Advice for duty stations (army hospital)

[frostfire]

Gents, ladies, SF, SF recruiter and AMEDD personnel out there, I would like to solicit your advice in choosing duty station. My options are:

- Fort Hood, TX (DAMC)
- Fort Sam Houston, TX (BAMC)
- Fort Bliss, TX (WBAMC)
- Fort Gordon, GA (DDEAMC)
- Fort Bragg, NC (WAMC)
- Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC)
- Fort Lewis, WA (MAMC)
- Hawaii (TAMC)
- Germany (LRMC)
- Fort Benning, GA

I've been going in this journey with more of an enlisted grunt view than an officer, so I have always assumed I wouldn't have a say in where and when. I never care where as long as I'm serving, and as I don't have any place I call home anyway. Now that I have a choice (I get to pick three), my considerations are:

1.The hospital. Those of you that have spent time either as staff or patient, any thoughts you wish to share? Both thumbs up and thumbs down are welcome

2. Which base(s) have a regular SF tryout? IIRC, 19th group at Ft. Sam Houston has it and hopefully still does.

3. Living expenses. If you're frugal, which location allows the most savings?

4. CCW policy, crime, shooting ranges, rock gym, crossfit, MMA gym, etc.

.....of course, Deutschland is in the list. Seems like a no brainer to pick that instantly

[MackallResident]

As a prior Infantrymen, who was hurt and reclassed to a Hospital MOS, I can offer my experience:

1. I hate working at, near, or in conjunction with Hospitals, but since "the suck" is relative, it is what you make of it.

2. I would suggest going to a small Hopsital, it is a more cohesive type unit, and your contributions can more of a noticeable difference at a ACH vs. AMC.

3. DO NOT GO TO WALTER REED

4. I would try for a southern Command area, but I like the South.

Disclaimer: I worked at BJACH, Fort Polk for three years(1.5 deployed). I loved Fort Polk, and there are regular SF recruiter visits, plus an SF compound of sorts on North Fot. I realize this is not on your list.

My wife loved Fort Bliss, and I know she told me one her pals from there went to selection from bliss, so I assume the Recruiting team visits there.

Hope that helps, PM me for any specifics I may be able to provide.

[Red Flag 1]

frostfire,

Your bio suggests you will be an ANC officer. Good move IMHO.

I would suggest Germany as a first choice. You will see Army Medicine practiced and patients freshly moved from Iraq/A'stan. Expect to be very busy, and expect to learn a great deal. After that, WRAMC and BAMC. I was assigned WRAMC General Surgery1969-1971 and enjoyed it; no I did not have to help the blacksmith make horseshoes.......just crank start the trucks.

I do think a large facility is a best first duty assignment. These facilities train a lot of good nurses, and provides a solid base of understanding for later career assignments. Move to a smaller facility later to flex your wings with the learning base of the Med Centers under your belt.

My $.02.

Best of luck!!

RF 1

[1stindoor]

As a simple knuckle dragger, I would choose Germany for the experience as Red Flag stated...but I also tend to think that Ft. Bragg is the center of the universe.

1. Lots of ways to stay close to the SF community.
2. Fayetteville, while not the greatest of military towns, does have a relatively inexpensive cost of living....it's where I plan on retiring.
3. You have your choice of travel destinations from the beaches to the mountains to the Nation's Capital, all within a day's drive.
4. Womack is a relatively new hospital that was just rebuilt a few years ago.