Advice on being a Army nurse

[SoldierNurse]

Originally Posted by FLMomof5

LOL! When I was in the Air Force it was Capt. Things always change....and that is definitely one of them!

BTW, I at least looked at your siggy to see the CPT designation!

Your attention to detail is outstanding.

BTW, I say when in Rome do as the Romans. I'm prior Marine [1980-1988] and they abbreviate Capt. However, I do now as the Army does, well at least most things.

[Gruffy]

I find it odd that responses are focused on trivial matters and taken personal. My question from all of this would be something like, "Why would the recruiter tell him his enlisted prior service doesn't count for age"? And maybe respond with link that disputes that claim, or say yes he is correct.

My apologies for getting your title wrong.

[SoldierNurse]

Originally Posted by Gruffy

I find it odd that responses are focused on trivial matters and taken personal. My question from all of this would be something like, "Why would the recruiter tell him his enlisted prior service doesn't count for age"? And maybe respond with link that disputes that claim, or say yes he is correct.

My apologies for getting your title wrong.

Agreed, let's not make this personal. I've given you info based on my first hand experiences. I wish you all the best in your decision.

[Gruffy]

CPT.,

Your information has been valuable to my decision making and I thank you for your time and consideration.

[SoldierNurse]

Originally Posted by njohnso4

Thanks CPT

Your welcome! Good luck with your decision.

[FLMomof5]

Gruffy,

To the best of my knowledge, prior service is prior service - for the computation of age. Initially, when they raised the general max age to 42, you couldn't use prior service to reduce your age. Honestly, I have been just outside so many age criterion..... before raising the age to 42, I was 22 days too old when computation used my prior service. Then they raised it, but no prior service credit. Still too old. Now, I can get a reserve or guard commission, but not active because my Bach is not scientific enough. (I have an EE.) I also have time in civilian service. I love how military service counts towards retirement from civilian service and not the other way around.

Then there is....USAFA..time in school counts. OCS training time counts. 4 YR AFROTC scholarship (you enlist when you get it) and time in Field Training doesnt count! (that is all I needed to be 'young' enough a few years back!!!)

So anyway, we can gripe, but it is what it is.

The only differences I have been informed of...due to my prior time being commissioned is: instead of a 2LT commission, I will start at 1LT. I will also be eligible for CPT a year later. (And this has to do with me having a bachelors degree whereas many ASNs do not.)


One last thing....the military is all about the trivial details. You could end a career based in trivial details.

[Gruffy]

FLMomof5,

Thank you very much for your insight. Due to my age I probably will go the Reserve route anyway. I don't want to take any chances of not getting into AD later. Better your foot in the door than in your nose. Like all of us, I'm not trying to rake the Army over the coals, but just want the best deal available. Unfortunately what is available is not published to where we can hold the recruiter to it.

Not to place a negative connontation on recruiters (wink), but it's like buying a car. You have to be willing to walk away and hope they call you. It all comes down to who needs who more at that particular time. First one to flinch looses the edge. With that said, it is people like you and SoldierNurse that help us gather the best possible information from your experience and take it to make the best arrangement for self and Service.

I still think that the nurse recruiter saying, "Only commissioned prior service counts, not enlisted" is a policy item that can be verified. I just don't know where to find it. I even asked him again by repeating his answer back to him and he said yes. hmmm?

Thanks again FLMomof5....I live on the Space Coast, where are you?

Gruffy

[SoldierNurse]

Originally Posted by Gruffy

FLMomof5,

Thank you very much for your insight. Due to my age I probably will go the Reserve route anyway. I don't want to take any chances of not getting into AD later. Better your foot in the door than in your nose. Like all of us, I'm not trying to rake the Army over the coals, but just want the best deal available. Unfortunately what is available is not published to where we can hold the recruiter to it.

Not to place a negative connontation on recruiters (wink), but it's like buying a car. You have to be willing to walk away and hope they call you. It all comes down to who needs who more at that particular time. First one to flinch looses the edge. With that said, it is people like you and SoldierNurse that help us gather the best possible information from your experience and take it to make the best arrangement for self and Service.

I still think that the nurse recruiter saying, "Only commissioned prior service counts, not enlisted" is a policy item that can be verified. I just don't know where to find it. I even asked him again by repeating his answer back to him and he said yes. hmmm?

Thanks again FLMomof5....I live on the Space Coast, where are you?

Gruffy

Gruffy, you & I are the same age. I was three years ANC RC [Reserve Component] before coming over to the Active Component. Sometimes I wished I'd stay in the RC.

Did you want me to expand on that thought?

[FLMomof5]

I'm in Jacksonville.... a couple hours north of you!

[Gruffy]

Absolutely please expand on your thoughts. We may be the same age, but you are already in and as a CPT. My thoughts are that since we are in the "WAR" there is a higher need. Once the "War" ends, the demand will drop.

Any info is good info.

Thanks,
Gruffy