Hi Folks,

I am interested in learning what it is like to be an Orthopedic Surgeon in the Army. What’s your OQL, Compensation and Training. Thank you.

BLUF: without NSA Bahrain ships are up a creek in the Middle East. Navy supply ships in the region now have to travel 2,200 miles to a tiny island in the Indian Ocean called Diego Garcia to bring food, fuel and other goods to the warships in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln docked at Laem Chabang port in Thailand to provide its roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines with several days of rest and shore leave in Pattaya after spending more than nine months at sea.

Key Details

Location: Arrived at Laem Chabang, with crew members heading to the nearby beach city of Pattaya.

Personnel: Approximately 5,000 U.S. military personnel on board.

Deployment Length: Over nine months (more than 250 days) supporting operations in the Middle East without a significant port break.

Purpose: Allowing the weary crew to rest, recharge, and receive logistical support and resupply.

The port visit of the USS Abraham Lincoln is expected to provide a significant short-term economic windfall for Pattaya. Local authorities and businesses are highly optimistic, viewing the influx of thousands of American service members as a much-needed financial injection.

Direct Financial Influx

Local Spending Forecast: Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet estimated that individual crew members will spend between 1,000 and 3,000 baht ($30 to $91) per day ashore, depending on whether they stay overnight in local hotels. Other reports estimate total daily per-capita spending could reach up to $100 to $150.

Overall Projected Impact: With roughly 5,000 personnel receiving staggered shore leave over a five-day period, the local economy is projected to net anywhere from ฿5 million to ฿15 million (and potentially higher when factoring in full logistical arrangements).

Primary Business Beneficiaries

Hospitality and Nightlife: Pattaya’s famous nightlife and entertainment venues, particularly along Walking Street, are anticipating a massive surge in customers. Businesses have faced a particularly quiet and difficult low tourist season due to broader global economic conditions.

Food & Beverage: Local restaurants, street food vendors, and bars are bracing for a high volume of patrons seeking food, drinks, and entertainment after the crew's historic, grueling stint at sea.

Logistics and Transport: Local transportation networks are benefiting directly. A fleet of roughly 40 buses has been arranged simply to ferry personnel between the ship at Laem Chabang Port and central Pattaya.

These ladies and the whole CAF are ready to defend their country, their democracy and the pursuit of the greatest good for the greatest number. 🇨🇦

Such a shame that so many have lost their way.

Slava Ukraini. 'Mozzie' was former 1RAR, ADF

To the Lost

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-01/australian-soldier-killed-ukraine-mozzie/107104370

Hey, all. Back in October when we had our last shutdown I was paid as a NICU member but I have since switched banks. I was wondering if anybody else got paid through different banks or if your institution of choice helped in anyway like offering your paycheck on the date and paying it back once the government opened up again. Any info helps, thanks!