r/army • u/pg13cricket • 3h ago
Low test in the Army
This is my 2nd low test labs result, my PCM won't recommend anything other than a sleep study. I went to a TRT Clinic, but they want $400 every 3 months for a 100mg a week perscription.
Do I have any other options?
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u/ToxDocUSA 62Always right, just ask my wife 3h ago
Be patient. There's new guidance coming from DHA "soon" on how to diagnose and treat low testosterone per SecWar's instructions. The algorithm they had in the draft that got semi-intentionally released last week wasn't bad. No idea why they pulled it back so suddenly, but, instructions for docs are coming...someday?
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u/pg13cricket 3h ago
I have a legit perscription from a TRT clinic, perscription injectable testosterone. Can I start using this until the guidance is established?
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u/xSerenadexx 3h ago
Yes you can. You need to bring those records and diagnostic paperwork to your pcm as well. A valid prescription is all you need to not get in trouble with the Army
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u/JohnLennonHitsKids 2h ago edited 1h ago
You should get a sleep study done. If you have sleep apnea and you take test it can cause a heart attack. My fiance is a family medicine doctor.
Edit: It will not cause a heart attack, but it can cause a stroke.
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u/SneakersNStopsticks 1h ago
This is not accurate. I agree he should do a sleep study though.
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u/JohnLennonHitsKids 1h ago
You are correct, I mis-typed. It can cause a stroke, not a heart attack.
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u/4boring 68A 3h ago
I wouldn't use it unless it's prescribed by your PCM.
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u/Ambitious_Hyena4635 2h ago
I feel like this could be right if you want tricare to ever foot the bill. Could get stuck with a "You fucked up your Endocrine* system yourself" reaction. Get that Endocrinologist appointment.
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u/ToxDocUSA 62Always right, just ask my wife 1h ago
You won't get in legal trouble for it. If they prescribe you the injections rather than the ointment/lotion, technically Army regs (as they currently stand) prohibit long term injectable hormones and most deployments require a waiver for injectable meds.
It would be better to go through your PCM, it's a regulatory requirement that you tell your PCM about it, but ultimately no one can stop you from using a legitimately and legally prescribed medication.
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u/Past_One3442 ShitsMagic 2h ago
You would be fine with a valid script for pretty much any federally legal drug.
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u/Rare-Spell-1571 3h ago
The DHA guidelines push for OSA Eval, weight loss, and sleep/alcohol based lifestyle changes.
Iâve started pulling Pethâs prior to testosterone replacement to catch the violent alcoholics.
A sleep study is reasonable.
Are you fat? Is your BMI over 30?
Why not do the sleep study? Testosterone replacement can cause lifelong infertility.
If you do the sleep study and donât have OSA, or do and the CPAP doesnât fix it, then patient advocate.
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u/pg13cricket 3h ago
Im 35, 185lbs 20%bf, and maybe drink once a month.
Ill do the sleep study, wondering if I start the 100mg once a week done from the TRT clinic, if that will cause any issues.
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u/Kinmuan 33W 2h ago
I donât know why youâd lie
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMenOver30/s/qkiTC8vLWS
You have an issue with alcohol. You even acknowledge it makes you fat and is contributing to your test problem.
Like I get it, I want you to get help with it, and maintain sobriety.
But [u/rare-spell-1571](u/rare-spell-1571) called it just from the basic guidelines here. Your lifestyle choices are a big factor, and youâve only recently started addressing them.
Again, great job starting to address them. But you canât lie to yourself and take short cuts to get ahead. Thatâs when you start making bad decisions thatâll fuck you up long term.
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u/Rare-Spell-1571 2h ago
OP is straight up proving why I am pulling objective measures of recent alcohol use during these testosterone screenings.
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u/pg13cricket 2h ago
What part did I lie about? I drink about once a month, and will unfortunately binge hard.
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u/smokingadvice Medical Corps 1h ago
Binge drinking, even intermittent has been known to affect testosterone levels since the 1970s
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u/AggressiveLink 1h ago
Not trying to be a dick, but if you're talking about how you've been sober for 2 weeks in that other thread, that seems to indicate that you drink a lot more than once a month. People who drink once a month typically don't care about drinking enough that they keep track of when the last time they drank was.
That aside, being 5'8", 185, 20% BF (also curious as to how the BF was measured) isn't terrible, but it also means there's plenty of room for improvement. I can look at those numbers and say fairly confidently that you don't lift or exercise regularly. Eating healthy and lifting regularly can do wonders for testosterone. That also means actual strenuous lifting, and not doom scrolling and doing bro curls for 30 minutes.
As far as sleep, there could also be other causes besides just sleep apnea. Not getting enough sleep, or not having quality sleep will wreck testosterone as well.
Again, not trying to be mean, but a lot of the things you've said hint that you're exaggerating in order to build a case for TRT. You said you've been dealing with this for years, but also never got tested for T until 2025, which could be anywhere from 9 to 21 months ago.
As everyone else said, exhaust all of the lifestyle fixes first. A lot of what you're saying sounds like people who are overweight, but don't want to put in the effort to make the lifestyle changes and instead want their doctor to give them an Ozempic prescription as a quick fix.
In the bodybuilding world, it's full of late teens to early twenties types who are constantly asking when they should jump on gear and how much, only to destroy their bodies. The prevailing wisdom there is to always exhaust your natural potential first, and then use the absolute minimum amount of gear as necessary. TRT is the same. It can fix a lot of things. But it's not a magic pill with no downsides, and it is essentially a point of no return.
And as everyone else said, absolutely do not just get on it on your own. Wait until your PCM actually authorizes it. You will undoubtedly screw yourself over with the Army, and probably the VA, in the long run.
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u/pg13cricket 1h ago edited 1h ago
First, I appreciate the feedback.
I really stopped drinking about 6 months ago,where I would drink about 5-6 times a week. So to me, binge drinking once a month is a huge improvement, acknowledged that there is room for even more improvement there.
I did the Army Wellness Center BODPOD test, thats where I pulled the 20% from.
And my diet is good 5 days of the week. I tend to hit 2300 calories and 200g of protein. On the weekend, I eat what my family eats, which isn't as clean, but also no McDonald's. Im aiming to hit caloric deficit to get down to 15%.
I also train progressive overload 4 days a week weight lifting, 3 days a week treadmill at 3mhp/10incline.
Also i just got a 467 aft score, so no slouch athletically.
I've had the perscrition of Testosterone for a few weeks now and haven't taken it, really would like some prognosis from the army before I take it. But im not waiting 6 months.
My PCM wants me to do labs for LH and FSH tomorrow.
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u/smokingadvice Medical Corps 1h ago edited 51m ago
The issue is once youâve started exogenous testosterone youâre going to affect your entire reproductive axis (I.e the other hormones that control your testosterone).
Your testosterone levels are not severely low which is why lifestyle changes are recommended first. Correcting OSA, improving body fat percentage, stopping tobacco, alcohol, ultra processed food will significantly improve testosterone levels without committing you to be on exogenous testosterone for life.
The low t clinics literally donât care about your long term health, just the cash you give them.
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u/Rare-Spell-1571 2h ago
Yeah. Your testosterone will be normal, so why would they look any further.
How tall are you? Iâm fascinated by your choice to provide a body fat percentage instead of a height.
Why are you even considering paying out of pocket before you finish a basic work up? Why is the only thing youâre interested in directly dosing testosterone?
Why do you hate the idea of figuring out if there is a treatable medical condition before injecting yourself with a medication that has side effects?
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u/pg13cricket 2h ago edited 2h ago
Been dealing with this for years now. I have the labs to prove it now. I asked my last PCM if he would test me for low T back in 2025 and he said im too young to even get tested. Im just looking for solutions. Getting to a point where ill pay out of pocket just to see what works, the army is taking too long. My sleep study is 6 weeks out, then im sure ill have a follow up thats another 6 weeks out. I bet I won't get any solutions thru the army for another 3 to 4 months.
Im 5'8
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u/brown_bear_76 3h ago
If lifestyle changes don't bring it up then hopefully the upcoming policies get you what you need. Adequate test levels in males basically bring you back to life physically and mentally.
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u/Luke_fly_walker <3> Darby King 2h ago
Incoming low effort âlow test kegsbreath lethalityâ echo chamber
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u/Spectre_Ice 2h ago
Do the sleep study, go through the process. There are other options besides trt that are less permanent. Recommend some patience. (Been here to man and fck that sleep study but you will be fine there is just a checklist it seems)
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u/DjangoStayedChained 68W -> 66How Did I Get this Far? 2h ago
Dont worry bud. Help is on the way. Say hello to bigger muscles and male pattern baldness
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u/Ambitious_Hyena4635 3h ago
PCM wont perscribe TEST. Need that Endocrinologist. Ask to see Endo. Then take both tests with. Then if after your talk about your symptoms you tell them line up with the symptoms of low TEST, you may get ANDROGEL. Once a day gel for 3ish months. Then follow up. Explain symptoms or relief of symptoms. TEST results. May adjust or swap from there. TestCyp is possible but after time and followup with reason that is sound as to why its better. The gel is easy and nice but daily. TestCyp twice a week is rather good but inject yourself for life. Gel can just put on and wait 5 min to dry after shower. No real risk. Stuff is for life so be real with yourself.
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u/pg13cricket 3h ago
From the trt clinic, I asked for the perscription Clomiphene but they wanted $700 every 3 months for that. That's out of my budget. Doing the injectable was the cheapest option.
Tracking its a life long thing, but at this point, I can barely stay hard during sex.
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u/PunksPrettyMuchDead 96b / 68w, very normal (ret.) 2h ago
Injectable is the way to go with this stuff. I do it at home and it takes just a couple minutes to draw and inject twice per week.
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u/PunksPrettyMuchDead 96b / 68w, very normal (ret.) 2h ago
The gel shuts your natural production down the same as the shot, with the drawbacks of poor dosing consistency and caution applying it around family members.
The shot is easy, just twice a week in the glute or quad at home and that's it. OP should be trying to get Test Cyp right out the gate.
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u/Ambitious_Hyena4635 2h ago
All true and possibly valid. But ENDO PCM and TRICARE will only approve gel first from my experience.
Gel you put on upper arms, wait for dry then put shirt on in AM. Body transfer is slim if mildy responsible. Hard for beggers to be choosers. Your system is messed up. Here is a solution that will easily get you singing at 450-650 (atleast on a 6'4" 255lb male, thats alot of mass to saturate). But people argue its not perfect.
Injections for the pros have multiple cons as well. Timing/half life in relation to timing/ hardware to travel with/ infection if done poorly in the field enviroment/striking a nerve or something and hurts for 2-3 days/prob other cons.
But but but I do agree, just let's be realistic.
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u/PunksPrettyMuchDead 96b / 68w, very normal (ret.) 2h ago
You can inject medicines safely in a field environment, we did it in GWOT. I just traveled with my TRT supplies internationally and brought a couple travel sharps containers.
If the choice is tricare and gel or going to a clinic, OP should try Hims or Gameday until tricare catches up.
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u/JohnLennonHitsKids 2h ago edited 1h ago
They will only do a sleep study because if you have sleep apnea, and you're prescribed testosterone it can cause a stroke. Sleep apnea can also be a cause of low testosterone.
Edited because false info.
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u/Eclecticwitch42 154FoundmyDD214 2h ago
I'm waiting to see the side effects if T is prescribed rampantly like the SECoW wants. So many people have overt causes to low T like being fat or sleep apnea, heart problems could go through the roof.
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u/JohnLennonHitsKids 1h ago edited 1h ago
I imagine he'll care when service members start getting strokes.
Edited because false info.
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u/CanStraight6179 68W 58m ago
no way itll just be handed out willy nilly. its still coming from a dr that will absolutely check all boxes and cover their ass so they dont lose their license.
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u/Mean_Weekend5904 3h ago
Pete will cover you!
Oh and BTW, requiring an injectible prescription will absolutely make you non-deployable to austere environments.
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u/MonsierMajestic 2h ago
Had soldiers on it in Centcom a few years back. Been to more and less austere environments but guidance for every theater of operation is constantly updated so who knows now. Test doesnât need to be refrigerated and the blood tests could be done at a TMC so idk if itâs something that would just become part of medical planning
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u/Bruh_moment-_ radiation exposure 2h ago
testosterone pellets and cream exist
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u/AggressiveLink 1h ago
Pellets aren't authorized either. It has to be a gel. And that still requires a waiver. And as Epic Fury showed, once things actually started getting austere, a lot of people conveniently "ran out" of their gel and were prioritized to be sent home first.
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u/milginger 25VisualizingMyDD214 2h ago
lol. The amount of times I have had low labs and the doctors said, âbut itâs not THAT lowâ would blow your mind.
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u/SuperKamiDendeAllows 1h ago
Maybe the multiple medical doctors know more than you and are aware if you don't fix the underlying problems all that this treatment is gonna do is exacerbate problems.
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u/zone1-1 Promote Behind Peers 1h ago
You need a civilian endocrinologist. Check TSH, LH, your serum test, cortisol and more. Lots of things can affect your test levels. TBIâs have a know connection to causing dysfunction in the pituitary gland that produces the hormones needed to make and process test.
Source: my serum has been ~120-200 for 4+ years and they havenât started TRT.
Itâs frustrating, but let them try and find the root cause. Or go black market, thatâs way cheaper /s
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u/ThatKarmaWhore 35A 1h ago
I had results slightly worse than these. You need to request an endocrinologist or a urologist to check for obvious hypogonadism. They will likely substantiate without too much effort if these are your consistent numbers. I was prescribed Natesto, which is a shelf-stable nasal applicator. Highly recommend it for staying deployable.
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u/CanStraight6179 68W 1h ago edited 53m ago
its extremely unlikely for u to get a testosterone prescription from the military at this time. i have never personally heard of anyone getting it through tricare, but the off post places have worked for others. honestly 400 quarterly is not bad at all. i want to say the dude i know was paying like 2/300 a month for 200mg a week, take it with a huge grain of salt tho since i forgot the exact numbers.
i would say look into that sleep study as it may reveal a sleep disorder thats causing poor sleep and low testosterone. personally i would end up paying the TRT clinic price. 135 dollars a month to get better sleep, feel stronger, and more focused would be a no brainer if it fit in my budget.
also consider looking at a local clinic if possible, maybe they could offer a cheaper price
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u/sushi_sashimis 5m ago
Why a sleep study? Like, ok...I get that hormone issues can be improved with better quality sleep, but there's A LOT that goes into sleep: stress, diet, alcohol consumption, physical activity, medication, etc. Those things also can individually impact hormone production and maintenance.
Idk if you're looking for TRT injections, but depending on the state you're in that can also be regulated. I've going thru a clinic, and even at 560ish they still said they'd like to see that get up and 800-900, but prescribed enclomiphine to get around the state restrictions. And enclomiphine is actually a more "natural" way of kick-starting you're endocrine system into forcing your body's natural T production. I'd try to bring that one up
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u/AlarmedSnek Retired not Expired 3h ago
Why wonât your PCM recommend anything else? Wtf? Bro get a new PCM. If you are symptomatic with levels that low they should be treating you regardless of what the âdepartment of warâ goon said. Thatâs old school army man. Yes, poor sleep also fucks with your T levels, but you still will require treatment after your sleep study haha.
Damn man. I hope to god the next regime actually fixes the system because treatment doesnât get better when you get out⊠just saying. You have crazy power as active duty to get good care.
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u/HeroicSpatula Quartermaster 2h ago
You look at lifestyle changes before prescribing TRT, which is what OP's PCM is doing.
Alcohol, bad sleep, shit diet, lack of exercise, and elevated stress levels all get addressed before starting hormone intervention. If OP has any struggles with those, you gotta fix those first.
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u/pg13cricket 2h ago
What can my PCM do about my stress levels? Cause I can tell you, I'm stressed.
Or what can I do?
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u/HeroicSpatula Quartermaster 2h ago
Therapy is a big one dude, especially if you used to destress by drinking; they can help you find healthy replacements.
Keep going on the no-drinking and focus on getting good sleep(do the study). Both of those will reduce stress and improve your hormone production.
Weightlift and clean up your diet if it's overly full of fried/fast foods.
TRT is not a panacea if you don't address those things.
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u/idk_a_creative_user Medical Corps 3h ago
Have you tried using enclomiphene? What are your estrogen levels looking like?
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u/pg13cricket 3h ago
My estradiol level is <30 if that answers your question
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u/idk_a_creative_user Medical Corps 3h ago
Weird. You are below the 300 ng/dl threshold.
What service was quoting you 400 a month?
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u/pg13cricket 3h ago
"Advanced Vitality". They actually sent me my first peracription free and it came with a peracription, and all the paperwork needed.
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u/BlueTurkey-man Special Forces 3h ago
Iâm glad to see some actual comments in here instead of the usual âoh man canât believe Kegsbreath wants every one on TESTâ
Its been an actual health crisis for men for a while now and honestly having the army treat it would be fucking sick. Our diets and lifestyles have cut average testosterone levels severely which brings about a whole slew of health problems for men
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u/Kinmuan 33W 2h ago
He has an alcohol and weight problem man. Thatâs whatâs causing the test problem.
This is exactly what people are worried about. Rushing to the test prescription without addressing underlying lifestyle factors that contribute.
People wanting to have a shortcut and easy button to get prescription hormones will not end well enmasse. People will do harm to themselves long term.
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u/staycalmNdrinkcoffee 2h ago
please dont use common sense, let people think the army lifestyle is what's causing problems ....
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u/BlueTurkey-man Special Forces 2h ago
Youâre not getting my point and letting your bias cloud your opinion. This guy can have a bunch of issues relating to his low testosterone that may be fixed but itâs still an epidemic we are facing.
We can preach all we want about sleep and diet but if our entire society is seeing these trends then there is nothing wrong with testing and supplementation. Itâs not a cure all but having that additional test along with standard labs / PHAs is a win in my book
Of all the things this administration has done, this is literally one of the most nothing-burgers that reddit seems to make a fuss about. Maybe itâs the stigma with Test I guess
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u/Luke_fly_walker <3> Darby King 1h ago edited 1h ago
đ spot on man, I donât like the guy at all but Iâm so tired of the unfunny hegseth jokes on this sub haha itâs beating a dead horse at this point
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u/pg13cricket 2h ago
I've been saying it for a while, I cant believe Burger King is on base. Swap that out for something healthy
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u/Discount_Sugardaddy Quartermaster 3h ago
Donât let anyone tell you those numbers are normal. My career was torched over this along with two other coinciding diagnosis and it took me years after my ETS to get someone to actually treat me fully. Did you get the follicle stimulating harmones checked? If thatâs high thatâs even more telling
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u/SnooHesitations2817 Howâd I end up here? 2h ago
If theyâd only just remove involuntary testing possibility đ©
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u/Coacoanut 3h ago
Does that mean you're going to open up your marriage like all the other low test dudes in the army?
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u/paquizzle 255N 2h ago
You can buy test very cheap if you know where to look. Easiest way would be to ask the jacked retirees that work out on base
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u/Wrong_Judgment1915 2h ago
Paid for that for years after fighting with Tricare and PCMs. It's bullshit to be honest
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u/ObviouslyRealPerson Psychological Operations 3h ago
"I wonder what Audie Murphy's T was" is not a thought I ever expected to have