ROTC Questions

Specialties Government

Published

Hello,

I'm hoping someone can answer a couple of questions for me, please

I'm currently in a BSN program, with about 2 1/2 years until graduation.

We recently listened to a presentation from our on-campus recruiter about the ARMY ROTC program. I'm very interested. I'm 36 years old, married, no children.

I have an appointment with an this same recruiter in two weeks to get more information about the program. From what I have researched so far, it looks like an 8 year committment if the ARMY provides you with a scholarship through this ROTC program.

My question is this: What is the likelihood/frequency of deployments with the National Guard or Reserves, and where are you usually sent?

Also, what is the average or maximum deployment time?

Any help/advice you would be willing to provide is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Diane

Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
Hi Gen

Thank you for you post. I appreciate your optimism and your feedback.

It's nice to see that I'm not the only "non-traditional" student who is interested in the military nursing!

Best,

Diane

Hoorah Diane,

Although I do not think I can officially type "hoorah" yet! :)

The moment I know when my OBC is, (after signing the contract and taking the oath) I will post it here with balloons and smilies galore!

Gen

Specializes in Psychiatry.
Hoorah Diane,

Although I do not think I can officially type "hoorah" yet! :)

The moment I know when my OBC is, (after signing the contract and taking the oath) I will post it here with balloons and smilies galore!

Gen

Hi Gen,

Awesome!

I'll be waiting to see it.

Have a Happy Turkey Day !!!

Diane

As one of those "kids" we are very grown up and such for our age and we realize what we will be soon taking control of. Either flying million dollar planes, driving billion dollar nuclear subs or surface ships and providing top notch care anywhere in the world, we are very responsible. I know the ager limit is 27, for the navy, Im sure you could get a wavier, but I dont think it would be for ROTC. there are other commissioning programs out there that you dont have to go to ROTC, you can go to OIS, Officer Indoc School, its 12 weeks and you come out the same.

Just talk to your recuriter and make sure it sounds legit!

As a nursing cadet, I was expected to maintain a high level of fitness and attend the same training as the other cadets. It was very hard but I made it. Wouldn't change a thing. :nuke:

Given the Army's current operational tempo and that you would serve 8 years if you earned a ROTC scholarship, I would think that at least 1 or 2 12 month long deployments would be in your future for the 8 year time commitment. I have Army nurse friends my age (39)that have had 3 or 4 4 to 12 month long deployments in the 18+ years that they have served. They've deployed for Desert Storm, Kosovo, Honduras and Iraq, to name off a few exotic locations. I'm not trying to scare you off. I'm just being truthful about what I have experienced and what my colleagues have experienced.

Remember the recruiter will tell you all kinds of stuff to get you to sign up. Most are honest but just be careful. If you are not getting what you want on your contract, do not sign it. I guess I am cynical because I have heard so many Army nurses over the years say, "my recruiter told me...." and that info was wrong or they didn't get the course or the duty assignment the recruiter said they would. Get it in writing.

Hope that info helps you in making your decision.

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