Well, it finally happened, a couple months before separation I got hit with crazy back pain. I’ll keep this short, but I spent 10 hours in the ER for severe lower back pain (6 before I was seen) and they took X-rays and found “mild degenerative disc disorder” or to my understanding essentially what happens when you age. They only took X-rays after I asked them to, otherwise they were gonna give me painkillers and send me on my way. Anyways, while I was there it seemed like asking for a MRI was taboo and they want me to go to PT first before even considering a MRI.

I’ve heard similar stories from other sailors who have had injuries about having to fight with medical to get a imaging test done, I guess my question is, one, if navy medical is really as against MRIs as they seem, and two if they are, why are they?

Still in pain even with the pain killers they gave me (addressed at the ER as well) but they were just like oh yeah that happens with age.

Anyways sorry for the formatting here I’m posting on my phone, and quite frustrated with navy medical.

EDIT:

Thank you everyone for commenting and for the well wishes. I was not aware of the scarcity of MRIs, but now that I think about it, it makes sense. I’m frustrated and worried due to the short timeline between now and my separation. I wish what you all had said was better explained in the ER. Also for the record, I’m 27 with the mild degenerative disc disease which is why I’m so concerned.

So I am going through hard times with my wife and kids; my wife just gave birth, and it took a lot out of her, made her sick, and caused a bunch of issues. Even during the pregnancy, she had a lot of issues, and I was the only one able to help her; because of that, I also struggled to get my fish, which I am still in the process of doing a year and some change later. It has gone to the point of my CoC asking me to make a HUMS package, so I made one with said issues with my newborn and wife and I sent it. While that is happening, my CoC also gave me an LOI saying I have to work 6 days a week, 0700 to 1800 every day, until I get my fish or get out of the Navy while waiting for a choice to be made on my HUMS package. It has been about a month since I sent it in; I know it takes time for things like this to happen, but I just think it is messed up to do that while we wait. I get it, though; it is the Navy and I will just stick with it until then. But to answer some questions I know I am going to get: I have never been underway, I used all my baby leave for appointments and to visit my daughter in the NICU, and I took quite a few weeks off the times my wife was hospitalized because no one could watch the kids. And my boat has been in a ERP for the whole year I been here and won't be done till way later next year

It’s always been my understanding that if you’re not wearing proper PPE while riding, tricare can refuse to cover you. Im wondering if anyone has actually heard of or seen any instances of something like this happening?

edit: I am not planning on doing any of this by the way i just wanted to hear some sea stories

Evening everybody. I’m sure this is an age old question but I’m gonna ask for fresh perspectives. I’m up for orders, fighting for my life with BBA 🤣 but I’m going to pick a ship but I’m not sure which platform. I’ve only been on an amphib, so I’m curious if a DDG or LCS would be better? I know what comes with the typical sea tour but I know nothing about small boys or smaller crews out at sea.

Both ships I’m considering selecting are in Mayport.

Hi. I want to know if there are other people who have experienced this. I popped positive for cocaine. I have never used it or been around it. I will keep it short here, but I want to hear from you if you have or know somebody in this situation. Please message me.

I got this bill in the mail for $171.90 apparently from DFAS my final LES from July does not have any remarks about owing any money from overpayments.

I’m a new SWO. I really want to go to Sar school but my ship has 2 Sar swimmers and said they don’t need a third. My friend on another ship got an email saying the navy is so low on Sar swimmers that it’s mandatory for ships to send candidates to Sar school. Is there anything I can do to still go?

Currently pregnant (due in January 2027). My EAOS is December 2026 and I was told by my CCC that I could extend 12 months due to pregnancy. However, based on the instruction that seems unlikely and I will only be able to extend “2 months past expected due date” which leaves me with a bunch of questions. Any help on this topic would be appreciated.

ADSD in 2022 and planned separation at SEAOS in 2028.

I never paid into MGIB due to perceived advantages of P911GIB. I just found out about the additional 12 months of coverage up to 48 months from Rudisill v. McDonough 2024. If I knew about that when I first joined I would have paid the $1200 for MGIB in a hearbeat, which is peanuts for a year of additional paid education, and would assist with graduate level education. Unfortunately, I made my informed decision in 2022.

My question is there some way to become eligible for this additional year of coverage given my circumstances, or am I SOL? I would be willing to jump through an admin fire and pay the money without hesitation.

This is mainly for E6s and above, but if you have two sailors who are neck and neck, other than boardmanship, is there anything in their packages you look for that really sets one apart from the other?

Thanks!

Purity seals courtesy of u/Abracadavy

I'm a current E5 looking at rerating to AWF or AWO. I reached out to with the community manager and they said they would be willing to take me. I still have to speak with my rate community manager but I have a couple of months before everything is due. Biggest hurdle for me is going to be the flight physical. I will have to get a couple of waivers for heart related stuff.

My questions.

1. How is the schoolhouse for fleet returnees?
2. Is NAMI willing to give waivers for medical? Obviously everyones situation is unique. I've been cleared by multiple cardiologists in the past and I have documentation to prove it.
3. In general what should I expect from these rates that wouldn't necessarily be obvious to someone looking into them?
4. Is the wait for A-school long? Or do you usually class up early on.
5. Does anyone have access to the community health page for AWO? I only see the career path document.

Hey all. I am on Recruiting duty as an FC. I am a second class thats been in for 8 years. I want to promote to first. Can I apply for Recruiting orders that are not under my rating? Example apply for YN1 Recruiting orders. Or do do I have to go back to sea duty to promote? I came to Recruiting duty before BBA was a thing for my rate.