New Topic "So I've been accepted, now what?"

[adamtk1]

From when I was down in DC, I know there was a lot of stuff that we were told about that we need to get done. between now and when we go to OCS regarding healthcare, paychecks, etc. I know we can talk to the recruiter (and I'm planning to) but if there was some forum part that we could have people post a sort of "checklist of things to do" it might be helpful. If I'm missing something, or if it's just part and parcel and I'm not looking hard enough - just disregard this. Otherwise, it could come in handy to provide some navigation through all the paperwork that seems to never go away.

[SSN_Seawolf]

1) Be really really happy and relax.

2) Go see your Officer Processor, give him all the paperwork you got from DC. Before you go, call him and make an appointment. So he can get ready all the paperwork ready, including Life Insurance, DEERS Enrollment, Next of kin information, Dependent if you have them, ETC... Its a whole host of things.

3) After he/she enrolls you in DEERS, in about a week or so, you can get your ID at any Military/Guard base. It does not have to be Navy.

4) Pick a PSP (Primary Service Provider). This is usually a base near your house, if you live 50 miles or an hour away there are ways to see a Civilian Doctor and have Tricare pay for it. A Navy base is preferred. While you are there, get yourself enrolled in TRICARE and if you have dependents, enroll them as well. I think there is an online form you can fill out for this.

5) Go to your Wireless company, Show them your ID and get 15% off monthly bill. (I have ATT and had verizon, so I know they both do it)

6) Become a PT stud before OCS. That is the only thing you can control. Since you will be attending changed OCS, be sure to ask your OR what is going on with it.

7) Make arrangements for OCS, Since most of you accepted are 24JAN2010 date, figure out how you will get to OCS and back.

8) Join, www.usnavyocs.com and www.airwarriors.com They both have excellent information on OCS. From what to Pack in your bag to what to expect. ETC

9) Bring a blank Check to your Officer Processor, so you can get your pay started. It took me about a month to see it in my account.

10) Get yourself a DFAS.mil online account, this will let you see your monthly pay, broken down. It is nice because you dont get a pay stub.

11) I think you are considered a Collegiate while you are in school, for those of you who are in school. Be sure to call your OR twice a month and see him in person once a month, this is the info I received.

12) For those who are attending ODS/OIS, you will be commissioned before you go to training, so make sure you have that put together.

13) Shop NEX tax free.

14) Do something productive with the money you got! (I bought a second car, as many will do) or Pay tuition.

15) Relax, be happy and enjoy your time before OCS.

I will keep updating, should anything relevant come to mind!!!

[mattage]

For enrollment of dependents in Tricare, or to set up your insurance for civilian doctors you need to fill out the forms you can find on triwest.com. You can only do this after you (and your dependents) are in in DEERS. see - Nuke News - Geneva Conventions post (I don't know how to put up a link). For dental care for dependents you have to fill out a separate form for them and pay a monthly premium of I think $35. I don't know exactly, I haven't done that yet.

[ArmyPhysics]

So a few questions that pertain to my prior service, which means I'll probably be the only one who cares and probably noone will know the answer. Since I just transitioned from Army Guard to active Navy I'm still in the DFAS system. Will I start getting paid right away or will it take the normal month? Or will the change cause the normal Army Navy paperwork headache I'll start getting paid next year? My officer processor keeps pushing back my appointment and I want to get my bonus as soon as possible so it would good to know the wait.

Also when I did previous temp active duty stints (Active Duty for Special Work) I could just take a copy of my orders to the local base get enrolled in DEERS and Tricare since I was already in the system. Can I do that now? Or do I have to wait for the officer processor?

Thanks for any insight

[oregonjohn]

10) Get yourself a DFAS.mil online account, this will let you see your monthly pay, broken down. It is nice because you dont get a pay stub.

How do you get a dfas.mil account? Still waiting on my first paycheck, is this something that you automatically get, or do you have to sign up for it?

[greenbean]

Quick answer: your dfas account should be setup through your recruiter. He/she will either bring you the forms and request a voided check from you so that they can setup automatic draft, or the recruiter will direct you to the personnel officer whom will set you up. You will start receiving checks and be enrolled in DFAS.

As for an online account, it used to be really easy to get your pin and login. Now, to my knowledge you need to basically scan your Military ID and send a request through the https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx website to get your pin number. Your initial login will be your social security number and your pin will be changed to the last 4 of your social entered twice ie if your last four are 1234 then your new pin would be 12341234.

Then once logged in you can change your pin.

I'm actually in the process of getting mine setup so I'll let you know if there is anything else we need.

MAKE SURE YOUR ADDRESS AND E-MAIL ADDRESS are entered correctly on the DFAS form because that is where they will send any other information you need to setup an account.

Like I said, this used to be really easy to get, however with increaseed identity theft, DFAS is getting stricter and making us jump through a few more hoops.