Usuhs

[mslall]

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agree w/ above. AT LEAST 25% are current students or graduates offering advice or, mostly, trying to rent their places. There's even Doc Jenkins from doctorsintraining.com, so i wouldn't worry too much about it.

 

[TheGoose]

or students who are accepted at USUHS and might be on a waitlist for their top choice schools. That's some signficant turnover as well

 

[177584]

or students who are accepted at USUHS and might be on a waitlist for their top choice schools. That's some signficant turnover as well

Alright...so last two posters nailed it....wait until the 15th of May then you can count facebook folks, run algorithms, integrals or whatever the heck you want to try and figure out your chances. You really won't know much by doing all that just cause yourself more angst and maybe others too....two weeks and many of you will get calls trust me

Best of luck to everyone waiting!!!!

👍

 

[SirGecko]

I heard that USUHS has a May 1st deadline for getting decisions from people. Is that true? I know waitlist movement is usually May 15th but I heard this indirectly from the admissions office so I wanted to check.

 

[rcruz101]

I did nine years active duty as a corpsman, and am now close to applying to a medical school. Will Medical School at USUHS put me at 13yrs?

 

[mslall]

I did nine years active duty as a corpsman, and am now close to applying to a medical school. Will Medical School at USUHS put me at 13yrs?

it wont put at 13. You'll graduate with 9 years. However if, after graduation, you do another 11 yrs (totally feasible with your 7 yr commitment after your residency), then the 4 yrs at usuhs would count. So it only counts if you hit 20, then you retire w/ 24. So when you graduate from USUHS you would be an O3 with 9 years of service.

Your time in residency counts as time toward retirement and for pay purposes, but does not count toward your payback. You're looking at a minimum of another 10 yrs (3 res. + 7 payback) after USUHS so if you stay in longer or do a residency that is longer than 3 yrs (anything surgical) then you'd hit your 20 and then "voila!" your USUHS counts toward retirement. It still would not count toward your base pay if you stay in past 20, but once you retire it magically appears.

 

[TheGoose]

.

 

[rcruz101]

Thank you so much... it looks like this website is going to work out perfectly.

 

[stud247]

Social life at Usuhs? Would you get to party more as a usuhs student or as a hpsp at a civilian school? I wonder about this because obviously you have to study a lot as a medical student. But someone claimed earlier in this thread that usuhs students have a nice social life because of their salaries. But any specific examples?

 

[UTBME86]

Thank you so much... it looks like this website is going to work out perfectly.

Also, another good resource besides here is the school's catalog. It is pretty long, but it has some good initial information.

 

[DrMetal]

Social life at Usuhs? Would you get to party more as a usuhs student or as a hpsp at a civilian school? I wonder about this because obviously you have to study a lot as a medical student. But someone claimed earlier in this thread that usuhs students have a nice social life because of their salaries. But any specific examples?

I don't think USUHS students 'party' any more/less than other medical students. Whoever posted that comment probably meant that USUHS students can financially afford to party, b/c they're well paid. So, as a USUHS student, it wouldn't hurt you in the pocket too much to buy a keg for your friends!

As far as having the time to socialize and party, I don't think it's any different. You wont have much time at all, as a med student (anywhere). Or at least, your social time will be very limited, so you'll have to make the best use of it.

Let me continue here on my soapbox a little bit: If you're young, vibrant--say you're 22, graduating from college--and you wanna explore the world, have aspirations to travel, experiment with members of the opposite (or same) sex, whatever . . . a key piece of advice I can offer: take some time off in between college & med school. Take a year, 2 years ,or even 4, off. Get your partying, traveling done, get it out of your system before you venture into medicine. You'll feel a lot better, more well-rounded, and you'll become thirsty for school again. Hell maybe you'll pick up a wife/kid along the way!

Yeah, this'll delay your professional plans a bit, but so what. You'll be a doctor at the age of 30 vice 26. It's no big deal. Besides, medicine is one of those professions where it helps to have a little age on your side and a little grey in the hair. Nobody wants Doogie Howser MD as their physician!

 

[177584]

I don't think USUHS students 'party' any more/less than other medical students. Whoever posted that comment probably meant that USUHS students can financially afford to party, b/c they're well paid. So, as a USUHS student, it wouldn't hurt you in the pocket too much to buy a keg for your friends!

As far as having the time to socialize and party, I don't think it's any different. You wont have much time at all, as a med student (anywhere). Or at least, your social time will be very limited, so you'll have to make the best use of it.

Let me continue here on my soapbox a little bit: If you're young, vibrant--say you're 22, graduating from college--and you wanna explore the world, have aspirations to travel, experiment with members of the opposite (or same) sex, whatever . . . a key piece of advice I can offer: take some time off in between college & med school. Take a year, 2 years ,or even 4, off. Get your partying, traveling done, get it out of your system before you venture into medicine. You'll feel a lot better, more well-rounded, and you'll become thirsty for school again. Hell maybe you'll pick up a wife/kid along the way!

Yeah, this'll delay your professional plans a bit, but so what. You'll be a doctor at the age of 30 vice 26. It's no big deal. Besides, medicine is one of those professions where it helps to have a little age on your side and a little grey in the hair. Nobody wants Doogie Howser MD as their physician!

I dunno about the partying...at any rate some classmates of mine have been able to afford some pretty elaborate vacations while at USUHS...several people gone to europe, hawaii, long weekend ski trips to colorado. Like metal said you have some extra cash to use when you have time to do so. But don't think we study any less than anyone else.

 

[markusmax]

I was hoping people could give me an idea of what the admission rate for someone with a Science GPA of 3.6, overall 3.26 and an MCAT of 28-30 would be for USUHS with an early to mid interview. What has been the average for the people in this thread who have been unconditional accepted, waitlisted, ect for this year? Im not completely sure what my MCAT score is yet but my AMCAS practices have been in the range above. I know my overall GPA is low, but I have been an active duty Air Force nurse for 3.5 years taking prerequisits while working full time. Im hoping this will boost my application. Can anyone give me hope I'm tired of being a MURSE!

 

[TheGoose]

those numbers landed me on the alternate list. Then again, i don't have any prior service which might help you out. It could also hurt you though since you'd be stuck with AF, which has the smallest class size. Good luck.....and May the Murse Be With You.

 

[markusmax]

Your scores are remarkably similar to mine did you get an early interview or do you think that mattered? What about your application helped you the most? Any Info you could give me would be helpfull?

 

[UTBME86]

Your scores are remarkably similar to mine did you get an early interview or do you think that mattered? What about your application helped you the most? Any Info you could give me would be helpfull?

I think the biggest thing/advice I can give is to apply as early as possible in the application cycle. This will help you get an early interview which seems to help out a lot in getting accepted to the school.

 

[mslall]

I think the biggest thing/advice I can give is to apply as early as possible in the application cycle. This will help you get an early interview which seems to help out a lot in getting accepted to the school.

Totally agree. With your stats an early interview (1st or 2nd interview days-still in September) will give you a shot at getting in. A mid-time frame (the end of October or later) interview will land you on the alternate list or worse. Good luck on the MCAT, getting above a 30 on it would also help your application significantly.

Seriously though, APPLY AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, i dont care how much MURSING you're doing, get your application in early!!! (AMCAS done submitted in the first week or two, Supplemental shortly after).

Make sure you have your letters of recommendation lined up, especially your clinical letter. They won't offer you an interview until they've received your letters so do your best to make sure your writers get their letters submitted early. If you're planning on applying to start in 2010 the best case scenario is your letters have already been written, the worst case would be you haven't asked people to write them yet. Anything else would be somewhere in between.

Since you're active duty you'll also have to have a letter of approval to apply, i'm not sure how this works with being offered an interview, but i'm pretty sure there were some people that had acceptances delayed due to a late letter.

I think the average for people that have gotten in thus far this year is probably around a 3.5 GPA and a 30 on the MCAT, IF YOU APPLIED AND INTERVIEWED EARLY (first 3-4 interview sessions). If you interviewed toward the end of October or later the stats were tougher i believe.



anyway, good luck, get that application done.

 

[Sarg's kid]

I was hoping people could give me an idea of what the admission rate for someone with a Science GPA of 3.6, overall 3.26 and an MCAT of 28-30 would be for USUHS with an early to mid interview. What has been the average for the people in this thread who have been unconditional accepted, waitlisted, ect for this year? Im not completely sure what my MCAT score is yet but my AMCAS practices have been in the range above. I know my overall GPA is low, but I have been an active duty Air Force nurse for 3.5 years taking prerequisits while working full time. Im hoping this will boost my application. Can anyone give me hope I'm tired of being a MURSE!

My scores were very similar as well. Which earned me a Sept 18 interview and a cold, hard rejection. No alt, no waitlist. So, who knows. Prior service might help you be more successful.

 

[aus627]

Apply early.

Have any AFROTC people gotten their orders yet?

 

[pkchax]

I was hoping people could give me an idea of what the admission rate for someone with a Science GPA of 3.6, overall 3.26 and an MCAT of 28-30 would be for USUHS with an early to mid interview. What has been the average for the people in this thread who have been unconditional accepted, waitlisted, ect for this year? Im not completely sure what my MCAT score is yet but my AMCAS practices have been in the range above. I know my overall GPA is low, but I have been an active duty Air Force nurse for 3.5 years taking prerequisits while working full time. Im hoping this will boost my application. Can anyone give me hope I'm tired of being a MURSE!

Hey,

I got in with those numbers but with a large amount of emergency department and leadership experience. Just make sure you write excellent essays on your secondary, apply early, and don't freak out on your interview. I'm sure you'll be fine. Good luck.

 

[Upgrayedd]

I dunno about the partying...at any rate some classmates of mine have been able to afford some pretty elaborate vacations while at USUHS...several people gone to europe, hawaii, long weekend ski trips to colorado. Like metal said you have some extra cash to use when you have time to do so. But don't think we study any less than anyone else.

Soooo... I know there are lots of posts on HOW MUCH we make, but what about HOW we should use it (arguably more important)...

WHO on this board can act as the wise elder to tell me what I should be doing with my paycheck since I never in a million years thought I would have any disposable income until I was 35???

Seriously, I don't feel like putting it into the stock market (i.e. kiss it goodbye), I'm not married, not pay child support, etc. I don't want to buy a house/condo in the bethesda/dc area for the same reason as the stock market...

Uh... yeah...
I'm sure there are a few other people out there besides me who have some car already spec'd out in their internet explorer favorites... I just get the feeling that it isn't the best use of my salary.

I met some guy a few years ago at a financial conference who was from West Point who acted as the "investment adviser" for his class, since there were a lot of people who literally had no idea what to do with their earnings and weren't saving for later in life (of course, my question is: is that something I should REALLY care about at 24?!? Does a Range Rover have a better rate of return???)

Edit: the other thing to consider is that there is very little "uncertainty" in our income/paychecks (I for one don't plan on failing out of med school...) so that might change the whole save/spend ratio that we are often taught since "you could always lose your job", etc.

 

[sojourner75]

Soooo... I know there are lots of posts on HOW MUCH we make, but what about HOW we should use it (arguably more important)...

WHO on this board can act as the wise elder to tell me what I should be doing with my paycheck since I never in a million years thought I would have any disposable income until I was 35???

Seriously, I don't feel like putting it into the stock market (i.e. kiss it goodbye), I'm not married, not pay child support, etc. I don't want to buy a house/condo in the bethesda/dc area for the same reason as the stock market...

Uh... yeah...
I'm sure there are a few other people out there besides me who have some car already spec'd out in their internet explorer favorites... I just get the feeling that it isn't the best use of my salary.

I met some guy a few years ago at a financial conference who was from West Point who acted as the "investment adviser" for his class, since there were a lot of people who literally had no idea what to do with their earnings and weren't saving for later in life (of course, my question is: is that something I should REALLY care about at 24?!? Does a Range Rover have a better rate of return???)

Edit: the other thing to consider is that there is very little "uncertainty" in our income/paychecks (I for one don't plan on failing out of med school...) so that might change the whole save/spend ratio that we are often taught since "you could always lose your job", etc.

Approach financial management as you would for MCAT. Start with some unbiased, quality information on the basics. Any of the For Dummies or Idiot books would work. Read as much as you can reasonably tolerate.

Unlike dealing with a car salesman or mechanics, in financial management our own ignorance and fear are our own worst enemy. Do some self evaluation: identify your financial goals, time line, spending habit, tolerance for risk, etc. Set a budget, then regularly verify that your spending habit, budget, and financial goals are consistent with each other.

Educate yourself on different types of insurances www.iii.org. Understand the relationship between insurances and your overall financial health. Shop for as much much insurance as you need.

Start saving for 3 to 6 months of emergency fund. For example, figure out how much you spend on necessities (e.g. rent, gas, utilities, food, loan payments, etc) and multiply by 6.

Next comes saving for retirement. For military, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is bar none (don't take anyone's word for it. evaluate it yourself). Put as much as you can into retirement without compromising your other financial goals. The monthly allotment is a good way to put this into auto-pilot.

After retirement comes savings for short to midterm goals (car, down payment for a house, etc.). By this time you should understand what investment instrument is good for you (bank saving account, stocks, cash under the pillow, etc.)

What remains is your discretionary beer money, a reward for maintaining/elevating your financial health.

 

[DrMetal]

Soooo... I

Diversify your savings! And what I mean by that, is diversify amongst many different types of savings. Sure put some money into conservative mutual funds or stocks, but also put some money into a R-IRA, put a significant amount into a money market savings, maybe some into a CD. Also, considering the current declining trend of the dollar, might also be a good idea to put some money into precious metals (gold/silver). Not suggesting you go out and by several gold bars, but gold/silver coins work nicely (the 1 or 1/2 oz kind). They're a nice keepsake to have, to pass onto your kids someday . . .and if the U.S. economy/dollar really goes into the ****tter, you might need them to barter for goods!

 

[TheGoose]

my uber libertarian co-worker just bought $16,000 of Gold from New Zealand (because the USA is about to collapse)

 

[DrMetal]

my uber libertarian co-worker just bought $16,000 of Gold from New Zealand (because the USA is about to collapse)

Yeah, and you don't have to be an uber libertarian to make sense out of doing that. Many people are, many companies are interested in gold too right now (that's why you're see so many "Cash-for-Gold" commercials on cable TV). I don't think it matters so much which country to gold comes from (amongst the big countries), they all provide documentation for purity. What does differ is the actual cost of minting. For instance, US coins tend to be more expensive b/c they require more ellaborate minting. But they're also nicer.

$16K would be a lot, for any student. But $2 or $3K would make more sense.

 

[rkonmd]

Best of luck to you guys waiting to hear some good news.

Does anyone know if there will be any small-arms/rifle training during ARMY OBC for USUHS officers? I looked through the schedule and saw some references to arms/weapons but nothing in specific reference to shooting range, etc.

 

[Upgrayedd]

Next comes saving for retirement. For military, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is bar none (don't take anyone's word for it. evaluate it yourself). Put as much as you can into retirement without compromising your other financial goals. The monthly allotment is a good way to put this into auto-pilot.

Can you "max out" your TSP??? (its not like a 401k where there is a max in employer matching funds). If so, historically, has that been the best way to go (of course historical /= future, but still...)

My one concern is what if the inflation rate is > than the return rate on the TSP??? On the website, it references "assuming a 7% return per year", what is that tied to???

I'm not terribly confident in the overall health of large segments of our economy including the capital instruments that numerous retirement plans are tied to, etc. Yes, the federal backed security is still one of the safest investments out there, but that is just because the Fed can inflate the currency in order to repay their debts...

Of course, the counter point would be to put that money into diversified holdings, etc, which even if you put $$$ into companies all around the world, they all share the same systemic risk that would cause the US Fed balance sheet to weaken.

Oh, and if we have to use gold coins to barter at some point in the future, I'll be counting my lucky stars that I'm on a military base 🙂

 

[manucelt]

Can you "max out" your TSP??? (its not like a 401k where there is a max in employer matching funds). If so, historically, has that been the best way to go (of course historical /= future, but still...)

My one concern is what if the inflation rate is > than the return rate on the TSP??? On the website, it references "assuming a 7% return per year", what is that tied to???

I'm not terribly confident in the overall health of large segments of our economy including the capital instruments that numerous retirement plans are tied to, etc. Yes, the federal backed security is still one of the safest investments out there, but that is just because the Fed can inflate the currency in order to repay their debts...

Of course, the counter point would be to put that money into diversified holdings, etc, which even if you put $$$ into companies all around the world, they all share the same systemic risk that would cause the US Fed balance sheet to weaken.

Oh, and if we have to use gold coins to barter at some point in the future, I'll be counting my lucky stars that I'm on a military base 🙂

Maximum contributions have changed signficantly recently for TSP, I'm pretty sure you can contribute up to 100% of your base pay and all specialty pays now with a yearly cap somewhere near 20K.

the 7% figure is what TSP uses to estimate future earnings a little more conservative than the 10% a lot of other agencies use.

If you are worried about not beating inflation there are several options. TSP's G fund is securities only fund that averages a 5% return annually. In 2008 it had a 3.8% return while the stock funds lost over 30% each. I was fortunate enough to not notice my account had been accidentally switched to the G fund at the end of 2007 when the conversion was made to all electronic access. So I was pleasently surprised when I got my annual report and saw a 4% gain instead of a 30% loss, sometimes its better to be lucky than good.

TSP also offers what they call Lifecycle or L funds, they are intended to diversify your portofolio appropriately depending on when you will withdraw the funds. They institute greater risk early shooting for stronger gains but allowing plenty of time to recover if that doesn't happen and then gradually convert to mostly bonds and securities as you get closer to your withdrawal date.

Everyone has their own opinions but personally after maxing out your ROTH, I don't think theres a better investment option than TSP. They have other benefits too for active duty military such as allowing you to take out a loan of up to 50K against what you've contributed with only a 2-3% interest rate. You pay it back over 5 years (or 15 if you're using the loan for a downpayment on your primary residence), but this is a pretty good deal considering the current climate where you can't get a personal loan for anything regardless of your credit.

 

[LikesScience]

Last year we got to shoot the M16 and the M9 handgun on the firing range with pop-up targets. We also shot a ton of blank ammo and got to shoot each other with UTM rounds (wax bullets). Lots of fun. Your M16 will be your best friend and you'll have to carry it everywhere you go in the field (sounds cool, but is actually annoying).

 

[teenie]

Does anyone know if the navy waitlist is moving??

 

[DrMetal]

Does anyone know if the navy waitlist is moving??

We haven't heard of any movement. Fri May 15 is the big day (when people commit, or not, to USUHS). I'm gueesing they have to know by close-of-business on that day, and I'm hoping they'll start to move people into the class soon thereafter (perhaps on Sat. 5/16?? or sometime the week after).

 

[teenie]

I'm going crazy waiting!! I must check my phone 20 times a day to make sure I didn't miss Dr. Calloways call. lol
So should I wait for the 15th to do my 2010 app or should I just submit today? I don't want to spend any more money. These med apps are not cheap!

 

[DrMetal]

I'm going crazy waiting!! I must check my phone 20 times a day to make sure I didn't miss Dr. Calloways call. lol
So should I wait for the 15th to do my 2010 app or should I just submit today? I don't want to spend any more money. These med apps are not cheap!

Calm down now, I'm in the same boat, so are other folks here. Best to try to occupy your mind with other things for the next few days. Yeah I think the 5/15 date is the next major milestone. If you want to apply for the next cycle, I think you can start the app now but can't turn it in until the first week of June. Still a little too early for that, give it another couple weeks.

 

[teenie]

Calm down now, I'm in the same boat, so are other folks here. Best to try to occupy your mind with other things for the next few days. Yeah I think the 5/15 date is the next major milestone. If you want to apply for the next cycle, I think you can start the app now but can't turn it in until the first week of June. Still a little too early for that, give it another couple weeks.

I'm calm. Just a little anxious. I didn't realize that I couldn't submit my app yet. Dr. Calloway told me that I turned it in too late this cycle (it was already full before i interviewed) and to get it in ASAP next time.

 

[SirGecko]

Does anyone know if the navy waitlist is moving??

I can confirm that the waitlist really isn't moving till the 15th. (if it is going to move) Because I was supposed to commission tomorrow my NROTC unit has been trying everything to see if we can know if there was going to be movement before then and no luck. (and calling multiple times over the last week, the admissions office said they started calling uncertain people trying to get decisions but everyone was either still undecided) Unfortunately it seems that people are holding on to spots pretty late this year. (if they are going to drop at all)

Also, I don't know if you are locked into the Navy already like some of us but if you aren't you may want to consider a different service as our waitlist is like twice as long as the other two and it filled up quicker.

 

[Brocimus]

I can confirm that the waitlist really isn't moving till the 15th. (if it is going to move) Because I was supposed to commission tomorrow my NROTC unit has been trying everything to see if we can know if there was going to be movement before then and no luck. (and calling multiple times over the last week, the admissions office said they started calling uncertain people trying to get decisions but everyone was either still undecided) Unfortunately it seems that people are holding on to spots pretty late this year. (if they are going to drop at all)

Also, I don't know if you are locked into the Navy already like some of us but if you aren't you may want to consider a different service as our waitlist is like twice as long as the other two and it filled up quicker.

Please stop trying to shuffle people over to my waitlist! Just kidding ! But, seriously, stop!

 

[Upgrayedd]

Maximum contributions have changed signficantly recently for TSP, I'm pretty sure you can contribute up to 100% of your base pay and all specialty pays now with a yearly cap somewhere near 20K.

the 7% figure is what TSP uses to estimate future earnings a little more conservative than the 10% a lot of other agencies use.

If you are worried about not beating inflation there are several options. TSP's G fund is securities only fund that averages a 5% return annually. In 2008 it had a 3.8% return while the stock funds lost over 30% each. I was fortunate enough to not notice my account had been accidentally switched to the G fund at the end of 2007 when the conversion was made to all electronic access. So I was pleasently surprised when I got my annual report and saw a 4% gain instead of a 30% loss, sometimes its better to be lucky than good.

TSP also offers what they call Lifecycle or L funds, they are intended to diversify your portofolio appropriately depending on when you will withdraw the funds. They institute greater risk early shooting for stronger gains but allowing plenty of time to recover if that doesn't happen and then gradually convert to mostly bonds and securities as you get closer to your withdrawal date.

Everyone has their own opinions but personally after maxing out your ROTH, I don't think theres a better investment option than TSP. They have other benefits too for active duty military such as allowing you to take out a loan of up to 50K against what you've contributed with only a 2-3% interest rate. You pay it back over 5 years (or 15 if you're using the loan for a downpayment on your primary residence), but this is a pretty good deal considering the current climate where you can't get a personal loan for anything regardless of your credit.

Thanks!

Do you have a ratio that one would suggest for spending the 2nd Lt. Pay?

i.e. 10% housing, 20% taxes, 5% food, 20% savings, 10% transportation, etc. I'm trying to budget right now and figure out how much I should limit myself to on monthly apartment/housing and car lease/payments (since the word is you need a car in Bethesda).

Oh, and I still don't entirely understand the point of having an emergency fund... normally aren't emergency funds used to hedge against uncertainty in your employment/paycheck? In the US Mil., you sacrifice some of the financial ups (i.e. stock options) for others (consistent paycheck, pay rate).

Please enlighten me.

 

[SirGecko]

Oh, and I still don't entirely understand the point of having an emergency fund... normally aren't emergency funds used to hedge against uncertainty in your employment/paycheck? In the US Mil., you sacrifice some of the financial ups (i.e. stock options) for others (consistent paycheck, pay rate).

Please enlighten me.

While you can get away with a lower emergency fund in the military it is still smart to have one. You won't need it to live off of for getting fired or anything but you still could have situations that require an expedient transfer of funds. (and while you can get advances on your pay you don't want to have to do that)

 

[UTBME86]

While you can get away with a lower emergency fund in the military it is still smart to have one. You won't need it to live off of for getting fired or anything but you still could have situations that require an expedient transfer of funds. (and while you can get advances on your pay you don't want to have to do that)

I have a similar question along the financial line. When I worked as an Army civillian, some of the guys I worked with were telling me how one year when Congress didn't pass the budget in time they didn't get paid until the budget was passed. They go the backpay in the end, but they didn't have any income flow for a while. I was wondering if this could actually happen, or was there some special situation there. If that is the case, then that would be a good reason for emergency funds.

 

[UTBME86]

While you can get away with a lower emergency fund in the military it is still smart to have one. You won't need it to live off of for getting fired or anything but you still could have situations that require an expedient transfer of funds. (and while you can get advances on your pay you don't want to have to do that)

I have a similar question along the financial line. When I worked as an Army civillian, some of the guys I worked with were telling me how one year when Congress didn't pass the budget in time they didn't get paid until the budget was passed. They got the backpay in the end, but they didn't have any income flow for a while. I was wondering if this could actually happen, or was there some special situation there. If that is the case, then that would be a good reason for emergency funds.

 

[TheGoose]

i.e. 10% housing, 20% taxes, 5% food, 20% savings, 10% transportation, etc. I'm trying to budget right now and figure out how much I should limit myself to on monthly apartment/housing and car lease/payments (since the word is you need a car in Bethesda).

unless you are assuming spending all of your BAH on housing in addition to the extra 10% you mentioned, youre going to be spending a lot more than just 10% on housing in Bethesda

 

[rkonmd]

Last year we got to shoot the M16 and the M9 handgun on the firing range with pop-up targets. We also shot a ton of blank ammo and got to shoot each other with UTM rounds (wax bullets). Lots of fun. Your M16 will be your best friend and you'll have to carry it everywhere you go in the field (sounds cool, but is actually annoying).

Sweeeeet.

 

[mslall]

Since there isn't a whole lot of time between our respective officer courses and the report date in Bethesda, should we schedule our PCS move before we leave to San Antonio/Montgomery/Newport. Do we need to schedule a move date in August before we leave in June? Or will there be time to get our stuff moved out between July 27 and August 2 if we wait?

 

[DrMetal]

Since there isn't a whole lot of time between our respective officer courses and the report date in Bethesda, should we schedule our PCS move before we leave to San Antonio/Montgomery/Newport. Do we need to schedule a move date in August before we leave in June? Or will there be time to get our stuff moved out between July 27 and August 2 if we wait?

Yeah, I'd schedule it before you leave for officer school (they'll transport your goods, put them in storage, then deliver them when you settle down). You could schedule it in august too, but better to do it earlier IMO.

 

[XCSubs]

For those of you at USUHS now, do you have many opportunities and do you use leave that much during your four years there? I'm AD and have close to 50 days on the books, should I burn up some or all this summer as we'll be in school the next few years? Thanks.

 

[erawka]

I'm IN!!! AF!

 

[pkchax]

I'm IN!!! AF!

Congratulations!

 

[silverhorse84]

For those of you at USUHS now, do you have many opportunities and do you use leave that much during your four years there? I'm AD and have close to 50 days on the books, should I burn up some or all this summer as we'll be in school the next few years? Thanks.

I'm not at USUHS yet, and I don't know much about leave policies yet since I have no prior experience. However, I do know a first year I talked to who has a boyfriend in a different state. At least once a month (I think) she flies down to see him. I could be wrong, but that would be leave, right? Hopefully that helps 😳

 

[DrMetal]

For those of you at USUHS now, do you have many opportunities and do you use leave that much during your four years there? I'm AD and have close to 50 days on the books, should I burn up some or all this summer as we'll be in school the next few years? Thanks.

It's likely that you will lose that leave, b/c you're going to be commissioned (or re-commissioned) as a medical student (a "1975" desig in Navy speak). And (I'm pretty sure) that process negates prior accumulated leave. So yes, take a phat vacation, terminal leave is a beautiful thing!

 

[erawka]

So this might be a ridiculous question...I'm actually a little embarassed to ask but I figure it's worth a shot.

What is the schedule like for COT? Is it possible to take a day or so of leave during it? My sister is getting married in July and I am the maid of honor, and I was wondering if there was any possibility of me flying out for the wedding (on a Saturday) and then flying back the next day or something. I obviously understand that it might be silly to even think that this would be possible, but again, worth a shot.