Thinking of joing Air Force

allnurses Guide · Sep 15, 2007

Hi everyone, I am new to this site. I was wondering if anyone could give me some honest career advice. I am a nurse 6 years now and am thinking of joining the air force. I really don't know what to expect but am excited at the possibilities. I am interested in furthering my education too. What do you think?

The biggest thing to determine is what your long & short term goals are. Then decide how the military fits into your goals.

Each branch has its' own pros and cons. Don't limit yourself to looking at just one service. I would look at the Army, Navy, AF, and USPHS.

If I remeber right though for your 1st 6yrs of civilian RN experience you will get 1/2credit towards rank, and then year for year after that. So that means if that if you come in the AF right now you will be a 1Lt for less than a yr.

Just for an example of the biggest benefit of the USPHS.......6yrs RN experience and 4yrs credit for your BSN then you would come in either as an O-3 and then be up for O-4 right away or come directly in as an O-4. The pay difference is about 600 more a month in base pay and about another 200 more a month in BAH over the next 8+yrs it would take to make O-4 in the AF or 6+yrs w/ the Army or the Navy.

Good Luck...Just as a side bar since I am always promoting the USPHS. I really do like being in the AF. I just don't like everything about the AF.

MagRedC5 · Sep 15, 2007

The biggest thing to determine is what your long & short term goals are. Then decide how the military fits into your goals.
Each branch has its' own pros and cons. Don't limit yourself to looking at just one service. I would look at the Army, Navy, AF, and USPHS.
If I remeber right though for your 1st 6yrs of civilian RN experience you will get 1/2credit towards rank, and then year for year after that. So that means if that if you come in the AF right now you will be a 1Lt for less than a yr.
Just for an example of the biggest benefit of the USPHS.......6yrs RN experience and 4yrs credit for your BSN then you would come in either as an O-3 and then be up for O-4 right away or come directly in as an O-4. The pay difference is about 600 more a month in base pay and about another 200 more a month in BAH over the next 8+yrs it would take to make O-4 in the AF or 6+yrs w/ the Army or the Navy.
Good Luck...Just as a side bar since I am always promoting the USPHS. I really do like being in the AF. I just don't like everything about the AF.

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