Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/TDRL - want to join PHS

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 8/10/2010


Question
Hello sir,
I am currently on the TDRL with the Army. Have been that way since Feb 2008. I currently work in the same field with the Air Force, that I did when I was enlisted in the Army. I would now like to join the Public Health Corp. Do I stand a chance of being accepted? I qualify in all other ways, just concerned about the TDRL status. Thanks

Answer
Derick,
You basically cannot get another job while you're on the TDRL.  What would you do if the Army decided you're fit to return to Active Duty and suddenly you're back in the Army again?  That's why I always advise people to avoid the TDRL whenever possible.  They've basically got you by the _____ for 5 years.

If you really want out of the Army, you can request a physical exam sooner than the normal 18 month interval.  If you're currently rated at greater than 30% you've got a good chance of getting a permanent disability. (Also, after you're out, you can apply for VA disability compensation.

There are numerous federal employment opportunities in the Medical and Public Health Service in the Federal Government.  Have a look at

http://www.makingthedifference.org/federalcareers/medicalpublichealth.shtml

to see if any interest you and if you're qualified before you make any big decisions.

Thanks for your service.
I wish you well,
Colonel Howell

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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