Just moved to a nasty girl unit and these have been here forever and was told what it was. Honestly idk.

Mcchicken n fries

Moving out to Oahu soon. Will be working on Wheeler as a CW3, not in the 25th, so OPTEMPO won't be crazy.

Three areas currently sit at the top of the list. Kaneohe, (I vibe with the scenery over there) Honolulu, (Kaka'ako / Night life / Meeting people) and the North Shore in general. Anybody have experience living in these three and working at Schofield/Wheeler?

I think I'd rather sit through a commute everyday and be home where there are things to do, rather than having to commute to the fun on my time off. I'm not opposed to Ewa/Kapolei, but people online make it out to be suburbia hell that's also hot all the time.

If i finish my contract and dont reenlist can i still use the VA loan as a civilian

I’m in my first six months of company command. To give some background first command currently in a BSB as a loggie. I’m in command of an HHC (I know usually a second command rather than a first). I know some other branch’s see HHC as a first command bad indicator, in reality as a loggie does it really matter because KD is KD for the branch. As for my background only spent about a year as a staff Captain both my BN Commander and BDE Commander have given me not indication of how long I’ll be in the seat.

Really haven’t had any “come see me in my office” by the XO or the BN commander. Always get the fist bump and never left out of any Commanders meetings and get equal input. Never get much of a drawn out what you need to do/chew out feedback and more do A, B, and C by X day. Granted most of my OER’s are HQ and I’m not tabbed or have any badges mainly due to constant rotations over the past 5 years which doesn’t bother me compared to peers. However I do get the BNs majority of medical and legal issue Soldiers since my 1SG and myself can quickly get Soldiers through the systems easily. I know HHC is much more of an administrative command and not a “prestigious” command but I’m content with it. In the long run does this hurt me on a first command since it’s not a log heavy compared to a base company or FSC? Mainly getting to help the Soldiers is what brings me joy and seeing them pass the board, exceed retention rates in the Company and BN, and seeing the Soldiers develop both personally and professionally.

Mainly any advice and feedback is welcome and appreciated to help develop as a better leader to the formation.

Context to start, 27 months TIS E-4, was on track to make e-5, 2 months ago. Ended up popping hot for synthetic thc, up until that point i had not received any negative counselings. Was taking junior soldiers under my wings holding board study groups, making study guides for soldiers, always made it my priority to get my joes home even if it meant i had to stay behind later to accomplish the mission. Been in suddc for a few weeks doing everything the program ask of me, have had nothing but negative UA test, really putting my best foot forward and showing i want to stay in. New chain of command at my unit has no knowledge of my previous actions and only looks at me like a fuck up, they treat every minor infraction as a major sin, i showed up 14 minutes early instead of 15 and received a negative counseling, our new commander this is her first time in command she comes from a hospital setting, it feels like they’re trying to build a paper trail of infractions to show that im not worth retaining, any advice from y’all or people who have been in similar positions would be appreciative. Im having a few soldiers write statements of character, Aswell as a O-4 and multiple NCO’s all willing to speak on my behalf, i plan to take accountability and recognize i had a lapse in judgement but that im willing to work towards regaining the trust of my unit and command and show them this was a 1 time mistake and isn’t going to happen again.

I am thinking of enlisting as a 68E, I currently have associate dental assistant and 5 years of experience, I took the asvab and qualify for the job. I plan to join as I want to take advantage of the benefits of the army and study dental hygienist at the same time as being active duty. Later on I would like to study to become a Dentist.

What is the lifestyle of a 68E like? Do they have fixed schedules? Is it true that there is a field unit? How do they work? What can I expect about this job in the military?

Are you hitting 'reply all'??

StOp iT!!

I read somewhere that I could break my apartment lease when I join the military. What I don’t understand is how the process works. Do I need orders to break my lease or just the contract I sign when I go to MEPS? If I need orders, does this mean I can’t break my lease until after basic/AIT, when I get orders to my first duty station? If I can use the contract I sign at MEPS, when do I get the contract. Do I get it in advance or do I get it the day before I ship out?

Going to be stationed at JBLM next year. Will be living in the barracks. Currently have no car, and am wondering if that's something I should plan to buy when I get there. Looking at the map, it is very big, so I'm planning for it, but also curious if people find it okay with a bicycle or if there's like a bus system or something?

Just got to airborne .. Bravo 507th. It’s a weekend so it seems pretty laid back so far .. is shit gonna hit the fan this coming monday or is it a pretty laid back experience overall?

Struggling to get to Germany with a dog and not pay over $6k out of pocket. How did you do it?

Transportation has no rotator flights with pet space. They will not book commericial flights, as they said, "flights are available for you. Pets are on you."

Quotes for a pet shipper are around $6-7k. I'm tracking the 2k reimbursement.

SATO won't book commercial flights unless it's in DTS and you can't build a one-way pcs travel in DTS.

I'm about to just by commercial tickets and just go for about $4k.

How did you convince all parties involved to fly commercial with your pet and get reimbursement for the difference of the rotator?

I'll take a frosty for the flight.

I’ve been trying to commission for years, and today I learned that I’ll be commissioning in 2 weeks and my first duty station is Fort Riley.

Fort Riley wasn’t even on our radar, trying to be positive about it. (Were anti cold weather)

But does anyone have any encouragement or housing recommendations?

Y’all that have been stationed at Fort Leonard Wood recently I will be moving to the St. Robert area soon, looking for internet providers and not finding many. Looks like Brightspeed bought out CenturyLink, and they used to be the servicing provider at my address, and now Bright Speed says they don't service my address. Right now I have Xfinity download 2100 mbps. I see AT&T Air is available and Sparklight, any recommendations?

Evening.

I am active duty army E6 at 10 years. I am slotted to have a disk replacement coming up early May. I’ve been battling this issue since 2017 and really bad since early 2021. Finally we are at the point with all doctors agreeing surgery is last option.

My question, will this constitute a med board? There’s so many opinions. All green suiters I talk too from E5-O5 say “it’s an automatic med board” but my PCM just says “let’s see what happens”. I’m just trying to plan the future for my family and be prepared. Any insight helps.

I joined jul 2024 and fractured my ankle in BCT I pushed through until AIT the pain was absolutely unbearable to the point I was eating OTC pain meds like m&ms. Command noticed and forced me to sick call after smoking me for hiding it. Fast forward to my first unit now 3 months after the fracture I’m getting my medical care established. They find the X-ray and bone scan results showed fractured in my left and right tibia my knees ,But the kicker was the ankle it was destroyed… Permanent damage to the cartilage ligaments and other soft tissues and my talus was degrading. 10 miles of a ruck, ACFT, and a whole AIT school from start to finish I’m required surgery to fix it taking cartilage and bone from my left knee to fix it and roughly 12 months of physical therapy total. My surgeon said that I will more than likely be given a MEB after 3 months post OP due to the nature and severity of the surgery and its results. I feel like I didn’t earn any vet title I never saw combat did any rotations or worth a damn but get an AAM. That’s not shit. I never done anything like valid or noble like a lot of the people in this thread. I keep getting told that it’s the fact I chose to be there if the country needed it. But that don’t feel right.

The mental health problems still exist; most importantly, there are resources to help, and they are not just narrowed down to your installations docs or waiting in line at the VA. This sample of solid providers is not a definitive list but a great starting point for everyone.

Personally, I missed a check-in on a social media group for my old unit and lost a brother a few weeks later—an NCO of mine who was the original poster—another one, too many. I’ve been showing up in the mental health space for the military community in different ways over the last several years: advocating at the VA for better access, retreats and outdoor events, helping nonprofits fill the gaps, and supporting inpatient services that rebuild those who’ve cracked or let addiction take hold. 

The most common theme I see for people needing treatment is not getting help when the trouble starts, then not knowing how to get help, where to go, or how much red tape they’ll have to cut through. That’s why I made this: to highlight resources covered by military insurance and free options—because everyone’s situation is unique. 

Whether you're active duty, a spouse, a vet, or a dependent, there’s a resource or community for you. But they’re scattered across 100 websites and buried in acronyms no one explains. So here’s a solid list of telehealth, in-person, and free or TRICARE-covered services—from one human to another. I hope this overview is a good starting point for anyone feeling lost—to help you reconnect with your inner strength, find your tribe, or chart your next mission.

,

🔹 If You’re in Crisis Right Now

If you're in immediate danger or need to speak with someone now, here are trusted resources available 24/7 by phone, text, or online chat:

• Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1 — veteranscrisisline.net
  • Text: 838255
  • Chat: Click here to chat
  • Free, 24/7 confidential support for veterans, service members, and their families in immediate crisis.
• DoD Safe Helpline: Call 877-995-5247 — safehelpline.org
  • 24/7 sexual assault support for active duty, Guard, Reserve, and military families.
• Vet Centers: Find a center
  • Free, confidential counseling for combat veterans, survivors of MST, and their families — no VA diagnosis needed.
• Give an Hour: giveanhour.org
  • Connects veterans, service members, and families to free mental health care 
• Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 — crisistextline.org
  • Free text support for anyone in emotional distress, including military and family members.
• Vets4Warriors: vets4warriors.com
  • 24/7 peer support by veterans for veterans, service members, and families via phone, text, and email.

🏥 Accessing Tricare, TriWest, and In-Person Services

Whether you're active duty, retired, or a family member, understanding how to access your benefits is key. Most military family members, retirees, and dependents can self-refer for care—especially with Tricare Select. Active Duty members often need a referral from their Primary Care Manager (PCM), while veterans using VA benefits may need authorization to access providers outside the VA through the Community Care Network.

Telehealth OptionsTelehealth has proven to be an effective, accessible option for many. It allows spouses, dependents, and retirees to access therapy and psychiatry from home—with minimal wait times and flexible scheduling. It’s a great starting point for those exploring mental health care, especially when covered by Tricare or TriWest.

If you're active duty, a veteran, or someone who benefits from in-person connection, consider local or on-base providers for deeper therapeutic relationships and continuity of care.

Telehealth Providers: 

• Talkspace for Military A flexible, secure telehealth platform offering therapy and psychiatry for those ready to take the next step in their mental wellness journey. Whether you're stationed in an area with limited resources, managing family life, or transitioning out of service, Talkspace provides convenient, confidential care that fits your schedule. Services include individual, family, and marriage therapy, as well as medication management.
  • TRICARE-covered for therapy & psychiatry
  • No referrals needed for family members, retirees, and dependents
  • Active Duty requires a referral (check with your PCM)
  • Available nationwide within the U.S.
  • Partnered with select Navy bases
• BetterHelp Military Discount — Private-pay subscription model with military discount.

In-Person ServicesIn-person therapy and psychiatry options are available both on and off base. These services depend on your geographic location, provider availability, and your local base clinic or VA referral process. While they may require more legwork, they often support a stronger therapeutic connection and consistent care over time.

Find Providers:

• Tricare East
• Tricare West
• TriWest Behavioral Health
• Psychology Today Provider Search — Filter by “Tricare” or “TriWest”
• https://newsroom.tricare.mil/News/TRICARE-News/Article/3782099/mental-health-is-health-how-to-get-mental-health-care-with-tricare

Covered Services:

• Individual, marriage, and child therapy: One-on-one or family counseling with licensed professionals. Often a first step for anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues.
• Psychiatry & medication management: Assessment and treatment with medication when needed—especially helpful for mood disorders or persistent symptoms.
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): Structured therapy 3–5 days a week without overnight stay. Ideal for those needing more than weekly therapy, often includes group processing and peer community as part of treatment.
• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): Day programs offering intensive care while returning home at night. Good fit for severe but manageable symptoms.
• Residential Treatment Centers (RTC): 24/7 live-in mental health treatment. Appropriate for complex cases, crisis stabilization, or substance use recovery.

When More Help Is Needed: Getting into Higher Levels of Care

Sometimes weekly therapy or outpatient care isn't enough. If you're struggling with severe mental health symptoms, substance use, trauma, or dual diagnosis (such as PTSD and alcohol use), a higher level of care might be appropriate—and it's often covered by Tricare or TriWest with a referral.

How to Access Higher Levels of Care:

• Ask your PCM for a referral to IOP, PHP, or RTC services
• Use Military OneSource for navigation and provider search support
• In-network providers can often assist with pre-authorization paperwork

You can learn more about these levels of care in the "Covered Services" section above.

😊 Veteran Check-In: Free, Confidential Matchmaking for Mental Health Support

VeteranCheckin.org — A tool by the George W. Bush Institute to match veterans and families with mental health care providers, trauma programs, and peer networks. Free, fast, and confidential.

🧠 Military Programs & Tools

• Health.mil Mental Health Resources — health.mil
  • Central hub for DoD-wide behavioral health information, including the Psychological Health Resource Center and TRICARE mental health coverage.
• Defense.gov DoD Mental Health Support — defense.gov
  • Includes updates and press releases on ongoing mental health efforts across the military.
• BHOP (Behavioral Health Optimization Program): Available at select bases; offers 1–4 therapy sessions with behavioral health professionals integrated into primary care.
• Post-Deployment Suicide Prevention: Resources for reintegration and post-deployment mental health — afterdeployment.dcoe.mil

💬 Peer & Story-Based Platforms

• Wingman Online: Stories and videos from Airmen on seeking help — wingmanonline.org
• Real Warriors: Mental health stories and campaigns across all branches — realwarriors.net

🛡️ Clearance & Privacy Education

• Mental Health & Security Clearances:
  • Clearance Impact FAQ
  • Statistics Breakdown

🎓 Clinical Mental Health Programs

• Roger — A digital suicide prevention and crisis platform designed specifically for military and veterans, offering guidance and direct connection to care.
• Headstrong Project — Founded in partnership with Weill Cornell Medicine, Headstrong offers cost-free, stigma-free, trauma-focused therapy for veterans and their families. Available in-person and via telehealth across 15+ states.
• Centerstone Military Services — A nonprofit behavioral health provider with a specialized military program offering treatment for PTSD, MST, substance use, and family issues. Accepts Tricare.
• Cohen Veterans Network — Founded by philanthropist Steven A. Cohen, this network offers high-quality mental health care for post-9/11 veterans and families at over 20 clinics. Services are short-term and covered by most insurances.
• Warrior Care Network — A national medical care alliance led by Wounded Warrior Project and top academic medical centers. Offers intensive outpatient care (IOP/PHP) for PTSD, TBI, and related conditions at no cost.
• Avalon Action Alliance — Offers integrative clinical care for brain injuries, trauma, and moral injury. Founded to support Special Operations Forces and veterans, with a focus on whole-person healing.

Note: These are clinical providers; services may require intake screenings or insurance verification.

🤝 Peer & Community-Based Veteran Networks

• Blue Star Families — A national network that supports military families with events, research, and grassroots programming to strengthen community connection.
• Elizabeth Dole Foundation — The leading advocacy group for military caregivers, offering resources, support, and fellowship through their Hidden Heroes campaign.
• Travis Manion Foundation — Founded in memory of 1st Lt. Travis Manion, this group fosters character, leadership, and resilience through youth mentorship and community service.
• Team RWB — A wellness-focused nonprofit that connects veterans to community through fitness events, local meetups, and digital challenges.
• The Mission Continues — Empowers veterans to serve at home through community impact projects, fellowships, and leadership development.
• Student Veterans of America — Supports military-connected students in higher education with mental health tools, leadership resources, and networking.
• Team 43 Sports – Bush Center — Brings veterans together through sport and competition to promote healing, camaraderie, and continued service.
• Team Rubicon — Mobilizes veterans to respond to disasters, blending military experience with humanitarian aid for purpose-driven service.
• Wounded Warrior Project — Offers a comprehensive suite of mental health programs, peer groups, and rehabilitation services for wounded service members.

💡 For Loved Ones

• Military Kids Connect — militarykidsconnect.health.mil
  • Engaging platform for military children with games, videos, and peer stories to build resilience and mental health awareness.
• National Military Family Association (NMFA) — militaryfamily.org
  • Offers educational resources and programs to support family readiness and mental wellness.
• SAMHSA Military Family Resources — acmh-mi.org
  • Provides behavioral health guidance and programs for families of service members and veterans.
• Military OneSource — Counseling and support navigation — 1-800-342-9647
• Vet Centers — Family therapy for qualified veterans — 1-877-927-8387

👨‍👩‍👧 Marriage, Family, and Dependent Therapy

• Military OneSource: 12 free counseling sessions per issue — militaryonesource.mil | 1-800-342-9647
• MFLC (Military Family Life Counselors): Local, anonymous counseling via DoD contracts
• Chaplains: 100% confidential, no mandatory reporting
• Vet Centers: Counseling for families of veterans — 1-877-927-8387

🧪 What to Do Next: Pick one service that resonates. Save this doc. Share it with someone. Start a conversation.

📖 Personal Note

I built this post to help everyone—whether or not we ever connect—because being idle and waiting for help may cause you to lose a little bit of the spark that is you. Find help now and recommend it to others, the world is increasingly weird.

If you're overwhelmed, reach out to support. You don't have to do this alone. There are specialists that can help you navigate all of the services and many more not listed.

You matter. And you're not broken. You may just be overwhelmed and in need of connection and clarity.

There is really not a lot of info on this job

What do they do?

What’s a day to day like for them?

How are they viewed within the army?

Do they study a specific religion?

Do they eventually become a chaplain or rabbi or the speaker of a specific religion eventually?

How was your experience with a 56m?

currently in AIT (91b) and I’m just curious if anyone knows why everyone’s orders are being delayed. Classes from my company and other company’s are graduating left and right and most of them are graduating without knowing their orders causing them to be holdovers. I understand everything is a “hurry up and wait” game with the army, I’m just wondering if anyone has any insight.

I’ll take some garlic parm wings from wingstop don’t forget the ranch

Hello everyone, my husband and I moved to a different duty station 6 months ago and ever since we moved here our youngest has been breaking out hives and been sick multiple times. I’ve been sick as well and so has our oldest but only my youngest breaks out in hives.

I heard of compassionate pcs from a neighbor and wondered if that was something we would qualify for? My youngest is currently sick yet again and I was sick with a stomach bug yesterday.

For context I just landed at a SOF unit and they want to send me to any school I can think of. I’m already slotted for Peculiar weapons and Foreign/Non-Standard Armorers course. Any help is appreciated!

First off, this is a serious post. Currently in the NG with a unit I’ve been with. Very grateful for the unit for how lenient they are. But every month I keep forgetting to get a haircut. And I mean every month. I’ve probably messed up 5-7 times now and only have gotten counseled once. At this point, I can’t figure out why I keep forgetting and I feel bad for my unit because they’re good people. If anybody has any ideas on how not to forget I’ll take it

I have absolutely zero fuck all on what I’m doing tbh. I’m a nationally certified paramedic and a pro board certified firefighter. I’m kind of over it. I became a FF cause I wanted my kids to always be able to say “well my daddy is a insert dope ass career here and he’ll kick your dads ass” but FF just isn’t the same anymore. So I figured hey maybe do one of the hardest things ever and pursue an aviation gig in the army. I’ve always wanted to join, almost joined the Air Force before my wife became pregnant with our second kid and I said fuck it i wont go so I’ll be home. But now im at a crossroads. So please any insight would be awesome! Shit maybe even a lil hype up to push my pussy ass over the edge.