Active duty AF at 47 years old

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This is my second post. I have been working with a recruiter since Dec. It is somewhat frightening because he has been very inconsistent with the paperwork. On several occasions he has forgotten to give me certain paperwork. I have been nursing for over 20 years, I'm 47 years old. I was told that I can pick my first duty station I may possibly get a rank waiver for major. Does anyone know if this is true. Also my present salary is 79,000. Could someone tell me what my take home pay would acutally be If I do get the waiver for major with no prior active duty experience.

Maybe it is a dependent rate -vs- non??? Are you in an area of low BAH?

I will agree active duty usually does not start making more than the civilian counterparts until at least O-3. And of course there are many variations.

Yes, the military pay tables are for a month but pay day is the 1st and 15th.

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

NursePamela:

Thank you for all your input. You have certainly opened my eyes, and that is a good thing!

I do stand corrected: I checked out how much my annual salary is at 0-3: $51,000 plus change. So I do make more than the $45,000 I had thought...But still a long way away from what I was making as a civilian working for the fed at the VA.

Thanks again! Oh and you can always, when you in-process AD, decide if you want the bi-monthly pay or go for one paycheck/month. I took the bi-monthly way....Made me feel rich, ha ha

athena

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I feel confused. Were you already in the military before and are now going back or something? I thought there was an age cutoff to join. I had wanted to sign up last year but was told I had just missed the cut off because I had to be in bootcamp before I had turned 28 (I remember being do disappointed). Anyway, are the rules different for a nurse? I'm currently taking my pre-reqs and will hopefully start school in January. I should be finished with an ASN after a couple years (puts me at 32). Can I still get into a branch or would a BSN be required?

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Thanks again. Once I swear and sign, I realize my needs and wants do not matter. That is why I will not sign unless a contract with the ADMIRAL signature is on the contract which states major and the specefic base that I want to work at for my first tour. I realize once I get in the base could change in a matter of days to months. But speaking to other medical providers that should not occur in less than a year.

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Thanks again. I was told for 2 years of civilian service equals 1 AD. That is why I might be eligible for a rank waiver. If 0-4 not in contract along wit duty station then I will not sign. The salary is comparable. The initial bonus is okay, as is the yearly bonus. BAH is VA which is significantly less than DC but able to cover my housing.

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Regarding bonus I'm primary care so my bonus is significantly less than CRNA. I was told PNP only get 5K versus 25K CRNA

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I received a letter last June 47 years for BSN prepared RN. No I'm civ working in navy hospital, never AD

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Now thanks to everyones great input, going AD for just the money is not a great idea. Serving the country is near the top, benefits, (healthcare, discounts at walgreen on Tues.(LOL) life insurance, education) experience and on the job training (admin) that may not be available in civ jobs.

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Specializes in ER/Critical Care.
I feel confused. Were you already in the military before and are now going back or something? I thought there was an age cutoff to join. I had wanted to sign up last year but was told I had just missed the cut off because I had to be in bootcamp before I had turned 28 (I remember being do disappointed). Anyway, are the rules different for a nurse? I'm currently taking my pre-reqs and will hopefully start school in January. I should be finished with an ASN after a couple years (puts me at 32). Can I still get into a branch or would a BSN be required?

Army takes RN's for ages 46-60 with 2 year committment for AD/BSN's. AD requires BSN.

http://www.goarmy.com/amedd/nurse/index.jsp

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
Regarding bonus I'm primary care so my bonus is significantly less than CRNA. I was told PNP only get 5K versus 25K CRNA

FYI: Bonus for CRNAs is between 15-40K or 45K depending on if your in payback for school and how long you sign up for. The bonus I was referring to was for critical care nurses in the AF which I think was 10 or 15K.

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I feel confused. Were you already in the military before and are now going back or something? I thought there was an age cutoff to join. I had wanted to sign up last year but was told I had just missed the cut off because I had to be in bootcamp before I had turned 28 (I remember being do disappointed). Anyway, are the rules different for a nurse? I'm currently taking my pre-reqs and will hopefully start school in January. I should be finished with an ASN after a couple years (puts me at 32). Can I still get into a branch or would a BSN be required?

Yes it is different for medical people including nurses. 42 I believe with age waivers available after that. So I am told.

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Thanks again. Once I swear and sign, I realize my needs and wants do not matter. That is why I will not sign unless a contract with the ADMIRAL signature is on the contract which states major and the specefic base that I want to work at for my first tour. I realize once I get in the base could change in a matter of days to months. But speaking to other medical providers that should not occur in less than a year.

Keep us informed, and let us know if you get it.

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