James Duke’s Post

Yesterday I was given a CD, which captured my documented medical history. It’s hard to believe one CD captured 30+ years, but it did. My thanks to the medical professionals that worked tirelessly the past 3 months to find all of my records. When I began the request process we found that much of my information was lost or misplaced. The last seven years I’ve served on Army, Air Force, and now Space Force base. Before that, as a Marine, most of my medical documentation was done by the Navy…so my stuff was everywhere! I got this just in time, which is again why you should consider starting early. Next week I begin the Benefits Delivery at Discharge process with a VSO. You can begin the BDD process as early as 180 days out, which is exactly where I am in my timeline. Get your medical and dental taken care of, documented and think through your timeline. I encourage you to know the exact date you can do BDD and put a plan together to meet it. The system may not be optimal, but it’s even harder when you don’t take advantage of the process and get the benefits you’ve earned. #veteranshelpingveterans #veteransupport #VA #retirementplanning

The US Army is facing a challenge in maintaining information supremacy, according to a recent Inspector General's report. The report revealed that the Army is struggling to keep up with the increasing demand for Military Information Support Operations (MISO), also known as psychological operations or PSYOP. A major cause of the problem is the "divorce" between active and reserve PSYOP units. To compensate, the Army has been relying on reservists to fill the gaps, but this is not enough. The report found that the Army's four active and reserve PSYOP groups were operating at only 60% of their authorized strength in FY2023. https://lnkd.in/eFQy6YYf

Team, Good evening. Subject: Urgent Action Needed: Support Needed for Military Service Recognition I hope this message finds you well. We are writing to bring your attention to a critical issue affecting our servicemen and servicewomen. The US Army's Green to Gold Active-Duty Option (G2GADO) program, which has been instrumental in empowering enlisted Soldiers to pursue higher education while on active duty, is currently facing a challenge that could impact the recognition of their valuable time in service. The recent disclosure by the US Army Cadet Command Inspector General suggests that participants in the G2GADO program may not receive due credit for their active federal service, based on US Code Title 10, 2106c. This potential loss of time-in-service carries significant repercussions, affecting not only current pay structures but also jeopardizing retirement plans for those who have faithfully served our nation. Historically, promises were made to program participants regarding the continuity of their time in service, and this commitment was reiterated by school recruiters and reflected in official documents like the DD-214. However, a resolution to this issue is pending, and we are reaching out to you to seek your support in advocating for a solution. An analogous situation in the Navy, specifically with the Seaman to Admiral - 21 program, was addressed through a simple amendment to the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. This precedent highlights the possibility of a legislative remedy to protect the time-in-service of our dedicated military personnel. We implore you to consider supporting and championing a similar amendment to the current NDAA, ensuring that the commitment made to G2GADO participants is upheld, and their time in service is duly recognized. By lending your voice to this cause, you contribute to the well-deserved acknowledgment of those who have chosen to further their education while serving our country. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We believe your support can make a significant impact, and we are grateful for any assistance you can provide in rectifying this crucial issue. Sincerely, Jason Sign this petition today! Please read the below linked ArmyTimes article for more context: https://lnkd.in/grV4Ak4G

Everyone Says "Study Nursing" or "Join the Military," I say "I'll become a Public Speaker" Read this post and more on my Typeshare Social Blog: https://lnkd.in/g_4nmVm5

CIF (Central Issue Facility) - Every Soldier knows this place. Some have nightmares of this place. For the civilians who are not familiar, it is the location where Soldiers are issued their gear, uniforms, rucks, first aid kits, sleeping bags, ponchos, and let's not forget my favorite, the woobie (poncho liner). Essentially anything that does not go bang, boom, or stabby stab, comes from CIF. When Soldiers enter the Army, this is one of the first places they visit at Basic Combat Training and walk away with more kit than they can carry in two trips. Depending on the unit of assignment, some Soldiers are issued even more gear from their local CIF. Throughout a Soldier's enlistment, they are expected to maintain 100% accountability of their equipment. Something along the lines of, "I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself" comes to mind. If they lose something, generally they have to pay for it. So, when it comes to the end of a 29 year career in the Army, going to CIF for me came with a little bit of anxiety. Do I have everything that was issued to me over the years, after 15 moves, multiple deployments, overseas assignments in both Asia and Europe? I can say, I am a GO at this station! I cleared CIF this morning missing nothing! I even walked away with stuff they did not want, two duffle bags full! One step closer to retirement. I am enjoying the journey! #ownyourjourney #accountability #soldierforlife

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There is a common misconception that training opportunities within a Civil Affairs unit are hyper-focused and exclusively developed for Soldiers in a Civil Affairs specific MOS (38 series). Well the #FrontierBrigade is here to shatter this stereotype.💥 This last week our Medical Readiness Noncommissioned Officer, Master Sergeant Thibault⛑️ and co-instructor Sergeant First Class Harris⛑️ hosted a Combat Lifesaver Course (CLS) at Camp Withycombe, Oregon. Through a combination of both classroom instruction and practical, hands-on exercises Soldiers receive intermediate-level training for a variety of lifesaving skills.🩹🩺 The ability to provide immediate medical assistance is a critical asset in any situation.💯 The United States Army Reserve🇺🇸 is a diverse community and only together can we excel. But first we have to acknowledge that training knows no bounds!📚 The Soldiers from this course have proven that we are not limited by our MOS and instead we are defined by our commitment, our courage, and our constant pursuit of excellence. 🌟Congratulations: Sergeant Donald, Specialist Davis, Specialist Hoang, and Specialist Romero on becoming CLS certified!🎓👏🏻 #FrontierSoldiers #CivilAffairs #AdaptandOvercome #BeBoldBeBraveBeAmbitious #Unity #Versatility #MilitaryTraining #USArmy #USACAPOC

I had a wonderful conversation with my nursing colleagues in the OR today both of whom spent time in the military. We discussed how the military heirarchy often made communication easier and more direct than what they’ve experienced in their civilian work life. This conversation inspired a question for my colleagues who have served in our armed forces and now work in medicine… How did heirarchy help or hinder communication in your job while in the military versus in your job now in medicine? #militarymedicine #communication #healthcarecommunication #nursing #surgicaltech #healthcareleadership

AUSTRALIA'S MILITARY SHOULD BE FOLLOWING SUIT: By Robert Rosewall D. Eng. US Military: Almost 15,000 potential recruits have graduated from an Army prep course launched a year and a half ago to boost their physical and academic scores, the service’s top enlisted soldier told Congress today. The Future Soldier Preparatory Course at Fort Jackson, S.C., has performed well enough that the Army secretary and chief of staff “have made the decision that if we need to expand it, we absolutely will,” Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer told the House Armed Services Committee. “But right now, we don't have the demand.” The Army launched the course in August 2022 as a pilot program intended to help address the service’s recruiting crisis. At the time, the service had identified around 2,000 potential applicants who met certain requirements, such as those regarding drug use, but who struggled to meet physical or academic goals. One year into the program, Military.com reported that 10,260 soldiers—some 95% of participants—had graduated from the course and begun basic training, the first step in an Army career. As of today, a total of 14,700 applicants had graduated, Weimer said, with the 95 percent graduation rate continuing to hold steady. Of the 5 percent who did not graduate, 59 percent were discharged for medical conditions that existed prior to service, such as hereditary diseases, an Army spokesperson said. The overall discharge rate is similar to the one seen in soldiers going straight to bootcamp, the spokesperson added.  https://lnkd.in/eWNgK2Xp

🎙️A Congressional Act approved May 13, 1938, made November 11 in each year a legal holiday: "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day'". 🏛️Congress amended the bill on June 1, 1954, replacing "Armistice" with "Veterans.” 🪖Veterans Day is a time to remember all those who served in the 🇺🇸U.S. military, past and present. Our Enlisted Fellows champion this sentiment, working alongside congress and congressional staffers enacting into law Veteran programs that offer several benefits to include, but not limited to 📚💻Education and Training, 🩺⚕️Healthcare, 📊Employment Assistance, 🏠Housing Assistance, 🏦Financial Support, 📝Disability, and, Counseling and Support. Past Fellow, CMSgt Brian Sheffield, M. had the unique opportunity to turn a widely successful pilot program into an established educational option for the veteran community😲. This 📜law allows veterans to apply their GI Bill benefits for “nano-degrees.” Over 4K veterans have participated in this program with a nearly 90% graduation rate at a starting average salary of $60K🤩. With the program’s tremendous success, he worked to secure $125M in funding in FY22, up from $45M in years past, to help meet demand🤯. For more information on how you can participate in this program: https://lnkd.in/d-TFAqh #veteransday #veteransupport #veteransaffairs #usaf #tech4good