Marine Corps Expeditionary Combat Skills Training (MCECST) was originally Chaplain and Religious Program Specialist Expeditionary Skills Training (CREST-RP), and was established in October 1996 at the Field Medical Service School, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune (renamed Field Medical Training Battalion in 2007). The purpose of MCECST is to train Navy Occupational Specialty (NOS) B720 in the skills essential for combat survival, delivery of religious program support in an expeditionary environment, and the several associated technical, military tactical, and defensive techniques required for duty with the Marine Corps operating forces.
During this eight week course, Navy Religious Program Specialists are immersed in a combination of classroom field training to gain essential skills required to serve with the Fleet Marine Force. Emphasis is placed on learning combat survival including technical, tactical, and defensive techniques, and delivery of religious program support in an expeditionary environment. Training includes general military subjects, individual and small unit tactics, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, litter obstacle and confidence course completion, military drills, physical training/conditioning, and weapons familiarization. Upon completion of MCECST, students receive the Navy Enlisted Classification A17A.
Mailing Address
Commanding Officer
Field Medical Training Battalion
PSC Box 20042
Camp Lejeune NC 28542-0042
Phone & Fax
During Working Hours 910-450-0763
After Working Hours 252-764-5588
DSN: 750-XXXX
FAX: 910-450-0927
Student Mail
While assigned to FMTB-E, students are authorized to receive mail. Students are encouraged to give their family members their mailing address and the Quarterdeck phone number to ensure they can contact you in an emergency. Your mailing address will be:
Your Name
Field Medical Training Battalion
Platoon ___________
PSC BOX 20042
Camp Lejeune NC 28542-0042
What to Bring
Please report with a complete seabag. At the conclusion of the training day, based upon your academic and physical performance, and conduct, liberty will be granted so bring proper civilian attire. When you leave the base, you will be in proper civilian attire. Proper civilian attire is defined as clothing that does not bring discredit upon yourself or the military. Clothing that is frayed or in disrepair is not authorized. Also, if your pants or shorts have belt loops, you are expected to wear a belt. PT gear will not be worn as civilian attire. Remember, there are plenty of Marines and Sailors out there ready to correct inappropriate attire. You represent the Navy, in and out of uniform, so take pride in your personal bearing and appearance. Additionally, the items listed below can be purchased upon arrival or you may bring them with you:
- Whistle
- Glow Belt (Yellow plastic type)
- Flashlight with red lens
- Good pair of running shoes with white socks (no basketball shoes)
- Clear 32oz water bottle
- Pen and highlighter
- notebook
- 4 sets of boot bands
- 4 sets of subdued rank insignias
- 2 combination locks (Standard lock - key locks are not authorized)
- 1 mesh laundry bag
- Sufficient amount of toiletry items to provide for your personal comfort during the training period
- 1 set of dog tags (red tags for allergies)
- Medical equipment (EPI pen, inhalers, etc.,)
- Sunscreen
- Wrist watch
- Shower shoes
- 2 subdued cover rank insignia (for personnel E4 and above only)
- 2 towels
- Medical/Dental records
Issues After Arrival
· 1 pair of Infantry Combat boots
· 1 pair of hot weather boots
· 2 Utility Covers (1 Woodland and 1 Desert)
· 2 Booney Covers (1 Woodland and 1 Desert)
· 4 Combat Utility Blouses (2 Woodland and 2 Desert)
· 4 Combat Utility Trousers (2 Woodland and 2 Desert)
· 6 pairs of cushion sole socks
· 2 HM collar devices
· 4 sets name tapes (2 Woodland and 2 Desert)
· 6 green undershirts (3 cotton and 3 synthetic)
· 1 pair of green shorts
· 1 Marine Corps sweat suit (top and bottom)
· 1 web belt
· 1 belt buckle
· 1 glowbelt
In order to comply with current policies at MCECST, commands are required to ensure that all personnel ordered to attend the course of instruction meet Navy body composition and weight standards and are physically and medically qualified to undergo the rigorous training provided. Personnel failing to meet body composition or who are not medically or physically qualified to successfully complete this formal Marine Corps course of training will be promptly returned to their respective command for administrative management. MCECST practices safe Operational Risk Management (ORM) through force preservation and the health and well-being of our students is paramount while providing the much needed training to support Marine Corps operating forces. As with any Marine Corps command, physical training is a large and very important part of Fleet Marine Force (FMF) training and education. This course is physically demanding and preparation prior to reporting is extremely essential. A daily routine of running two to four miles, sit-ups, and push-ups should be adequate to prepare you. Over the eight week course, students will hike over 25 miles with full combat load, participate in the Navy PFA, the Marine Corps PFT and CFT, group PT, Company and Platoon runs, and receive over 27 hours of training in Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP).
Location
FMTB is located onboard Camp Johnson, in Jacksonville, NC. Camp Johnson is part of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Camp Lejeune is a very large base that covers a wide area and is located approximately 4 miles from Camp Johnson.
When leaving the Albert J. Ellis airport, follow the signs toward Jacksonville. At the intersection of Catherine Lake Road and Route 258/Highway 24, turn right. Continue on Route 258/24 until you come to a four way intersection. Go straight thru the intersection and follow the signs towards Camp Lejeune. Take the Montford Point exit and take a right off the exit and enter Camp Johnson. Once on board Camp Johnson, continue straight on Montford Landing Road and take a left onto Harlem Drive. There will be signs directing you to FMTB-E.
Personnel arriving by plane in Jacksonville are dependent upon taxi or limousine service from the airport to Camp Johnson (approximately $25.00 from the Jacksonville airport to FMTB-E). Taxi service from New Bern, Kinston, or Wilmington, NC is more expensive ranging from $80.00 from New Bern/Kinston to over $300.00 for a taxi from Wilmington, NC (This expense is reimbursable upon liquidation of your orders so keep your receipt). On-base transportation is limited to local taxi service, with a military bus service for traveling between bases.
DO NOT REPORT TO THE MAIN BASE AT CAMP LEJEUNE OR THE NAVAL HOSPITAL!!!!!
MCECST is part of Field Medical Training Battalion-East (FMTB-E) on board Camp Johnson. Report in to the FMTB-E quarterdeck, building M-508, in the appropriate seasonal uniform; i.e. Service Dress Blues, Service Dress Whites, or khakis. 508 Co Street D, Jacksonville, NC 28543. Contact number for the FMTB quarterdeck is 252-764-5588.
-Enlisted students on PCS orders will report with service record. Enlisted students must also report with a valid US driver’s license.
-Active duty students on TAD orders and Naval Reserve students on ADT orders will report with an updated copy of their Page-2. Enlisted students must also report with a valid US driver’s license.
Personnel shall report in the appropriate seasonal dress uniform. The winter uniform period is from approximately mid-October through mid-March. You may telephone the school to confirm the type of uniform required.
Personnel shall report with their original orders.
Personnel reporting on TAD orders should report with their original TAD orders.
REQUIRED ADMIN ITEMS
- Copy of signed Page 2.
- Last two evals.
- Family Care Plan (if applicable).
- Flight Itinerary (all the way to Ultimate Duty Station); All Flights (INCONUS/OCONUS) should already be reserved by detaching command.
- Copy of Port Call message.
- If traveling overseas; Detaching duty station is responsible for Dependent Entry Approval/Overseas Flight/No Fee Passport.
- FMTB will only procure flight for Student.
- Copy of Overseas Screening; must be completed prior to checking in.
COMMUNICATION WITH DETAILERS
We are a limited, temporary duty station whose mission is to train Medical Department and Religious Ministry personnel for duty with the Marine Forces. Please try to solve all problems and issues such as order modifications, swaps, spouse co-location, and class convening date changes, with the detailers prior to arriving at FMTB-E.
RESERVISTS
If you are a Reservist and need a quota for a seat, please have your Reserve Center Training Department contact the Medical Program Manager in New Orleans, LA.
Direct Deposit
It is mandatory that all personnel reporting to FMTB be on direct deposit. The Customer Service Detachment at Camp Lejeune is NOT authorized to write checks for regular pay periods unless a DDS request has been submitted. Normally E-5 and below single personnel are not eligible for commuted rations while a student at FMTB. All active duty E-6 and above personnel will receive BAS while attending FMTB and will not be issued a meal card.
Family Separation Allowance
If you have orders to any local duty station (Camp Lejeune, New River, Cherry Point), and you do not relocate your family to North Carolina, you will NOT receive FSA. All other students with a spouse or children (listed on their Page-2) are eligible for FSA as long as your Ultimate Duty Station is not a local command.
BAH
If you have orders to the local area (i.e.: Camp Lejeune, MCAS New River, MCAS Cherry Point), your BAH rate will change to your new permanent duty station's rate upon check-in to Field Medical Training Battalion. YOU ARE ADVISED to set up residence for your family prior to the start of your scheduled class.
IMPORTANT
If you received orders to the local area (i.e.: Camp Lejeune, MCAS New River, MCAS Cherry Point) and you received single BAH due to having dependents from a prior marriage at your past duty station your BAH will be turned off when you check in. When you reach your ultimate duty station, you will have to route a BAH (without dependents) package via your Chain of Command. It is vital to seek approval for BAH before making any off-base housing arrangements. For further information please see the below references.
MCO P11000.22 Marine Corps Housing Management Manual
MARADMIN 429/11
BO P11012.3b Bachelor Housing Management Manual (Chapter 5)
Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR)
If you did not receive PCS orders to Camp Lejeune, MCAS New River, or Cherry Point, accompaniment by family members is NOT authorized and you’re BAH rate will continue from your last permanent duty station.
For all ranks, berthing will be available in open bay barracks at no cost. A blanket, pillow, and linen will be issued to you upon check-in. These items must be returned upon detaching. Every attempt will be made to give senior personnel a private or semi-private room but this will be dependent on space availability. See “Student Materials” to download a copy of the FMTB-E Rules and Regulations that covers all the rules and regulations of life at FMTB-E.
Storage space while at FMTB-E is limited. Do not bring large radios, televisions, or other large items as you will NOT have a place to store them. Additionally, knives over 3 inches in length and personal weapons (guns) are prohibited on base. It is not recommended to bring expensive jewelry, watches or cameras that run the risk of being stolen. NOTE: Cameras are allowed but may become damaged. A disposable camera is recommended.
Before a student is permitted to park on base they must comply with the Base regulations. Proper paperwork is required before obtaining permission to bring a vehicle onto the base. The following items are required to be presented prior to issuance of a pass: (Click here to visit the vehicle registration page of the Camp Lejeune website).
· Automobile Inspection Report: any state inspection will suffice as long as it is current.
· Military ID
· Proof of attendance in Drivers Improvement Course (if under 26 years old)
· Current registration. If the student does not own the vehicle they must have in their possession written notarized permission from the owner of the vehicle to drive aboard the base.
· Current driver’s license.
· Show proof of adequate liability insurance (actual policy required) of not less than $25,000/$60,000/$10,000 coverage in force.
For planning purposes, graduation will be completed before 1200 on the last day of class. Due to the distance to the local airport (approximately 25 miles), flights should not be scheduled prior to 1500. Students will not leave prior to completion of course critiques and graduation. FMTB Administration (S-1) will assist all students with travel arrangements from FMTB-E to their next duty station.