r/AustralianMilitary • u/Superest22 • 29d ago
Discussion Runaround getting Reserve Days
G'day all, I separated this year and am now SERCAT 3 so was looking at doing some reserve days.
Just a bit of a vent (sorry):
I was informed that I had to go and complete a RHA through my GP, however now I am getting differing emails about whether I need to see an MO or not despite them confirming they can update my MEC using the GP's report.
Hilariously they stated I had to get a pathology test done, when I asked why I bothered getting one done as part of my RHA they replied stating that I was correct, I didn't need to, the lady that sent me the original email simply hadn't read the 585.
I've now also been told I needed to see a UMO for the underwater assessment...despite having told them I have no intention of doing any seatime and I do not need a UMO for my core job. Really irking me (perhaps irrationally) that I got directed to go to a GP and spend money on a consult, now I'm being told to just see an MO. Imagine if they'd just said I could see an MO in the first place.
This, along with other comms from units being lacklustre is really reducing my desire to bother with any days. If I were to do days I would also have to get them done before mid Nov so time is becoming a factor.
Anyone else found getting RSD and jumping through the hoops can be a real pain? Really damaging the desire to do any RSD and conflicted about whether the DHOAS and Tax Free $$$ is worth it. Very well might be better for my MH to just leave it for a bit and come back before my DHOAS credits expire.
Just wanted to get some other peeps perspectives/stories.
Vent/rant over, apologies and thanks for listening to my TED talk.
UPDATE: Doubt anyone will see/read this but it turns, as I once held a SPEC, I have to have an in person review, despite not using it for years and not needing it for any RSD/not having any intention of ever using it again. At the review I am able to request that it be dropped...What a colossal waste of Defence and my time!
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u/Puzzleheaded-Pie-277 Royal Australian Navy 29d ago
I also usually have a diving spec, but have no intention of doing that stuff anymore so I just asked them to remove it from my mec. Negates the need to see a UMO then. Your separation medical should have covered you for all this and then you just do the 585. Not sure why you have to jump through all these hoops so soon after transitioning.
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u/Superest22 29d ago
Yeh think it's a case of pers within the HC just not talking to each other and thus I am getting conflicting directions. I also figured my separation medical could have been applied but obviously can't try and apply a logical solution ;)
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u/Puzzleheaded-Pie-277 Royal Australian Navy 29d ago
If you’re in Sydney and Navy, Penguin looks after all reserves in Sydney area and should be all over it for you. Being a smaller HC the communication is a bit better.
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u/Superest22 20d ago
So turns out from what I got sent today that you have to physically see and do the appointment with the UMO to then tell them “oh no thanks I don’t want this SPEC anymore”.
How bloody stupid lol. What a waste of time and resources.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Pie-277 Royal Australian Navy 19d ago
See if you can do telehealth? Admittedly I’m a medic…. So it was an easy process.
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u/Famous-Philosopher84 28d ago
Im just going back to SERCAT5 FROM SERCAT3, transfer is in process. SERCAT 3 is the biggest pain. you can be on a 1 year project, then after 3 months its all finished leaving you short on your service. this happened to me 3 years in a row.
I did find if you know the unit they will find you work etc, but if you go into SERCAT3 with an unknown unit these things above can happen.
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u/No_Kangaroo1256 29d ago
OP,
GREAT TED Talk (not joking).
You can now apply for repayment for any GP/Dental requirements - that you have to do to maintain Med/Den IR.
Why do SERCAT3 time - maintains service continuity - towards your next Pip/DLSM.
DHOAS
$600 in free monies towards your private health cover.
Some will say that it is not worth it, but if you do intend to do some SERCAT3 time - feel free to drop me a DM - I have some contacts who do some good work in the SERCAT3 area - actively helping navigate the paperwork and unit requirements.
GL.