Anyone utilizing Army Reserve STRAP program?

Skeletor · Jun 3, 2009

any responses. . .

I know it's an old thread; however, I have the same round about questions. . .

Skeletor · Aug 8, 2009

Does the STRAP, GI Bill, and drill pay kill you on your FAFSA for other types of aid (subsidized loans, grants, needs-based scholarships)?

Anyone? I have the same question. . .

1) Post-9/11 G.I. Bill including E-5 BAH w/dependents of $1851/month

2) Army STRAP: $1992/month

3) Drill pay of $492/month

. . . plus $4320/month from a FT nursing position would make life pretty comfortable

olderthandirt2 · Aug 15, 2009

I know you are ready to retire. But the USAGPAN ( Army CRNA) program is top-notch. I am sure you have researched it. I am in it right now, and I can honestly say, "this is the best program you can get into". Period. This is my 3rd Masters, so I've been down the civilian Masters road before, you will not find a more supportive program that trains you to the standard of USAGPAN. We are renowned for our skills with blocks, trauma and autonomy.

This program costs the Army $500,000 per student. I am paid fulltime. Seriously. I didn't even apply to civilian programs......couldn't afford it.....$200,000 of additional school debit (to my pre-existing school loan debt?).....no way.

The word is out, now there have been over 100 applicants for next yrs class.......you can't beat the training and everyone knows it!! Even recent graduate Civilian CRNAs want into the program (or Army) for additional training!

good luck,

cl.

vekrause · Aug 15, 2009

I'm going for my BSN through the SARNTP pilot as an Army Reservist and was informed that you can not utilize TA and STRAP together.

SarahLovesNovember, BSN, RN · Feb 23, 2010

I'm looking at doing the STRAP program for my RN-BSN. They told me I CAN utilize my Post 9/11 GI Bill AND the STRAP at the same time. You also have to prove that you are working at least per diem while in the program. My plan is to go back to Active Duty when I complete it. I have no desire to go Reserves. They said it is very possible to switch my contract over to AD and I would only owe 2 years as opposed to the 4 but I'm looking at retirement options, not getting out. I was an Army medic for 4 years and got out to go to school.

olderthandirt2 · Feb 27, 2010

Anyone? I have the same question. . .
1) Post-9/11 G.I. Bill including E-5 BAH w/dependents of $1851/month
2) Army STRAP: $1992/month
3) Drill pay of $492/month
. . . plus $4320/month from a FT nursing position would make life pretty comfortable

CRNA school and WORK FULL-TIME? Maybe I am reading this wrong....are you kidding?

USAGPAN doesn't allow it.....one student in last years class was "moonlighting during school".....no shock, that student is not in the program anymore.

Guest603994 · Jun 23, 2012

Anyone using Army Reserve STRAP?
Just doing some evaluation and soul searching...
I am currently applying to CRNA schools and have an interview lined up in Nov. @ U. of Cincinnati...awaiting other invites too.
I am 36 and have been an Army Reservist for 19yrs (will hit 20yrs in Jan '08 @ age 37). I spent 15 yrs enlisted/4+ commissioned and will pin on CPT (pay grade O-3E >20yrs) after Jan. 08 board. I know I would get to 1380 my drill pay ($762/month pre-tax for me) which will be alot better than any new LT's with no time in (I'll get to keep my rank since I am already Nurse Corps). I also would get the VA chapter 1607 REAP GI Bill from my Enduring Freedom/Noble Eagle deployment (extra $430/month--not taxed) I think the current STRAP stipend is $1235/month (pre-tax). I already contracted for the $50K Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP) when my AOC (66E) went on the critical wartime shortage list in 2006, but I will only have $30K left to use on CRNA school (paying off undergrad with the first $20k payment).
I also recently learned about an available Reserve Tricare program that costs $253/month to cover a family (sounds cheaper than health insurance purchased through school).
1) Does the STRAP, GI Bill, and drill pay kill you on your FAFSA for other types of aid (subsidized loans, grants, needs-based scholarships)?
2) Is the current stipend $1235?
3) Would anyone rather have taken out private loans as opposed to using the STRAP/HPLRP and the obligations incurred?
4) Are you elligible for Army Tuition Assistance (TA) too while in CRNA school (I think it is like $4500 per year)?
I have alot of huge decisions to make regarding my Army Reserve career--I could retire in Spring '08--any input would be greatly appreciated.
Bryan

I was curious about some of the same questions.

I'm an RN with my ADN and I'm going to be starting a RN-MSN program this Fall. I've been researching military loan repayment since I've spent over 10 years enlisted in the Army already.

1) What rank do you hold when you're drilling under STRAP? What rank are you commissioned as when you're done with school and direct commission, as well as whether or not the time one serves while going to school under STRAP is counted towards promotion/time in grade.

2) Can you do the STRAP program as well as the National Guard/VA concurrent obligation?

3) How does the drill weekends work while in the STRAP program? Do we pick a medical unit near our home or a clinic?

4) Can someone agree to the STRAP program as well as the VA/National Guard concurrent program?

5) When does the Officer go to Direct Commission school in the STRAP program? Before or after graduation?

6) I'm also wondering if since I'm getting a BSN as well as an MSN if I can count both towards the STRAP program. I should be finished with my BSN within the Fall Semester and immediately begin my MSN since it's one program. Will the STRAP cover that as one program?

7) Lastly, I'm told that the only MSN programs the Army covers under STRAP are NP and CRNA. I'm going for my degree in public healthcare and I'm curious if there has been any change in the requirements.

Hope someone can help!