I'm torn now as to which to choose, Army or Navy. I need to get my questions together so I can make an informed decision as to which would best allow me to serve. I meet with the Army health care recruiter next Wednesday, and with the Navy health care recruiter the following week. When I spoke with the Army recruiter I let him know, in the interest of full disclosure, that I was also speaking with a Navy recruiter, and he set the time to speak with me as soon as possible. Surprised me a little! LOL
I graduate in December with my BSN. I definitely want to continue on with my education at some point. I know I want to serve. I've thought about this for quite some time and I know it is what I want to do. I know it isn't an easy life (as an Army brat, I know the sacrifices my family made), but it's something that would allow me to serve my country and do something I love at the same time.
Any advice as to questions to ask? I'm not worried about signon/loan repayment, both offer those things, depending on the commitment I make. I'm planning on going career if possible. I know it largely comes down to the culture and subtle nuances of each branch... Minor side details are that my dad and grandfather were both Army officers, so if I chose Army and was accepted, I'd be 3rd generation Army. My mom's dad served in the Navy and then Navy reserves until he retired. My fiance is a former Navy corpsman, and plans on trying to follow me into whichever branch I choose after he receives his BSN. I'm sure he'd prefer Navy but he told me he supports me wholeheartedly no matter what I decide to do. None of those things would be a deciding factor of course. Nobody is pressuring me to choose one branch over another. It's more important to me to figure out what would be the best fit for me and the branch I choose. Either way I want to decide soon because I want to get my packet completed and ready to go as soon as possible.
Thanks. :) Both the Army and Navy recruiters said it is not automatically disqualifying. I assumed it would only be because I would be medical personnel. From what I understand, I can have them removed, and the Navy recruiter said it would be better if I did but not necessary.
I hope you've recovered fully and well! Best of luck to you! :)
Thank you! I was VERY lucky! While I am disappointed in the delay in finishing my program, I am very grateful I was not injured worse. To hit hard enough to break both my talus and my helmet, I am very fortunate I did not break other bones or injure my back, neck or head. I don't think I will be going horseback riding again anytime soon! The Navy health care recruiter said he tells people not to go skydiving, bungee jumping, and such like that, and will now add horseback riding to the list. LOL
I tell all my applicants that no matter what service you decide to serve in they are all the same as you are serving our Country.
If you decide to serve a branch because of family tradition then thats fine too.
The only thing I tell them that is different in my opinion is Career advancement. The Army is 2x as big as the other branches and has 2x as many Medical Centers. If your looking to serve out a career then in my opinion you go were there are more positions and more room for growth. Just my opinion.
It's still up in the air right now. I'm still recovering from my aforementioned injury. It seems to be going well so far but I'm hoping I'll know more at my doctor's appointment tomorrow. If I am able to be cleared medically then I will definitely pursue this. If I am able, my intent at this time is to go career, although of course I know things can change. My husband is a former Navy corpsman who is also in nursing school, though he will not graduate until May 2012. He's considering going back in as a nurse as well, so I will have to take that into consideration as to which branch I look at. It seems to me it would likely be easier to be co-located if we're in the same branch. Definitely something I'll have to talk with the recruiters about!
Sorry, when I responded I guess I wasnt on the last page : ( Sad to hear about your injury. Just keep your head up and stay off of horses for awhile lolol
LOL Thanks! Actually I don't think I'll be going out riding again. They were my mom's horses. I used to love to ride but this injury really made it clear how easily I could be hurt and jeopardize my career. Not saying people shouldn't ride, but I think that part of my life is over now.
I did get good news today though! The fracture is healing very well and the bone looks good so far. I received the okay to go off of crutches and to full weight bearing, which means I should be able to drive in 2 weeks or so. He also told me that I WILL be ready for clinical in January which means I'll graduate in May. So happy!
formerbrat
22 Posts
Thanks. :) Both the Army and Navy recruiters said it is not automatically disqualifying. I assumed it would only be because I would be medical personnel. From what I understand, I can have them removed, and the Navy recruiter said it would be better if I did but not necessary.
I hope you've recovered fully and well! Best of luck to you! :)
Tiffany