Reserves vs Active Duty and which branch?

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Specializes in Rural Underserved Populations/Corrections/Psych.

Hello all,

I am curious to know your opinion on which branch is best and which route would be best for my situation reserves vs active. The posts I found about this is from years and years ago. So hopefully I can get some updated responses to the military conditions now.

Brief overview about my situation. I have my bachelors degree in marketing. I am currently working on my prerequisites (science classes only) to apply for nursing school. My goal is to get my RN then my NP. I already have student loans for my first undergrad degree so I am looking to get some assistance to pay for my 2nd degree and not use student loans. I also plan on paying out of pocket. I have a husband and twin babies girls that are a year old.

I'm trying to decide if the reserves would be best and conducive to my lifestyle, or I should do the full active duty and enter as an officer. Also which branch would be best.

People have suggested Air force to me because it has a better qualify of life and I wouldn't get deployed as much as the other forces. My friends dad whom was in the army also suggested Air force and he stated they treat women better? On the other hand, someone suggested the army because there are more opportunities and an increased number of ways to move up.

Someone else suggested Navy because of the traveling, and they have better pay and bonuses.

Then from reading the All Nurses boards from the past couple of years ago, it seems best to get my BSN first then go in.

I am looking to do my full 20 years and would love to have the opportunity to give back and serve my country. My dad was in the Army as well. But I also want to ultimately do whats best for my family as a whole. So I am trying to find the best route. Thank you!

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

Your best bet to see which service fits you best is to speak with a Healthcare recruiter. You can find their contact information at the main recruitment sites for each service. Do not go to the local recruiter since they are not officer recruiters and will not be able to help you. As far as reserves vs active it depends on what you want to do as far as stability for you and your family. I have done both active and reserves and enjoyed each one. They both have pros and cons. There are some programs out there then can help with your school cost but I am not sure what each service offers. You can look into ROTC as an option. Once you have finished your degree there might or might not be sign on bonuses or student loan payback. It changes by the need of each service for that recruitment year.

Once you contact the healthcare recruiter it might be a couple of months before they get back to you. They will be working with people that are able to join now or within the next year.

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Specializes in Rural Underserved Populations/Corrections/Psych.

Thank you! I will start looking for a healthcare recruiter now.

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Specializes in U.S. Army Reserve 1LT 66S - ICU.

Twins, were you able to make a decision? I'm also in a similar boat and ultimately decided to go army reserve. Although if I did full 20 the retirement and perks are not as great as active, which is understandable cause it is part time. Bottom line I can still proudly serve our country.

My decision factor was to not have to put my 2 boys under stress of having to move around every few years. Also I enjoy my current civilian job at my hospital so it all truly boils down to what is best for your situation. Best of luck! feel free to PM me

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Specializes in Rural Underserved Populations/Corrections/Psych.
Twins, were you able to make a decision? I'm also in a similar boat and ultimately decided to go army reserve. Although if I did full 20 the retirement and perks are not as great as active, which is understandable cause it is part time. Bottom line I can still proudly serve our country.

My decision factor was to not have to put my 2 boys under stress of having to move around every few years. Also I enjoy my current civilian job at my hospital so it all truly boils down to what is best for your situation. Best of luck! feel free to PM me

Hello! Thank you for checking in! No I haven't made a decision yet. However I have been in contact with the Army National Guard because as I was leaving class at the community college, I saw an ad! She told me they have student loan forgiveness if I enter as an officer since I have my bachelors degree already. She stated she is going to schedule me for the officer Pre Test which Im guessing is just the ASVAB? I

Could you by chance PM me because I don't think I have the ability to do that yet! Thank you!

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Specializes in U.S. Army Reserve 1LT 66S - ICU.

I'm not sure, for the army nurse corps officers since they require a bachelors degree they don't have to take asvab or any test other then a physical at MEPs to apply for commission. Make sure you speak with a healthcare recruiter and not one who enlists and yes I'll shoot you a PM

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