Navy Nurse Corps Reserve to AD

[ENS J]

Hello,

I am a recently commissioned (9/2007) Ensign in the Navy Reserve as an NC officer and former Active Duty Corpsman. I am interested in going active duty, so I contacted an officer recruiter. I thought it would be a "slam dunk" since I hear that the Navy really needs nurses, and I'm already in the system. It turns out that I was wrong according to the recruiter. She stated that there are only 2 "recall" slots for nurses in the entire US Navy, and they were just filled days ago, but there are some "direct accession" openings, but they're almost full as well. I told her that I'm not looking to be recalled. I want out of the reserve altogether in order to go AD. She says that because I'm a reservist, I only qualify for a recall slot. Anyway, long story short, she says that she has sent my completed packet to the NC board anyway, knowing that I will not get a slot because the recalls are done. She keeps telling me that I should be at the top of the list when/if there are new recall openings after this fiscal year (9/30/08). I told her that it sounds like my chances would be much better if I werent in the reserves at all. She agreed. Is it just me or does that sound absolutely ludicrous? Why would someone off the street get a better shot at becoming an AD NC officer than a reservist who has already jumped through the hoops of getting commissioned and proving themselves? I realize that AD and reserve is 2 seperate entities, but there should be a better way for reserve folks to make the switch. Also, she tells me that they're offering a $25,000 sign on bonus in 2008 for nurses. Why would they be offering that kind of incentive if there are no slots for nurses? Just wanted to pose my situation to find out if someone out there has more accurate information or can provide some rationale for this confusing process. My recruiter doesnt sound horribly confident in her explanations, and I just don't want to miss an opportunity because I have a "green" recruiter who isn't entirely up to speed.

Thanks,

ENS J

[DanznRN, RN]

ENS J-

On the contrary, your recruiter is accurate. It is harder to make the jump from reserves to AD. You were right in stating that they are 2 different entities, but what most don't understand is how separate the Reserves really are from AD. You have to understand that the Reserves have quotas to meet too. You signed a contract for the Reserves, right? Well, you're helping them fill their ranks. Then AD Navy is filling there's as well. If you fill an AD spot by leaving the Reserves than the Reserves are shorted one nurse. However, if they deny you the spot and keep you in the Reserves, then both Reserves and AD win, see? When I got back in 2002 for 11 months, I was asked about the Reserves. They asked me if I had any thoughts of coming back to AD and I said yes, so they said not to go Reserves. I didn't, so coming back to AD was a paperwork drill for me. One out that you have would be to get your Reserve CO to release you from your contract to try and go Direct Accession, but that's a long shot, you never know though. Not what you wanted to hear, but it's the truth.

LCDR Dan

[ENS J]

Thanks LCDR Dan. That's what I thought you would say. I understand that AD and reserve are protecting their numbers. Just wish there was an easier way. I will just keep plugging away and we'll see what happens in the new fiscal year.

VR,

ENS J

[lmforay]

This message is for LCDR Dan or any navy nurse out there. I'm an active duty and I'm in the process of applying for STA-21 (nurse option) does anyone have any suggesstions on how to write a personal statement that the board will appreciate?