Newly Commissioned to the AF

[Melissa17036]

Hello everyone. I recently commissioned to the AF and will be in the AFIT stipend program for FNP!! I am very excited and proud to have been selected. A little background: I have been an RN BSN for about 5 years and started my FNP program last fall. I am trying to figure many things out regarding the AF. I have never served in the military before. I was wondering if anyone knows if all commissioned officers going into the AFIT program have the rank of 2nd lieutenant when signing up? I was told by my recruiter that you initially commission as a 2nd lieutenant but after graduating with a master's degree your rank is bumped up to Captain. Does anyone know if this is true? If it is true will my rank be "changed" prior to COT? Based on my experiences alone I should have rank of at least 1st LT. I am a bit nervous about everything. I really don't have much to worry about except graduating at this point but after I complete school and start my AF career there is a big difference in pay rate between a 2nd LT and a Captain plus the other benefits of housing allowance etc. Thanks for any help.

[rghbsn, BSN, RN]

Everyone does not start as a 2nd Lt. Your rank is based on experience, at 1/2 time for the first 6 years, then 1:1 after that. So 5 years of RN experience would net you 2.5 years toward promotion. I don't remember off hand when you pick up 1Lt. You should have commissioned to the appropriate rank. If you finish NP prior to COT, then you should be a captain by the time you go, but if you have COT prior to graduation, you will attend COT at whatever rank you hold at the time.

[Melissa17036]

Thanks For the info

I should probably clarify I am in the HPSP scholarship program

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

If you are HPSP then you may have commissioned at the correct rank for now, since you're not actually working for the AF as an RN. You CAN call the Air Force Personnel Center here in San Antonio and ask them directly. I've called them myself and they are VERY nice people (they're civilians) and were able to answer all my questions.

My guess is that once you finish your schooling, pass your boards, and graduate COT your rank will change.

And BTW - welcome into the Blue!