Age limits/requirements

[AOX4RN]

I hate to ask for repeated information but I'm having a hard time navigating the websites for the various services. I understand there is an upper age limit for the full service AF/Navy/Army and waivers if you're over that. Can anyone help me with the upper age limit number and what does the waiver entail? Also, I see that the regular Air Force requires a BSN but Reserve allows an ASN. Is that the case for Navy and Army too? And are there different age requirements for Reserve? I'm going to finish an ADN when I'm three months shy of 43 and had planned to go right into a BSN bridge or a MSN bridge to APN specialty.

When I was 19 and addicted to the nurses on China Beach I visited my local recruiter... ended up with a broken leg from a sport injury instead of going through with it and got distracted for about 20 years making a family. If I' too old or this isn't feasible, what other ways can a civilian nurse get involved with military nursing to give back to our vets and country?

[lucy18]

Not sure how accurate this is, but I was told that it is very difficult to "cross over" from the Reserves to AD. I had thought about going that route and was advised against it. As for AD Air Force, I do know that you just have to be eligible to retire by age 62. With your years of experience as a nurse, I'm sure you would go in at a higher rank, but unless you had prior military service that would count toward retirement, I don't think you would be eligible for retirement by age 62. It wouldn't hurt to talk to a health care recruiter for AD to get specifics.

What you are saying seems sensible, although I don't understand its basis. Since the majority of active duty do not retire from the armed forces, why is it a variable? Rules are rules whether they make sense or not. Thanks for the information

[lucy18]

When I switched from Army Reserves to active Army last year it was not a problem. I also spoke with AF & Navy and both said it would not be a problem. It can be a hassle since you have to do most of the boarding process again.

My husband was a Marine and he also believes it is not a difficult transition in most cases. It is my age that may be the problem. Thank you for the reply.

[athena55, BSN, RN]

lucy18:

I received an age waiver to enter the reserves, and when I put in my packet to "cross over to the dark side" (AD, joke) it wasn't all that complicated. As has been mentioned on this forum before, you would have already had your fingerprints on file, just need to check out the information - again, cross and dot all the i's and t's.

Since I had already received an age waiver to become a Commissioned Officer in the USA - RC I didn't need a new one to go Active. Just make sure your statement as to why you want to enter the ANC-Reserves makes an impact on the Board when they read it. Ask your recruiter for some sample "impact statements"

Keep us informed as to your progress, okay?

athena

[lucy18]

Athena,

Thank you for sharing your experience. I am feeling much more optimistic about my chances and definitely more excited.

I sent my packet for the Surgeon General that included an essay. My recruiter though it was a good reason for joining up- of course caring for those who have served and being disheartened with civilian nursing due to the focus on making money rather than care. I will definitely ask how I can elaborate and be as effective as possible. Thank you for the advice.

I am at the very beginning of the process and of course worrying that they won't be able to utilize me. There seems to be many obstacles along the way. I am concerned that the base I would be drilling at (McGuire) which has an ambulatory clinic will not have a need for my experience-right now ED and education. Age is another of my worries.

I am trying to take one step at a time. I hope it works out, i think I could be an asset.

Will keep you posted. I really appreciate you replying.