First hand information on the Army Reserve STRAP program

Skeletor · Aug 15, 2009

Does anyone have any first hand experience with the Army Reserve STRAP program? I am an Associate Degree RN looking to finish my BSN as soon as financially possible. I've been thinking about the Reserves for a number of reasons, not just to get my education paid for. I would be interested in hearing back from anyone who has first hand knowledge of this program....positive and negative feedback welcome. This is not a decision I will be making lightly. Thanks much!

I am pursuing the STRAP at the moment. This is what I know:

1) For every 6 months of financial assistance ($1992/month for a maximum of 24 payments, need not be consecutive), you owe 12 months in the Reserves Nurse Corps.

2) You have 48 months to complete your BSN program.

3) You may (with pay) or may not drill during the time you are enrolled in your RN-BSN program, the choice is yours.

4) If you choose the Health Loan Repayment Program, the time owed to the Army is payable after the time you owe them for the STRAP program. Say for instance you use 12 months of the STRAP benefit (leaving you to owe 2 years of service) and you need $20,000 of Loan Repayment (leaving you to owe 1 year of service), you end up owing the Army 3 years in the Reserves Nurse Corps.

5) You have the opportunity to choose your base you will drill out of.

I had to fill out security paperwork for my secret clearance background check.

I needed 3 letters of recommendation.

A copy of my nurse license, CPR card, college transcripts, college degree, etc.

You can choose between STRAP and Loan Repayment (up to $50,000 for 3 years served in return), or signing bonus ($5000/year for a maximum of 3 yrs) and Loan Repayment.

You cannot choose the bonus and STRAP; however, you are eligible (if it is still offered) to accept a signing bonus if you decide to reenlist even if you have taken part in STRAP and Loan Repayment.

If you have any other questions, I'll be happy to answer them for you.

SBT85 · Aug 15, 2009

DIC Harwould I am trying to get all my paperwork completed for the reserves also. I am waiting on 1 more recommendation of 5 to be sent and I have to finish the application. It seems like the application is redundant about references although you can't list someone more than once. That is the part that is holding me up. I am hoping to get STRAP and some loan repayment. I start my RN-BSN program on Tuesday the 18th of August. Do you know how the loan repayment works? What documents are needed, etc? I have to have everything turned in to my healthcare recruiter by the 27th. I hope I make the date.

deemo21 · Aug 15, 2009

As far as loan repayment, you don't have to have all of your documents complete until about 9 months in. You are eligible for loan repayment while you are IN the stipend phase and again after you FINISH the obligation phase. I will get 1 payment of 20,000 in 1 year and then will not get another until I finish my 3 year obligation for STRAP. I hope this answers your question.

Skeletor · Aug 15, 2009

DIC Harwould I am trying to get all my paperwork completed for the reserves also. I am waiting on 1 more recommendation of 5 to be sent and I have to finish the application. It seems like the application is redundant about references although you can't list someone more than once. That is the part that is holding me up. I am hoping to get STRAP and some loan repayment. I start my RN-BSN program on Tuesday the 18th of August. Do you know how the loan repayment works? What documents are needed, etc? I have to have everything turned in to my healthcare recruiter by the 27th. I hope I make the date.

SBT,

When you complete your RN-BSN program, the government will then repay your outstanding loans off. $20,000 for 1 year of service, another $20,000 for 2 years of service, and an additional $10,000 if you sign to serve for 3 years.

The documents that were needed for myself were a part of my contract itself.

dynastykb · Sep 4, 2009

I am also currently thinking about joining STRAP program. Does anyone know if its ok to do your BSN online (i.e. UOP) and still get the monthly stipend?

Skeletor · Sep 4, 2009

I am also currently thinking about joining STRAP program. Does anyone know if its ok to do your BSN online (i.e. UOP) and still get the monthly stipend?

Yes, I believe it is possible.

deemo21 · Sep 5, 2009

I was told that I could not and that it had to be a brick and mortar school. Sitting in class. I had wanted to do an online program, but found a school which holds classes only one day a week for 18 months.

markisrn · Sep 10, 2009

Re: First hand information on the Army Reserve STRAP program

I was told that I could not and that it had to be a brick and mortar school. Sitting in class. I had wanted to do an online program, but found a school which holds classes only one day a week for 18 months.

I am a STRAP nurse working on my BSN. I commissioned in MAY 09. Online school is fine as long as your school is accredited.

To all of you...it's a long, long haul to get all of your paperwork in and get things going. I still haven't received a dime in pay, but it will happen soon and will be retroactive to my May swearing in date so I am not worried. I think this is a good way to go if you want to serve your country and complete your degree. School online has been great. I am a full time student and I still work full time too. It's a lot of work, but quite doable.

Good luck

markisrn · Sep 10, 2009

Make sure you are talking to an AMEDD recruiter. Whoever told you that you needed to go to a brick and mortar school is out of touch.

DIC Harwould's info is right on the money though.

Good luck to all

dynastykb · Sep 11, 2009

thanks for the info! Does anyone know if u can also get some student loans paid off in addition to the STRAP?

Skeletor · Sep 11, 2009

thanks for the info! Does anyone know if u can also get some student loans paid off in addition to the STRAP?

When you complete your RN-BSN program, the government will then repay your outstanding loans off. $20,000 for 1 year of service, another $20,000 for 2 years of service, and an additional $10,000 if you sign to serve for 3 years.