[zrmorgan]

Does the Airforce have any reservist programs similar to the Army's STRAP program?

What is STRAP? Specialized Training Assistance Program It is a stipend while you are in anesthesia school of appr 1033/mo. (you owe two years for every year they do this for you)

They also offer Healthcare Professional Loan Repayment program which gives you up to 50k over three years to pay off school loans.

I like these deals...but CRNA's who did this program tell me to check out the Airforce's offers and if they are similar, it is a better lifestyle when you are activated (e.g. chances of providing anesthesia in a fixed facility while deployed are higher, you will probably be eating burger king instead of mres)

Anyway, if anyone has either researched this out, or has any info please let me know.

Thanks

[zrmorgan]

okay...sorry to reply to myself but I found the site attached...but I would appreciate feedback from someone who has any pros or cons...or who has participated in the program
http://arpc.afrc.af.mil/sgx/stipend.htm

[Passin' Gas]

Contact ARPC to make sure they are accepting reservists into the program. I believe they may be adequately manned.

If you are seriously considering the military route for assistance, please be aware you have a high potential to be called to active duty at some time. Almost half of the troops sitting overseas (and we're involved in more than Iraq) are reservists. It certainly is a viable option but look at ALL factors involved, not solely monetary support. It's like Hotel California, you can check in but you can never check out (at least for several years).

PG

[FlyingED]

zrmorgan,
I have been keeping track of the stipend from the AFR and it still has not been funded this fiscal year. As soon as I hear anything I will let you know. It is difficult to actually find someone to give you a straight answer r/t recruiters but hand in there. Do you have any other military experience.

[sjoe]

I would think that your local USAF recruiter would be willing and able to give you this information. Just get everything IN WRITING before signing up.

[zrmorgan]

Thanks for the comments.

I have discussed the options with many Army reservists including those who have been to Iraq. There is a great account on this website that someone posted on these boards awhile ago. It is a good example of "please be aware you have a high potential to be called to active duty at some time"http://www.gaspasser.com/CRNAinIraq.html

Although there is not a lot of flexibility to what support unit you will be assigned to in the airforce...your chances of being in a fixed facility out of small arms fire range is higher if you are deployed. 10 years ago, before I was married and had a baby...I would have probably thought that jumping out of a plane with a parachute, m16, and an anesthesia machine over hostile teritory was cool.

Flying...no military experience...but am a GS employee at Madigan just south of you...am told that 2 years of GS may be applied as 1 year of service as far as rank goes (but not obligation time).

[FlyingED]

morgan, morgan morgan, Where do you think I did most of my pacu and my first ED job . . . MAMC. I am a flight nurse out of McChord and an agency nurse in the South PS.
As for as the 6250th, there are a lot of wonderful people in that unit. Just keep in mind that you should talk to people who were activated to Kuwait and Camp Wolf, (what a PIT!). L Casey is one of my favorite people, if you have any questions r/t Army life she would the one to see.

P. S.
I going to be at MAMC this morning.

[FlyingED]

Now for a totally new train of thought.

For all of you thinking about joining the military as a way to pay for CRNA school, GOOD NEWS. The Air Force (Active Duty)has submited a request for an increase in the Incentive Specialty Pay (ISP) from 15000 to 50000. This increase makes the military very competative to the civilian market. This is tentative- I have not heard if it was approved - has anyone else?

[dreamon]

Do they say anything about accepting prior service Army into an Air Force program? Thanks!

[FlyingED]

I don't know. The intent I think is for the Air Force to accept only
"current" active duty.

I emailed a LtCol who is in the "know" r/t Air Force CRNA programs and he said they might eventually have to look at a direct commisioning CRNA program similar to the Army. My interpretation of that comment is "but, not now".

As far as the Navy, they have 100% percent of their slots filled. They aren't even looking for anyone other than active duty Navy.

This is all subject to change at the discretion of the military.

Good luck