First hand information on the Army Reserve STRAP program

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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!

Then, when I'm done with school, what if I want to go full-time active duty? Do I have to fulfill my reserve commitment before I can go active duty? The reason I'm askig is that I'm almost 40 and want to get into active duty before I'm too old to be allowed in.

Hey Stacey,

I realize this was posted quite a while ago, but I didn't seem to find an answer to your question in the thread anywhere-and I have the exact same question! I'm curious to know if you found anything out? I'm very interested in doing the STRAP, and then perhaps going active as well.

Any info is very much appreciated!

~J

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing, Critical care nursing.

The active duty incentives and reserve component incentives are two different entities. When I was looking into STRAP initially, I was told that you will have to pay back all reserve incentives received if you were going to seek Active duty (loan repayments, stipends, etc.). This is if you did not complete your service obligation period after receiving the stipend. By becoming an active duty service member there are separate incentives for it though.

The other option is to see if there are any AGR positions available. These positions are for reserve and guard members, but are full-time positions.

Good luck

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Thank you so much for your response - it's much appreciated, and very helpful.

~J

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