how long from boarding to secretary to comission

Published

I was boarded as a 1lt on dec 4th, the recruiter says that it needs to be signed off by the secretary of defense and then I get commissioned. says that takes 30-45 days. does anyone know anything about this. (other than hurry up and wait)

Specializes in ER/Critical Care.

hey patty

may i suggest checking w/ HRC or your recruiter regarding your monetary questions? It seems they might know your situation best and this seems appropriate to do after your commissioning.

Also, regarding the 1LT to CPT promotion, I have also heard it's a no go w/out a BSN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Correct - you need a BSN in order to be promoted to CPT in the Army Reserve. Promotion time depends on branch... active vs reserve etc.. a very general timeline is that after 18 months as 1LT you pin on CPT - in active duty.. I have no idea in reserves but your unit S1 or mentor is a great POC (or google it).

DFAS is your source for de facto money info: 09 pay table: http://www.dfas.mil/militarypay/militarypaytables/2009MilitaryPayTables.pdf

If you are an O2 with 3 years service you would be pulling in a base pay of 535.00 for 2 drills a month (credit for 4 drills right? I'm no reservist...).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/Critical Care.

yes full time, 3 yrs constructive credit as a 1st lt and I would be eligible for a capt in a year so they say, dont know if anything includes the years you are supposed to have as a 2lt

In all respects: I have been an RN for 12 years, with my BSN since 2006. I feel that I still have so much to learn. I commissioned in December as a 1LT. Do I feel ready to fulfill the role as a commissioned officer I have thought about this very question. I am ready to serve my country-- without the freedoms that we have I would not be able to enjoy my life as I have, as I do today. I am happy to be boarded as a 1LT and will take the time to learn and grow in that role and not be in too much of a hurry to seek a promotion to a higher rank because I have learned, watching my boyfriend as he has assumed higher ranks in the military, that with higher ranks comes more responsibility and how can you assume more responsibility while you are still trying to figure out what you are supposed to be doing to begin with.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Tele, Cath Lab, ICU, ICUSD.

Edie,

That is so true. Having a significant other that is enlisted, he tells me that there is nothing worse having a commissioned officer that has NO clue what is going on. I feel like people in leadership positions owe it to themselves and those below them to know and understand the responsibility they accept inside and out. Remember, we are not only nurses, we are soldiers as well. While going up in rank is important (who wouldnt want to move up financially??), knowledge is power and lack of knowledge can put both your fellow nurses and soldiers in danger.

I hope to commission as a 1LT this month, but if I get 2LT--that is just fine too. Either way, I plan to learn as much as I can about the Army while pursuing my BSN so I can get gain rank. But trust me, I have NO intention of being 'that officer who doesnt know her ***hole from her elbows'.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

I may be wrong but....if you have three years credit in grade, then you would be eligible to put forth your promotion packet after 2 years in the reserves for total time of ~5 years (with the 3 years credit) from 1LT to CPT. Just make sure you have completed/graduated OBLC and have a OER from your TPU.

athena

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

At this time you do not need a BSN for Capt in the Army Reserves but you will need it for Major.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

I recieved my Reserve commission in the Army back in Feb 03. The day the recruiter got recieved the message that I was picked up by the board I was commissioned that night. Since I was in the Navy Reserves and the rumor was that my battalion was going to be reactived anytime she came down to my work and I took my oath outside the OR holding area on my break. I then had to wait 2 months for my orders to my 1st unit.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Tele, ICU, CVICU.
Payment of your bonus (1st payment) should be made upon completion of your first year of service... the payment distribution time line and amount are in your contract which you signed.

Of course I don't know your individual circumstances..but that is the general time line for lump sum bonuses and for loan repayment payments.

I got my first part of bonus before I even inprocessed at my unit:yeah:

Cathy

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion