Army Doc questions

[Sh3rlock]

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I talked with my recruiter (Army HPSP) for the first time face to face this Friday. He had some good information, but I'm sure there are two sides to every story, and I would appreciate any answers y'all have to these questions.

1) He told me Army docs are considered non-deployable until they have completed residency....is this true? if not what are the exceptions?

2) I told him I am interested in general peds, and asked what role a pediatrician had while deployed, and was told a lot of time was spent in humanitarian clinics/developing local infrastructure...i was also wondering if this was true??

3) I feel as if I have done some good research into the military lifestyle, and am prepared to move around however many times, but was told by him that Docs get choice of assignment...??

4) I was told active duty docs can be deployed for 180 days at a time, with 18-24 months before their next deployment, but after reading Homunculus' report--he was gone for a year as Battalion Surgeon for a year. If anyone can clear up my idea of a Battalion Surgeon it would be appreciated.

And last, if anyone can tell me what the IRR is all about that would be appreciated also. I think I have a good grasp, but you never can be too sure.

Thank You

 

[Perrotfish]

From a Navy MS2, but I think this is right:

1) He told me Army docs are considered non-deployable until they have completed residency....is this true? if not what are the exceptions?

This is true. The military doesn't deploy people in residency training (make sure you're clear about the GMO thing, though).

2) I told him I am interested in general peds, and asked what role a pediatrician had while deployed, and was told a lot of time was spent in humanitarian clinics/developing local infrastructure...i was also wondering if this was true??

This is not completely untrue I'm sure some Peds guys here can fill you in on other things military Peds guys do while deployed.

3) I feel as if I have done some good research into the military lifestyle, and am prepared to move around however many times, but was told by him that Docs get choice of assignment...?

NO. WTF?

4) I was told active duty docs can be deployed for 180 days at a time, with 18-24 months before their next deployment, but after reading Homunculus' report--he was gone for a year as Battalion Surgeon for a year. If anyone can clear up my idea of a Battalion Surgeon it would be appreciated.

What is considered the maximum possible deployment length changes with the command, the administration, and war. Receently the Army has been allowing the longest deployments for docs of all the services, but I'm sure that will change long before we graduate. The thing you need to go in understanding is that there are no rules here, it's all up to them: they are perfectly free to deploy you for all 4 years of your contract if they want to.

 

[dwb8p]

1) He told me Army docs are considered non-deployable until they have completed residency....is this true? if not what are the exceptions?

True. Exception being if you do not finish your residency and instead do a GMO tour after internship, during which you are definitely deployable.

2) I told him I am interested in general peds, and asked what role a pediatrician had while deployed, and was told a lot of time was spent in humanitarian clinics/developing local infrastructure...i was also wondering if this was true??

Ha, these next few questions are going to give people some good laughs. A pediatrician MAY have the opportunity to participate in a humanitarian/consulting mission, but most often they serve in a much less exciting position, such as manning sick call on a FOB treating sprained ankles, people with colds, the occasional STD, etc.

3) I feel as if I have done some good research into the military lifestyle, and am prepared to move around however many times, but was told by him that Docs get choice of assignment...??

Absolutely do not count on it. You might have more say in your assignment location as you progress through the ranks and as your service obligation dwindles; however, especially as an O3 or O4, you will get stationed where the military sees fit.

4) I was told active duty docs can be deployed for 180 days at a time, with 18-24 months before their next deployment, but after reading Homunculus' report--he was gone for a year as Battalion Surgeon for a year. If anyone can clear up my idea of a Battalion Surgeon it would be appreciated.

Do not take the HPSP scholarship if you would not be able to handle being deployed for 12+ months at a time and for over 2+ years of your 4 year service obligation. That is a real possibility.

And last, if anyone can tell me what the IRR is all about that would be appreciated also. I think I have a good grasp, but you never can be too sure.

IRR means you are a civilian who can be called back to active duty at any point. While it is very uncommon, it has happened. Think of it as a last resort before implementing the draft.

 

[Cardiak]

Agree with the above responses. I have some random comments; hopefully will add to your decision making process about signing on to the military.

My background: I am an active duty Army physician, IM subspecialist. Came on active duty through HPSP. No prior ROTC.

I deployed last to Iraq as a battalion surgeon. The Battalion Surgeon is the Army term for the doctor (not a surgeon) who manages medical care for a battalion - maybe up to 300-400 personnel. In the deployed environment, this entails routine sick call (GI bugs, musculoskeletal injuries, and respiratory infections mostly), planning the medical component (personnel, equipment, supplies) for missions, trauma stabilization, etc. Realize it is not only you - you have combat medics with an NCO. Some units have also a PA.

There was a pediatrician out there when I was out whose job was to conduct sick call, medical care, etc - not a kid in sight. I hope they have done away with putting the peds guys in adult deployment spots- haven't heard of this as of late, but I am out of the peds loops.

I have talked with pediatricians over the years who have been involved in humanitarian missions at various places, esp those stationed in Hawaii who have done some care for those in the distant islands. The ones I spoke with really enjoyed them.

Although big army is trying to limit deployments to 6 months, don't be surprised if something happens and you get a yearlong "opportunity to excel" in the deployed environment.

If this is not something you can voluntarily accept if it comes up, don't sign the HPSP.

Nothing will gall your colleagues on active duty more than if your number comes up to deploy, and you squirm or attempt to squirm your way out of it.

That being said:
1. Army residencies and fellowship training is excellent. (I speak only for IM and IM fellowships, but clearly, surgical, trauma, and burn training is second to none)
2. You can get amazing opportunities for training and geographical locations
unthinkable in civ life.
3. Invariably, the other docs wherever I have been stationed have been a solid bunch of folks who are a pleasure to work with.

Downside:
1. You will deploy (although may not be a downside for some folks- it was certainly unique and develops some unique skills and personal drive)
2. EHR system (AHLTA) is tedious - this is being worked on.
3. Once you sign on, there is no way out.
4. Once you sign on, there is no way out.

You cannot buy your way out, eat your way out, make yourself a pain to get out, or anything else.. This only makes you nonpromotable, and your life administratively miserable. The government takes payback in time only. (Unless you get a cancer or something weird comes up that you cannot physically continue serving, that is different. I know folks who have gotten out because of that)

If you are considering signing up for the HPSP simply for the money, I would say, stop right now and take out a loan. The money's good, but the odds of your being miserable during your entire active duty time is quite high - See other threads in Military Medicine on the SDN.

Regarding choice of assignment: that is a "qualified" yes/maybe. Once you have completed training, if you desire to transfer to a location and there is a position available, they may move you there. There is one Army doctor for each specialty (the "Consultant") whose job is to make sure their docs are sent out fairly worldwide to each medical unit- hospital/clinics, etc. You may find yourself somewhere you dont desire, but after 2-3 years, you can put in for transfer. For most docs, this amounts to a bargaining chip for either signing on for more time, or potentially getting out when your obligation is up, i.e. " My time is up in a year, but if I was transferred to Tripler AMC, I would extend my obligation". Consultants generally try to work with this if at all possible.


Get all your questions answered to your satisfaction before signing up.

My $0.02

Good luck.

 

[Sh3rlock]

Thanks for the advice. I remember another question I just had...
My fiance is graduating with BSN/RN, and the recruiter told me she would be able to work as a civilian at wherever I was (besides deployment)--I was wondering if this was true also.
Again, thank you for your input.

 

[Cardiak]

Thanks for the advice. I remember another question I just had...
My fiance is graduating with BSN/RN, and the recruiter told me she would be able to work as a civilian at wherever I was (besides deployment)--I was wondering if this was true also.
Again, thank you for your input.

Good question.

I would not say that as a definite statement, and really should not be implied.

I would say that that would be a possibility, but her hiring would be independent of you, as she would either be hired on as GS or as contract status - would depend on if her skills, areas of expertise, etc were needed at that time.

I have several colleagues, both current and in past, whose RN spouse worked at civilian hospitals in town where they were stationed. Turned out well - as you may know, most places have a need for nurses.

If your wife did work at your military hospital, you and she would have to be cool with the possibility that she may be in position to need to carry out orders you write, etc.

😎

 

[GeoLeoX]

Regarding choice of assignment: that is a "qualified" yes/maybe. Once you have completed training, if you desire to transfer to a location and there is a position available, they may move you there. There is one Army doctor for each specialty (the "Consultant") whose job is to make sure their docs are sent out fairly worldwide to each medical unit- hospital/clinics, etc. You may find yourself somewhere you dont desire, but after 2-3 years, you can put in for transfer. For most docs, this amounts to a bargaining chip for either signing on for more time, or potentially getting out when your obligation is up, i.e. " My time is up in a year, but if I was transferred to Tripler AMC, I would extend my obligation". Consultants generally try to work with this if at all possible.

I completely agree. This is a much more accurate response than the "Forget it, kid"-type responses you often see. I equate assignments to falling out of a tree, while you may not be able to get out of the way of all the branches on the way down you might be able to avoid some of the bigger ones. Get to know your consultant and make sure that he/she knows you and your goals. Obviously, mission takes precedent but your consultant may be able to work with you to get something closer to what you may want.

 

[Sh3rlock]

Thanks for all the responses, and to clarify, I'm not the one worried about the deployment length. I am trying to be as honest as I can be with my fiance about things like this, so any more information/clarifications y'all have, or would like to add would be much appreciated.

 

[DocArmy]

3) I feel as if I have done some good research into the military lifestyle, and am prepared to move around however many times, but was told by him that Docs get choice of assignment...??

Thank You

Ok, I agree with everyone calling this BS, because it is. It's all about lying without lying. Youget your choice of assignment. The choice will be, "Would you like to go to Minot in North Dakota, or would you like to go to Hill in Utah?"

This is an example of a choice. Whenever my dad got PCS'ed, we got a choice between a couple of different postings.

When I signed all my paperwork I got to choose my three top choices for where I would like to go after residency. There is no guarantee that this will happen. It is all based on the needs of the service.

 

[GeoLeoX]

Ok, I agree with everyone calling this BS, because it is. It's all about lying without lying. Youget your choice of assignment. The choice will be, "Would you like to go to Minot in North Dakota, or would you like to go to Hill in Utah?"

This is an example of a choice. Whenever my dad got PCS'ed, we got a choice between a couple of different postings.

When I signed all my paperwork I got to choose my three top choices for where I would like to go after residency. There is no guarantee that this will happen. It is all based on the needs of the service.

First of all, the OP was asking about the Army, not the Air Force. Second of all, I have no idea what the list is to which you refer. No matter what it is, it is of dubious significance. There is no way that a list made 3-4 fiscal years prior to your initial assignment can mean anything. As often stated, the needs of the military come first and the military doesn't plan that far in advance.

Granted, I can only speak about my specialty but at least as a BC physician who has gone through two assignments post-residency I can speak from experience. In my Army specialty the consultant discussed with each graduating resident where the open positions for the following year would potentially be and asked each resident to rank their choices. The list of choices from year to year can vary greatly. It all depends on what the required staffing levels for each place are, who with seniority wants to move where, and whether people will be ETSing/retiring/going to fellowships/etc. As you can imagine there is some guesswork on the part of the consultant because they truly won't know all the potential openings if some people have not yet made up their minds to move on. The consultant must balance each open spot with a person of appropriate qualifications while also taking into account the desires of the individual. It's like going to Chuck E. Cheese - you have so many coupons and can get anything from the bottom row. There's a choice, albeit limited. Every once in a while a good prize is on the bottom row, but the chances of it being on a row higher are greater. And those goodies go to those who have put in their time. There is also the issue of job descriptions. You may not be able to put a graduating resident in the same position as vacated by retiring O-6 department chief. Someone who is qualified for that position must move up, leaving a spot where they were for someone below to fill, etc., etc. Also, consider that sometimes your consultant will be tasked with filling some deployment positions. And we haven't even mentioned being PROFIS attached to a unit.

I admit the whole process is less than straightforward, but to dismiss it as being completely stochastic and unfathomable is misleading. In addition to think that no matter what you do you will get screwed is also disingenuous. It is sad to think that many medical students think that they will get screwed because they don't understand how the system works. Not to mention the fact that this philosophy is most often perpetuated by those who have no personal experience with the process. I certainly am not saying that everyone gets their first choice, nor am I saying that some people do get the short shrift. That certainly does happen.

 

[DocArmy]

First of all, the OP was asking about the Army, not the Air Force. Second of all, I have no idea what the list is to which you refer. No matter what it is, it is of dubious significance. There is no way that a list made 3-4 fiscal years prior to your initial assignment can mean anything. As often stated, the needs of the military come first and the military doesn't plan that far in advance.

I know he is Army. I couldn't remember the names of any podunk Army posts, so I threw in the two AF bases that popped into my head. The point was that your career adviser (or whatever it's called) calls you with a list of choices of where you can go. Unless you know of something better and have strings to pull, those are your options.

And I figured the list was crap too, I'm just saying that that was the most forplanning that I was allowed. Of course they weren't guaranteeing me anything 4 years out and it would be silly to think that they would. It was just a preference list.

Granted, I can only speak about my specialty but at least as a BC physician who has gone through two assignments post-residency I can speak from experience. In my Army specialty the consultant discussed with each graduating resident where the open positions for the following year would potentially be and asked each resident to rank their choices. The list of choices from year to year can vary greatly. It all depends on what the required staffing levels for each place are, who with seniority wants to move where, and whether people will be ETSing/retiring/going to fellowships/etc. As you can imagine there is some guesswork on the part of the consultant because they truly won't know all the potential openings if some people have not yet made up their minds to move on. The consultant must balance each open spot with a person of appropriate qualifications while also taking into account the desires of the individual. It's like going to Chuck E. Cheese - you have so many coupons and can get anything from the bottom row. There's a choice, albeit limited. Every once in a while a good prize is on the bottom row, but the chances of it being on a row higher are greater. And those goodies go to those who have put in their time. There is also the issue of job descriptions. You may not be able to put a graduating resident in the same position as vacated by retiring O-6 department chief. Someone who is qualified for that position must move up, leaving a spot where they were for someone below to fill, etc., etc. Also, consider that sometimes your consultant will be tasked with filling some deployment positions. And we haven't even mentioned being PROFIS attached to a unit.

I admit the whole process is less than straightforward, but to dismiss it as being completely stochastic and unfathomable is misleading. In addition to think that no matter what you do you will get screwed is also disingenuous. It is sad to think that many medical students think that they will get screwed because they don't understand how the system works. Not to mention the fact that this philosophy is most often perpetuated by those who have no personal experience with the process. I certainly am not saying that everyone gets their first choice, nor am I saying that some people do get the short shrift. That certainly does happen.

I agree wholeheartedly with this statement. It's all about playing the game and knowing how the system works. Not everyone gets screwed. But there is not the degree of freedom that the recruiter implied that there would be.

 

[Sh3rlock]

Another question I have just came up...my roommate is going Air Force HPSP, and I'm almost certain this aspect is the same across all branches: A portion of his contract said he would only be eligible for TRICARE when he is doing his ADT, so unless I misread that, what does that mean for the other 11 months of the year? Please enlighten me.

appreciate all the answers so far btw

 

[teacherman84]

You're respobnsible for insuring yourself, wjether through your school or on your own

 

[curraheeraiders]

Military will reimburse you for your insurance as long as it is required by the school.

 

[Homunculus]

1) He told me Army docs are considered non-deployable until they have completed residency....is this true? if not what are the exceptions?

true. unless you stop your training after your internship or get kicked out (rare).

2) I told him I am interested in general peds, and asked what role a pediatrician had while deployed, and was told a lot of time was spent in humanitarian clinics/developing local infrastructure...i was also wondering if this was true??

utter and total BS. tell him i told you that. i don't know a single army pediatrician deployed for humanitarian ANYTHING (not even haiti-- the ones i know of were navy). yes, you may get some humanitarian experience in residency, but that is it. while deployed, you spend a lot of time seeing sick call, traumas, psych patients, government contractors and doing favors for all sorts of people outside the rules-- 99% adults. you won't see any significant number of pediatric patients. and under the current rules you will deploy for a year.

3) I feel as if I have done some good research into the military lifestyle, and am prepared to move around however many times, but was told by him that Docs get choice of assignment...??

yes, a choice of 3 or 4 locations that are bottom of the totem pole places. put in some time at one of these places, and you can upgrade in 3 years or so. it's like multilevel marketing 🙂 sometimes people get lucky, but there are reasons leonard wood, polk, sill, etc have shortages of docs. i'm getting ready for my first "negotiating" session with our consultant to see where my career goes next. remember though, jsut because one consultant promises you something (ie, i'll get you italy next year) doesn't mean his replacement will follow through, or that it will be an option. i've learned to never take future promises at face value because too many things change.

4) I was told active duty docs can be deployed for 180 days at a time, with 18-24 months before their next deployment, but after reading Homunculus' report--he was gone for a year as Battalion Surgeon for a year. If anyone can clear up my idea of a Battalion Surgeon it would be appreciated.

"can be" i suppose, if you are with a CSH or a specialist. primary care, you're there a year (or more). who the hell is this recruiter anyway? can you PM me his info so i can see where he's getting his info? because if that's true i should get credit for 2 deployments. . .

And last, if anyone can tell me what the IRR is all about that would be appreciated also. I think I have a good grasp, but you never can be too sure.

.

a paper unit where theoretically they can recall you if WWIII breaks out. no pay, no benefits, but i guess it lurks there until your IRR time runs out. you burn it off while active duty. honestly, that's one thing i'm not too concerned about.


-your friendly neighborhood OIF veteran caveman

 

[AFDuck]

Another question I have just came up...my roommate is going Air Force HPSP, and I'm almost certain this aspect is the same across all branches: A portion of his contract said he would only be eligible for TRICARE when he is doing his ADT, so unless I misread that, what does that mean for the other 11 months of the year? Please enlighten me.

appreciate all the answers so far btw

Just to second what was said above, the HPSP scholarship covers students' health insurance (I imagine every school requires students to have it). At my school the AF HPSP automatically pays for the Student Health Insurance plan when they pay for tuition each semester. It's been a non-issue to get it taken care of. However, dependent's are not covered while on scholarship so if you have a family beware.

 

[faith2]

yes, a choice of 3 or 4 locations that are bottom of the totem pole places. put in some time at one of these places, and you can upgrade in 3 years or so. it's like multilevel marketing 🙂 sometimes people get lucky, but there are reasons leonard wood, polk, sill, etc have shortages of docs. i'm getting ready for my first "negotiating" session with our consultant to see where my career goes next. remember though, jsut because one consultant promises you something (ie, i'll get you italy next year) doesn't mean his replacement will follow through, or that it will be an option. i've learned to never take future promises at face value because too many things change.


Are the 3 or 4 places withinin the country or do they have to be abroad? Where are examples of places within the country? Are you allowed to live on base with your children if your significant other stays in your home state, and is he allowed to visit you?

thanks for all answers

 

[teacherman84]

I cannot comprehend how you signed up for the army with so little understanding of military life. Did you ever talk to any physicians in the army? You just seem to ask questions anyone who knows anyone in the military at all would know.

you put in for bases either abroad or domestic. Who knows where you get sent though...
do a google search for army posts...youll find a nice list of posts...if there is a post you will find some docs there, your options are limited by your specialty. For example, Im sure every post has some FM docs but youll only find neurosurgeons at the large medcenters.
you can live on base if there is housing available...your significant other can visit as long as you arent on an unaccompanied tour.

 

[faith2]

Thanks I appreciate your answer.

I cannot comprehend how you signed up for the army with so little understanding of military life. Did you ever talk to any physicians in the army? You just seem to ask questions anyone who knows anyone in the military at all would know.

you put in for bases either abroad or domestic. Who knows where you get sent though...
do a google search for army posts...youll find a nice list of posts...if there is a post you will find some docs there, your options are limited by your specialty. For example, Im sure every post has some FM docs but youll only find neurosurgeons at the large medcenters.
you can live on base if there is housing available...your significant other can visit as long as you arent on an unaccompanied tour.

 

[Perrotfish]

a paper unit where theoretically they can recall you if WWIII breaks out. no pay, no benefits, but i guess it lurks there until your IRR time runs out. you burn it off while active duty. honestly, that's one thing i'm not too concerned about.

Someone in my medical school just got recalled to active duty from Army IRR. I know that they haven't really been going after docs but it's not like it's a complete non-issue anymore

 

[teacherman84]

Thanks I appreciate your answer.

Sorry, that first part came off much harsher than I intended. It just makes me wonder how many people eagerly accept these scholarships with asking little to no questions about what they are committing to. Ask your recruiter if you can tour an army hospital in the area and get in touch with some army docs...and try to talk to people other than the ones they give you contact info for. Ask them what its really like.

 

[faith2]

Thank you very much for your apology, and I did really appreciate your answer. I have learned that most responses in the mil-med forum does not come for free. I mean whenever I ask a question either I will just get an answer,an insult and an answer, or just an insult. Either way I have learned to accept what was written and move on. You are the first person to apologize, and it means alot.

Sorry, that first part came off much harsher than I intended. It just makes me wonder how many people eagerly accept these scholarships with asking little to no questions about what they are committing to. Ask your recruiter if you can tour an army hospital in the area and get in touch with some army docs...and try to talk to people other than the ones they give you contact info for. Ask them what its really like.

 

[teacherman84]

Thank you very much for your apology, and I did really appreciate your answer. I have learned that most responses in the mil-med forum does not come for free. I mean whenever I ask a question either I will just get an answer,an insult and an answer, or just an insult. Either way I have learned to accept what was written and move on. You are the first person to apologize, and it means alot.

Youre welcome and it wasnt meant as an insult...but a lot of the questions you pose seem to come from a place of zero knowledge about the military and yet full of zeal...which for me raises a flag. while many can be insulting, I think for the most part they have good intentions because they have seen or are experiencing the repercussions of going into a military commitment blind to what it really entails. What comes out of some as nasty and insulting is at least somewhat founded in genuine concern for future colleagues. But dont get discouraged...ask the questions, read all you can, talk to whoever will give you the time of day...but find out what youre getting into.

 

[faith2]

The questions that I asked before recruitment were different than the ones that I have now. I have to be full of zeal because this is the decision that I have made, and I would not have made it if i was not paasionate in my choice. I do admit there are alot of things that I am blind too..but the all the answers that i am getting, and have gotten, and the research that I am doing I have not heard anything to make me sway from this being a good decision for me. Insulting me or being rude or whatever does not change anything I did it already, and now I mean what I said I am going to be the best officer and medical doctor that I can be.

Youre welcome and it wasnt meant as an insult...but a lot of the questions you pose seem to come from a place of zero knowledge about the military and yet full of zeal...which for me raises a flag. while many can be insulting, I think for the most part they have good intentions because they have seen or are experiencing the repercussions of going into a military commitment blind to what it really entails. What comes out of some as nasty and insulting is at least somewhat founded in genuine concern for future colleagues. But dont get discouraged...ask the questions, read all you can, talk to whoever will give you the time of day...but find out what youre getting into.

 

[DocArmy]

The questions that I asked before recruitment were different than the ones that I have now. I have to be full of zeal because this is the decision that I have made, and I would not have made it if i was not paasionate in my choice. I do admit there are alot of things that I am blind too..but the all the answers that i am getting, and have gotten, and the research that I am doing I have not heard anything to make me sway from this being a good decision for me. Insulting me or being rude or whatever does not change anything I did it already, and now I mean what I said I am going to be the best officer and medical doctor that I can be.

Hey Faith, have you seen Alive Day Memories? I watched it the other day killing time between an exam and lectures. It was awesome. It's an HBO documentary about several vet's on the one year anniversary of their "Alive Day," the day they should have died in Iraq.

I totally got an "excited to be an Army doctor" buzz.

 

[AFDuck]

Someone in my medical school just got recalled to active duty from Army IRR. I know that they haven't really been going after docs but it's not like it's a complete non-issue anymore

To make sure everyone is clear on this, your classmate must have been on AD prior to entering medical school and thus was on IRR during school. This is a different issue than a practicing, separated military doc being recalled from IRR, which to my knowledge is NOT happening. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Roberie]

Hey Faith, have you seen Alive Day Memories? I watched it the other day killing time between an exam and lectures. It was awesome. It's an HBO documentary about several vet's on the one year anniversary of their "Alive Day," the day they should have died in Iraq.

I totally got an "excited to be an Army doctor" buzz.

I immediately placed this documentary atop my Netflix queue. Thanks for the suggestion, even if it wasn't aimed at me.👍

 

[urgentcaredoc]

The questions that I asked before recruitment were different than the ones that I have now. I have to be full of zeal because this is the decision that I have made, and I would not have made it if i was not paasionate in my choice. I do admit there are alot of things that I am blind too..but the all the answers that i am getting, and have gotten, and the research that I am doing I have not heard anything to make me sway from this being a good decision for me. Insulting me or being rude or whatever does not change anything I did it already, and now I mean what I said I am going to be the best officer and medical doctor that I can be.

There is nothing keeping you from making your military experience positive for yourself and the soldiers you will soon care for. Good luck and don't lose the "zeal" that has carried you to this decision. Positive change will only come for those willing to make a difference.

Good luck.

 

[Kramerica]

Hey Faith, have you seen Alive Day Memories? I watched it the other day killing time between an exam and lectures. It was awesome. It's an HBO documentary about several vet's on the one year anniversary of their "Alive Day," the day they should have died in Iraq.

I totally got an "excited to be an Army doctor" buzz.

I think I found the documentary on Youtube:
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j08fvUk67U

 

[faith2]

No I have not seen or heard of it. Someone below utubed it so i will watch it this weekend. I know that feeling whenver I watch a war movie I get a whole I am in the Army high.

Thanks I am looking forward to seeing it

Hey Faith, have you seen Alive Day Memories? I watched it the other day killing time between an exam and lectures. It was awesome. It's an HBO documentary about several vet's on the one year anniversary of their "Alive Day," the day they should have died in Iraq.

I totally got an "excited to be an Army doctor" buzz.

 

[DocArmy]

I think I found the documentary on Youtube:
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j08fvUk67U

That's the one. Good job.

 

[faith2]

Are there any new HPSP that recieved there orders for OBLC this summer? can you PM me please I have some questions for you.


Thank You