Army National Guard's new Med student program details.

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tele turnin said:
Regarding this "COMPLETED" ASR packets, what does that mean. I turned in my packet a few weeks ago, and they asked for more information which I provided next week. I have not had MEPS yet, is it possible for me to complete my packet, or does that "COMPLETED" refer to having been before the boards and everything? I'll be contacting my recruiter, apparently they just switched who it was, Monday morning and see what we can do. If you know already, thanks in advance.
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I'm literally in the same position as you and that's what my recruiter said.
 
tele turnin said:
Regarding this "COMPLETED" ASR packets, what does that mean. I turned in my packet a few weeks ago, and they asked for more information which I provided next week. I have not had MEPS yet, is it possible for me to complete my packet, or does that "COMPLETED" refer to having been before the boards and everything?
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You're doing the smart thing by hitting up your recruiter. His is the only interpretation of the orders (assuming he's gotten them) that really matters.

Here's what 10 DEC means:

In order to get a slot in ASR, you need to have your application COMPLETED by a certain deadline. Traditionally, that deadline has been 30 days before the start date. For the 01 OCT start date, we had to have everything turned in by 01 SEP. For the 01 JAN start date, we expected to have everything in by 01 DEC but a few weeks ago, they extended this to 10 DEC for some reason.

That COMPLETED deadline means to me sworn in and ready to request a control number for the National Guard. This means MEPS is completed successfully and they've returned paperwork to your recruiter, the Fed board is done with your app, you've gone before your State board successfully and you've sworn in. This has been what's required for the 30 day deadline, so I'd imagine that this is what's required for the 10 DEC deadline as well.

But go with what your recruiter says. If he's at all honest (?), he'll give you the scoop. Frankly, if he knows that it's a no-go, he's not going to want to process your paperwork unnecessarily. Just be persistent and get a direct answer from him.

I'm sorry I can't say more. I haven't gotten the "shutting down" memo yet, and all of my current applicants are ready to swear in on 12/10, so I'm not in scramble mode yet.
 
tele turnin said:
Regarding this "COMPLETED" ASR packets, what does that mean. I turned in my packet a few weeks ago, and they asked for more information which I provided next week. I have not had MEPS yet, is it possible for me to complete my packet, or does that "COMPLETED" refer to having been before the boards and everything? I'll be contacting my recruiter, apparently they just switched who it was, Monday morning and see what we can do. If you know already, thanks in advance.
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Good question. I don't know. kinda like what the difinition is "is" is......I really can't say for sure if it post board because you have a federal recgnition board, and a state board.

My advice is control the controllables. Make sure EVERYTHING IS PERFECT. call your AMEDD recruiter daily and see what, if anything you need and get it. See if they can get you into MEPS NOW....even if you have to go to a different city....wherever.

It is not a guarantee, but do what you have to do and then you will at least give yourself a chance. Might be futile, but who knows.

Also, if you do try, I would make sure you know if you will need anywaivers ahead of time before MEPS. ( I am not even sure if this is possible).

I don't think it is impossible to get done, depending on what your physical, etc. is like. Like I said, staart calling your recruiter daily.....do what you need to do. Best of luck.

The one common thing I have heard from many folks, is that they had to do the same thing. They bugged the s**t out of their recruiters....just don't get heated, but a little pushy is OK.
 
punkiedad said:
My advice is control the controllables. Make sure EVERYTHING IS PERFECT. call your AMEDD recruiter daily and see what, if anything you need and get it. See if they can get you into MEPS NOW....even if you have to go to a different city....wherever.
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Good advice. I'd start it by asking your recruiter if it's do-able at all. It varies a lot by state, but in California, it's been taking about 4 weeks to get a MEPS appointment, and about a week after MEPS to get the results.

Your recruiter should be able to tell you, "It's a longshot, but let's go for it" (in which case, push, push, push) or "It's a no-go" (in which case start looking at Plan B). Let us know what you're told.
punkiedad said:
Also, if you do try, I would make sure you know if you will need anywaivers ahead of time before MEPS. ( I am not even sure if this is possible).
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If tele turnin has something requiring a waiver, they need to decide if it's waiverable or not. If it's waiverable, he will go to MEPS, get DQ'd, then they'll need to file the official waiver and move on.

The whole thing is going to depend upon if COMPLETED refers to what it traditionally does: sworn in and ready for a control number. If that's the case, if someone hasn't been to MEPS, it's going to take an incredible amount of luck that everything goes lightning fast with a MEPS appointment on Monday or Tuesday, a ridiculously quick MEPS turnaround on paperwork and a ridiculously quick FedRec board decision, and the State board being willing to add someone to the roster for the 10 DEC board with short notice.

Ask your recruiter what COMPLETED means. That's going to be the clincher. Fingers crossed for you.
 
thanks for the replies and advice everyone. apparently i have a new recruiter so i will be on the phone monday. i'm incredibly bummed about this. i have been looking into the program for nearly a year and turned my stuff in soon after acceptance. i hope that they are able to find and allocate the funding or that they put more people into the program as people graduate.
 
tele turnin said:
i'm incredibly bummed about this. i have been looking into the program for nearly a year and turned my stuff in soon after acceptance. i hope that they are able to find and allocate the funding or that they put more people into the program as people graduate.
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That's a good attitude. I'd push on and worst case scenario, you'll be early on the list in case they start recycling spots as people leave the program. There should be a fair number beginning in May/June of this coming year. If they do not recycle spots, if you decide to pursue MDSSP, you're well on your way.

Let us know how things go with your recruiter and best of luck.
 
tele turnin said:
thanks for the replies and advice everyone. apparently i have a new recruiter so i will be on the phone monday. i'm incredibly bummed about this. i have been looking into the program for nearly a year and turned my stuff in soon after acceptance. i hope that they are able to find and allocate the funding or that they put more people into the program as people graduate.
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Same man, good luck. I really wanted to do this program as well, so let's keep our fingers crossed.

The difference between you and I is that I tore my ACL and MCL the same day I received my first acceptance. Can't take MEPS until at least march, and probably April/May because of it. Uber sad face 🙁
 
I'm in Pennsylvania and got a call from my recruiter 8:30 Tuesday morning with the news that the program was suspended. I'm really bummed about this because I was supposed to have sworn in earlier this month. I've done MEPS and have had a completed application since middle October. My stuff was sent in and then a few weeks ago my recruiter said I had to sign two additional peices of screening paper work due to a new SOP. Why would they have a new SOP right before cancelling the program? And does anyone think I have a chance of swearing in before the 10th? My recruiter said I'm not going to make the Jan 1 date...he said he'd send in my stuff, but didn't sound hopeful.

I can't imagine anyone else being closer to getting in and not making it in than me...I just hope I can still get in by the 10th?

Anyone still think there is hope?
 
DaSein77 said:
I'm in Pennsylvania and got a call from my recruiter 8:30 Tuesday morning with the news that the program was suspended. I'm really bummed about this because I was supposed to have sworn in earlier this month. I've done MEPS and have had a completed application since middle October. My stuff was sent in and then a few weeks ago my recruiter said I had to sign two additional peices of screening paper work due to a new SOP. Why would they have a new SOP right before cancelling the program? And does anyone think I have a chance of swearing in before the 10th? My recruiter said I'm not going to make the Jan 1 date...he said he'd send in my stuff, but didn't sound hopeful.

I can't imagine anyone else being closer to getting in and not making it in than me...I just hope I can still get in by the 10th?

Anyone still think there is hope?
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I just got a reply that said nothing new can be pushed through. They said completed, as in ready to swear in, could still have a chance. When in doubt, call your recruiter as many times as you have to today to get the answer.

Sorry I don't have more, but if you are as close as you say you are, then don't give up. Call. go there. Whatever you have to do to get a specific answer, and if it is no, you have a valid question if you are ready to swear in, but make sure you have gone through all the boards, etc. I think that is what they mean by a completed packet. The review board might not be meeting before the deadline......I would call ASAP

Sorry to the rest. Hang in there to see what happens afterwards thoguh. Notdeadyet has been on his game before, so the funding could come back.
 
I called today...my recruiter is out of town for the week. They said they would try to contact him and get back to me. I'll just keep trying...I'm not sure if my stuff went in front USAREC board yet, so can't say if i'm "complete" or not. I was supposed to get boarded earlier this month and swear in by early Dec. So, I'll just keep my fingers crossed and keep callin.
 
DaSein77 said:
I called today...my recruiter is out of town for the week. They said they would try to contact him and get back to me. I'll just keep trying...I'm not sure if my stuff went in front USAREC board yet, so can't say if i'm "complete" or not. I was supposed to get boarded earlier this month and swear in by early Dec. So, I'll just keep my fingers crossed and keep callin.
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DaSein, you are in PA right? PM me when you get a chance. We should be talking to the same people as I am in PA.......Someone has to be there.

I will call for you and see what I can find out, but I need to get some info.
 
DaSein77 said:
I'm not sure if my stuff went in front USAREC board yet, so can't say if i'm "complete" or not. I was supposed to get boarded earlier this month and swear in by early Dec. So, I'll just keep my fingers crossed and keep callin.
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If you went before the USAREC board already, you should be okay to swear in for 10 DEC. Everything that's been posted so far has indicated that those swear in's are still all right.

I'll keep my fingers crossed. Hope everyone gets good news...
 
Hi All!

Sorry I haven't kept up with the board as much as I would have liked, but thought I would give you all an update.

I swore in and started on orders 1 OCT!

I just read about the funding cut rumor, but haven't confirmed it with my recruiter yet. To those affected, I feel your pain. Last spring and summer everyone was waiting to see if funding would come thru for the next fiscal year. I kept working on my packet as if it would. I would advise anyone serious about the program to continue doing what you're doing and keep your fingers crossed.

Also, WRITE/CALL YOUR CONGRESSMAN and advocate for military funding! Mine called me back, twice.

Best of Luck!
 
whosmk said:
Are the ones already in this program safe from this 'suspension'?
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Should be. They could cancel it, but that seems unlikely. If they cancel it, they lose all commitments which is probably unpalatable to begin with and even worse when you consider that they've already paid some people who would essentially have been given free money.

Pure speculation, but I think it stopped now because it's run it's originally planned course and not because of funding issues or a dislike for the program...
 
DeadCactus said:
Where can you find the dates for OBLC courses in 2010? I found a website, but the link there doesn't list anything for 2010 yet.
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Try this.

If the link doesn't work for some reason, go to www.atrrs.army.mil and type in "OBLC" under the search term for 2010 for the year. There will be a long list, choose the one that is RC (Reserve Corps).
 
Am I reading it wrong or is there really not a class during the summer? Or is my school just weird in the timing of it's summer? Bah, I really wanted to get this out of the way between MSI and MSII...
 
DeadCactus said:
Pure speculation, but I think it stopped now because it's run it's originally planned course and not because of funding issues or a dislike for the program...
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Well..

Per my recruiter, who was referred to me be a poster on this board, they are probably looking for other programs to divert money from. His interpretation is based on the word "temporary"...

Take it for what it's worth.

It was also my understanding that this program was somewhere around 370/400 as we approach the end of the calender year. Again, per my recruiter, there was/is supposed to be a third cycle to push that number to 600 by Dec 2010.
 
jkmph said:
Well..

Per my recruiter, who was referred to me be a poster on this board, they are probably looking for other programs to divert money from. His interpretation is based on the word "temporary"...

Take it for what it's worth.

It was also my understanding that this program was somewhere around 370/400 as we approach the end of the calender year. Again, per my recruiter, there was/is supposed to be a third cycle to push that number to 600 by Dec 2010.
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As somebody that has been watching this thread and hoping to be in this program for a year, I really hope that this is what happens.
 
I'm putting together my DCA application now. And wondering from those with experience, Do they really need copies of my College Diplomas as well as transcripts? I couldn't tell you where I put the diploma, I always thought they were more for posterity than paper proof of graduation.

Thanks.
 
Not sure if anyone can answer this question, but its worth a shot. So, with the ASR program currently in limbo, would it be possible for me to sign up for the MDSSP, and should ASR be re-funded, add the ASR commitment to it later?
 
ShinyDome19 said:
Not sure if anyone can answer this question, but its worth a shot. So, with the ASR program currently in limbo, would it be possible for me to sign up for the MDSSP, and should ASR be re-funded, add the ASR commitment to it later?
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Current policy is no: the supporting document is a few posts up.

It's possible they could change it, but I can't think of any reason why they would. If you're already commited, why would they have any interest in paying you more money just for the hell of it?

It sucks for those who joined MDSSP right before ASR and it sucks even more of those who now have to decide whether to hold out in the hope of ASR or go with MDSSP, but ASR is meant to boost recruitment by grabbing people MDSSP could not.
 
TANSTAAFL said:
I'm putting together my DCA application now. And wondering from those with experience, Do they really need copies of my College Diplomas as well as transcripts? I couldn't tell you where I put the diploma, I always thought they were more for posterity than paper proof of graduation.

Thanks.
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Yes you will need them. I thought it was silly too, since your OFFICIAL transcript shows proof of graduation. I had to have my parents send out the originals so that the recruiter could make copies of them.
 
Got word down my chain of command too that the ASR program is not accepting any more applications. We'll swear in folks on 10 DEC for a 01 JAN start, but that's it.
jkmph said:
Per my recruiter, who was referred to me be a poster on this board, they are probably looking for other programs to divert money from. His interpretation is based on the word "temporary"...
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He's reading way too much into "temporary." The program was set to run three years and it ran three years. It's incredibly expensive. I doubt they'll spark it up again unless there's a big gaping whole they didn't foresee.

ASR is extremely expensive, but the Guard figured that they needed 600 docs so they allocated the money. Now they have them.

If they need more docs, my hunch is they'll give MDSSP/STRAP/etc a few years to see how much they can drum up.

Also, I don't know about other states, but our state is pushing on getting more practicing physicians to sign on to fill the gap for the years it will take before ASR starts bearing fruit. If you want to see more programs, my hunch is that you'll see benefits at the resident or (more likely) attending level.

Take it for what it's worth.
jkmph said:
It was also my understanding that this program was somewhere around 370/400 as we approach the end of the calender year. Again, per my recruiter, there was/is supposed to be a third cycle to push that number to 600 by Dec 2010.
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This is the third cycle (ending with the 01 JUL 2010 folks) and we had 30 or so slots left going into December.

The main hope right now is that they start recycling ASR slots, but I've heard that possibility nowhere other than as SDN rumor. Nothing in writing.
 
ShinyDome19 said:
Not sure if anyone can answer this question, but its worth a shot. So, with the ASR program currently in limbo, would it be possible for me to sign up for the MDSSP, and should ASR be re-funded, add the ASR commitment to it later?
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No. Program policy specifically states that you can not take ASR if you're in MDSSP.
 
I cant get the recruiter my school gave me to call back or even answer....I have called 15 times at various times in the day over the past 3 days...and let a couple of message.....the message says the guy's name but nothing....

Can someone give me a national recruiter that might can answer some of my questions and help me find someone in SC?
 
J DUB said:
I cant get the recruiter my school gave me to call back or even answer....I have called 15 times at various times in the day over the past 3 days...and let a couple of message.....the message says the guy's name but nothing....

Can someone give me a national recruiter that might can answer some of my questions and help me find someone in SC?
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have you gotten a packet in yet at all? mine has been in for a few weeks now, but from what is going on here it seems a little bleek for those in our situation. any advice/insight anybody else have? i am guessing our best bet is to wait and see if they recycle spots.
 
tele turnin said:
have you gotten a packet in yet at all? mine has been in for a few weeks now, but from what is going on here it seems a little bleek for those in our situation. any advice/insight anybody else have? i am guessing our best bet is to wait and see if they recycle spots.
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no...I had just started really looking into because I liked the ASR deal....now I am considering MDSSP and others....

I just cant get anyone on the phone in my state....
 
Hey everyone. I've been reading about how the ASR program is apparently suspended. I emailed my recruiter here in Texas and this is the response I got... "ASR program is not going away, we have a total of 400 seats across the
country and they are all filled. As people graduate the seats open up". She is set on getting me to complete my application, so what does this mean? Why would she say 400 seats? I thought it was 600? When would people start graduating out of their seats?
 
DocMcCoy said:
Hey everyone. I've been reading about how the ASR program is apparently suspended. I emailed my recruiter here in Texas and this is the response I got... "ASR program is not going away, we have a total of 400 seats across the
country and they are all filled. As people graduate the seats open up".
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Either your recruiter has info the rest of us don't or (more likely) she's the optimistic type.

Folks have said before that they think that ASR slots will be reawarded when someone leaves the program. Some folks heard recruiters talk about it, others have heard recruiters swear it. What no one has seen is that plan on paper. The only description that most of us have seen about the program is that it was set to run 3 years, for 200 slots. That's it.
DocMcCoy said:
She is set on getting me to complete my application, so what does this mean?
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No clue. You can go ahead and apply and one of two things will happen:

- Folks will graduate med school (or PA school or whatnot) and seats will open up. You'll be in line with anyone else that has an open application.
- Seats will not open up and you'll be sitting there.

If you're of the "ASR or Nothing!" school of thought, go ahead an apply. If you're thinking of MDSSP, but only for three years, go ahead and apply to ASR. The only way applying and waiting is bad is if it's costing you money (i.e. stopping you from applying to MDSSP, HPSP, etc.).

The decision is based on your goals, your financial situation, and your optimism.
DocMcCoy said:
Why would she say 400 seats? I thought it was 600?
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No clue. All memos talk 600 seats over three years. We filled up last year as well as this year and we're in our third year. I think she misspoke or her math is bad.
DocMcCoy said:
When would people start graduating out of their seats?
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There are a number of ASR folks in med and dental school that will be graduating this spring. ASR starts pay on 01 JUL 2010 and application packets need to be in by 01 JUN 2010.

So the longest you'd be waiting is a few months. Folks start graduating in May and if seats are going to open up, recruiters should know a month or so ahead of time. If you don't hear anything about seats actually opening up as folks' graduate in April, you'll know it's vapor.
 
DocMcCoy said:
Thank you, that was a very complete response. Can I apply MDSSP concurrently in case ASR does not pan out?
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Yes, you can apply concurrently, but you can't accept either one and then switch to the other. Make sense?

The application process for getting commissioned in the Guard is a long one, but the distinction between MDSSP and ASR is minor.

You can apply for ASR, and if they take and process your application but tell you there aren't any spots available, if you decide to go with MDSSP, you do not have to reapply. They just need to file additional paperwork for your acceptance to the program. Should be a snap.

Let me know if this is unclear or doesn't answer your question...
 
notdeadyet said:
Yes, you can apply concurrently, but you can't accept either one and then switch to the other. Make sense?

The application process for getting commissioned in the Guard is a long one, but the distinction between MDSSP and ASR is minor.

You can apply for ASR, and if they take and process your application but tell you there aren't any spots available, if you decide to go with MDSSP, you do not have to reapply. They just need to file additional paperwork for your acceptance to the program. Should be a snap.

Let me know if this is unclear or doesn't answer your question...
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Awesome👍 Spot on. Exactly what I wanted to know. Thank you.
 
DocMcCoy said:
BTW I'm holed up at the Holiday Inn the night prior to my MEPS physical right now. Oddly, its just like it was 11 years ago! lol.
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Tell me that after you hit the scale... Ouch...
 
Any word on how many spots are left for this year? I had MEPS 2 weeks ago and I think everything got bogged down a bit because of the holidays.
 
n618ft said:
Any word on how many spots are left for this year? I had MEPS 2 weeks ago and I think everything got bogged down a bit because of the holidays.
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You might want to go back to the last page (around post #2013) and read to here to catch up.

ASR is suspending taking any new applicants into the program. Whether or not it will re-open new slots as folks graduate is speculation we've covered over the last week.

The only remaining seats are going out to those with a 10 DEC swear-in date. If you have already gone through fed rec and have a slot at your state's swear-in on Friday, you're golden. If you don't know, inquire ASAP with your recruiter. Anyone with an open application not swearing in by 10 DEC will not be going into ASR.
 
notdeadyet said:
you might want to go back to the last page (around post #2013) and read to here to catch up.

Asr is suspending taking any new applicants into the program. Whether or not it will re-open new slots as folks graduate is speculation we've covered over the last week.

The only remaining seats are going out to those with a 10 dec swear-in date. If you have already gone through fed rec and have a slot at your state's swear-in on friday, you're golden. If you don't know, inquire asap with your recruiter. Anyone with an open application not swearing in by 10 dec will not be going into asr.
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Dang... did the 200 spots already fill up? We can't even get control numbers for the waitlist any more can we?
 
Last edited:
notdeadyet said:
You might want to go back to the last page (around post #2013) and read to here to catch up.

ASR is suspending taking any new applicants into the program. Whether or not it will re-open new slots as folks graduate is speculation we've covered over the last week.

The only remaining seats are going out to those with a 10 DEC swear-in date. If you have already gone through fed rec and have a slot at your state's swear-in on Friday, you're golden. If you don't know, inquire ASAP with your recruiter. Anyone with an open application not swearing in by 10 DEC will not be going into ASR.
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notdeatyet,

you seem to always have some great information on this program. do you know if they plan on recycling spots in the future or is that all speculation?
 
tele turnin said:
do you know if they plan on recycling spots in the future or is that all speculation?
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It's all speculation.

Some folks have apparently heard from recruiters that they'll be recycling spots as folks graduate. Other folks haven't heard this. But no one has seen this proposed or promised anywhere in writing.

It might happen, but how much weight you want to put into the rumors that spots might get recycled is largely a matter of your optimism. Rumors in the military are big in general, and recruiters seem especially susceptible. We've also heard rumors that ASR wasn't going to come back this year and that it was going to expand in size.

It's your call. My personal take (though I'm conservative by nature when it comes to hope) is that I don't believe anything until I see something in writing.
 
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