Back a little early from the gulf, as my neurological issues and a healthy dose of politics got me placed on limited duty.

Not my preference and I recieved not a few strange looks for my desire to stay where most folk hate to be, but I just feel it's my job... Apparently enthusiasm and hard work is not enough... :-(

Welcome back, safe & sound, E-Boy.

Glad you're back too E-boy:)

Thanks for the greeting BIG and Joan. :-) Nice to know you care to see me back.

Quick update... While I was still onboard the ship I licked most of the symptomology problems pretty good. I had structures in place to help me remember everything, I maintained the exercise (up to ten miles at a shot now, although I am going to bring it down to four when I am as lean as I want to be and then gain some weight back the right way), I concentrated on doing what I was best at and minimizing my involvement (as much as the military will allow this) in those things that are extra difficult for me, and I was doing very well. Sleep pattern disturbances was what got me put on limited duty. It was the one symptom I have yet to be able to find a way to effectively manage on my own. A little cooperation from my division could have made this a non-issue, but they chose, instead, to write me up for the symptom treat it like misconduct, send me through the non-judicial punishment system and generally humiliate the $&&% out of me.

Needless to say, it was rough. Unfortunately for them, I have already been down this road more times than I can count and this time I knew what was wrong for a change and refused to let them make me feel like some kind of lesser being. They got to deal with angry, vindictive, been in the Navy for a long, long time and knows the regs a lot better than they do Dan. I dropped equal opportunity complaints based on their treatment of me in this whole process, and I also had my charges finally dismissed when the captain FINALLY got wind of what was happening. My chain of command snowed the CMC, the DRB board, and the Executive officer. This is partly because they had control of all of those proceedings and none of the people who knew what was going on, like say my doc, were invited. Part of it was also because those proceedings are all administrative procedures and I have no rights to speak or produce evidence on my behalf. In other words I was limited to answering yes or know questions. I think they were little suprised I pled guilty to the charges. I was guilty, I overslept. Medical was aware of the problem and it's causes, and they said it was unacceptable as well. No one, especially me, thought it was a good thing to oversleep. Medical did not view it as misconduct though nor did they think punitive measures would be appropriate. They were working with me to find solutions that worked. They were aware that until I found something that was effective at stopping it that it was quite beyond my control and they had been telling me that my division needed to work with me on this as well by assisting with both ideas to correct it and assistance (IE Wake up calls). My division had, inspite of two and a half years of effort on my part, refused to be involved in any of my medical issues.

Anyway, at captain's mast my rights finally kick in. I am allowed to present evidence, speak, and call witnesses on my behalf. I requested a closed mast, to keep out the two worst offenders as far as the harrassment, unfair treatment, and out and out crap went. I requested both my division officer (who had spoken with Doc and tried to stop the proceedings) and my doc be present, and I had collected and turned in a great deal of documentary evidence, both on ADHD, and on the anxiety disorders, and depression I suffer from. Lastly, I included the regulations regarding how even "Suspected" medical issues are supposed to be handled, so that I could decisively demonstrate they had failed to utilize proper procedures out of ignorance or malice.

I never ended up having an "official" mast. The captain made the decision to dismiss charges after about 30 seconds with my doctor. He called me in, no military movements or salutes necessary, informed me the charges had been dismissed, apologized to me for them having treated me like a criminal for severa weeks when it had clearly not been necessary (this with a meaningful look at my chain of command), and finally on medical's recommendation he placed me on limited duty and ordered me shipped back to the states. I later learned that he had not wanted to send me home and had intended to place me in another division, but that medical had pointed out that it was a very hostile work environment for me (my home division that is) and while taking me out of it would spare me their direct antics, they still controlled my evaluations. Medical also pointed out that stress markedly worsens my symptoms. That is all true, but I wish they had not made their recomendation for the limited duty status. I would rather do my job.

On a humorous, at least to me, note, I was in the Captain's office for all of five minutes. My chain of command was there for at least another hour and I know they weren't getting a pat on the back, if you know what I am saying. :-D

So far, back here in VA, my preliminary medical board had found me suitable for further service but recomended 8 months of limited duty with a re-evaluation at the 6 month mark. The final board has yet to happen, but the Doc is confident they will concur. I am working with the Sea Bees at a local weapons station until the admin types draw me up new orders based on what the board decides my "limitations" are. The sea bees here get lots of limited duty types sent to them as additional manpower resources, but I am one of the few who is actually fully physically functional as far as moving parts goes. They are pretty happy to have a big dumb swede like me around for heavy lifting. Suits me fine for now. At least I am doing something productive.

Hey E-boy

Good Story

Good to see you again

WOW! I never even thought about what it would be like to be treated in the military...I'm glad you could stand your ground. It amazes me how ignorant some people are...
Nice to meet you.

You know, even my own wife, who claims she believes in this stuff, tortures me over it. Today it has been all about what I have "done" to our financial situation. She has even insinuated several times that limited duty is some kind of punishment they levied just to wash their hands of me... First of all, LIMDU is not punitive, and I was not given a choice. It is a direct result of the one symptom that in spite of my best efforts (and folks, believe me when I say suggestions are welcome. Desperately needed would be a more accurate way to put it) I was unable to find a solution to. I am not at fault for having ADHD, nor is LIMDU as much as I would prefer not to be on it inappropriate. Hell I give up. I am just going to get separated and have done with it. I just got off the phone with the wife and was called a liar too. Nice huh? This from a woman who reads about this stuff and sends me news clips. I guess reading and believing are not the same thing. I make no exuses and work my butt off and this is the thanks I get? Well, I suppose I can't blame her, it isn't easy, but there is no need for insults.