RobertRN

Hello all, I was hoping that I could get some input from current and/or past military nurses. So I Have been wanting to take my nursing career over to the military. It is something I have thought about for awhile, but things just did not line up at the time. Now, I am in a good place in life, married with children, and I am very ready to get started. I am looking into the reserves or Guard. I have a 9 year old and a 1 year old. So I figured that either the Guard or Reserves would be best for me at this time. Now, my dilemma... I only have my ASN. I have done a lot of internet searching and I found that the Air Guard and the Army Reserve/Guard will take RN’s with their ASN/ADN. I am older (38) so I would like to get in sooner rather than later. I reached out to an Air Guard recruiter and as soon as the word associate’s came out of my mouth, he abruptly stopped me and said, “You need a bachelor’s to be a nurse.” When I told him that their website says they take associate nurses, he seemed confused. He asked me if it was their website. Then, he proceeded to tell me to talk to the Army. They still take associate’s nurses. I emailed the AMEDD hoping to be connected with a healthcare recruiter. I am working toward my BSN and I am about to sit for my CEN. Now that the lengthy introduction is out of the way, my question is: Is there really a big difference in what branch you do nursing in? I only have friends that are enlisted. The answer I got was “It’s all the same if you’re an officer. Just different uniforms.” Which I am sure is not true. And I was wondering if there is anyone (especially more recently) have been accepted into Air/Army Guard/Reserves with just their ASN/ADN. Also, are there healthcare recruiters for all branches? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all in advance and thank you for your service.