u/Difficult-Jackfruit

Hello!

I am looking for an online sangha that focuses on POC.

I really want to discuss Buddhism more. I do not have a specific tradition.

Thanks for reading!

Hello!

I'm currently active duty Army (68X, Behavioral Health Tech), E1-E4, under 4 years in. I'm following the Dave Ramsey baby steps: no debt, written budget, quietly stacking savings, and putting 5% into my TSP. I don't pay rent right now, and I plan to move back home for a bit after I get out in 1.5 years. The logic being to keep stacking while I finish grad school.

I'm using my benefits to fund an MPP and an MSW. Here's where I'd like feedback:

• Transition from AD → Reserves + GS role. I already have a GS series in mind. Do 20 years in both, eventually landing two pensions (one around 50, another after 60).
• Direct commission: Talked to a medical recruiter - I could direct commission as a Social Work Officer after finishing my MSW. If I like it, 20 years active duty gets me a military pension around 50.

Currently single, no kids, but that could change, and I know it affects how AD life-cycle vs. Reserves/GS compares long-term.

I don't have a strong preference between the two.

Looking for input from a neutral third party who also weighed these options.

Hello!

I'm currently active duty Army (68X, Behavioral Health Tech), E1-E4, under 4 years in. I'm following the baby steps: no debt, written budget, quietly stacking savings. I don't pay rent right now, and I plan to move back home for a bit after I get out in 1.5 years. The logic being to keep stacking while I finish grad school.

I'm using my benefits to fund an MPP and an MSW. Here's where I'd like feedback:

• Transition from AD → Reserves + GS role. I already have a GS series in mind. Do 20 years in both, eventually landing two pensions (one around 50, another after 60).
• Direct commission: Talked to a medical recruiter - I could direct commission as a Social Work Officer after finishing my MSW. If I like it, 20 years active duty gets me a military pension around 50.

Currently single, no kids, but that could change, and I know it affects how AD life-cycle vs. Reserves/GS compares long-term.

I don't have a strong preference between the two.

Hoping to hear from someone ex-military or a neutral third party who's weighed similar tradeoffs.

Hey!

I enlisted as a 68X (behavioral health) because I wanted to see what mental health work was like before committing to more school. I enjoy it enough that I'm going to get my MSW.

I already looked into the Army's social work program (SWIP), but I don't qualify due to my low GPA. The AMEDD recruiter I talked to said I could get my MSW on my own and apply for SWIP later to get my hours in.

I am in the process of applying for my MSW now, and I'll use my state benefits to pay for it, leaving TA/GI Bill alone.

I talked to my therapist about next steps, and I've got a few options after I get my MSW:

• apply for SWIP after my msw
• or go reserves and get a GS role with the VA.

My long-term goal is to get my LCSW (which both paths will do) and do case management.

Curious if anyone's gotten a GS role or direct commissioned after their first contract?

I would love some insight.

Hey!

I'm AD Army for now, but I'm planning on moving back home to the burbs in about 1.5 years. My goal after this contract is to finish my MSW, stack up savings, stay in the reserves, and eventually move to the city. I'm fortunate that I still get along with my family, so living at home for a bit will let me save up.

For fun, I like to run, workout, read, cook, do judo, stretch, try new restaurants, hit up farmers markets, go to cafes, work on language learning (I'm fluent in Spanish and Mandarin), and wander random grocery stores. Socially, I'm into run clubs, book clubs, gyms (judo, Muay Thai, CrossFit, Olympic lifting), bingo, and lectures — I'm currently stationed in VA and there are breweries here that host lectures, which is a pretty cool combo.

I've been looking at a few places, but I'm curious if there's somewhere else I should consider. For my practicum, I was looking at the VA (Veterans Affairs), though I don't have a specific location picked out yet. I do want to get a general sense of where I'll be living so I can start budgeting accordingly and build a safety net. This is all pretty new to me since I was living at home before the Army.

Thanks for reading.

Hey!

I am AD military and originally from Illinois. I plan on moving back after this contract.

I am getting ready to apply for the online MSW at UIUC and I was curious if I could get any feedback?

- How do you like the online format?

- Anything you wish you knew before you started?

- How is practicum placement?

- Do you communicate with your cohort?

Hey!

Budding social worker here!

I’ve applied to two programs (got into one, applying to the second next month!)

I’m pursuing social work for a few reasons:
- I genuinely enjoy the work and material (almost done with my MPP!)

- My military benefits cover tuition (they are paying for an mpp, msw, and doctorate if I want one)

- Honestly: I’m looking at commissioning or going to the VA for steady pay and benefits.

That said, I view it as a job. I clinically “care” about people, but it’s not some higher calling for me.

I bring this up because when people find out I’m doing social work, I get comments like “omg, you’re such a good person!” or “that’s amazing!” I’m flattered, but to me it’s just a job. My parents do the same thing: “you’re going to grow up and help so many people.”

I have learned to smile and nod because when I try to respond I get comments like “so… why don’t you do something you’re passionate about?” I don’t have a passion for labor my guy lol. Like I said earlier, money and benefits.

I guess it got me thinking: how do you view your role?