Oklahoma71

Working during nursing school is probably not a good idea for most people. My wife and I both relied on Stafford loans to help get through college. A site that may be helpful in explaining the financial aid is here. Good luck with your education.

I was wrong, the mandatory retirement age for the army is 62 not 60. I was thinking of OCS. I believe the age limit to go through OCS is now at 42 (with a waiver)? Yes the nursing corps will take you at 46 but I don't think you would have a chance of retiring unless you are prior service or the army offers a waiver for retirement age also. I have been in the army 17 years and can tell you that the army regulations change frequently depending on their needs. I would always recommend talking with a recruiter from the field you want to enter they are usally up to date on all the changes. Each branch can have different needs and requirements. Brian

For the army you must be able to complete 20 years of active duty before your 60th birthday in order to take a commission. As far as the pay all my experience is with the army but the base pay is the only thing taxed. All the other additional pay is tax free. If you happen to be deployed to a combat zone it is all tax free - from what I am seeing if you go army you can count on being deployed, usually for a year to 15 months. I don't know a thing about the VA. Good luck with the planning! Brian