Army Nurse Reserves process

jrtriley · Mar 13, 2011

I am finally done with the paperwork process to become an Army Officer in the Reserves. I started 9 months ago but that is not typical. Make sure that all your paperwork is COMPLETELY filled out and accurate or you will play the paper trail game as I did. Hopefully you have an efficient recruiter and that they stay on top of your case, make phone calls and email to keep in touch with them on a daily basis if need be. The more history you have the more paperwork is involved. Good luck!

Nurses-Rule1987 · Mar 14, 2011

thank you for your response..

quick question, do you go to do your physical after your application is submitted or in the process?. also, if you had it already, what really happens?. is it like a general check or something like that ?

thank you and good luck with everything..!

just_cause, BSN, RN · Mar 14, 2011

physical is one of the first items on the agenda. A military physical is a complete head to toe.. and a bit more :) some blood tests.. urine.. lengthy questionnaire. to be honest many people don't pass for various reasons but that is why it is one of the first hurdles that you undergo with you recruiter. if you have had a prior military physical they are usually good for up to 2 years from date of physical until date of starting commission.

jrtriley · Mar 15, 2011

The physical was one step in the process for me. During the paperwork and all the information I needed to gather my recruiter took me for my physical at an Army base and it was head to toe. Range of motion, duck walk, joint check, labs of course and yes this process can eliminate you from the process but there are waivers to obtain. For me: cholesterol, vision, and my knee were causes for waivers. This is different for everyone and is necessary so get it done when you can.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Mar 15, 2011

What's the TOTAL service commitment these days for a reserve officer? 8?

Nurses-Rule1987 · Mar 15, 2011

physical is one of the first items on the agenda. A military physical is a complete head to toe.. and a bit more :) some blood tests.. urine.. lengthy questionnaire. to be honest many people don't pass for various reasons but that is why it is one of the first hurdles that you undergo with you recruiter. if you have had a prior military physical they are usually good for up to 2 years from date of physical until date of starting commission.

thank you for the answer.. I appreaciate it. Currently, I am working on my package but I did send back the email that my recruiter sent me, asking a a lot of things about my health...it was a fill in pdf file... do I have to finish the whole package before I get an appt for my physical or do I call my recruiter and ask?.. Also, before the Boards meets, I need to have physical done?

thank you in advance.

Nurses-Rule1987 · Mar 15, 2011

What's the TOTAL service commitment these days for a reserve officer? 8?

my recruiter told me 8 years... yup.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Mar 15, 2011

So just curious...how do all of you get past the psychological barrier of committing yourselves to something you know nothing about for eight years?

I'm not slamming anything. I've spent nearly ten years regretting having never gotten into the military the first time I got out of college, but I was red-green color blind and couldn't do what I wanted to do so the prospect of just being stuck in something for eight years was unappealing to me at the ripe age of 21.

New1LT · Mar 15, 2011

You're committed for eight years, but that doesn't mean that you are active/reserves for a full eight years. You have your contractual obligation based on incentives you may have received. Example; You owe the Army two years for receiving a bonus. You might sign your contract for a three year service. At the end of three years you decide you don't want to be Active/Reserves so you ETS (get out), you will still owe the Army five years of inactive service in the IRR (Individual Ready Reserves). During those five years you are still technically the Army's. However, most people are not called back to duty should the Army need you.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Mar 15, 2011

You're committed for eight years, but that doesn't mean that you are active/reserves for a full eight years. You have your contractual obligation based on incentives you may have received. Example; You owe the Army two years for receiving a bonus. You might sign your contract for a three year service. At the end of three years you decide you don't want to be Active/Reserves so you ETS (get out), you will still owe the Army five years of inactive service in the IRR (Individual Ready Reserves). During those five years you are still technically the Army's. However, most people are not called back to duty should the Army need you.

I've read that, but had forgotten. Thanks. I'm That Guy. Things always happen to me that don't happen to others. I was the kid that always got caught growing up. I'd get called back up, lol. All joking aside, it's just that psychological thing. Just the commitment of going back to school was hard to get past. It merits further investigation though and is certainly something to think about. Thanks for the reply.

ETA: I just did a search and saw neither army reserve nor national guard nurse units in Arkansas. I guess that makes it a moot point. Oh, well...

New1LT · Mar 15, 2011

Anyone that gets selected as an Army Nurse, no matter their location, will either be assigned to a unit close by, or to one of the medical commands within the country. There aren't "nursing units" per say, but I'm sure there are nurses located in Arkansas!! You just make the plunge...it's a stressful journey, but becomes a very rewarding feeling when complete!!