Exploring options Air Force vs Navy?

Calfax · Apr 8, 2004

I'd like to say that the airforce is hands-down the best trained, most highly motivated, hardest-working crew of nurses around.....but it just ain't true.

The best kept secret in military nursing is the Navy Nurse Corps.....and you can find us in the bar.

LT Dave · Apr 22, 2004

I'd like to say that the airforce is hands-down the best trained, most highly motivated, hardest-working crew of nurses around.....but it just ain't true.
The best kept secret in military nursing is the Navy Nurse Corps.....and you can find us in the bar.

Oh man that is too funny!

I speak as a Navy Reservist RN...you can't go wrong either way. Navy= better locations to live. Airforce= better working conditions. Good luck.

Calfax · Apr 22, 2004

Nah......it's all good no matter which branch you join. :clown:

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Apr 22, 2004

Guiess you could also narrow it down to which uniforms you prefer... :chuckle ...I always thought the Air Force uniforms were rather flattering. I was just a mere medical corpsman at the time, but our uniforms were all the same.

Dr. Gonzo · Apr 27, 2004

Dont know that much about air force 1 thing i know for sure is that you probably wont see combat. But if you do wanna travel join the air force thats all they do is travel from place to place thats what a friend of mine who was in the air force told me if you wanna see the world join the air force.

Kora0880, BSN, RN · Apr 28, 2004

Dont know that much about air force 1 thing i know for sure is that you probably wont see combat. But if you do wanna travel join the air force thats all they do is travel from place to place thats what a friend of mine who was in the air force told me if you wanna see the world join the air force.

To say that's all they do is travel is rather ignorant. After all it's not a travel club. Relocation is a part of every branch. I personally chose the NAVY, and I assure you not because it is a "booze cruise." It is a serious com#####ent and a great opportunity.

Good luck,

:)

Dr. Gonzo · Apr 28, 2004

If you wannabe stuck in a fleet or sub join the navy. :rotfl:

Calfax · Apr 28, 2004

Actually, the airforce does see some combat.....they have a deployable platform where the medical personnel jump into a combat zone carrying every thing they need to man a stripped down battalion aid station type of facilty for 48 hrs. these units get forward deployed and have on staff, you guessed it, a nurse.

In their new blue cammies, the effect is like watching a band of smurfs fall out of the back of a plane. I don't know what the enemy would think, but I swore I heard them sing "Lalalalalah.....la,la,la,lah." on the way down.

Join the Navy....never jump out of a perfectly good airplane. :clown:

Trauma Columnist · Apr 28, 2004

I joined the Navy - the uniforms are too cool. Hubby looked quite cute in his Air Force blues though - hmmmm

zman · May 5, 2004

If you are considering both, make it known to both recruiters that you would like to visit an active hospital for an extended weekend. They have funds for just such trips, though I can't guarantee whether you will have much of a choice of which base or method of travel (drive vs. fly). They will put you up on base, show you the exchange (shopping center), the fitness facilities, and usually the bowling alley (oh joy!). On your trip ask to speak with several people both with the recruiters listening in and without; this can usually be accomplished by letting it known that you want to spend a night on the town with some new lieutenants (AF) or ensigns (Navy).

Remember that your base pay and benefits will be equal no matter in which branch you serve, though your housing money will vary depending on where you are assigned (i.e. you get more money for housing in San Diego than San Antonio). Speaking of which, if you have your heart set on a particular base or area of the country, don't be afraid to play smart poker and hold out for a week or so as the recruiter badgers the assignment folks. Be honest, be polite, be professional, and remember that they are as interested in signing you up as you are in getting your base of choice. Some bases can take 'one more' and some can't.

I am in the AF, and we usually wait a year before deploying brand-new nurses. Of my year group (entered in '99) some peers have done two desert rotations (from 3-7 months) and some haven't done any. Some folks have seen the world and some have seen Texas.

Either way, if it is adventure and travel you seek, give either a try and make the most of the opportunities that you find.

sunnyjohn · Mar 1, 2005

I think anyone who does this deserves all our thanks....