NO bonus and NO student loan repayment to join USAF?

lakebabynurse · Sep 14, 2008

Just a late follow up on this, I was told by my recruiter that they are going to have funds released in oct. for bonuses and reimbursements

Esh570 · Sep 15, 2008

Thanks for the info, this is an old and thread. Another update on my part I signed my contract and I was able to get the bonus. I will me going to Lackland early next year. Thanks

sassysoldier · Sep 16, 2008

I am in the process of the navy application. But I will email the AF recruiter I spoke with two back in July . I was told the same thing no student loan repayment. I wasn't worried about the bonus I need uncle sam to stop asking me for his monthly payment! :yeah:

veronicajr · Sep 16, 2008

Hey Sassy,

So you're from ATL huh? Not too far from me, I live in Chattanooga. :) Just wondering, a lil off topic but I dont' think I'm able to send PMs yet...what made you decide Navy? I'm seriously thinking Navy too, but just haven't decided for sure yet.

sassysoldier · Sep 18, 2008

don't feel bad i'm not sure how to pm either. Yes I've been up your way to the mountains in the winter several times.

Well, a couple different reasons made me go with the navy. I grew up Army and all my uncles (6) were in the military marines, army, navy and airforce. I'm just going from my experience. I love the Army however, I have a family and I think that the airforce and navy treat there sailors and airmen better. Then I was considering Airforce but since they are such a popular choice because of there housing, treatment to families, and easier pt requirements alot of people want to go in USAF. So, I personally feel they are tight on bonus, student loan repayment etc because they know they will get there numbers regardless. I did go meet with the USAF recruiter like I said earlier twice and both times no student loan repayment was available.

I like the location of most naval bases so when I do get moved around which is inevitable than atleast I will be close to the coast which I love being close to the coast. I like the overseas locations. Most of all they can pay my $60,000 student loan price tag I have from getting my bachelors and masters. I'm sold!!!

If you want a navy recruiter who are honest and upfront but will work with you. I can give you my recruiters info. The office is in atlanta but i'm sure they will travel. I've met several of the recruiters in the office since its only a 6 block walk from my job they all seem very nice too. I would atleast sit down and talk with each branch and maybe visit a couple of bases and talk to a few officers to see what you are feeling! Good luck :typing

just_cause, BSN, RN · Sep 18, 2008

Sassy/veronica,

I concur with thoughts above.. I love the army.. however, the AF and Navy IMHO have some features that might make it more family friendly ie location, people living in areas of location, time, etc.

I would not let the bonus regulate the thoughts/decisions. If you take the bonus - join the ______ then leave after initial obligation you are not as happy/well off as getting no bonus, joining _____ and enjoying job until you are retiring as a 06

ps I looked up PMs.. you need to have a premium acct - basically an acct that you pay for...

Sassy... can't wait to see your post with the interview questions.. can you help provide the general timeline - how long it took from inquiry, to paperwork to physical to interval of interviews...anything you have would be helpful... also can you describe the training a non-navy person goes through to become a nurse... thanks!

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Sep 18, 2008

https://allnurses.com/forums/f246/video-private-messages-how-281876.html

Here's a video re: how to use the PM function. You CAN PM without a Premium membership, but you need to have 15 posts on the message boards before you can do so.

shannonFNP, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 22, 2008

Esh570,
I have read two of your posts about joining the AF so far...and I would have to say that if your top concerns are money/bonuses and being in charge then I don't think the AF/military is for you.

Shame on you! It's not your place to make assumptions. These forums are here for sharing experiences and asking advice/information. It's a big commitment to join a branch of service, and it is certainly not immoral to be curious about monetary concerns. :twocents:

just_cause, BSN, RN · Sep 22, 2008

Shannon - good call. I agree.

I applaud those who step up to serve.... now that being said money is obviously part of the decision and should be taken into consideration when choosing a path - but I respect those who have worn the uniform.

allnurses Guide · Sep 22, 2008

Shame on you! It's not your place to make assumptions. These forums are here for sharing experiences and asking advice/information. It's a big commitment to join a branch of service, and it is certainly not immoral to be curious about monetary concerns.

I think that comment has already been addressed, but considering your potentially talking about someone I will be working with/serving with I will continue to make assumptions/comments like that.

I have answered numerous AF questions on here over the couple years I have been on here, and your contributions to this thread so far has been to jump in at the very end and try to stir something up that is already months old.

My suggestion to you is to serve as a nurse in the AF a couple of years, and then you actually will have the background to judge if my original comment was too harsh.

nurseman-in-blue · Sep 24, 2008

From what I have read (Air Force Times Article) congress and the president are currently "fighting" back and forth on budgets and so until they can sort things out. They are trying to get all of the bonuses paid retroactively but recruiters are told not to promise anything.

just_cause, BSN, RN · Sep 24, 2008

Good advice NOT to take any faith in a retroactive bonus - that is obscenely funny to me.... omg if a recruiter even mentioned that... I would either storm out or pee myself laughing... perhaps both.