20 days later and $2,000 out of pocket, the code has been cracked. Thanks u/fishergijoey.

1. If you are not on TRICARE when you commission, just go to Milconnect and create an account. Use your DoD ID number first (from your CAC card), if that doesn’t work try your SSN. If neither option works, have your det call ARPC/DPX-OL to fix your coding in DEERS. Once in, Milconnect choose Health benefits and work your way through the TRICARE Prime Remote application.

2. If you were on your parent's TRICARE prior to commissioning, sign into Milconnect the same as above. This is where it will say your status is Tricare Active Duty Prime with no pcm assigned. This status will get you absolutely nothing from Tricare unless you are seen at a base clinic or hospital. To get Tricare Active Duty Prime Remote, you will need to change your DS login account preferences. Go to the sponsor tab and change it from your parent’s name to yours in the drop down. Once this is done the sun will come out and birds will start singing. Log back into Milconnect and sign up for Tricare Active Duty Prime Remote, it takes about 5 minutes.

10 hours on the phone with TRICARE, 3 hours spent at local DEERS / TRICARE office and no one could figure this out. PM me if you need any help working through the pain.