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Quizzes > History

Navy Corpsman Ranks Quiz: Hospitalman Heritage and History

Quick, free quiz on hospitalman ranks and heritage. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Jodelene WeirUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration stylized hospital corpsman rank insignia and quiz title on coral background.

This quiz helps you check your grasp of Navy Corpsman ranks and heritage, from Hospitalman to HM2. See where you stand before boards and learn key moments behind the rating. For related practice, explore our US Navy quiz, take a military rank quiz, or brush up with a navy knowledge test.

What is the entry-level rate for Navy Hospital Corpsman?
Hospitalman
Hospitalman Apprentice
Hospitalman Recruit
Petty Officer Third Class
The entry-level rate for a Hospital Corpsman is Hospitalman Recruit (E-1). This rate was established when the Hospital Corps was created in 1898 to designate those just entering the rating. As recruits complete basic training, they advance to Apprentice and then to Hospitalman.
Which medical symbol is central to the Hospital Corps insignia?
Fouled Anchor
Medical Cross
Caduceus
Rod of Asclepius
The rod of Asclepius - a single serpent-entwined staff - is the central symbol in the Hospital Corps badge, representing healing and medicine. It is superimposed on a fouled anchor to denote naval service. The caduceus (two serpents and wings) is used by other services but not by the Navy Hospital Corps.
What is the rating abbreviation for Hospital Corpsman?
NM
MC
HM
HC
The Navy rating abbreviation for Hospital Corpsman is "HM." Ratings like HM help identify a sailor's specific career field. Other abbreviations such as HC or NM do not correspond to any current Navy enlisted rating.
Which paygrade corresponds to Petty Officer Third Class?
E-4
E-5
E-3
E-6
In the Navy's enlisted paygrade structure, Petty Officer Third Class is grade E-4. Enlisted sailors begin at E-1 and advance through the petty officer and chief petty officer ranks. E-3 is Hospitalman, a junior rank, while E-5 and E-6 are higher petty officer grades.
True or False: The Hospital Corps was officially established in 1898.
True
False
The U.S. Navy Hospital Corps was officially established by an act of Congress on 17 June 1898. Its creation standardized medical support aboard ships and at shore facilities. Since that date, Corpsmen have served with distinction in every U.S. conflict.
What is the official motto of the Navy Hospital Corps?
To Serve With Honor
Save Lives at All Costs
Honor Above Self
Ready to Heal
The motto of the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps is "To Serve With Honor." It reflects the Corpsmen's commitment to provide medical support ethically and bravely. This phrase is often featured on Corpsman certificates and ceremonies.
What nickname is commonly used to refer to Navy Hospital Corpsmen?
Doc
Corps
Nurse
Medic
Hospital Corpsmen are colloquially known as "Doc." This nickname is used by sailors and Marines alike, reflecting the trust in Corpsmen's medical expertise. While "Medic" is used in the Army and Marines, Navy personnel prefer "Doc."
In which conflict did Hospital Corpsmen first serve?
Spanish-American War
World War I
Korean War
Civil War
Hospital Corpsmen first served during the Spanish-American War of 1898, shortly after the Corps was established. They provided critical medical care aboard ships and in makeshift field stations in Cuba and the Philippines. Their performance in that conflict proved the value of a dedicated medical rating.
In what year were women first permanently allowed to serve in the Navy Hospital Corps?
1948
1950
1945
1939
Women were permanently integrated into the Navy Hospital Corps in 1948 after the Women's Armed Services Integration Act was passed. Before that, women served in auxiliary status during WWII. This change allowed women to pursue full naval careers as Corpsmen.
What is the highest enlisted rank in the Hospital Corps?
Chief Petty Officer
Senior Chief Petty Officer
Master Chief Petty Officer
Petty Officer First Class
The highest enlisted rank a Hospital Corpsman can hold is Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9). Above that, they may serve as Force or Fleet Master Chiefs, but E-9 is the top paygrade. Master Chiefs provide leadership at the highest enlisted levels.
Which insignia denotes a Chief Petty Officer (E-7) in the Hospital Corps?
Fouled Anchor with USN
Star with Wreath
Crossed Rifles
Eagle with Shield
Chief Petty Officers in the Navy wear a fouled anchor with the letters "USN." This insignia is worn on caps and collar devices. It distinguishes chiefs from lower petty officers whose insignia includes an eagle and chevrons.
What does the "HM" rating pin on a uniform stand for?
Health Master
Honor Medic
Hospital Corpsman
Health Manager
On Navy uniforms, the letters "HM" identify the Hospital Corpsman rating. Rating badges feature the specialty mark and rating letters below the eagle. Other combinations like HM2 indicate paygrade and rating.
Which rate is directly above Hospitalman Apprentice (E-2)?
Petty Officer Third Class
Hospitalman Recruit
Hospitalman (E-3)
Hospitalman Specialist
An E-2 Hospitalman Apprentice advances to Hospitalman at E-3. Advancement depends on time in rate, performance evaluations, and exam scores. Petty Officer Third Class is the next step at E-4.
True or False: Navy Hospital Corpsmen are often deployed alongside Marine units.
True
False
Hospital Corpsmen are routinely assigned to Fleet Marine Force units to provide medical care. They attend specialized Field Medical Service Technician school before joining Marines. This close integration has existed since World War I.
What is the primary administrative authority for the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps?
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED)
Naval Medical Center
Office of Naval Research
Naval Personnel Command
The Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) oversees policy, training, and assignments for Navy medical personnel, including Hospital Corpsmen. BUMED sets standards for medical readiness and professional development. It reports directly to the Navy Surgeon General.
Which paygrade is known as Petty Officer First Class in the Hospital Corps?
E-5
E-7
E-6
E-4
Petty Officer First Class corresponds to paygrade E-6. This is the third level of the petty officer ranks. E-5 is Second Class, and E-4 is Third Class.
What is the proper order of advancement for enlisted Hospital Corpsmen from E-1 to E-3?
Hospitalman Apprentice, Hospitalman Recruit, Hospitalman
Hospitalman Recruit, Hospitalman Apprentice, Hospitalman
Hospitalman Recruit, Hospitalman, Hospitalman Apprentice
Hospitalman, Hospitalman Recruit, Hospitalman Apprentice
Sailors enter as Hospitalman Recruit (E-1), advance to Hospitalman Apprentice (E-2), then Hospitalman (E-3). Time-in-rate, evaluation marks, and advancement exams govern progression. Proper sequence ensures correct assignment of duties.
Which specialized training course must Hospital Corpsmen complete to serve as Fleet Marine Force corpsmen?
Surface Warfare Medical Course
Field Medical Service Technician Course
Basic Underwater Demolition
Naval Air Medical Training
Fleet Marine Force corpsmen attend the Field Medical Service Technician (FMST) Course at Camp Pendleton or Camp Lejeune. FMST trains Corpsmen in battlefield medicine, evacuation, and Marine combat operations. Graduates earn the Fleet Marine Force device.
During WWII, Hospital Corpsmen earned the nickname "Devil Dogs." True or False?
False
True
"Devil Dogs" is a nickname for U.S. Marines, not Hospital Corpsmen. While Corpsmen serve alongside Marines, they are called "Doc," not "Devil Dogs." The term originates from German troops in WWI describing Marines.
What insignia device indicates Fleet Marine Force qualification for Corpsmen?
Anchor and Rope
Caduceus
Eagle, Globe, and Anchor
Fouled Anchor
Qualified FMF Corpsmen wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor device to show integration with Marine units. The caduceus remains part of their rating badge but does not denote FMF qualification. Marines and FMF-qualified sailors share the EGA emblem.
The first Medal of Honor awarded to a Hospital Corpsman was earned in which conflict?
Spanish-American War
Korean War
World War II
World War I
Hospital Apprentice William Troy received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Spanish-American War in 1898. He distinguished himself under fire while rendering aid to wounded Marines. Since then, several Corpsmen have earned the nation's highest decoration.
What abbreviation is used for a Hospital Corpsman Second Class?
HMC
HMCS
HM-2
HM2
Hospital Corpsman Second Class is abbreviated HM2. The number corresponds to paygrade E-5. Abbreviations without the numeral or with extra letters are incorrect.
What is the minimum time-in-rate requirement before a Hospitalman Apprentice can advance to Hospitalman?
12 months
9 months
18 months
6 months
A Hospitalman Apprentice must serve a minimum of nine months in rate before being eligible for advancement to Hospitalman (E-3). Performance marks, exam results, and time-in-rate together determine advancement. This time frame balances training with promotion opportunity.
Which warfare qualification pin can a Hospital Corpsman earn while assigned to a surface ship?
Submarine Warfare
Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist
Naval Aircrew Pin
Special Warfare (SEAL) Pin
Hospital Corpsmen assigned to surface ships can earn the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) insignia by completing qualification tasks. Submarine and aviation pins require service in those communities. The SEAL pin is for special warfare operators.
Which of the following duties is outside the traditional scope of a Hospital Corpsman without specialized training?
Triage
Performing surgical operations
Basic Life Support
Patient assessments
Corpsmen conduct triage, administer basic life support, and perform patient assessments. However, actual surgical procedures require a Navy surgeon or a specialized surgical technician (with NEC). Without that additional training, Corpsmen do not perform surgery.
How many service stripes are worn by a Hospital Corpsman First Class with 12 years of service?
2
3
6
4
Each service stripe represents four years of service. A First Class Petty Officer with 12 years wears three stripes. Stripes are worn on the left sleeve of dress uniforms.
Which rank indicates a senior enlisted medical advisor among Hospital Corpsmen?
Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9)
Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8)
Chief Petty Officer (E-7)
Petty Officer First Class (E-6)
Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8) serves as a senior enlisted advisor in medical departments, bridging leadership and technical roles. Chiefs (E-7) and Master Chiefs (E-9) have broad responsibilities, but E-8s often mentor both. This rank carries increased management duties.
The Hospital Corps "Caduceus" device was officially adopted in which year?
1902
1944
1898
1922
When Congress established the Hospital Corps in 1898, the medical device resembling the caduceus was adopted to represent the new rating. The fouled anchor and rod of Asclepius have been part of its insignia since inception. Later modifications added ratings and stripes.
What is the primary function of a Field Medical Service Technician in the Marine Corps?
Provide frontline medical care
Conduct medical intelligence
Fly medevac helicopters
Manage medical logistics
FMSTs are trained to deliver battlefield medical care, perform casualty evacuation, and support combat operations. They serve under Marine units in austere environments. Aviation medevac and logistics roles belong to specialized communities.
Which training program prepares Hospital Corpsmen for diving duty?
Navy Diver Medical Technician course
Field Medical Service Technician course
Underwater Fabrication Specialist course
Corpsman's Advanced Tactical Course
Corpsmen selected for diving assignments attend the Navy Diver Medical Technician (NDMT) course to learn dive medicine and hyperbaric treatment. FMST trains for Marine Corps combat, not diving. Fabrication specialists handle structures underwater.
To qualify for the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia, a Hospital Corpsman must complete how many months of shipboard aviation service?
36 months
24 months
48 months
12 months
Eligibility for the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia requires at least 36 months of aviation command service and completion of qualification tasks. The pin demonstrates expertise in aviation operations and safety. Shorter service times apply only to officers.
Which chapter of the Navy Regulations covers the Hospital Corps?
20
33
17
12
Navy Regulations include Chapter 17 to detail the organization and duties of the Hospital Corps. This chapter outlines Corpsman roles and responsibilities within the Navy. Other chapters address unrelated communities.
Which year was the first Hospital Corps School established at the Naval Medical School in Washington, D.C.?
1898
1915
1902
1920
The first Hospital Corps School at the Naval Medical School in Washington, D.C., opened in 1902 to provide formal training to Corpsmen. Prior to that, training was on-the-job aboard ships. The Washington school laid the foundation for standardized medical instruction.
What was the original title for enlisted naval medical personnel before the Hospital Corps was created?
Medical Steward
Apothecary
Nurse
Medic
Before the establishment of the Hospital Corps in 1898, enlisted medical personnel were called Apothecaries. Their duties were similar to medics, but there was no standardized corps. Apothecaries handled medical supplies and assisted surgeons.
In what year did the Hospital Corpsman rating replace the Pharmacist's Mate rating?
1948
1955
1918
1936
In 1948, the Navy merged the Pharmacist's Mate rating into the Hospital Corps, standardizing all enlisted medical personnel as Corpsmen. This eliminated separate pharmacy-focused ratings and unified medical training.
Which NEC code is assigned to surgical technician duties within the Hospital Corps?
8304
8423
8464
8402
The NEC 8304 designates surgical technician specialization for Corpsmen. These individuals assist surgeons in the operating room. Other codes correspond to laboratory, radiology, or pharmacy technicians.
How many Hospital Corpsmen have been awarded the Medal of Honor?
10
15
22
30
To date, 22 Hospital Corpsmen have received the Medal of Honor for extraordinary valor. These awards span conflicts from the Spanish-American War to Vietnam. Corpsmen remain the most decorated enlisted medical personnel.
The first Navy Diver Medical Technician course (NDMT) was established in which decade?
1970s
1950s
1940s
1960s
The Navy began specialized dive medicine training in the 1960s with the first NDMT course. It addressed the growing need for medical support to divers and underwater operations. This innovation advanced surface and submarine rescue capabilities.
Which historical title for Navy medical assistants dates back to the War of 1812?
Loblolly Boy
Surgeon's Assistant
Steward's Mate
Ship's Cook
During the War of 1812, medical assistants were called Loblolly Boys, after the porridge ("loblolly") served in sick bays. They cleaned, fed, and cared for the wounded. Over time, titles evolved to Apothecary then Hospital Corpsman.
The Hospital Corps School relocated to Great Lakes, Illinois in which year?
1948
1955
1930
1962
In 1948, the Navy consolidated Hospital Corps training at Naval Training Center Great Lakes. The move centralized instruction and expanded facilities. The school remains there today.
Prior to 1948, what title described enlisted medical personnel?
Dental Technician
Pharmacist's Mate
Medical Chief
Sick Bay Attendant
From 1898 until 1948, enlisted medical personnel held the Pharmacist's Mate rating. They provided medicines and basic medical care aboard ships and at shore facilities. In 1948, all such ratings merged into the Hospital Corps.
Which shore command houses the Fleet Marine Force Corps School?
San Diego
Camp Pendleton
Quantico
Norfolk
The FMF Corps School is located at Camp Pendleton, California. Corpsmen attend classes there to qualify for service with Marine units. A second FMF school exists at Camp Lejeune on the East Coast.
What does the acronym "FMF" stand for when worn by Hospital Corpsmen?
Fleet Medical Force
Forward Medical Front
Field Medical Facility
Fleet Marine Force
FMF stands for Fleet Marine Force. Corpsmen earn the FMF pin after completing training and serving with Marine units. The designation shows proficiency in Marine amphibious operations.
Which event led to the rapid expansion of the Hospital Corps in 1917?
Korean War
U.S. entry into World War I
Spanish-American War
World War II
When the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, the Navy urgently needed medical personnel for forces deploying to Europe. The Hospital Corps expanded training and recruitment to meet wartime demands. Corpsmen served on transports and hospital ships overseas.
Which element was added to the Hospital Corps rating badge in 1922?
USN letters on the anchor
Eagle at the top
Star above the caduceus
Wreath around the rod
In 1922, the Navy added the letters "USN" to the fouled anchor of enlisted rating badges, including the Hospital Corps. This change standardized insignia across communities. No stars or wreaths were introduced at that time.
How many Hospital Corpsmen received the Navy Cross during the Korean War?
18
10
27
33
During the Korean War, 33 Hospital Corpsmen were awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism. They served with Marines on front lines and in field hospitals under fire. The Navy Cross is the second-highest combat decoration.
Which AOC code corresponds to surgical technician duties for Hospital Corpsmen?
8423
8403
8463
8304
The Advanced Occupational Code (AOC) 8304 designates Hospital Corpsman surgical technicians. These specialists assist in operating rooms and require additional Navy COOL certification. Other codes cover pharmacology and lab specialties.
True or False: Only enlisted Hospital Corpsmen can earn the Fleet Marine Force pin.
True
False
Both officers and enlisted personnel can earn separate FMF warfare qualification devices. Enlisted sailors earn the Fleet Marine Force Enlisted (FMF-E) pin, while officers earn the FMF Officer (FMF-O) insignia. Thus, it is not exclusive to enlisted.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Corpsman Heritage -

    Summarize the origins and pivotal moments in the heritage of the Hospital Corpsman as outlined in HM Manual Chapter 1.

  2. Identify Rank Insignia -

    Distinguish between various Hospital Corpsman ranks by recognizing their unique insignia and hierarchical order.

  3. Recall Historical Milestones -

    List significant events and dates that have shaped the evolution of the Hospital Corpsman through its history.

  4. Apply Rank Knowledge -

    Use your understanding of hospital corpsman rank structure to prepare effectively for Navy corpsman advancement exams.

  5. Analyze Quiz Performance -

    Interpret your scored results to identify areas of strength and opportunities for further study in corpsman history and ranks.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Roots of the Hospital Corps -

    The heritage of the Hospital Corpsman dates back to 17 June 1898, when Congress authorized the Hospital Corps to support naval medicine. This origin story is covered in HM Manual Chapter 1 and highlights the Corps' evolution from makeshift shipboard aid to an organized medical rating. Remember "1898 = Care afloat" to link the year and founding mission.

  2. Understanding Hospital Corpsman Rank Structure -

    The hospital corpsman rank progression spans E-1 (Seaman Recruit) through E-9 (Master Chief), with the HM rating added at E-4 and above (e.g., HM3, HM2, HM1). Use the mnemonic "3-2-1 → Chief, Senior, Master" to recall HM3 → HM2 → HM1 → HMC → HMCS → HMCM. This clear rank path is essential for any hospital corpsman rank quiz or advancement exam.

  3. Badge Symbolism and Tradition -

    The Hospital Corps insignia combines the caduceus (two snakes and staff) with an anchor, symbolizing medical expertise and naval service. According to Naval History & Heritage Command, the caduceus dates to ancient Greek medicine while the anchor represents maritime duty. Visualize "Anchor heals" to remember how the emblem honors both sea and science.

  4. Milestones in Navy Corpsman History -

    Key historical points include Corpsmen serving alongside Marines in WWI combat zones and running fleet hospitals in WWII's Pacific theater. Official Navy archives note over 600 Corpsmen were awarded the Bronze Star in WWII, underscoring courageous medical care under fire. Connect "WWI mud" and "WWII islands" to recall their frontline medical roles.

  5. Advancement Basics from HM Manual Chapter 1 -

    Advancement requires time in rate, performance evaluations, and passing the HM manual chapter 1 quiz along with other knowledge tests. Review the manual's sample questions on anatomy, shipboard first aid, and Navy heritage to boost exam scores. Create flashcards for Rate + Rating (for example, "HM2: Hospital Corpsman Second Class") to reinforce titles and responsibilities.

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