waiting, Air Force Nurse Corps

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Apr 11, 2010

Once you get into the system as active, be sure he has a copy of your orders. Talk to the folks in personnel at Maxwell - make them talk to you and don't let them blow you off, because trust me, they will try.

You have to get him into DEERS first (take his ORIGINAL birth certificate with you to COT). Once he's in DEERS, they'll print up a specific worksheet that he will need to get his ID card. Mail that (you'll get an opportunity, the flight commanders aren't awful) to your son. He will take that, some sort of ID (if he has one), and a copy of your orders to the gate. There may be some hemming and hawing but they will let him in. Then he goes to the MPF where they'll get him an ID card.

I know a couple of cops here - I can confirm what he needs to get on base with that DEERS paperwork if he's too young for some sort of picture ID.

midinphx, BSN · Apr 11, 2010

Getting him on base is no problem. His grandpa is retired Army and they go to the commisary regularly. In fact, I'm they are taking me to get my uniforms next week. So I'm really lucky that I don't have that worry.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Apr 14, 2010

Great! Then all he'll need is that DEERS worksheet.

You're right - it was very handy having my mom's ID card to get on base with!

Be sure you take your acceptance letter to COT when you buy your uniforms; some places have a fit if you're trying to buy military unis without your own ID.

Wac44 · Apr 20, 2010

I found yesterday that I was accepted. Yea!!!! One question, does anyone know how long ER nurses are typically at one base. I was not sure if it was longer than 3 to 4 years because of the speciality.

midinphx, BSN · Apr 20, 2010

Congrats WAC44! How exciting!

I just bought my uniforms today. My family who has been an Army wife forever went with me. I definately needed the help! So I really hate the blue pants. They fit horribly. oh well. I did get plenty of the right underarmour socks though! lol. Now i wait for the tapes and to go get them altered.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Apr 22, 2010

Congrats WAC44! How exciting!
I just bought my uniforms today. My family who has been an Army wife forever went with me. I definately needed the help! So I really hate the blue pants. They fit horribly. oh well. I did get plenty of the right underarmour socks though! lol. Now i wait for the tapes and to go get them altered.

They fit everyone horribly. I want to find out how to get on the uniform board - I know there's currently a first Lt on it - because those 1980s pants have GOT TO GO.

At least you know you look as lousy as the rest of us....LOL....

annabeap, MSN, APRN, NP · Apr 22, 2010

For anyone wondering about COT... I found a great website: Air Force OTS :: OTS Foundation Portal

That's for all of OTS. You just should look for COT. They even make a folder for your class!

I went through it Aug 09-Sep 09... and actually am back at Maxwell for ASBC... it'll be funny how you find yourself back there so fast. It's really not too bad. It put me out of my comfort zone, but that's a good thing. Oh, and if you can, get uniforms before getting to base!!!!! It's a nightmare, full of chaos and grumpy employees.

Congrats and Good luck!!! :)

gerrib83 · May 4, 2010

I have been in the "process" since July of 09, granted not a year as of yet but I am VERY age critical 47. I am married, husband retired military, 4 kids of which 2 are active duty. Now its my turn and this has been what I have wanted to do for years...........but the wait! I am use to the military and government timelines with the hurry up and wait but I am getting disenchanted with the whole process. I call and email my reruiter on a fairly regular basis ( returns iffy at times) each time I get different dates or reasoning as to why this is this or that. Now I have been told the Officer who oversees the nurses selection put her package in to retire in June. So the whole process will be slowed down with turnover and outprocessing; but you know good for her she did her time and should be very proud of her time in service.

Just as a side note I did ask my recruiter yesterday if he has lost anyone yet due to this backlog and he stated no not yet. So I guess I am not the only one calling and I hate to use the word complaining but its what we are doing when we find there is no new word.

midinphx, BSN · May 4, 2010

I feel your frustration Gerri. It took me forever to get it all done and the acceptance letter back. Everyone kept getting their news before me.

There is light at the end of the tunnel.....

I started the process June 09. I'm leaving for COT in 20 days. It is surreal that it is finally happening. So don't loose heart. If it is your goal and your dream, don't give it up just because the wait is too dang frustrating. Hang in there.

HNELLA · May 4, 2010

Are there still people waiting to hear back from the last boards?

gerrib83 · May 4, 2010

Thanks for your kind words. You must be going to the May COT, my recruiters wife will be attending; then on to Lackland. I got the you can attend with my wife speech but no joy still waiting. I heard the next board to release info will be the April 2010 board. I did get a rec for selection so just waiting and yes it is so frustating.

Anyone hears anything about the board good or bad please post to keep us all updated. TY

midinphx, BSN · May 5, 2010

All the results are not released at the same time. The new grads got word way before I did going in as a qualified nurse. Don't put to much weight on when the board results are supposed to come out. There are no magic dates. Unfortunately, we are just to sit here at their mercy. But I don't think i've ever heard of anyone who got to the point of turning in a qualified packet that did not get in. We just have to hang out unitl our turn comes.