2015-2016 Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Application Thread

[T800'sThumb]

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What exact message did you receive that told you it had no fund cite? If it was "Subject to availability of funds" that's a safe clause that's used to avoid Anti-Deficiency Act violations and is not a concerning item. If someone actually told you there's no line of accounting/fund cite, then DFAS won't be able to initiate your pay (or reimburse travel expenses if you're not using DTS for travel) until the amendment is processed.

I will be sending you a copy of the orders I have received today. However,

you may require an amendment. No funding code has been issued yet. This is

the code that authorizes travel and reimbursement pay.

I'm pretty lost, to be honest.

 

[ThirtySixAlpha]

They're unfunded orders, which means the only hold up is locking in pay and entitlements. The most likely scenario is that 4th quarter funding allotments have not been pushed down yet, so they don't have the funds available to obligate against your orders. They'll fix it when funding becomes available (and the amendment published), although it could hold up your initial pay if it's delayed too long.

So the orders are good for you to report to BOLC, but your pay may be delayed. Assuming you don't have a government travel card, you'll either drive there (and be reimbursed miles after you file your travel voucher, which is after BOLC) or fly on centrally billed airfare (which means the ticket is paid on the government account and you won't see the bill...but you'll still need to file a travel voucher so that account is reimbursed properly).

 

[T800'sThumb]

Assuming you don't have a government travel card, you'll either drive there (and be reimbursed miles after you file your travel voucher, which is after BOLC) or fly on centrally billed airfare (which means the ticket is paid on the government account and you won't see the bill...but you'll still need to file a travel voucher so that account is reimbursed properly).

Is air travel a process i initiate for myself in this case?

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[ThirtySixAlpha]

Is air travel a process i initiate for myself in this case?

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Yes, your orders should have instructions for travel buried in there. I believe these orders are TDY enroute, which means you go from home, to BOLC, to USUHS. It will tell you what is authorized or not authorized. It should say something along the lines of "Arrange travel through commercial travel office at xxx-xxx-xxxx to reserve flights" and "Traveler is not a government travel card holder, CBA travel is authorized" (not exact quotes).

 

[T800'sThumb]

Ahh ok. Thanks so much!

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[soadhead]

Yes, your orders should have instructions for travel buried in there. I believe these orders are TDY enroute, which means you go from home, to BOLC, to USUHS. It will tell you what is authorized or not authorized. It should say something along the lines of "Arrange travel through commercial travel office at xxx-xxx-xxxx to reserve flights" and "Traveler is not a government travel card holder, CBA travel is authorized" (not exact quotes).

I was allowed to fly back home after BOLC, but that might be because I have dependents.

 

[ThirtySixAlpha]

I was allowed to fly back home after BOLC, but that might be because I have dependents.

It all depends on the instructions in the orders. I'm not familiar with how these are actually set up, so I'm pretty much speculating.

 

[Chevalante]

Can confirm @massahaynes after emailing Louis Taylor, the Army BOLC class has been filled up this year. I have not received orders yet, so looks like this summer will be spent at home. I'm worried about how I am supposed to catch up, though. According to the 5-year calendar (https://www.usuhs.edu/sites/default/files/media/curriculum/pdf/cal_edit_class_of_2020_03-08-16.pdf), there doesn't seem to be any free time to attend BOLC... Can anyone comment on how USUHS handles these cases? I am also unsure how to receive my CAC, complete the formal commissioning, get fitted for uniforms, setting up DFAS account, and other affairs that are completed at BOLC (going from civilian to Army). Any help is much appreciated!

 

[ThirtySixAlpha]

There's a break after 1st year when non-prior service students go and see the operational forces to experience military life away from the schoolhouse. That's probably the window to do BOLC if you haven't been yet.

 

[Helpful Troll]

There's a break after 1st year when non-prior service students go and see the operational forces to experience military life away from the schoolhouse. That's probably the window to do BOLC if you haven't been yet.

The time period for SOE/MFP102 is too short for BOLC and the dates for AMEDD BOLC on the ATRRS website don't align with the USUHS calendar. I don't think 2017, 2018, or 2019 attend BOLC in that window. They will likely adjust a late 3rd year clerkship, a required 4th year clinical rotation, and a few days missed of other training to get it in between 3rd and 4th year. All caused because some administrator at Ft Knox didn't get the paperwork done and orders cut on time in May or June or because USUHS did not project their BOLC numbers correctly.

Maybe they will fix it so the military training that occurs at USUHS over the 4 years is credited as BOLC via constructive credit - Not likely but one could hope.

 

[Lark27]

Anyone know what time of day BOLC graduation is on 23 JUL? They scheduled my flight home early in the morning and I'm nervous that it conflicts with graduation.

 

[Helpful Troll]

Can confirm @massahaynes after emailing Louis Taylor, the Army BOLC class has been filled up this year. I have not received orders yet, so looks like this summer will be spent at home. I'm worried about how I am supposed to catch up, though. According to the 5-year calendar (https://www.usuhs.edu/sites/default/files/media/curriculum/pdf/cal_edit_class_of_2020_03-08-16.pdf), there doesn't seem to be any free time to attend BOLC... Can anyone comment on how USUHS handles these cases? I am also unsure how to receive my CAC, complete the formal commissioning, get fitted for uniforms, setting up DFAS account, and other affairs that are completed at BOLC (going from civilian to Army). Any help is much appreciated!

Some ideas on how to catch up: - updates and suggestions from others are appreciated.
1) Do you have housing arranged? If not, make a reservation at the Navy Lodge on the NNMC. USUHS should assign you a 'sponsor' but their effectiveness is hit or miss.
2) Complete formal commissioning at USUHS when you report - you might be able to commission earlier at a recruiting station or by any other commissioned officer once you get your orders.
3) Get CAC at USUHS when you report. If you get your orders early enough and you live near a RAPIDS location or military installation you can likely get the CAC prior to departing for USUHS but it's not necessary. Here is the link - follow the instructions closely regarding required proof of identity. You may have to have your DA71 (commissioning document) though. https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/appj/site?execution=e2s1
4) DFAS can be done at USUHS when you report.
5) Schedule a fitting appointment at Marlow White in Woodbridge VA for the same day you report in or the day prior to get your ASU. Get the commissioning package. They can tailor it in a few days. This can be done earlier if you go to Bethesda looking for housing. http://www.marlowwhite.com/stores/washington-dc I don't recommend you provide them measurements and have them ship it to you. Go there for a fitting and schedule a quick date for pick up. Make sure it fits while you are in the store. You only want to do this step once or it will be costly.
6) Get one set of ACU's (OCP- Operational Camouflage Pattern) online at shopmyexchange or find someone to take you to an Army Clothing and Sales location. Make sure you order the OCP US Army, Name tapes, and USUHS patch. https://www.shopmyexchange.com/browse/military/army-uniforms/_/N-104825 If you don't know your size just get a single uniform set to start. Purchase others once you get to Bethesda. Get a pair of hot weather coyote brown (OCP) boots from any reputable online company that allows returns. You can get them from shopmyexchange too. Here is a good PDF describing the OCP uniform you should purchase https://www.shopmyexchange.com/assets/pdfs/OCPRegulations.pdf You can get your black shoes for your ASU on shopmyexchange, marlow white, or any number of other online retailers.
Edit - 7) Familiarize yourself with www.move.mil and when you get your orders, schedule your shipment of HHG. Summer moves can be hard to schedule. This is the point at which you have to decide what you will do with your HHG in 18 months when you start 3rd year rotations. Keep your apartment, store your HHG and rent a room when in Bethesda, give your HHG away and rent a room when in Bethesda. Good and bad in all three choices.

 

[Helpful Troll]

Anyone know what time of day BOLC graduation is on 23 JUL? They scheduled my flight home early in the morning and I'm nervous that it conflicts with graduation.

The BOLC website indicates graduation is 22 July at 1500. However, you could call the school to confirm or confirm on your first day of class and make changes to your flight as necessary. Here is the link for AMEDD graduation information. http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/upcoming_events.aspx#Graduation

 

[ArmyGator]

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[ThirtySixAlpha]

I cancelled my reservation for work-related reasons and pushing forth with what I have, but GL to all you that are going to fight the fight! Make us proud!

 

[massahaynes]

Can confirm @massahaynes after emailing Louis Taylor, the Army BOLC class has been filled up this year. I have not received orders yet, so looks like this summer will be spent at home. I'm worried about how I am supposed to catch up, though. According to the 5-year calendar (https://www.usuhs.edu/sites/default/files/media/curriculum/pdf/cal_edit_class_of_2020_03-08-16.pdf), there doesn't seem to be any free time to attend BOLC... Can anyone comment on how USUHS handles these cases? I am also unsure how to receive my CAC, complete the formal commissioning, get fitted for uniforms, setting up DFAS account, and other affairs that are completed at BOLC (going from civilian to Army). Any help is much appreciated!

I spoke with Louise yesterday, as well, via email. She told me that there was a possibility of 2 BOLC spots opening up. She had contacted Army HRC to confirm this. I emailed her again this afternoon to follow up on this, but I haven't gotten a response yet. As for uniforms, training, and commissioning, I spoke to Dr. Saguil and he told me this is what would occur if we didn't attend BOLC this summer:
"For students unable to go to BOLC, we bring them to USU early to participate in a basic officer orientation--we'll make sure you have uniforms, know basic military courtesies, and that your logistical arrangements are cared for. Students that are not able to go to BOLC the summer before school end up going in their fourth year--not ideal, but it meets the Army's requirement."
I hope that helps you out.

 

[maleflutist]

Hey fellow SDNers.

Just wanted to share that immediately after preparing to apply to medical school for a third straight year, I have just come off of the waitlist and will be joining the USUHS class this Fall in the Army!

To those on the waitlist applying again, don't give up your goals to become a physician. These months on the waitlist are tough, but if you have the drive it will work out eventually! Just keep strengthening your candidacy the best you can.

To those accepted: I can't wait to meet all of you!

 

[T800'sThumb]

Hey fellow SDNers.

Just wanted to share that immediately after preparing to apply to medical school for a third straight year, I have just come off of the waitlist and will be joining the USUHS class this Fall in the Army!

To those on the waitlist applying again, don't give up your goals to become a physician. These months on the waitlist are tough, but if you have the drive it will work out eventually! Just keep strengthening your candidacy the best you can.

To those accepted: I can't wait to meet all of you!

congrats! See you in August

 

[Unexciting]

To those starting BOLC tomorrow, good luck and have fun! San Antonio is an awesome city!

 

[querque15]

Hey fellow SDNers.

Just wanted to share that immediately after preparing to apply to medical school for a third straight year, I have just come off of the waitlist and will be joining the USUHS class this Fall in the Army!

To those on the waitlist applying again, don't give up your goals to become a physician. These months on the waitlist are tough, but if you have the drive it will work out eventually! Just keep strengthening your candidacy the best you can.

To those accepted: I can't wait to meet all of you!

Congratulations!! See you soon!!

 

[ZeitGeistDoc2]

Woo! Congrats! See you in August! 🙂

 

[maleflutist]

Hey guys.

For those who do not have military ID or CAC and have to fill out the base access form.

I understand that we submit this form to our respective SEA. Do we write the name of our respective SEA in the "base sponsor" portion of the base access form and encrypt it like how we did to access the base for our interview?