Permission to Come Aboard Admiral!

My life broken down into medical records.

Accompanying John to Japan is not something I'm entitled to nor is it a right. Actually, the Navy could really care less if I go or not. Most of the time they would prefer it if I didn't go as that means they could spend less money on transferring John there.

Some couple's even opt to split for three years. The wife will stay in the US with her family while the husband completes his tour in Japan. However, if you're a spouse like me and insist on going, they want to make sure that when you get there you and your family will not be a drain on the bases already limited resources.

Last night, John submitted a letter that will be routed to the Admiral of the base in Yokosuka requesting permission to bring me to the station. I had to complete all details about my passport and whether any further visas might be required. Is there a chance I could be denied to come with John? Yes. Is it likely? No.

Once the admiral approves me, I have to go to my medical screening (scheduled for tomorrow morning). They want to make sure I have no ongoing medical problems that will be a drain on their resources in Yokosuka. For example if you or your children have, diabetes, upcoming knee surgery, or manic depression --- all may be grounds for the spouse to be denied accompanying the service member. Another reason for outright denial? Pregnancy. That's right. If you're pregnant, you must remain in the US until after you have the baby, then you can join your service member in Japan.

There is large Navy hospital in Yokosuka, but they only provide limited care (such as preventive care and emergency care). They are not equipped for long term care. I know that there are state-of-the-art Japanese hospitals but 1) do you want to be treated long term by someone who is not fluent in the same language as you? and 2) how do you plan on getting Japanese health care? I'm pretty sure it's a lengthy formidable process.

Tomorrow is the medical screening for me. I don't have a reason to think anything will go wrong, but by nature I'm a worrier. So, of course I'm worried. Do I have all the right paperwork? Will I be denied because I marked "yes" on the form that I have hay fever allergies? How much convincing will I have to do to prove to them that I'm not on any thyroid medication since half my thyroid was removed when I was in high school?

Also, below is a picture of my desk at work. On Monday (Valentine's Day), I put in my two weeks notice. My workload is slowly dwindling away. Once in this spot, many files were stacked halfway up the wall.....