Another question I have since I am just going to pile it all in onto this thread is about my birth control prescription and how I might be able to get it transferred over to a Tricare doctor. Or if I should just try to get the implant while I'm on my parent's insurance and not have to worry about issues with getting the pills while in the middle of the ocean. Or if there are other considerations I should be making about this particular issue,,,
I pulled my original answer after
@NavyHoops kindly reminded me of your NROTC not USNA status. I shouldn’t ever try to respond on an iPhone in full sun and not be sure what forum I am in.
First and foremost, in consultation with the appropriate healthcare provider, make the right birth control method decision for you. Be fully prepared as you head toward your first duty station; you never know if you are joining a ship halfway around the world mid-deployment. Once you are on AD, you can make an appointment for routine gyn care at the base hospital or military medical clinic - ask for a “Well Woman” exam - and your military provider will update your military medical record with a method you agree on and create the Rx. You will fill that at the military TRICARE pharmacy likely located in the same complex as the military healthcare clinic. TRICARE pharmacies are free to you, of course.
Down the road, when you know you are deploying, you go see your doc and figure out how to manage the logistics with a jumbo refill. Women have been deploying since the 70’s; you will get the hang of it.
Your ship should assign you a fellow JO as a sponsor to help get you settled, answer questions in advance, and shipboard uniforms are a good topic. The minute you know your ship, do your best to be proactive with your sponsor about all the PCS and uniform stuff.
Abbot uniforms are nice, but they may or may not match exactly with what’s available in the Navy Exchange Uniform Shop, as you replace individual pieces down the road.
The Navy Uniform Shop is available online, free shipping. I think by now you are in the DEERS system with your SSN, so you can go to the link below and create a log-in. These uniform items are the same as in the NEX stores, if you are near one of those. Any military base tailor shop with tailor your uniforms (hems, etc.) free of charge if tags are still on, as I recall
Navy Uniform Regs should tell you what uniforms are required and what are optional.
That first uniform stock-up is always expensive. Tell family you need cash gifts for birthday, holiday, graduation. Let the doting grandparents buy you that pristine officer cover or all the Ensign shoulder boards, insignia, etc. Do not procrastinate in buying - think of all the new Ensigns across the country popping out of USNA, NROTC and other sources April-May-June. Space it out. You do not need to buy a sword. It’s not a required item until you are a LCDR, and it’s a royal pain to travel with.
Save on brand name electronics, handbags, jewelry, Navy Pride, shoes, clothing & more at the Navy Exchange. Shop online or at your local NEX today!
www.mynavyexchange.com
From the Navy Fleet and Family Service Center:
Not an official source, but reliable info:
Finally, do not worry about looking stupid or doing stupid things. You will, but this is the best time in your career to make stupid mistakes. Those shiny butter bars announce to the world you are as green as can be, and people will help, though teasing is part of it. Do your research, and if you can’t figure something out, ask nicely and express appreciation, and pay it forward when you are saltier.