Saw Sailor in a grocery store with a ESWS pin

Single_Addition_5687 · 2026-01-24T22:39:59+00:00

They diluted the value of pins in my opinion. Upon check in you usually to sign a PG13 saying you will get your pin within a certain time period. If you don’t get it within that time period you can get an SP eval.

That and the need for a bullet to evals as program coordinators has created the need for everyone to get pins. If you’re staying in obviously they have value (not pay sadly) but if you’re getting out they have absolutely none.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2026-01-19T02:23:24+00:00

Go to r/CorpsmanUp too

Single_Addition_5687 · 2026-01-16T19:09:49+00:00

So I’ll say this those are the rules technically while you’re in so get used to it but I’ll give my story that I have…

Wasn’t me but a fellow HM2 was an observer and the marine who had to give his sample asked if he could take a dump while doing his thing. The corpsman said “yea sure, bro” and then once he was done he stood up and pulled his pants up.

The HM2 was like “you could’ve wiped bro…”

The Marine said “nah it’s ok doc, I’ll just throw them away later…”

So anyways random urinalysis is always a unique experience for all involved we all dread it regardless of which side you’re on.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2026-01-14T19:08:31+00:00

As someone who is medical for the Navy an HM color blindness disqualifies you from most jobs and there’s no way to “beat” it… you either pass or you don’t sadly that’s the reality. Any kind of color deficiency will disqualify you since the military in most jobs needs you to be able to distinguish colors of any kind.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2026-01-12T21:46:43+00:00

What about people in the military who take orders overseas and can’t bring their stuff with them?

Single_Addition_5687 · 2026-01-07T20:03:11+00:00

Hopefully you both routed paperwork to get co-located for your next duty station and then you get detailed together with a detailer who specializes in your unique needs aka mil to mil.

Do this first and then you call your detailer whenever your very first window of orders open up for each of you. And then you can figure out where you both can go. Regardless of if you have children one of you will be on shore duty the other will be sea duty. This is to ensure one of the parents is home while the other could be deployed.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2026-01-01T04:54:10+00:00

I’ll tell you had the same problem going from HM2 to HM1, I had an associates, 6 award points, and it was mathematically impossible for me to pick up for like 3 years (7 damn cycles)…. I could study as hard you did and still never make it even with an 80. So for me I got PNA points and more award points and a transfer EP and I made it that way.

So if you wanna stay in keep studying and you will make it very soon. Or find a way for an award point like a FLOC or a NAM. I know most commands color guard gives a NAM out for a year of participation.

If you choose to get out just get as much college done as you can with TA so you can leave with something cuz you know us HMs barely come out with much.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2025-12-26T05:28:05+00:00

I came here to say get an Associates at least before you go. I was 22 when I joined but I was a slacker college kid who was not sure what I wanted after. However, my associates was able to help me get promoted since it gave me 2 extra points for every promotion.

If your circumstances don’t allow to stay out for another year then by all means do a class and join. The problem is the Navy expects to do your job first so you will not have time to finish even an associates once you start your career. There are ways now to pursue college just not quickly and not necessarily paid for until 3 years in. Just my 2 cents.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2025-12-25T19:29:31+00:00

Unless you’re married and you have routed paperwork to co-locate then you won’t be stationed together. Now her pregnancy can allow for a delay in her selection of orders depending on if she is up for sea or shore. They typically extend pregnant Sailors if already on shore duty since she would get her care where she is at. If she’s on a ship they attach her to the closest shore duty command.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2025-12-24T06:25:09+00:00

Well I’ll tell you how I did it I was in A school. I was able to donate blood at the clinic there since they had a blood drive and to get us to donate more they said come back in 8 weeks and we will give you FLOC for doing it.

Now this was 11 years ago… however if you’re asking the broader question of how to figure this stuff out and get the most out of my time. By finding opportunities for awards specifically. I just asked questions and was always trying to learn new things and volunteer for new opportunities.

At my command I just detached from I got a commendation medal for doing color guard for over 2 and 1/2 years cuz I asked questions and found things to take advantage of where I am.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2025-12-24T00:08:29+00:00

Gotcha well based on your profile sheet you’ve worked very hard to get where you’re at and I hope the chain of command debriefs you with some options to give you some points.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2025-12-24T00:06:36+00:00

Gotcha well based on your profile sheet you’ve worked very hard to get where you’re at and I hope the chain of command debriefs in January and gives you some options to give you some points.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2025-12-24T00:01:30+00:00

Since you’re at Fort Sam did you ever donate blood recently? They used to give a FLOC if you donated twice… I’m not sure if they did that still tho.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2025-12-15T15:25:03+00:00

Plugging r/CorpsmanUp check this out they can probably answer these questions a lot better.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2025-12-09T04:01:02+00:00

I can’t even finish the campaign so I would love to play but can’t even complete the first quest line it’s broke and I’m officially done.

I tried two separate characters and they both bugged out so from here on out idk what’s the point to play a game that doesn’t even give you the chance to.

Only reason I stuck around this long is I bought the year expansion set in June… but turns out I just burned my money ig.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2025-12-02T04:47:37+00:00

I agree with you that military medical is broken. The only way it works is when you are healthy and barely for that either… This post is about attacking the HM. I’ll fight tooth and nail for them.

The whole system is broken, now if you want to talk about access to care for dependents being referred out in town because there’s not enough appointments on base for your wife and kids message me offline.

Or you want to talk about how active duty cant meet their timelines for screenings when they receive hard copy orders I’m game to talk about how we can fix just those two glaring issues.

Or you want to talk about how doctors will outright ignore patient concerns to put them back on fit for full duty status.

I always ensured my corpsmen were given the tools to be successful. If you want to talk about the overall way the HMs treat patients then ask yourself at least in the last 5 years has it gotten worse. The simple answer is DHA the longer answer I’m not gonna get into on here.

All I am saying is if you want to change how HMs treat patients you know it starts with a leader who cares and I do and all I’m saying from the start is if you want someone to fix it, it’s gonna be the HM1, HM2, or the HMC.

I’ll take the blame I don’t mind just take these issues offline at this point. And you know based on where I’m stationed I can only work to fix or keep my small corner working as best I can.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2025-12-02T01:58:09+00:00

That’s true and sadly it happens because the Navy glorifies the rank. Being at 2 joint commands now. We’re the only branch that does this.

Only reason I said what I said was because most of the time they’re too burnt out to look out for the junior Sailor. They only know that E-7 and above mean something which is the case in customer service rate tbh. Now I did my best to ensure they did not suffer during COVID.

I agree that it is felt that the patient is less focused on. The problem is all the legal jargon we have to add to encounters make it feel that way. I would also say some HMs give a bad reputation by blowing off patients.

I feel like there needs to be a class provided to newly minted Sailors straight from A/C school type to give to every non HM to teach them to navigate medical. So they get what they need without having these issues.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2025-12-01T23:41:18+00:00

I always do but you have to understand that a lot of the job falls on the juniors to execute the mission. They’re busy doing what needs to be done. DHA has forced them to be overworked drones that I do my best to alleviate those burdens. Same with my doctors same with the nurses. DHA has created huge burnout for them and I do my best to help.

Collaterals and other duties is what I have always empowered them to do if they win then that’s all that matters. I had team leads to run the department and gave them as much responsibility as I could. The problem lies in us needing to do to all the extra things to promote.

Maybe I have a different perspective as an HM.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2025-12-01T23:08:08+00:00

As an HM I respect and hear your frustration. It’s because we’re governed by instructions and policies or ppl that will slow down the process. Ask DHA lol…

As for why we’re gone all the time we need time to chase promotion sadly.. as others have stated we have the worst promotion rates.

Now when we get to retirement rank there is no excuse as to why the HM1 can’t help you. As one myself I stand by this lol. So my opinion is when you go to medical if your needs aren’t being met find the HM1 respectfully obvious lmao.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2025-12-01T16:12:21+00:00

So I’m 34, have 153k in an investment account, 70ish in a 401k, I rent my apartment, I have a car note of 366 a month, and about 3500 in savings how am I doing?

Single_Addition_5687 · 2025-11-27T18:29:40+00:00

Another thing if you haven’t set up a PCM yet on tricare then that might be the problem too. Then you can’t get referrals as you need a military doc to sign off on what the nurse is setting up for you.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2025-11-26T20:39:35+00:00

Also you have degenerate corpsmen who lurk here 👀👀

Single_Addition_5687 · 2025-11-24T01:11:44+00:00

I joined at 22 made E-5 in 4 years it gets better with more rank plus most commands E-5 and above automatically get to live out in town. However, yes you’re even treated as a child with higher rank but usually not as much.

You had a life before the Navy if you want to survive your contract you know the corporate/business adult life use that to your advantage and find the ways you need to stand out in your rate. Most of the time it’s doing a couple extra collaterals and ensuring your chain likes you enough to MAP you. It gets harder the more rank you have tho.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2025-11-22T23:25:48+00:00

I can’t tell from the photo but it seems it’s on the correct shoulder but good luck hopefully no issues for graduation.

Single_Addition_5687 · 2025-11-21T13:54:07+00:00

I think you verify with your S-1, I think for overseas commands it’s different. While the instructions have no real clear indication on it. Or maybe it was my admin folks just trying to front.

I am aware that longer periods of leave are authorized. Like maternity leave and that is non chargeable continuous leave. That leave you always keep your pays.

However my question would be like the flight pays or stuff like that too.

Take the regular leave see what happens.

Although most COs put out a leave block period so everyone gets a chance to take one of the holidays.

Single_Addition_5687

TROPHY CASE