MagRedC5

:yelclap:

ewattsjt, i just wanted to say that was an excellent post! my education route; cst[assoc degree], adn, then rn-bsn. i worked three years as a cst, and been an rn since '98. did 4 yrs has an rn in the or, as well as tele & icu. presently, work in critical care as an active duty army nurse. the only part of the or i liked was scrubbing, otherwise the circulator role was not for me. much happier now working in icu, again. i originally did cst first because it was quicker getting in the program. however, while taking my prereqs for st i took the additional prereqs for required for most rn programs. imho, the best or rns' were once sts'.

LOL, you sure have a positive outlook on the USPHS. Can you PM me there weblink? Just a little curious, even though I'm committed to the ANC until Spring '09. - TIA

Hey Capt E [A.K.A. wtbcrna], I'd like to validate almost word for word your reply! Wow, this thread hits close to home... well not home since I'm presently deployed OCONUS to Iraq for 15 months. I'm an ANC officer [8A], newly promoted CPT [MAY 07], with 12 yrs military service [8 yrs prior service enlisted USMC]. My room-mate & I have had several discussions over this very same topic. He is a 1LT, fairly new 66H, but close to 10 years prior enlisted AF. I've asked him why he did not go AF nursing. He told me the AF medical facilities are smaller, as well as not as many compared to Army Medical Centers [not even counting the Army Community Hospitals]. Also, the AMEDD [Army Medical Dept.] gave him a sizable sign-on bonus towards school loan debt payments. However, sometimes he'd like to kick himself in the butt, he says, with the AF deployments being much shorter and better treatment in the AF. My room-mate [remember prior AF] mentioned rank for AF officers is slower compared to the AMEDD. Yes, it is terrible in the Sandbox. Especially, being away from my wife for so long. We are getting a four day pass [+travel time], as well as 18 days [+travel] R&R to CONUS during this 15 month deployment. The AMEDD just came out with some new bonus options for re-committment D/T they are hurting for ANC officers. Still, I envy the AF folks with shorter deployments. I'd rather deploy for six months, even with shorter rotation time.

I'm a direct commission ANC officer. I attended the TNCC course at Ft Lewis, which was only two days. BTW, my son is an Army ROTC cadet. Although, he is not 66 branch, I know other 66 branch cadets were with him at advance camp. I had the priviledge of watching his warrior forge graduation ceremony. I highly encourage every new ANC officer to be pro-active and a self-advocate. For those of you interested in critical care nursing the 8A course is outstanding. This is one of the courses available to apply for after 6 mos. It amazes me how the AMEDD, and Army in general are constantly in a change of flux. IMHO, everyone be FLEXIBLE. After coming on active duty get in touch with your branch manager via hrc online. Gennaver, good luck at OBLC!

Excellent idea!

Sounds like you hair style is the OP's best option.

A mohawk haircut is not within U.S. military hair regs. However, a USMC high-n-tight haircut is very similar, yet not as much in length as a mohawk. Another similar version, a flat-top haircut could be considered a type of military haricut but this type is not as narrow as a mohawk. IMHO, you should modify the mohawk in order to keep a simialr style while not having such an extreme type of haircut.

Wait until you are checked in at FT Lewis, as well as MAMC. Most likely it would be best to wait for guidance from your Rater. In fact, your Rater in most cases will sit down with you and help you get started with the Dev Supp form. You are a 66H, correct?

If, over your allowed body weight per Army Regs they will use the tape measure to determine if your within your Bodyfat percentage, per age, sex, according to Army Regs.

LOL, I wished I'd posted same. ... actually, I did.

Can't understand why a $500.00 loan to cover NCLEX exam, etc. would not be more beneficial in the long run. This way you could work prn as an RN and make more $$$ than as a tech. Only you know what is the best plan. I do wish all the best & hope you get a "GO" for the ANC. I can see you would make an outstanding ANC officer.

Army Medical Centers & Army Community Hospitals, etc. are Federal hospitals. Therefore, no matter if active duty military nurse, or civilian nurse only one current state nursing license is required. My license is BNE TX and must keep current regards to CEUs, current address, and renewals. My wife is a GS nurse and they only required one current state nursing license.

Good luck! BTW, failing is NOT an option.

Gen, I will keep posting this until you notice! Thoughts on Stafford Loans, or other financial assistance?