For those of you who use VA medical centers and clinics...

[Old Troop]

take a few minutes to talk to the new kids on the block and let them in on the things you've learned about the system and the ways to circumvent it.

[No Passaran]

1. I used it

But I found it a depressing place. You basically get to see yourself in 30 years or so when in a waiting room. I'm retired Army and have Tricare so I just took that and went to a regular doc. I'm done with the Army and really only want to be normal and a civilian. No more VA for me.

As far as new vets that are completing their service and have no private insurance? Use it as much as you can. You have 2 years of medical care. And make sure you get seen for everything, even a minor thing you might overlook, and you should get a rating from VA. You sacrificed and use the government and force them to take care of you.