Examining Military Nursing

[kaylalee2]

Hello all! Let me start by saying that I am a truck driver (ha!) for the Illinois Army National Guard. I have been in for 7 1/2 years. I am enlisted right now as a sergeant. I am also currently an LPN, just under three months until graduation for ADN. I just found out last week that I was accepted into an ADN-BSN program. Also, I was just hired for my first RN position! It's been a good couple of weeks! :offtopic:Okay, I'm done tooting my own horn now. At this point though, I'm pretty unhappy with my military career. I want my military career to reflect my civilian career and aspirations. I know for sure that I want to direct commission to an officer position (if possible/applicable). I will have my bachelor's in December of 2010 (don't know if that helps).

Basically, I need to know the benefits of the following options:

National Guard Nurse Corps

Army Reserve Nurse Corps

Air National Guard Nursing (don't know if it's a corps or what?)

Either way, I'm considering Air National Guard because I know the Air Force takes better care of their personnel than the Army does . I've only been able to speak with a reserve recruiter, but he said I would have to give up my National Guard education benefits, which doesn't make me happy. If I have a veteran's grant does that go too? Long story short, I need input ladies and gentlemen!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[Jarnaes]

You need to speak with a US Army Health Care (AMEDD) Recruiter, do not speak with a regular recruiter as they don't have a clue.

Here is an online info request form: https://www.goarmy.com/info/form/GetBrcFormRedirectByUrl.do?url=/info/amedd/nurse1

[FLmomof5]

Understand that National Guard is Title 32 whereas Active Duty and Reserves are Title 10. These are separate funding systems.

When you enter the Title 10 funding system, you will be eligible for the latest version of the GI Bill which is HUGE! Prior to its passage, a military member had to contribute $1200 of his/her own funds to be eligible. That requirement no longer exists. If you go AD and then separate and go to school, you not only get your education funds, you get your BAH! My daughter is going to get a TON of money!

The PP is right....only talk to AMEDD recruiters.

As an AF Vet and the spouse of ANG-AGR and mother of AD Army, I can say unequivocably that the AF treats its people better. But understand this....the AF has a different mission. The AF has a different type of recruit. The Army does what it does because of the needs of the Army.

If I were younger, I would definitely go back AD and USAF. BTW, if I had stayed in, I would be retired at this point and it would have been as an LTC or COL......I checked the paycharts and wanted to kick myself in the orifice for getting out.....hmmmm, $7697 base pay for an O-5 @ 20 yrs! GEEZ! Boy do I wish I had that paycheck!!!