Traveling in military?

Published

Specializes in CVICU.

Hey everyone, I have a question regarding traveling and the military.

I was considering the military so I could have the opportunity to travel, work in new places, move around a couple/few times a year. But the way I understand things, is that once you are stationed, you're stationed for years at a time? Is this how it is whether you are active or guard/reserve?

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There are set tours of duty if you are active. Can range from 13 months, (think Viet Nam) to three years, (think stabilized tour in Europe accompanied by family living in govt quarters). There are other variations that depend upon the circumstances. We used to love to "extend" our tours in places we liked. Stayed five years in Germany one time. One senior NCO had been in Germany for something like 18 years straight. He politicized to pull strings so he could stay with his German wife's family.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU.

So nurses in the military can't really travel every few months as military nurses?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

If you go to a medical center there is a better chance you can stay longer then 3 years. If you are in a smaller community hospital more then likely you will move on after 3 years. As always there is expections to the rule. As far as reserves you will drill with the closest unit to your hometown which has a slot for your MOS. You can if you want go to a unit farther away. As you get up in rank in the reserves you will need to move on to other assignments which would involve traveling every month.

General rule of thumb, enlisted can stay at a base longer then officers. Med-Surg nurses have more changes to stay at a smaller hospital then specialized nurses.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.
So nurses in the military can't really travel every few months as military nurses?

Not if you mean like a civlian travel nurse. After 2 years you can put in for a transfer, does not mean you will get it. Nurses do travel from time to time for training, conferences, and of course deployments.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

Hey, I've been in a year and I've travelled tons! Alabama, Texas, Alabama, Texas, Baltimore, Texas, now I'm in the Southeast Asia summer tour. touched 2 countries in Europe on the way and been in 4 SE Asia countries thus far.

But all you really see is the base and the wire! lol. I've seen the "airport" PAX terminals in Italy and Germany.

So if you are only planning to join to see the world, don't join. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

Could not agree with midinphx more. You do not join the military just for the travel, pay, or benefits. Yes, they are nice reason but if you join just for those you are going to hate your time in the military. The military is a way of life not just a job that you can leave when you are tired of it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion