Air Force , need help!

allnurses Guide · Oct 8, 2008

So, I am going to do it. I am going to call the recruitor and move forward becoming an AF nurse. I have 11yrs of high risk OB experience. I have been told I will come in as a Captain with 4.5 yrs. Have a few questions if anyone could enlighten me. Thanks.
1. I was told that as a Capt. that I would have to "wear" that rank for 6 yrs. So, what does the 4.5 yrs mean to me then?
2. From the time I fill out the application could someone please give me a generic time line of what happens. When do I actually "sign and raise my hand." When will I be presented with a contract and assignment, and when do I report to COT?
3. How horrible is the COT physical training testing? Is it the same for every person or age appropriate?

1. In general it takes about 6yrs as a Captain to be eligible for promotion to Major. I am assuming that if you are getting a total of 8.5yrs total time in credit (1/2 credit for the 1st 6yrs and 1 for 1 after that). So, the 4.5 should mean that you would be eligible to have your package looked at after approx. 2yrs active duty time. Unless, you have a MSN, finish SOS, and several other things it is doubtful that you will be competitive for the Major's board in 2yrs. I can always be wrong, but that is just my personal experience from co-workers and friends.

2. 6-12mo total time usually before you get actually go to COT. Paperwork will be a pain in the butt.

3. COT isn't that big of a deal, if you can pass the USAF pt test then you will do fine at COT. Here is USAF physical fitness standards: http://www.af.mil/news/USAF_Fitness_Charts.pdf Everyone PT's together is my understanding (I haven't been to COT for about 7ys now), but your PT test is done by age categories/standards.

My personal advice is to make sure you have checked out all the services before deciding on one including AF, Navy, Army, and USPHS. Each one can offer different pros and cons. In your situation I would consider USPHS until I make Major and then do an interservice transfer to the service of your choice (as an officer you get to keep your rank as long as you do an interservice transfer w/o a break in service). Major has been a notoriously hard rank for nurses in the AF to make, and don't believe the statistics that are posted for making Major in the AF. They are extremely over inflated!

Good Luck!

just_cause, BSN, RN · Oct 8, 2008

wtbcrna, great response.

I want to add to his statement on browsing all services. Please look at all factors but do not fall prey to the enticing benefits of bonuses and fast promotion rates.

Rates of promotion are often slower in 'nicer' jobs/services... because retention is high peeps actually like it..

The true benefit that you will have is after 20+ years of service and gaining the retirement benefits as well as 'enjoying' your working atmosphere. If you don't serve for a career in the army your promotion rates ultimately don't mean that much.... hare vs tortoise concept.

That being said many will chose service XYZ because they can make O6 in 16 years if they 'fast track' it....a few years into service a good percentage of those that joined XYZ are not personally happy... leave the service - thus not getting the retirement benefits.....and ultimately end up living in a van down by the river...

airforcecapt · Oct 13, 2008

Rates of promotion are often slower in 'nicer' jobs/services... because retention is high peeps actually like it..
The true benefit that you will have is after 20+ years of service and gaining the retirement benefits as well as 'enjoying' your working atmosphere. If you don't serve for a career in the army your promotion rates ultimately don't mean that much.... hare vs tortoise concept.
That being said many will chose service XYZ because they can make O6 in 16 years if they 'fast track' it....a few years into service a good percentage of those that joined XYZ are not personally happy... leave the service - thus not getting the retirement benefits.....and ultimately end up living in a van down by the river...

I agree, if someone is happier then they work longer, however, I wish I can say that about the nurse corp in the Air Force. Now don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed the time I've been in the Air Force and do not regret being here. I am transferring to the Army due to the Air Force "cutting off it's nose to spite its face", see the strings from forwaters, he's my husband. If my husband chose to go into the Air Force, I would complete my 20 years and be very content. Anyway, the problem with the the 7- 8 yr Capt to Maj is due to the fact that the nurse corp receives its slots after the line side recieves theirs. Our budget is from the line side and our rate of promotion is also based on that also.

I recently went to NSM and learned that the Air Force is short over 400 nurses and retention has been the lowest in Air Force history. They can't keep their nurses right now. The bright side though, the Air Force now realizes this, so they are offering bonuses for certifications, retention and getting into the Air Force. They are also opening slots for more Majors, so the wait time should lessen. (We just had a Major board, however, the two previous boards were cancelled). :banghead:

TonyLaws · Oct 14, 2008

airforcecapt, what is NSM?

airforcecapt · Oct 14, 2008

NSM is basically a 3 wk class at Sheppard for Capt-Maj to teach management skills. It's a great class and something to try for when you get in...you can go when you are a 1st Lt...especially if you are an OIC (officer in charge).

The AF has lots to offer...