Thanks to those so far who have shared their stories. I'm a veteran who while not on active duty sought help from the Health Center over a disturbing episode with a perpetrator when I was just a teenager. Like others I was not informed of the ramifications governing my file. I understand that the Military branch that I was associated with would have access to my particular medical file if they so ordered.
I was not informed or cautioned by the medical staff at the Health Center that military personnel could retrieve a copy of my file without my appropriate approval. It is clear to anyone who has had the honor to serve that certain officers or enlistees should not have access to these personal files. I am not aware that the military accessed my file, but I did not ever submit an inquiry to the Health Center.
Nor did I re-enlist with the service, in part, because of the failure of the Health Center to fully inform me initially of the potential situation. Their actions have resulted in potentially as many problems for me after I came to understand the policy as when I first approached the professional staff with my original situation.
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