Some Suggestions and Answers PLS!

just_cause, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2008

i had a few notes - thought i'd contribute my 2cents..

ok this is the deal....
i am in my last semester of nursing school. i will gradutaing with my bsn. i am 22 y/o and this will be my first degree. i recently have been taking the idea of joining the service seriously but i do not know which branch to choose from. i know for sure that i am not interested in the army or marines, so that leaves me with the af and navy. i am leaning more towards navy though.
i just want to serve for three years and be out, is this possible?
you can find 4 and 5 year contracts available...navy has some repayment options associated with this obligations as well.
so which should i join?
personal preference. read some of the blogs and postings here from af and navy nurses to see some of the outlooks each has..
what would it be like for me joining the navy or af with my circumstances?
what circumstances? you are a 22 yr old with bsn? i think you would enter just like every other nurse... the training might be easier as you are younger and perhaps more likely to be in shape - perhaps harder because you likely haven't been in the military or been in to many jobs - rather you've been in a school environment.... either way no extraordinatry circumstances...
what is like for a new graduate?
do i get some say as to where i will be stationed either for navy or af? specifically for the navy i'v heard that you go to san diego, va, or md. so if i choose san diego will what are the chances of me actually being stationed there?
you typically get to list your preferences.... ultimately manpower is pushed to the location in need. i wouldn't get to worried about this as it's something you can't fully control... most of those locations seem nice - it's just a part of military lifestyle.. think of it more as an opportunity and a surprise.
how long will i stay in the at one of the big three's in ref to the navy?
what is the pay like?
you can look up military officer pay table... look under 01 w/ no exp and then find your bah amount for one of the 'big three locations' this should give you a good idea... pay is comparable (if not more with benefits) to civilian counterpart... gets a lot better when you hit o3.

what are the pros and cons of joining as a new grad for both navy/af?
do i get to choose my specialty?
am i sure to get deployed and if i do what does that mean? where would i go?
how are bonus' dispensed? talk to recruiter about this... typically it's in installments.
do they give a lump sum or is it given gradually? check with your recruiter - it depends on which incentive you are looking at... typically in installments and remember that it is taxed......
thank you...
pls include other info you think will be helpful
read through the postings her from navy and af nurses - they have some good stories..
nelda

nurseman-in-blue · Sep 24, 2008

Hey I'm glad to hear that you are looking at military nursing. I am currently a new Air Force nurse who graduated this past April. I would definitely recommend Air Force (but then I am biased aren't I) Search a lot of the posts here in the military area there is a lot of information.

I just want to serve for three years and be out, is this possible?

-I have friends that just came in that are on a 3 year contract, it all depends on how much money the give you, etc.

So which should I join?

- AIR FORCE (deployments are moving to 6 months but you are not out there for a year at a time, family life is better)

What would it be like for me joining the navy or AF with my circumstances?

-Your young (I'm 27) I don't see anything that you can loose if you are willing to deploy. there are a LOT of different opportunities and further education that is available to you

What is like for a new graduate?

- The Air Force will give you 11 weeds of additional training before turning you loose to orient to your gaining unit.

Do I get some say as to where I will be stationed either for navy or AF? Specifically for the navy I'v heard that you go to san diego, va, or md. So if I choose San diego will what are the chances of me actually being stationed there?

How long will I stay in the at one of the big three's in ref to the navy?

-you get to tell them where you would LIKE to go but the needs of the military come first.

What is the pay like?

-Google the active duty officer pay chart and look at the o-1 with less than 2 years column for starters and then it goes up from there (o-2 at 2 years and o-3 at four years) You wont see pay advancement like that in the civilian world.

What are the pros and cons of joining as a new grad for both navy/AF?

-money for loans, sign-on bonuses. Further paid education.

Do I get to choose my specialty?

- In the Air force you start as Med/Surg or OB you can move to another field after about 2 years but they want you to get a good handle on the basics first. If you come in with exp in a field a lot stay in those fields.

Am I sure to get deployed and if I do what does that mean? Where would I go?

-all around the world. Here at Lackland, AFB we deploy primarily to Ballad, Iraq and the deployments are now 6 months.

How are bonus' dispensed?

- after getting on active duty - you WILL pay taxes on that money though

Do they give a lump sum or is it given gradually?

- talk to a recruiter - it all depends on the way it is set up there are different programs out there.

Good luck with your decision and hopefully I'll meet up with you sometime - in the AIR FORCE of course. :up: