I am considering going army

[artina]

I will be graduating in May with my BSN and last semester we had some recruiters come speak with us about enlisting in the military. With a bachelors degree in nursing one would automatically start as an officer. I would enlist full time should I decide to go.The pay is about the same compared to where I live, but the benefits and retirement is a biggie, especially since I'm 35 years old. Has anyone out there went this route and care to tell me anything about it? A couple of people that are not nurses, but are in the reserve, tell me to check it all out thoroughly, because the recruiters will basically tell you "anything" to sugar coat it. Whether it be good or bad, I need help and your input. Thanks a lot.

[Kora0880, BSN, RN]

I think that's a serious problem, many people join for the benefits without realizing there are great responsibilities and commitment that come with it. One may find him/herself very unhappy when realizing that only at that time it may be too late to say oops. . . . Barb good advice

[morr4336]

Good day all, I am in the Coast Guard and have spent extensive time with the other DOD services in a medical capacity, and if given the chance, I would join the PHS (Public Health Service). You are a member of the uniformed services, and you get all of the benefits without a lot of the hassle. In the PHS there is no "up or out" policy, so the cut throating that goes on for promotion is not there. But as several people have stated do your homework, and remember all jobs have an up and down side. You must decide if you can handle the down side.

Gerard

[LeesieBug]

The needs of the AF come before anything

Well, yeah.

I think that makes an important point. While my husband was Army for seven years, I would hear a lot of complaints similar to this one. It is important to understand the the armed forces is, as someone mentioned, a serious comittment. In the case of enlisted personnel especially, THEY OWN YOU! But that doesn't mean it is going to be a bad experience. You just have to understand that, hey, if your Grandma dies, and you are deployed, and they really NEED you, you're NOT going to make it to the funeral. Many people don't understand that until it's too late.

That being said, if you have to pick, go Air Force!!!!! We were always jealous of how much better the Air Force folks had it. When we were stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, all of a sudden they started renovating our somewhat crappy housing, and we found out it was because we were getting Air Force personnel. The head honchos said the housing was "sub-standard" and they wouldn't put THEIR people in them until they we renovated! :chuckle

[rpbear]

The Air Force tuition is 100% now, not 75%. Also there is a $10k bonus OR Loan repayment. Check with the local recruiter and get the facts, not all of them are scum, they are normal people too. By the way, they do not get any bonus for you joining.