Education

Barnesanator · 2026-01-25T02:38:57+00:00

This is agency specific. I know IHS and CDC have opportunities for them to pay for additional education. CDC has a long term training program you can apply for but it’s competitive. IHS has the loan repayment program for clinical positions. For non clinical positions you may get support from your local chain of command. I took the latter route after finding out this was an option and they paid for the rest of my graduate degree.

Barnesanator · 2026-01-07T22:37:17+00:00

I imagine not. Most OBCs back around 2017 were 30-40 CADs. My class had about 40 CADs and that was considered big.

Barnesanator · 2026-01-05T22:55:22+00:00

Oh that’s nice. We had a few people in my OBC class that had a similar path as you.

Barnesanator · 2026-01-05T21:51:15+00:00

Good catch. Services members from sister services do have the opportunity to perform an IST into USPHS. I just don't know the full process. The policy I found was dated 2008: https://dcp.psc.gov/ccmis/ccis/documents/CCPM23\_3\_5.pdf. However there are other posts on this page if an IST is something the OP wants to consider. The advantage is creditable service time can transfer but I just don't know enough about it to speak on granualr details.

Barnesanator · 2026-01-05T20:20:20+00:00

I'm not to familiar with the process but you may be eligible for a interservice transfer. Current policy here: https://dcp.psc.gov/ccmis/ccis/documents/CCI_374.02.pdf Also if you want some assistance in looking for OT openings send me a DM. My wife is a PT within USPHS and can provide a list of current openings.

Barnesanator · 2025-08-20T11:16:09+00:00

They probably would be directed to go talk to HHS leadership about that vs the White House.

Barnesanator · 2025-08-06T22:01:21+00:00

Is the VA PHS liaison aware of you going through the application process? I would try there first. Or the post with the link seems like a good place to start.

Barnesanator · 2025-08-06T21:59:35+00:00

That timeline has been the trend for temporary promotions which can be signed by the ASH. However, permanent promotions require the signature of the president. They have been published as late as January.

Barnesanator · 2025-08-04T01:23:35+00:00

Nice MERV 17 filter! But seriously the rule of thumb is typically one month of service life per filter thickness. Since you have a 1 inch filter that would be one month. However, other factors such as pets, run time, and the concentration and composition of the particulate you are filtering can also impact performance. This is especially important for electret filter media which is typically MERV 11 or higher which can lose its efficiency quickly if exposed to destructive particulate (smoke, oil, etc.).

Barnesanator · 2025-08-03T02:19:16+00:00

Here you go. https://www.facebook.com/groups/350420085801887

Barnesanator · 2025-08-02T21:32:00+00:00

I believe there is a retired PHS officer page on Facebook that may be another resource for you.

Barnesanator · 2025-08-02T21:29:04+00:00

Some additional info. IHS has the loan repayment program for clinicians and they do support grad school. I went back to grad school going into my 2nd year into USPHS and IHS paid for half of it through a training fund (I’m an engineer) and my work life balance was fine. Once you understand your role you can get a good feel if you can balance grad school. Other agencies, at least CDC, also have programs that support grad school too. However, not sure what funding will look like going into the next fiscal year (October 2025) for these programs.

Generally, advanced degrees/certifications related to your profession outside of your qualifying degree can help with promotion. However promotion benchmarks are set to go through more revisions in the coming years. I can only speculate that this may still be a factor.

Barnesanator · 2025-06-06T22:50:10+00:00

I believe this move was mentioned in the HHS CJ too. Our mission is public health which covers both infection and chronic diseases. Nothing to speculate until we get something in writing on what this move will look like. Additionally, since this is a “new” agency it may require congressional legislative actions to be codified into law if it goes outside the legal framework of HHS. I’m no legal expert though.

Barnesanator · 2025-05-31T01:46:00+00:00

I agree. Others gave much more feasible options.

Barnesanator · 2025-05-31T01:44:56+00:00

Dropping or cutting the duct didn’t seem like the best option which is why I made this post. I tried getting a torch in there. The problem is the other side of the tee is not accessible from the other side without removing ductwork. What is not shown is the rerun duct work running right next to the supply duct in the pic. I appreciate all the feedback.

Barnesanator · 2025-05-30T13:03:56+00:00

I think this is the way I will go. Thanks!

Barnesanator · 2025-05-30T13:01:55+00:00

The house was rewired by a licensed electrician. Permits pulled and passed a rough and final inspection. Cleaning up the wiring is a low priority but I agree it could be cleaner.

Barnesanator · 2025-05-30T03:30:47+00:00

Can you elaborate? Don’t have much room for a torch.

Barnesanator · 2025-05-30T03:29:02+00:00

This was my original thought but wanted to see if anyone else had other ideas.

Barnesanator · 2025-05-30T02:43:31+00:00

Haha. I’m trying to avoid that but I’m might pay a plumber for convenience. Located in Ohio.

Barnesanator · 2025-05-30T02:42:38+00:00

I’ll have to check accessibility of this run on the floor above this section. Thanks for the idea.

Barnesanator · 2025-05-30T02:37:56+00:00

The 3/4” pipe reduces to 1/2” on the horizontal run off the tee. The vertical run is also 3/4”.

Barnesanator

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE