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• I agree

  28 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Commissioned Corp »

  Establish a blanket MOU with the DOD for all categories

  The Army in particular is in need of help with the plethora of wounded warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of these Soldiers are not getting the care that they need or are sent off posts for rehabilitative care/treatments. The Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) that are at each military post are severely understaffed medically. Although the Army has been seeking the PHS for help there is no procedure other ...more »

  The Army in particular is in need of help with the plethora of wounded warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of these Soldiers are not getting the care that they need or are sent off posts for rehabilitative care/treatments. The Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) that are at each military post are severely understaffed medically. Although the Army has been seeking the PHS for help there is no procedure other than individual MOUs to assist and the individual MOUs are very difficult to establish (mostly the PHS's fault). Lets establish a blanket MOU with the DOD much like we have in place with the IHS and BOP for all categories.

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  14 comments

  Submitted by Community Member 1 year ago

• I agree

  23 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Commissioned Corp »

  OBC/OSG

  Provide or encourage officers the opportunity to tour or visit headquarters at some point during OBC.

  2 comments

  Submitted by TIDE 1 year ago

• I agree

  19 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Commissioned Corp »

  PHS Officers assigned outside the DC Metro area

  Need more opportunities for training, social mixers, conferences, etc... to minimize the feelings of isolation or exclusion.

  3 comments

  Submitted by gligonde 1 year ago

• I agree

  17 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Uniforms »

  USPHS PT Uniforms

  Create a USPHS PT uniform.

  Heard this is in the works. Understandably, with everything else going on it is not a top priority. Having a PT uniform (and requiring officers to own one) may encourage officers to exercise regularly. It could be as simple as stamping USPHS on the shirts and shorts in the spot where the word "NAVY" is usually placed.

  4 comments

  Submitted by TIDE 1 year ago

• I agree

  16 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Commissioned Corp »

  Category Insignia

  We need an identifier for our occupational specialty on our uniforms. A category insignia would give us some idea of who we are talking to and working with. This is particularly important on a field deployment.

  2 comments

  Submitted by Pe H. Eschat 1 year ago

• I agree

  15 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Commissioned Corp »

  Surgeon General From the Ranks

  It should be clear by now that the Corps can and often does, operate under career officer Acting Surgeon Generals. These officers perform all the functions of nominated SG's and also know the position is a Corps leadership post. It's time for career officers to band together and request from our representatives that the SG's office become a career progression position, selected from the ranks of the professional career ...more »

  It should be clear by now that the Corps can and often does, operate under career officer Acting Surgeon Generals. These officers perform all the functions of nominated SG's and also know the position is a Corps leadership post. It's time for career officers to band together and request from our representatives that the SG's office become a career progression position, selected from the ranks of the professional career officer Corps.

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  Submitted by Pe H. Eschat 1 year ago

• I agree

  14 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Commissioned Corp »

  CAC cards

  New CAD (and dependents) should be allowed to receive their CAC cards once they receive official orders. This would be a huge help if PCSing and one less task to accomplish once the officer reaches his/her duty station.

  3 comments

  Submitted by TIDE 1 year ago

• I agree

  13 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Commissioned Corp »

  Letter from the Surgeon General

  New CADs should receive a welcome letter from the SG when they receive their initial orders. We are members of a unique and special branch of service and we are small compared to the DOD branches. Many officers have felt disconnected from the OSG. I believe such a letter will give officers a feeling of belonging and aid in eliminating the gap. Understand I am all for going green (and I do my part), but I think this ...more »

  New CADs should receive a welcome letter from the SG when they receive their initial orders.

  We are members of a unique and special branch of service and we are small compared to the DOD branches. Many officers have felt disconnected from the OSG. I believe such a letter will give officers a feeling of belonging and aid in eliminating the gap. Understand I am all for going green (and I do my part), but I think this will aid morale.

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  Submitted by TIDE 1 year ago

• I agree

  12 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Commissioned Corp »

  OBC/USPHS

  New officers should be required to (actively) participate in PT exercises on day 1 of OBC. This would be for baseline numbers. Then they should have to (actively) participate in a second PT exercise toward the end of OBC. This will encourage officers to begin getting in shape (like the other uniform services recommend) before arriving at OBC. Officers would still have the option of using the second score for readiness ...more »

  New officers should be required to (actively) participate in PT exercises on day 1 of OBC. This would be for baseline numbers. Then they should have to (actively) participate in a second PT exercise toward the end of OBC. This will encourage officers to begin getting in shape (like the other uniform services recommend) before arriving at OBC. Officers would still have the option of using the second score for readiness requirements or returning to their Duty Station to complete the PT readiness standards.

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  4 comments

  Submitted by TIDE 1 year ago

• I agree

  11 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Commissioned Corp »

  State of the Corps Address

  It would be nice if the SG provided a state of the Corps address once or twice a year. I know we have the Symposium, but many officers are not able to make it to the Symposium. A live web feed, prerecorded video that is emailed, or something similar. I believe it would be another way to fill the void between DC and officers in the field. When VADM Benjamin was appointed the SG I really appreciated the video she posted ...more »

  It would be nice if the SG provided a state of the Corps address once or twice a year.

  I know we have the Symposium, but many officers are not able to make it to the Symposium. A live web feed, prerecorded video that is emailed, or something similar. I believe it would be another way to fill the void between DC and officers in the field. When VADM Benjamin was appointed the SG I really appreciated the video she posted about herself for officers to view.

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  1 comment

  Submitted by TIDE 1 year ago

• I agree

  11 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Tranformation »

  Streamlining USPHS New Applicant Process

  New USPHS applicants have many questions regarding the application process. The same questions get asked time and time again on PHSChat. PHS websites, materials, and application status and processes could be improved to fully explain the application process. For example, a flow chart that includes estimated processing time. There is currently a link on USPHS to check application status, however there is nothing entered ...more »

  New USPHS applicants have many questions regarding the application process. The same questions get asked time and time again on PHSChat. PHS websites, materials, and application status and processes could be improved to fully explain the application process. For example, a flow chart that includes estimated processing time. There is currently a link on USPHS to check application status, however there is nothing entered into the system until a number of other processes occur like your conference call and medical packet are sent. This is very confusing and misleading to the applicant if they are unaware that a number of other processes must occur prior to materials being updated and entered into the application status system. An applicant can be under the assumption that their application may not have ever been received. This application status should be visible only to those that have agreed to move forward after the conference call, seeing that is when materials will start to be entered. As a new applicant I see the need to have the process more streamlined.

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  2 comments

  Submitted by Emily Tong Crarey 1 year ago

• I agree

  9 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Commissioned Corp »

  Military Courtesy at Professional Conference

  Permit military courtesy to be exchanged at all USPHS professional conferences. There's no good reason why saluting should be restricted at USPHS conferences.

  8 comments

  Submitted by Pe H. Eschat 1 year ago

• I agree

  8 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Commissioned Corp »

  Job Vacancies

  Have a centralized designated location and/or email list for all job vacancies open to USPHS officers. There are currently several lists and several possible places to look for job vacancies and you must search individual agencies for openings.

  1 comment

  Submitted by ajats10 1 year ago

• I agree

  7 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Commissioned Corp »

  HAIRCUTS @ OBC

  I have seen too many officers reporting to OBC needing haircuts. They have to be told to go and get a haircut. Proper hair length is in the regs.

  My view is if you don't show up with a proper haircut one should be provided for you...and it may not be as stylish as you would like.

  4 comments

  Submitted by TIDE 1 year ago

• I agree

  7 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Commissioned Corp »

  Q&A with VADM Benjamin

  This could be done via videoconference, teleconference or "live" at a "town hall" meeting format. This would allow an opportunity for both junior and senior officers to interact with the SG and provide a much needed morale booster.

  Add your comment

  Submitted by Ilovecaffeine 1 year ago

• I agree

  6 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Uniforms »

  Purchase Uniforms at OBC

  Uniforms should be purchased at OBC and not before...IF IF..a new rule is adopted that requires officers report to OBC before reporting to their duty stations/agencies...they should not be allowed to purchase or wear uniforms until they reach OBC. I believe attitudes and expectations (some report with great attitudes, some do not) at OBC would change. Like at COT, OCS, etc. in the DOD....don't pin your rank until you ...more »

  Uniforms should be purchased at OBC and not before...IF

  IF..a new rule is adopted that requires officers report to OBC before reporting to their duty stations/agencies...they should not be allowed to purchase or wear uniforms until they reach OBC.

  I believe attitudes and expectations (some report with great attitudes, some do not) at OBC would change. Like at COT, OCS, etc. in the DOD....don't pin your rank until you reach OBC and behave like an officer.

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  Submitted by TIDE 1 year ago

• I agree

  5 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Uniforms »

  Salt and Pepper

  Should they bring back the Salt and Pepper Uniform

  5 comments

  Submitted by Community Member 1 year ago

• I agree

  5 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Uniforms »

  Need to adopt the new digital ACU/BDU

  The current BDU is outdated and difficult to find to even purchase. All other services have moved to the digital uniforms. Let's quite talking about this and make a decision to adopt one of these uniforms.

  7 comments

  Submitted by Community Member 1 year ago

• I agree

  5 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Commissioned Corp »

  Establish a USPHS JAG Corps

  Time and time again the basis for military or uniformed service status for the Corps is challenged or requires clarification at federal and state levels of government. In the past, officers have secured their own counsel to challenge actions. The Corps as a whole, and individual officers, would benefit greatly by maintaining its own Judge Advocate General (JAG) office manned by commissioned officers who specialize in ...more »

  Time and time again the basis for military or uniformed service status for the Corps is challenged or requires clarification at federal and state levels of government. In the past, officers have secured their own counsel to challenge actions. The Corps as a whole, and individual officers, would benefit greatly by maintaining its own Judge Advocate General (JAG) office manned by commissioned officers who specialize in researching State and Federal laws impacting the Corps, advising officers, and mounting legal challenges or drafting advisory opinions to senior Corps managment on a variety of issues.

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  1 comment

  Submitted by Pe H. Eschat 1 year ago

• I agree

  5 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Commissioned Corp »

  Refund, rebuild, and operate the PHS Hospital system

  The current idea of using public money to pay private entities to provide health care for the underserved is a major means for fraud and waste. Before the PHS hospitals were shut down by President Reagan, they were able to treat 5 patients for what it cost a civilan sector system to only treat 3. This was well before the extreme escalation in health care costs, so I can only assume that in current health care dollars ...more »

  The current idea of using public money to pay private entities to provide health care for the underserved is a major means for fraud and waste. Before the PHS hospitals were shut down by President Reagan, they were able to treat 5 patients for what it cost a civilan sector system to only treat 3. This was well before the extreme escalation in health care costs, so I can only assume that in current health care dollars the difference would be even more disparate. Just the concept of providing only necessary treatments versus treatments that will yield the most reimbursement for the provider alone would save billions. Not to mention the savings in costs due to malpractice that would be reigned in if the it was PHS officers providing care.

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  1 comment

  Submitted by Community Member 1 year ago

• I agree

  4 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Commissioned Corp »

  PHS officers assigned to DOD need additional training

  Officers assigned to DOD/MTF need additional training to assist with assimiliation

  2 comments

  Submitted by gligonde 1 year ago

• I agree

  4 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Uniforms »

  $250 Uniform Allowance

  Allow officers to use their $250 uniform Allowance at OBC. OBC is a great opportunity for officers to try on uniforms and ensure they get the right fit. They could bring cash/credit and combine it with the $250 to purchase as many uniforms as possible with the right fit.

  1 comment

  Submitted by TIDE 1 year ago

• I agree

  4 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Commissioned Corp »

  PHS Medical Corps HPSP Scholarship

  I'd like to see a PHS HPSP scholarship, like the ones available from the Army, Navy & Air Force where the Corps will pay for your medical school and pay you at the rate of an Ensign in exchange for a set service time. Right now, the only similar option is the National Health Service Corps scholarship and they don't pay nearly enough for a student who is in an area where there is a high cost of living (i.e. Los Angeles, ...more »

  I'd like to see a PHS HPSP scholarship, like the ones available from the Army, Navy & Air Force where the Corps will pay for your medical school and pay you at the rate of an Ensign in exchange for a set service time.

  Right now, the only similar option is the National Health Service Corps scholarship and they don't pay nearly enough for a student who is in an area where there is a high cost of living (i.e. Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York areas).

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  Submitted by Jessica Sideways 10 months ago

• I agree

  3 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Commissioned Corp »

  Establish a Spousal Support Network

  Establish a Spousal Support Network for PCSing Officers. Something that will help spouses find jobs, ease the stress of moving.

  1 comment

  Submitted by TIDE 1 year ago

• I agree

  3 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  USPHS Tranformation »

  Gradually Eliminate the Presidents Challenge

  Slowly over a three year period, remove the Presidents Challenge from use as a replacement for doing the AFPT. The President's Challenge is a crutch that enables out of shape, overweight officers to maintain readiness. It's time to move on to a more robust method of measuring fitness. See the following blog link for more: http://www.phschat.com/forums/entry.php?66-Fitness-the-Corps-mission-APFT-and-President-s-Challenge ...more »

  Slowly over a three year period, remove the Presidents Challenge from use as a replacement for doing the AFPT. The President's Challenge is a crutch that enables out of shape, overweight officers to maintain readiness. It's time to move on to a more robust method of measuring fitness.

  See the following blog link for more:

  http://www.phschat.com/forums/entry.php?66-Fitness-the-Corps-mission-APFT-and-President-s-Challenge

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  6 comments

  Submitted by Pe H. Eschat 1 year ago

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