Airforce & PHS - Interservice Transfer

I know I am digging up old dirt here, but I spoke to a phs officer a few days ago (I was originally calling for a job) and was told that you can transfer between the services - AF and PHS in this case - and you keep your rank. The PHS officer also told me that she actually had a couple of people recently transfer from the AF to the PHS. I can't imagine that years of service would not transfer as well.

Your idea makes sense, but I have found a ridiculous amount of resistance trying to apply for a position in the PHS. I used their search database to identify 6 positions I was interested in, and I have so far been called back by 3 places I left messages, in all cases, the contact information was off, and the positions were already filled. I also asked about the bonus/loan repayment and was told I have to actually contact the individual agency (BOP, IHS etc.) in order to find out if they are offering the bonus/loan repayment. Tracking down the people that know answers to your questions is really difficult. I also found out you must apply for loan repayment and you might not get it. The bonus/loan repayment/tuition assistance programs for the AF are so much more upfront than the scarce information on the USPHS website. The difference in pay would be worth the hassle if I could find a position I was extremely interested in.

In contrast to the PHS, the AF is definitely more proactive in recruiting nurses. I would consider transferring from the AF to the PHS, once I am up for O-4, since that seems to be the rank where officers start getting stuck in the muck in the AF. Don't know if I will serve long enough to anyway.