VASRD Research how is ankle ROM measured
Sorry about that Amygal, I have been out and only on my android and it is hard to read the forum and type on that thing...My orders were cut by the 2nd Med Group, they were awesome and very helpful...I only had to ensure I had my GSA/CSA card and make my reservations for billeting. I would have to read the reg, but on my notice to report it stated the PEBLO is to get the orders taken care of, not you do it yourself. BTW when you get here one of the first things you get is a little rating sheet specifically about your PEBLO
;-) I can't complain, as busy as she was she filled all the boxes, dotted the i's and crossed the t's. There are a couple here that claim they didn't have even the most basic of info. One never made contact with JA before coming so they didn't know about the witness questionairres and the prep work they could have had completed walking in. I felt like i was very well prepared and my attorney was pleased with the amount of effort i put into ensuring my own career. It should be the same if your are desiring a retirement ruling from the board, it is better to make the effort and get things done before you get here.
To answer the other question, you report on the first day, in blues if it's monday (please try to have them pressed and clean haircut, and even a little shine on the low quarters if you're still rocking the basics) They have you come in and fill out a sheet, then about 0800 the Admin officer comes out and gives you your initial briefing, he is very good at this and I immediately felt more at ease after he spoke. He's a retired Chief and knows this system and has been through it. After your initial brief, a paralegal will usually come in and give you your attorney assignments and times your ~scheduled to meet...~ = flexibility...this is like any other mil process, things happen, people get sick and have appts and meetings/hearings can run long so remain flexible and positive and that will take you along way here.
I have a couple of other quick tidbits from experience so far...
1. If you're flying (i drove but other's flew) make sure you keep all your paperwork, important numbers..etc WITH YOU not checked
2. If you are driving or get a rental once here do not 100% rely/trust your GPS, most of you will arrive on a sunday and many of the gates GPS would like to take you through to get food etc are closed and it can be quite confusing. Ask your billeting desk or someone that has had a few days to get used to the tempo and rythm of the base.
3. Call ahead to make your billeting reservations as soon as you get your orders! They fill up quick! Esp if you're flying and didn't get rental as you will most likely taxi to gateway inn with all your luggage and then have to figure out where to go from there if they don't have a room.
4. If you're bringing family or escorts ensure you let the reservation desk know (this is from personal experience and my bad) don't decide last minute to bring the fam and hope to get a TLF short notice, these fill up faster than most and in my case myself, wife and 8yo boy could not stay in the VAQ as it is unauthorized...the res desk was very helpful and made every attempt to get us in a private room or adjoining suites but it was just too full, long story short I made a command decision and we are staying off base nearby. The laquinta San antonio, Lackland had mil discount and decent rates and was available. We were a little put off at first as the neighborhood out the gate isn't the best, but the room with 2 double beds has been sufficient, they have free wifi, a tv, cable, free shotime i think it is, pool, fitness center (small but sufficient as not many use it) and a kick @55 free breakfast with make-your-own waffle bar, cereal, milk, coffee, muffins, bagels, etc...
5. This is the most important in my opinion, no matter the circumstances, don't let this trip be a downer, there is tons to do here, use this time to see some sites, explore a little, meet new people..etc rather than spending it locked in a tiny room for a week worrying about what's going to happen. We have went to the river walk, caught up with some old friends now stationed here, toured the Alamo (something i never thought to do in my 6 month stay at Medina for EP back in 96...lol) and we have free tickets for Sea World waiting at the ticket booth, we're planning on heading there possibly thur depending on my schedule, if not we'll do it friday or after duty hours.
6. I want to re-address the JA portion, i made a few calls and left messages via the phone line, however the most effective communication method was/is probably to email them, your PEBLO should give you a packet of info...info and the rep # for your VA, the #/rep for TAP(transition assistance program) class regardless of your outcome/expected outcome, and a sheet of info for AFPC JA...
I know this post is long, but I'm sure those that are truly interested will find something useful in all this...lol,
I'll continue to keep you posted and offer advice, share experiences as we go along.
Eric