Sometimes, I wonder how the USMC doesn't just self-implode. It seems like they have this uncanny talent for over-complicating things! In a world where people aim to simplify, and where we have all this technology, I just don't understand why things have to be this difficult.
A couple of weeks ago, we had to go to DEERS to get me in the system. I go on the DEERS website for Quantico, and they say that I have to go with my sponsor. I ask them their hours; they're open from 0730 to 1500. Um, okay-- my sponsor is in training during that time. So I try to make an appointment for a day when he has off. Oh, on that day? They're only working until 12 noon and they're full (of course they are; I'm sure there are tons of people in the same situation!) I ask them if I can go to any DEERS location, or if it has to be Quantico. They say I can go to any other location, so I thank the lady on the phone, and start calling the list they have on their website.
Shouldn't be a big deal, right? WRONG. I quickly discover that all the phone numbers listed are incorrect! There are no websites. Finally, I Google one of the offices, and since it's on an Army base, I pull up a website. Lo and behold-- the Department of the Navy actually has a website where you can log on and make appointments at any DEERS office in the nation. So I make the appointment, then call to confirm they'll see us. I still had this nagging fear that it wouldn't work out, after all, if it was this easy, why didn't they tell us this on the Quantico website?
Everything was fine. We were in and out in 30 minutes, and we were able to get it done in Crystal City, just 15 minutes away, instead of Quantico, which takes an hour to get to (especially since the speed limit on base is 15 m.p.h.-- come on, that's less than at a school zone!) and where there is no parking. Seriously, USMC? Is it that difficult to have the scheduling website link on your website? How about making things just a little easier for us?
(and for those of you who are interested, this is the site).
