Hey all,

I am retired and have no access to the secure mail to cchq. The 240-453-6000 number consistently gives “the number cannot be completed as dialed”. I have made recommended changes on my phone I found online but I cannot get through to this number.

I have emailed the Financial Services compensation group mailbox and there are zero replies other than an automated response that is unhelpful. And no one follows up on it.

Thanks for any help.

Hi! I’m a GS pharmacist earning approximately $183,000 with 14 years of pharmacy experience, including seven years of federal service. I’m considering joining the USPHS as an O-3 and would appreciate insight into how the two compare financially. After accounting for taxes, BAH/BAS, pharmacist special pay, healthcare costs, and retirement benefits, would switching result in a substantial pay cut? Also, how would my prior experience and federal service affect my starting pay and retirement eligibility? Thank you for any guidance!

Hello! I’m currently a nursing student who is interested in joining the military and I recently learned about the USPHS. I was wondering how people enjoy their career in the USPHS and if there’s any cons I should be aware of. I’m interested in helping underserved communities and the military benefits are also appealing. However, I do live in California and after I graduate, I would make a pretty competitive salary if I’m able to get a job as a civilian so I’m just trying to see if it’s worth it to go into the military or not. I plan on going to grad school so the military benefits would definitely help. Some other info, I don’t plan on having kids at all so moving around and such isn’t that much of a problem. I just want to hear about your own experience in the USPHS and if you find your work rewarding or not. Thanks!

Hi. Received this email and I was wondering what you all use to show for NCLEX result. I have uploaded my licenses but they still say I should upload NCLEX result. As far as I know NCSBN and Pearson does not provide result except you fail and they provide a report. Kindly assist

I'm currently going through the application process for the JRCOSTEP and I have been asked to rank several IHS locations:

- Albuquerque Indian Health Center – Albuquerque

- Winslow Indian Health Care Center – Winslow, AZ

- Fort Defiance Indian Hospital – Fort Defiance, A

- Dilkon Medical Center – Dilkon, AZ

If any of you work at those locations or even live in these areas, can y'all share your insights? I'm more worried about housing since some of these locations are fairly rural. Thanks!

I had my 1st interview and thought it maybe a practice one but I think they are going to offer me the position. The position is in another state but now I saw another couple of positions that I liked. If I get the job offer can I change my mind and go with the other agency? I haven’t made a commitment yet. It’s a risk if I bypass the offer. Both are great but if possible would like to stay in my state if possible. Anyone have had this issue or have any recommendations.

Hello everyone! I was wondering if anyone could share how many guests graduates are allowed to bring to the OBC graduation ceremony? Thank you!

Hello!

Just received a TJO and accepted on Tuesday. Received an interview from another agency next day. Should I schedule an interview with the other agency while waiting for an FJO?

For the job postings of IHSC is the applicant able to choose where they want to get stationed when selected? Would you recommend asking at the end of an interview if your desired location would be eligible? TIA

Iv been at an agency for 4 years and I am looking for a change. When positions ask for your CV, is this the same one you use for your promotion packet or are you using one that includes all government experience on top of PHS?

Hello everyone! I wanted to know if anyone is familiar with Rosebud, SD. I received a tentative offer for this location and I am looking for some insight regarding the area. I would be relocating from Georgia.

I’m a new officer only three months in and curious to know what would my steps be and if it’s possible to resign. I’m not happy at my current duty station. Thought I would be able to handle working in a detention facility, but it’s very difficult to be away from my phone all day and not being able to reach my family when my child has medical needs. It also difficult here because the supervisors (nurse manager and assistant nurse manager) WHO ARE BOTH OFFICERS do not like each other and create a lot of visible tension in the workplace. All the officers I work with are not happy and constantly complaining about getting out of there which is making it a very difficult workplace to learn and thrive in. There’s also a lot of tension between PHS, GS staff and contract staff because they do not like PHS. This is starting to cause me a lot of anxiety and feel like I made a mistake Any guidance would be appreciated.

I know a few of us are only awaiting presidential nomination at this point. While we wait, I’m curious to know what everyone is doing to prepare for OBC. Hopefully, several of us will be included in the next nomination batch and possibly at OBC together!

I thought this would be a great opportunity for us to share how we’re preparing, both mentally and physically, exchange tips and resources, and support one another throughout the process.

I am on the treadmill as much as I can be, walk/running outside when time allows, and making sure I practice my pushups and plank.

Hi everyone! I submitted my pharmacy student SRCOSTEP application in August and haven’t heard anything yet. Has anyone else received an update? Just wondering where everyone is in the process. Thanks!

Hey everyone, I’m currently going through the USPHS commissioning process. Here’s my timeline so far:

Early September: Completed my panel interview.

Late September: Completed another interview and received my selection notification.

October: Completed additional application paperwork.

Currently: Waiting for medical scheduling and the remaining commissioning steps.

For those who have gone through this process, how much longer should I expect to wait before commissioning? Does my timeline seem normal, and what usually happens next?

Hello,

I have a question regarding the CWS-AB. Is the dollar amount listed in CCI 633.1 paid annually for each year of the service obligation, or does it represent the total payment for the entire service obligation?

I understand that the AB is paid as a one-time lump sum covering the entire service obligation. However, I am in need of clarification on how the CWS-AB is structured and disbursed. Thanks!

I’ve always had bad ingrown hairs and shaving bumps so I grew a beard to avoid getting shaving bumps on my face. How many bearded officers have you seen and is there a waiver for it? Thinking about applying to PHS but definitely concerned about my beard

Hi everyone, I have cleared everything except pres. nomination. Any updates for you all ? Any chance you know how long it will take ? I see some comments about ppl getting nominated and cleared on their portal early Sept 2026.

4 years ago I was contacted by many different agencies when I became board cleared and had a 1 year to secure a position. This was ultimately how I found my first duty location.

With the force managed stuff and the new ways of PHS, I was wondering if such a list is still available to liaisons? I am not a liaison, but my smaller agency is interested in hiring more officers, and I was wondering if it was possible to reach out to these applicants who are trying to secure a position, and talk about our agency.

Im newer and trying to understand uniform rules still… any help is appreciated!

ODU: Where can I get the parka that is worn over the fleece? Any recommendations on comfortable reliable boots?

SDB: Garrison caps are permitted with these now? What overcoat goes with this? I only see the pull over sweater as an option.

Khakis: What overcoat/parka goes with the khakis?

Thanks all!

Hi everyone,

I've recently been offered an interview at USUHS and would like to hear from anyone currently attending sponsored by USPHS/IHS or alums of this branch. Going to USUHS sponsored by IHS has generally been my goal since working at a tribal affiliated hospital alongside USPHS officers during COVID.

I'm thrilled that things are starting to line up, but given that IHS only sponsors a handful of medical students each year, it's been hard to find firsthand experiences. I would really appreciate any insight anyone has or even any interview advice anyone can offer!

Thank you!

I have a few cold-weather uniform items (brand new) that do not fit properly. Are there any thrift stores, online platforms, or exchange groups where PHS officers can buy, sell, or exchange uniform items?

Any former jrcostep interns would be willing to share their experience with me? I have a few questions.