness.
Medical personnel must be aware of planned operations to prepare for supplies,
possible injuries, and extended work hours.
Medical Readiness and Classifications
Medical readiness deficiencies are addressed through Periodic Health Assessments and
Immunizations.
Dental classifications determine the priority of treatment for personnel before
deployment, with Class 1 and 2 being the highest priority.
A patient in Class 2 dental status requires evaluation within one year, indicating a need
for monitoring and potential treatment.
The primary mission of the FMF medical battalion is to provide specialized surgery and
preventive medicine during operations.
Directives and Correspondence
Permanent directives regulate policy, while temporary directives provide guidance for
short-term issues.
Change transmittals should be filed with the most current change on top to maintain
accurate records.
