Sometimes forgotten posts sit unnoticed in online forums, leaving important military questions unresolved. If you’ve scrolled past a thread that hasn’t seen much activity or answers in a day or more, you might have seen someone searching for help on everything from faint scars at DoDMERB screenings to the right civilian job after public affairs service. Here’s how to spot these threads and provide useful input.

Common Topics in Forgotten Posts

Forgotten posts cover a wide range of subjects. Some pop up frequently because they’re tricky or require first-hand experience. Here are a few classic examples:

• DoDMERB and faint self-harm scars: Applicants worry how visible old scars affect medical qualification for service academies or officer programs.
• Cavalry scout gear in M3 Bradleys: What unique equipment do Army scouts use for dismounted reconnaissance?
• Health science degrees and officer jobs: Which branches accept allied health backgrounds? What jobs are available post-service?
• Civilian careers after public affairs or mass communications: How do Army 46S or Navy MC skills translate to the civilian workforce?
• 35F (intelligence) ADOS counterdrug roles: What’s daily life like supporting counterdrug missions as an intel analyst?
• Pilot vision requirements: Can you become a pilot if you wear glasses or have mild vision issues?

Understanding Why Some Military Questions Go Unanswered

The reasons why some posts become “forgotten” vary. Sometimes it’s timing—a question is posted when fewer people are online. Other times, the question is so specific that only a handful of people know the answer. Occasionally, automated moderation removes posts by mistake.

Troublesome Topics

• Sensitive health issues: Many shy away from commenting on medical waivers or past mental health disclosures because they don’t want to give bad advice.
• Niche career transitions: For example, switching from USN enlisted to USMC officer isn’t something most users have done.

If you notice these patterns and have reliable experience—or can point someone to an official source—you can add real value to the discussion.

Busting Myths Around DoDMERB Scars and Vision Requirements

A recurring concern involves the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) process. Applicants wonder if old self-harm scars automatically disqualify them from commissioning programs. According to the Military.com medical standards guide, each case is reviewed individually; documentation and context matter more than appearance alone.

Pilot candidates also ask about vision standards across branches. The U.S. Air Force pilot requirements clarify that uncorrected vision must meet certain thresholds but corrective surgery (like PRK or LASIK) may be permitted after evaluation.

Civilian Life After Public Affairs or Health Science Service

A few forgotten posts seek advice about leveraging military skills in civilian life—especially for public affairs (Army 46S) or mass communication (Navy MC) veterans. These skills transfer well into roles like media relations specialist, communications manager, or government spokesperson. For those with a health science background, options include medical administration, emergency management, or laboratory management roles (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook).

Anecdote: Paying It Forward

A junior officer once shared how an unanswered forum post changed their career path. After weeks of silence on their question about transferring from Navy enlisted to Marine Corps officer, a retired recruiter finally replied with detailed steps and links to official instructions. That simple response led them to a successful application—proof that even one helpful answer can make all the difference.

Tips for Answering Forgotten Posts

• Cite official sources whenever possible.
• Avoid speculation about medical eligibility; recommend speaking with recruiters or physicians.
• If you don’t know the answer but know someone who does, tag them or suggest where else to ask.
• Encourage posters not to lose hope—answers sometimes take time.

Your Turn

The next time you see forgotten posts languishing in your favorite forum, consider sharing your experience or pointing others toward reliable information. Which types of unanswered questions do you feel most prepared to help with?