MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- They wear Marine utilities, serve alongside Marine units in Iraq, and weather a grueling seven-week course that mirrors Marine Corps boot camp.
No, they're not Marines - but they might - and often do - save a Marine's life.
They're Navy corpsmen - and the Field Medical Service School here is graduating them faster than usual in the face of increased demand stemming from the war in Iraq.
The school recently graduated its largest class ever April 20 - providing 265 fresh new faces who will fill in the ranks among Marine units in the Fleet Marine Force.
Despite greater numbers, there's no drop-off in quality, said Brig. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik, deputy commander of the I Marine Expeditionary Force, where many of the graduating corpsmen will be assigned.
"These students are at their highest level of readiness, especially in this time of need," he said.
On March 3, the class started with 282 candidates and enjoyed its lowest attrition rate ever, Hejlik added.
Capacity has more than doubled compared with 18 months ago, when classes averaged 100 students, said Sgt. Scott R. Young, a course instructor.
Some corpsmen find it harder to make the grade than others.
"After the initial four-mile hike, I called my mom crying. I realized then that the only way out was to graduate," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Saralyne Mathson, platoon sergeant, 2nd Platoon.
Mathson stayed 15 weeks due to injury setbacks. But now, she says she's ready for action.
"With the training that I have now, I feel ready to go to war," she said.
Another sailor, Petty Officer 2nd Class Chris R. Phillips, sailed through the seven-week format to graduate in time to witness the birth of his child.
"My wife is currently 8-1/2 months pregnant, and throughout this course that was my motivation," said the corpsman from 2nd Platoon.
Phillips advises course candidates to learn as much as possible about the Marine Corps beforehand.
"You need to pay attention to Marines and look at how they work. You need that motivation," Phillips said.
The curriculum consists largely of hikes, range firing and classroom time emphasizing combat medicine. Students put those skills to the test in a 24-hour field exercise, Young said.
Hejlik congratulated the graduates and spoke glowingly about the duty that faces them.
"You will stand side by side with Marines and experience the greatest evolution," he said.
E-mail Lance Cpl. Rosas at antonio. rosas@usmc.mil.