Accepted into Army NC, now what

RNburnout · Jan 29, 2011

I really wouldnt mind living in Alaska i hear it is very pretty there during the summer you just have to muscle through the winters. But Alaska isnt a viable option for me because it would mean i forfeit my gauranteed course selection...something i REALLY REALLY want. Usually an OCONUS assignment means you forfeit your GCS but I am going to ask if it is just a year will i loose my option of attending. My husband is already in Korea for a 12mth assignment this is why he is annoyed that i am leaning towards a Korea, he is ready to be back state side. I am just thinking that it is only one year, come back take my gauranteed course and better assignment. That is just my ideal way of thinking but apparently the needs of the Army come first.

just_cause, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2011

So Korea = oconus, you'd loose that guarantee as well, right?

RNburnout · Jan 29, 2011

Possibly...but it is only a 1 year assignment. My contract is for 3 years. I am hoping this fact negates that rule. To my understanding the reason behind this is because it is not cost effective to have a nurse in an OCONUS assignment come back state side for 4 months and then send them back. If i did a 1 yr tour in korea came back i would still have time to take my course and still have more than the mimimum 1 yr utilization tour required after the course. My wish/hope is that the army is not so obstinate they ignore my rational...we will see. I just CANNOT live in ft irwin, CA or ft. lost-in-the-woods, MO.

just_cause, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2011

sorry still not tracking on the thought process you described.

you could do 3year in AK to complete active duty contract, and decline career course.

you could do 1 year in korea, move to career course then duty station and serve ADSO concurrently.

not understanding the problems / goals here... either way you need to have your spouse on board with your plan as a high priority.

Care&Joy · Jan 29, 2011

Possibly...but it is only a 1 year assignment. My contract is for 3 years. I am hoping this fact negates that rule. To my understanding the reason behind this is because it is not cost effective to have a nurse in an OCONUS assignment come back state side for 4 months and then send them back. If i did a 1 yr tour in korea came back i would still have time to take my course and still have more than the mimimum 1 yr utilization tour required after the course. My wish/hope is that the army is not so obstinate they ignore my rational...we will see. I just CANNOT live in ft irwin, CA or ft. lost-in-the-woods, MO.

The whole Fort Irwin thing is understandable, as I had researched what the area was like & what it looked like, ha. However, when my recruiter & I were talking about it, he says it's actually in demand for a lot of people & years ago he tried requesting it & he couldn't get it. Ironic, huh? :clown:

nevadabutterfly · Feb 1, 2011

Hello All,

I've been reading this thread and all the threads I can possibly get my eyes on. I'm currently a new 2LT. I graduated and commissioned in December. I did 3 years of ROTC and I am so excited to be moving on to the next step in my career. I'm waiting to take the NCLEX and I can't get orders until I pass and get my registration number. I'm also hoping to get into the March BOLC class. I'll be cutting it close, but hopefully there will be seats available! I can't wait and hopefully I'll see you all at BOLC:-)

I'm also prior service Navy and my husband is Active duty Army which is why I switched branches.

Just a suggestion, I would definitely get all of your gear before BOLC starts!! Congrats to all and thanks for sharing!

just_cause, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2011

Are you able to drive to alternate location sites to take your test? This could save you some money in the long run and avoid waiting for a future BOLC date...

congrats on your commission~

RNburnout · Feb 4, 2011

So it looks like i will be going to ft irwin...im going to save the tears for later:-(

New1LT · Feb 4, 2011

So it looks like i will be going to ft irwin...im going to save the tears for later:-(

When did you find this out? Who are you in contact with? When are you going to BOLC? If I missed the last question in another post, I apologize.

Care&Joy · Feb 4, 2011

When did you find this out? Who are you in contact with? When are you going to BOLC? If I missed the last question in another post, I apologize.

I know it can totally suck to not get a "prime" area...but try to not cry :). Rest & Refocus yourself not on the place, but on the great people you will be serving/working with, & rest your mind on the personal level of getting to know, work with & treat new friends, soldiers & what you can & will learn on that level. You can easily explore & adventure together to other areas outside of Irwin :) You will enjoy the process & the situation much better. Some people can get the most prime, beautiful places in the world, but if they don't see life at the most intimate, meaningful level -they're missing out anyway no matter where they are. Bring a bathing suit & buy a kiddie pool to sit in during the Summers in the meantime -& don't forget a little umbrella in your lemonade . :redbeathe :smokin:

RNburnout · Feb 4, 2011

I actually never asked for a prime place. All my request were MEDDACS. I have been in contact MAJ Villacorta. Apparently experienced nurses are being limited to ft Irwin, ft sill, ft Leonard wood, Korea, and Alaska. If you choose Alaska it's considered OCONUS and you forfeit your generic course gaurantee. I picked Korea and was still gauranteed my generic course. The only issue was my husbands chain of command could not guarantee his release from his current assignment in Korea to PCS to Yongsan....so Irwin we go. I don't think it will be as bad as I have preceived it to be. I enjoy outdoors and hiking. I just love shopping just as much. It will be a big change from Chicago to the mojave desert but with the current snow fall and cold here in Chicago I will welcome the heat...just not 120 degrees

RNburnout · Feb 4, 2011

Im sorry experienced 66H are limited to these areas