CMD1

Thanks a lot for the info, even though it may not be exactly what I wanted to hear. Well, I guess the good news for me is that I will not have my ADN for at least two years and it will take at least 3 years to get my BSN so hopefully the economy will perk up by then and there will be less competition for slots. Let me ask a couple other questions related to this topic. Can you apply to commission more than once? Or is doing so (if allowed) just an exercise in futility? If you apply for active duty and are denied can you immediately re-submit for reserves? Is it easier to commission in the reserves then move to active duty after serving reserves time? Is it easier to get your commission if you are willing to forgo the special bonuses and etc.? (Not trying to knit a flag over here but my ultimate goal is to get commissioned. Obviously I want to access whatever bonuses I can but not getting them is certainly not a deal breaker for me) Does ones current physical condition play into the selection process at all (I have been training for some time to get to the appropriate fitness level) I guess my thoughts are I would rather not apply for a commission when the competition is super tight, get denied, then never have the opportunity to try again. I am considering all branches (Navy is doubtful b/c of motion sickness) but it has seemed to me thus far that army is the best fit / has the most opportunities Any insight would be great

Thanks for all the good advice. I guess my considering that I want to go active sooner rather than later my best option is probably the Nurse Candidate Program, My only question with that is: Can I while participating in that program? just putting that question out there in case any poster out there knows one way or the other. I will be contacting my recruiter either way

Thanks so much for the reply, allow me to clarify: I am 29 now, will be 30 this December and am starting my program the 17th of this month. So I should have my RN 3-6 months before I turn 32 (depending on when I take my boards) and my BSN shortly before I turn 34 (I highly doubt a BSN will take me a full 2 years as I already have two previous degrees but am trying to give my self a little extra time in my estimates) // So essentially if I completed my BSN at 34 taking a full 2 years under STRAP I think this would give me enough leeway between my 4 year repayment time and the 40 years old deadline for going active (I guess this assumes that I would not be deployed while in the strap program) When I ask about moving to another branch what I am essentially asking is this: Assume I have gone reserves or active duty Army and fulfilled my contract. If I then want to "re-up" can I move to the Navy or Air Force? and if so will my rank transfer with me? When "re-upping" is one again eligible for the sign on bonuses offered by the branches (I think this part was answered in the last reply but wanted to be sure I was coming across clearly) Thanks CMD

I am going to be starting an ADN program this August and want to join the Army Reserve Nurse Corps upon completing my boards. Then use the STRAP program to complete my BSN. I have some odds and ends of questions I would love to hear some feedback on though. 1. I have talked to a recruiter about my intentions but have not really gone forward with anything yet (was still debating on just powering through my BSN so I can go straight to active duty) when would be a good time to really "start the process" 2. While I understand that all commitments are essentially 8 years including Individual ready reserve time, when I have served my commitment as a reservist (lets say I utilize strap for 2 years and have to pay back 4 as a reservist) what are my options / benefits with re-upping? Can I go active Duty? If so will my rank transfer? Can I Move to another Branch? Again if so will my rank transfer? Am I again eligible for the sign on bonuses? Thanks for any info I will keep the questions coming CMD

Thanks, will do!

sorry i did not make it clear enough i am not past service.

Hey I am in an ADN Program starting in the fall. I want to join the reserves after I pass my boards. About 10 years ago I got a disorderly conduct. The case was dismissed... I got an ACOD (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal). And I have not had any problems since. I want to join the reserves then go active after using the strap program. Could I possibly get commissioned? Anybody's thoughts would be welcome, especially those currently serving. Thanks.

thanks everyone you all have been quite helpful thus far. Here is the deal with my situation thus far though. I will be 29 this december I owe 90,000 in college loans. I want to become a nurse but would be willing to join up 1st and wait a few years if I could get it paid for I want to join the military soon, so as to have as many years as possible to gain rank. I know thats a lot of stuff to ask for and perhaps I am grasping at straws but does anybody know about the following options: I join the National Gaurd. Will they pay for my nursing? Could I eventually transfer to the regular military branch? I join the Reserves. Will they pay for my nursing? Could I eventually transfer to the regular military branch? Any thoughts would be greaty appreciated

Thanks for the Info. The problem is Duke is really my only choice b/c of pre req's / location. Lets say I take out the loans to go to Duke these would be Private Loans would the army repay those loans? Supposing the Army would not repay private loans: would I get enough from a sign on bonus to repay those loans (about $70,000)?

Hi I was hoping that I could get some info. As to my situation I am 28 years old and looking to go to Nursing School.I have a bachelors degree in history and a Masters degree in Education.I want to work as a military Nurse (open to any branch) and am considering an ABSN program at Duke (I would be 30 upon finishing that program). However it is very expensive and I would need to enter a program that would pay my tuition upfront. Are there any programs that will pay upfront? As I understand it the ANCP does not cover tuition, is this correct? Are their any other options available that anyone knows of. I am hesitant to do loan repayment because all of my loans to cover this program would be private loans, are these repaid by the military? I have looked at the other pages on this site and some of the info is not clear to me. I am hoping that somebody can clear things up for me. I would hate to have to start my military nursing career four years from next fall instead of 16 months from then and if I cannot go through a ABSN program that is what I will be stuck doing.