2009-2010 Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences Application Thread

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Does anyone make an AKO account yet? or do we have to wait for orders


I don't know about AKO, since I didn't create my NKO account until after I was already at ODS, but you'll probably need to be "in the system" before it'll work. Generally, that means you'll need orders, because by then big Army will know who you are.
 
Alright BUPERS! Orders 4.5 months out, they have really done a round turn up there (the Navy detailer is awesome by the way). The scariest thing is that PRD: August 2014...

REPORT NOT LATER THAN AUG 10 EDA: AUG 10 TO IA USUHS BETHESDA UIC: 35978
PERMANENT DUTY STATION MD, BETHESDA
FOR DUTY UNDER INSTRUCTION ACC: 342
BSC: 00400
PRD: 1408
PERSONNEL ACCOUNTING SUPPORT: PERSUPPDET BETHESDA MD
UIC: 42554
- REPORT AS USUHS MEDICAL STUDENT.
- REPORT NOT EARLIER THAN 3 AUG 2010.
- REPORT NOT LATER THAN 6 AUG 2010.
 
Alright BUPERS! Orders 4.5 months out, they have really done a round turn up there (the Navy detailer is awesome by the way). The scariest thing is that PRD: August 2014...

REPORT NOT LATER THAN AUG 10 EDA: AUG 10 TO IA USUHS BETHESDA UIC: 35978
PERMANENT DUTY STATION MD, BETHESDA
FOR DUTY UNDER INSTRUCTION ACC: 342
BSC: 00400
PRD: 1408
PERSONNEL ACCOUNTING SUPPORT: PERSUPPDET BETHESDA MD
UIC: 42554
- REPORT AS USUHS MEDICAL STUDENT.
- REPORT NOT EARLIER THAN 3 AUG 2010.
- REPORT NOT LATER THAN 6 AUG 2010.

Oh, the benefits fo being active duty. Jealous.
 
Hey thanks! I was able to log on afterwards, called the DoDMERB office and they said that Concord has 30 days to send them the paperwork, and DoDMERB gets 30 days to review your file (that's 60 days!!!!).

I logged in today and they've reviewed my physical: I'm QUALIFIED! Yey to not having to fill out waivers!
 
Alright BUPERS! Orders 4.5 months out, they have really done a round turn up there (the Navy detailer is awesome by the way). The scariest thing is that PRD: August 2014...

REPORT NOT LATER THAN AUG 10 EDA: AUG 10 TO IA USUHS BETHESDA UIC: 35978
PERMANENT DUTY STATION MD, BETHESDA
FOR DUTY UNDER INSTRUCTION ACC: 342
BSC: 00400
PRD: 1408
PERSONNEL ACCOUNTING SUPPORT: PERSUPPDET BETHESDA MD
UIC: 42554
- REPORT AS USUHS MEDICAL STUDENT.
- REPORT NOT EARLIER THAN 3 AUG 2010.
- REPORT NOT LATER THAN 6 AUG 2010.


Just so all of you know and don't freak out. We had a "report no earlier than _____" and a "report no later than ____" as well, and we ended up reporting later than that second date. You will be contacted by the school directing you to a website that will have a schedule for check in, and most likely your check in will be after that report no later than date. It's not a problem, just another example of how usuhs is different and no one really communicates with us or understands us. 😳
 
Just so all of you know and don't freak out. We had a "report no earlier than _____" and a "report no later than ____" as well, and we ended up reporting later than that second date. You will be contacted by the school directing you to a website that will have a schedule for check in, and most likely your check in will be after that report no later than date. It's not a problem, just another example of how usuhs is different and no one really communicates with us or understands us. 😳

Thats the way it is for most commands. Usually the Navy will tell you report no later than a month, not a day... so that is weird, but usually you arrange your arrival time with the command personally. The orders actually don't mean that much, except that now I'm authorized PCS money to move - that is the most important thing.
 
Thats the way it is for most commands. Usually the Navy will tell you report no later than a month, not a day... so that is weird, but usually you arrange your arrival time with the command personally. The orders actually don't mean that much, except that now I'm authorized PCS money to move - that is the most important thing.

I was most interested in what my orders might authorize for TMO (weight/vehicles) and such, when we might expect to get them (mid-june according to last year's thread?), and if I should expect a delay in pay (basic pay & BAH) or what... Thank you all (MS1/2's?) for being so helpful! 👍
 
As a non-prior I have many questions and such so I will disperse them out in section. If anyone can help me out that would be great! Thanks in advance...

1. How does getting to Fort Sam work in terms of travel arrangements? Does the army provide tickets? And also how do we get from the airport to Fort Sam?

2. After OBLC training whats next? Straight to USUHS? --> what about those that haven't found housing till that time?

3. In terms of having your stuff moved via the army, when do they deliver your stuff in terms of timing when arriving at USUHS?

4. For the PT gear
• T-Shirt (short sleeved) x 4.
.• Trunks (shorts) x 3.
.• Pants x 1.
.• Jacket x 1.
.• Running Shoes x 1 pair.
.• Sweat Socks, white, calf/ankle length x 3.
.• Black Skull Cap x 1.
.• Black Gloves with inserts (black, green, or ACU grey) x 1

are we allowed to wear any type of running shoes? Black skull cap? Is that just a black beanie with no logos? Also gloves with inserts? The heck is that.


Thanks again to anyone with any info. I know these questions may sound sophomoric but I am a non-prior. Thanks.
 
I just received my waitlist letter today 3/19. It was sent on 3/15. Interviewed 1/14. California resident
 
3. In terms of having your stuff moved via the army, when do they deliver your stuff in terms of timing when arriving at USUHS?

You get orders, contact the nearest TMO (traffic management office, there is a number to call which will help you identify the closest) to arrange for them to pick up your stuff. They will then move it to USUHS. From when they pick it up you have 90 days (with the option to extend another 90 days) to arrange delivery. You arrange delivery by calling the TMO office nearest to USUHS. Its pretty easy.
 
I received a letter from CMDR Calloway last night that said "By now you have received my letter of conditional acceptance...". I did get the call a little over a week ago (5/11) for the conditional acceptance, but I never received the letter (the one I'm assuming everyone signs and mails back within 2 weeks to ensure the seat is held). Has this happened to anyone? Should I call them Monday, or send an email to CMDR Calloway? Thanks!
 
I received a letter from CMDR Calloway last night that said "By now you have received my letter of conditional acceptance...". I did get the call a little over a week ago (5/11) for the conditional acceptance, but I never received the letter (the one I'm assuming everyone signs and mails back within 2 weeks to ensure the seat is held). Has this happened to anyone? Should I call them Monday, or send an email to CMDR Calloway? Thanks!

Nevermind. Got it.
 
As a non-prior I have many questions and such so I will disperse them out in section. If anyone can help me out that would be great! Thanks in advance...

1. How does getting to Fort Sam work in terms of travel arrangements? Does the army provide tickets? And also how do we get from the airport to Fort Sam?

2. After OBLC training whats next? Straight to USUHS? --> what about those that haven't found housing till that time?

3. In terms of having your stuff moved via the army, when do they deliver your stuff in terms of timing when arriving at USUHS?

4. For the PT gear
• T-Shirt (short sleeved) x 4.
.• Trunks (shorts) x 3.
.• Pants x 1.
.• Jacket x 1.
.• Running Shoes x 1 pair.
.• Sweat Socks, white, calf/ankle length x 3.
.• Black Skull Cap x 1.
.• Black Gloves with inserts (black, green, or ACU grey) x 1

are we allowed to wear any type of running shoes? Black skull cap? Is that just a black beanie with no logos? Also gloves with inserts? The heck is that.


Thanks again to anyone with any info. I know these questions may sound sophomoric but I am a non-prior. Thanks.

1)You can drive or fly. If you fly you arrange your travel through carlson-wagonlit. I drove and made like 4k doing it. If you fly, you get a cab from the airport to FSH.

2) You have like 4-5 days before your report date to USUHS. If you don't go straight there you'll have to take leave. I'd definitely recommend getting your housing situation squared away before reporting to FSH. If for some reason you can't they'll put you up in Navy Lodge for something like 7-10 days (i'm not exactly sure how this works but know it can be done).

3)the one thing I'll add to dru's comments is that there is time budgeted into your orientation week for HHG delivery, ie, they give you 1-2 afternoons where you can call and have your stuff delivered.

4)You can wear any type of running shoes as long as you have socks cover your ankles which might make it a little tough if you were wanting to wear vibram five-fingers, but i've seen it done. The black skull cap can be purchased at clothing and sales. You won't use any of your winter PT gear. You can purchase that once you get to FSH or later.

The biggest piece of advice I could give to all of you right now is to just be fluid. I know you'll expect everything to be set and ready to go, but it's not. So put that type A aside and just relax and go with the flow. It will be a big cluster once you get down there. USUHS has been doing this for almost 40yrs now, and even if it seems crazy at times, they'll get you taken care of.

If you're Army start working your beret now so you're not walking around looking like G.I. Chef Boyardee
 
I just received my waitlist letter today 3/19. It was sent on 3/15. Interviewed 1/14. California resident

So it does take 10 weeks for them to get back to you? I was hoping that they would expedite the process since it's getting so late in the game. I guess I'll have to sit tight and wait.
 
Hello incoming MS1s! Congratulations to all of you who have been accepted. I am finishing up my MS1 year and it has been a lot of hard work, but great times. Please feel free to PM me with any questions regarding your upcoming schedule. I am a non-prior Army student.

I posted this on here a while back and got some good responses, but I was unsure of our move-out date. Now that this has been solidified, it want to post again letting you know of the town home we are currently renting that will be available as of June 1, 2010.

The townhouse is located in Gaithersburg (Montgomery Village area), just off of exit 11 of I-270. It takes about 15-20 minutes to get to school. It is in a very family-friendly area. The complex has a lake with a running trail. There is a one-car garage and back patio for grilling, etc.

The layout is as follows:

Top floor: carpeted
Master bedroom
Master bathroom
2nd bedroom
3rd bedroom/office
full bathroom

Main floor: all hardwood
Living room with fireplace
Dining room
Kitchen (granite countertops/stainless appliances/completely updated
half bath

Lower level: carpeted
Very large family room
4th bedroom
bathroom
walk-out to patio

The owner is a USN USUHS grad living in San Diego. He is very easy to work with and a nice guy.

The rent is $1800/mo + electric and water.

If you have questions or want some pictures, please let me know. If you can contact me, I will get you in touch with the owner to set up lease details.

Our lease is up in July, but we are looking for somebody to take over starting June 1, 2010 because we bought a house and will be moving at that time and don't want to pay a mortgage AND rent.

Finding nice places can be difficult around here. Please contact me ASAP and let me know if you would like some more info, or just ask questions about school/area/commute, etc.

Look forward to seeing you next year at USUHS and congratulations again on your acceptance.

-Dave
USUHS c/o 2013
 
So it does take 10 weeks for them to get back to you?

I don't think it necessarily takes all 10 weeks. Someone on this board who interviewed the same day as me received their wait list letter at the end of February. Mine came at 9 weeks, but it was nice because they were saying it would be closer to 12 weeks before we would hear back.

I'm a non-prior and my letter didn't state a branch for the waitlist. Is that how it works for everyone, except prior service who are obligated to their branch already?
 
I don't think it necessarily takes all 10 weeks. Someone on this board who interviewed the same day as me received their wait list letter at the end of February. Mine came at 9 weeks, but it was nice because they were saying it would be closer to 12 weeks before we would hear back.

I'm a non-prior and my letter didn't state a branch for the waitlist. Is that how it works for everyone, except prior service who are obligated to their branch already?


More or less it takes about two months. Thanks for the info and congrats on being waitlisted! I will exercise the last bit of patience that I have left! :meanie:
 
1)You can drive or fly. If you fly you arrange your travel through carlson-wagonlit. I drove and made like 4k doing it. If you fly, you get a cab from the airport to FSH.

2) You have like 4-5 days before your report date to USUHS. If you don't go straight there you'll have to take leave. I'd definitely recommend getting your housing situation squared away before reporting to FSH. If for some reason you can't they'll put you up in Navy Lodge for something like 7-10 days (i'm not exactly sure how this works but know it can be done).

3)the one thing I'll add to dru's comments is that there is time budgeted into your orientation week for HHG delivery, ie, they give you 1-2 afternoons where you can call and have your stuff delivered.

4)You can wear any type of running shoes as long as you have socks cover your ankles which might make it a little tough if you were wanting to wear vibram five-fingers, but i've seen it done. The black skull cap can be purchased at clothing and sales. You won't use any of your winter PT gear. You can purchase that once you get to FSH or later.

The biggest piece of advice I could give to all of you right now is to just be fluid. I know you'll expect everything to be set and ready to go, but it's not. So put that type A aside and just relax and go with the flow. It will be a big cluster once you get down there. USUHS has been doing this for almost 40yrs now, and even if it seems crazy at times, they'll get you taken care of.

If you're Army start working your beret now so you're not walking around looking like G.I. Chef Boyardee

What do you mean start working on your beret??
 
I'm a non-prior and my letter didn't state a branch for the waitlist. Is that how it works for everyone, except prior service who are obligated to their branch already?

Okay, I called the admissions office to clarify how the waitlist works in terms of second and third choice. You are on the waitlist for whatever your first choice was. If your second and third choice waitlist has been exhausted, then they will contact you with availability in your second and third choice. They exhaust all the waitlists before contacting alternates.

I was thinking about moving waitlists from Navy to AF just because someone said the Navy waitlist hasn't moved yet. But I decided against it because I didn't want to be kicking myself later if playing musical chairs actually hurt me.
 
What do you mean start working on your beret??

They don't come 'ready-to-wear.' Even if you get a 'pre-shaped' beret it will still need a decent bit of work.

Working the beret includes shaving and shaping it. It takes some time to get them to look decent so buy one and start shaping it
 
They don't come 'ready-to-wear.' Even if you get a 'pre-shaped' beret it will still need a decent bit of work.

Working the beret includes shaving and shaping it. It takes some time to get them to look decent so buy one and start shaping it

Now I know why the Navy is so popular 🙂
 
haha, i thought it was the promise of getting to wear the street-fighter blue camoflauge that had every body so fired up to a sailor!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InBXu-iY7cw


what can I say... we're geniuses. we blend in perfectly with the PRC decking on ships.

sailorswin.jpg
 
They don't come 'ready-to-wear.' Even if you get a 'pre-shaped' beret it will still need a decent bit of work.

Working the beret includes shaving and shaping it. It takes some time to get them to look decent so buy one and start shaping it

Is this the right kind of beret to get? I figure I'll buy my uniforms closer to June, but if we need to get started on the beret, I will definitely buy one now.
 
Is this the right kind of beret to get? I figure I'll buy my uniforms closer to June, but if we need to get started on the beret, I will definitely buy one now.

Yeah that's the right beret. For an extra two bucks or so the berets from ranger joes are supposedly pre shaven, it will still need work but should cut down on it. I purchased mine from ranger joes 7 yrs ago so I don't really remember if it was noticably better.
 
Yeah that's the right beret. For an extra two bucks or so the berets from ranger joes are supposedly pre shaven, it will still need work but should cut down on it. I purchased mine from ranger joes 7 yrs ago so I don't really remember if it was noticably better.

Yeah, 'pre-formed' ones from ranger joes still need a little shave. They already have some shape to them though which makes it easier to get it looking good.
 
Quick question for those who know the answer:

Is it possible, hypothetically, to switch branches while attending USUHS? From like Air Force to Navy or Army to navy, etc??
 
Quick question for those who know the answer:

Is it possible, hypothetically, to switch branches while attending USUHS? From like Air Force to Navy or Army to navy, etc??

Yes, it's definitely possible, but not without some hassle, of course. I forget what the current rules are, but I think last year and the year before you had to do a one-to-one trade to do an interservice transfer so that each service can fill it's quota of docs. This is mostly reserved for USUHS students of different branches who have gotten married, and although I can't remember hearing about switching services "just because," I'm pretty sure it can be done. Apparently the interservice marriage/transfer happens more than you would think, enough that in the first week of orientation they have everyone who is not married or in a serious relationship stand up, look around and take note because "that's probably who you will be married to at the end of med school." So tactless...

It's not too big of a deal usually because most people seem to be satisfied with the service they entered at the beginining, regardless if it was their first choice or not, at least of the people I've talked to.
 
Quick question for those who know the answer:

Is it possible, hypothetically, to switch branches while attending USUHS? From like Air Force to Navy or Army to navy, etc??

Unless you marry a classmate, or another service-member, while you're there don't count on it. Even if you do marry another classmate it may still not happen (ie if you were army and your new spouse was air force; since there are a LOT of co-locations). I could also see it becoming tougher to transfer branches with the move to combine hospitals......ie Walter Reed and NNMC to the Walter Reed National Medical Center and Williford Hall and BAMC to form SAMMC (San Antonio Military Medical Consortium).

So don't pick a branch just to get in and think it will be no big deal to branch transfer. Also, just because you were married to another service-member doesn't mean the two of you will get to 'pick' which branch one of you transfers to. In the event you could get a transfer you would be told who was transferring where based on the needs of the individual services....generally this involves coming to the Army because it is the biggest of the services.
 
Hi everyone, I've been reading these posts for a while and decided to give those that are still waiting some hope. I interviewed 1/21, was waitlisted about 4 weeks later, and yesterday (3/24) got accepted off the army waitlist. I know some people had been asking about late january interviewers and army waitlists so I just wanted to update. I'm excited to get things rolling finally! And congrats to everyone else who has heard!
 
Just found out from Rebecca Patterson that Navy ODS this year will run June 13-July 16. Maybe people already knew that, but I was surprised to hear that it is so early!

And we would have to report to school around August 14, correct? So that's a good month between ODS and reporting to USUHS.
 
If you serve 20 years you can retire from the military with half the the base pay for the rest of your life....I know that but are you allowed to work afterwards lets say for a clinic or hospital whilst still getting retiree pay and benefits?
 
If you serve 20 years you can retire from the military with half the the base pay for the rest of your life....I know that but are you allowed to work afterwards lets say for a clinic or hospital whilst still getting retiree pay and benefits?

You would do 20 years AFTER graduating from USUHS and then retire. Because you attended USUHS those 4 years would then get tacked on to the 20 giving you a total of 24 years of credit for retirement pay. With 24 years you get 60% of your base pay for the rest of your life, no matter where else you work.

I think the 60% of your base pay is based on your average base pay over the final 3 years of time you served.
 
Has anyone ever needed a medical waiver but not gotten a response from USUHS? How long does this process take? It has been more than 2 months for me since I last sent in remedials. What happens if there is no reply from USUHS before May 15th?:scared:
 
you would do 20 years after graduating from usuhs and then retire. Because you attended usuhs those 4 years would then get tacked on to the 20 giving you a total of 24 years of credit for retirement pay. With 24 years you get 60% of your base pay for the rest of your life, no matter where else you work.

I think the 60% of your base pay is based on your average base pay over the final 3 years of time you served.

+1
 
Hi everyone, I've been reading these posts for a while and decided to give those that are still waiting some hope. I interviewed 1/21, was waitlisted about 4 weeks later, and yesterday (3/24) got accepted off the army waitlist. I know some people had been asking about late january interviewers and army waitlists so I just wanted to update. I'm excited to get things rolling finally! And congrats to everyone else who has heard!

Congrats man! Good to have another Army comrade.
 
Has anyone ever needed a medical waiver but not gotten a response from USUHS? How long does this process take? It has been more than 2 months for me since I last sent in remedials. What happens if there is no reply from USUHS before May 15th?:scared:

Call Rebecca Patterson to make sure she's gotten the remedial paperwork from DoDMERB. She takes it from DoDMERB to the USUHS waiver authority. Then, if it is approved, she will send you an "unconditional acceptance" notification. I ended up pestering everyone at every step along the process just to make sure it was getting done, and am nearly finished after 3 months. The bottlenecks for me were getting an appointment at Lackland AFB and having my request reviewed by the USUHS waiver authority.
 
Call Rebecca Patterson to make sure she's gotten the remedial paperwork from DoDMERB. She takes it from DoDMERB to the USUHS waiver authority. Then, if it is approved, she will send you an "unconditional acceptance" notification. I ended up pestering everyone at every step along the process just to make sure it was getting done, and am nearly finished after 3 months. The bottlenecks for me were getting an appointment at Lackland AFB and having my request reviewed by the USUHS waiver authority.

Yeah, I bothered her last month about it. Maybe I need to be more proactive about things. According to her, my remedials have been at the USUHS waiver authority since the last week of January and still nothing. It's time for me to get on the horn🙂
 
Yeah, I bothered her last month about it. Maybe I need to be more proactive about things. According to her, my remedials have been at the USUHS waiver authority since the last week of January and still nothing. It's time for me to get on the horn🙂

If you already know they're at the waiver authority then it won't do any good to call Rebecca. Mine, and probably yours too, are in a batch of ~ 20 that are waiting for an official stamp or something... (those on the wait-list should remain hopeful - I'm guessing not all will be approved) She said she's already calling them every day, so in our case it's best to be patient. But if you're like the other guy above and don't have a clue as to what step your waiver request is on then I'd suggest making some phone calls. 👍
 
I think the 60% of your base pay is based on your average base pay over the final 3 years of time you served.

correct

So coming from USUHS, with no prior service, you should hit O-6 18yrs after graduation. So if you retired at 20 you would average 2 years at O-6 and 1 at O-5
 
correct

So coming from USUHS, with no prior service, you should hit O-6 18yrs after graduation. So if you retired at 20 you would average 2 years at O-6 and 1 at O-5

Typically you'd see someone stay around an extra year or extend their orders so that their 3 year average is all at O-6, but yes, if you decide to leave right at 20 years your average would be two years at O-6 and one year at O-5.
 
If you already know they're at the waiver authority then it won't do any good to call Rebecca. Mine, and probably yours too, are in a batch of ~ 20 that are waiting for an official stamp or something... (those on the wait-list should remain hopeful - I'm guessing not all will be approved) She said she's already calling them every day, so in our case it's best to be patient. But if you're like the other guy above and don't have a clue as to what step your waiver request is on then I'd suggest making some phone calls. 👍

Yeah, my waiver stuff is in the "pile of 20" according to the good people at dodmerb. I think this is the step that is supposed to take a maximum of 30 days, but from the sound of it, people are waiting longer than that. Whatever, I just pray that I get that waiver! Accepted for AF (and nowhere else!) so I damn-well better get this waiver!!
 
When we report to OBLC, are we allowed to bring stuff in just our regular luggage or do we need to buy army bags?

Did any non-priors get all their stuff yet?
 
Does anybody know if USU is having that open house thing (4/10 I think)? Thanks!
 
Do any of you have an idea of how people get picked off the waitlists? Is it based on when the person interviewed, or do they rank within the waitlist based on grades/interview performance?
 
When we report to OBLC, are we allowed to bring stuff in just our regular luggage or do we need to buy army bags?

Did any non-priors get all their stuff yet?

regular luggage is fine
 
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