Posted on 10/09/2010 2:10:47 PM PDT by TnGOP
Air Force; without any doubt. This comes from an Army veteran.
I should have read the rest of the post. Still, if she mainly wants in to finance her education, I’m not convinced that is the best motivation. For one thing, it sounds like she doesn’t know what she will be in for. She should find out before committing to that approach.
Air Force. My granddaughter joined right out of high school. She loved it. When she got out she completed her college and is now in graduate school at George Washington University on the G.I. bill.
She says joining was the best thing that ever happened to her. She says it changed her life.
Air Force. Navy a very distant 2nd.
I want my education and can not pay for it is part. Also I feel it is the right thing for me to do I think the military will help me a lot, and I also feel I can serve the military well. All in all the main reason is I want something more I want to know that what I do could possibly make difference and help people.
With your Math ACT score, You are going to need lots of remedial math courses in preparation for pursuing a MD degree. The Navy has an excellent Corpman program but your test scores will determine whether you are in a program that would assist you in your MD quest or you could be a bed pan technician. I would check with the recruiter, I believe they have some pre-tests that will let you know what programs you qualify for. The Navy is a seagoing service so the opportunity for study could be limited during deployment. Some commands are pro-education while others will not provide much in the way of assistance.
The Marines and Army mission preparation (field exercises) will make college attendance difficult in many cases.
The Air Force would probably be your best option.
Good Luck
The Air Force would be the best way to go but remember that they now tell most people enlisting that they will get at least a tour to the sandbox.
My daughter has been in the Coast Guard for a little over a year, but she doesn’t have any detailed educational goals.
I worked with an actuary whose wife was a physician (a psychiatrist) in the Air Force. They also have excellent opportunities for nurse practicioners and physician assistants.
I'm a Navy vet, have been under their medical care and I was pleased with the care I received during my eight years of active duty.
Here's what I know that is the only advice you need. Go with the branch that is willing to put in writing what they promise! My daughter did not go with the Armed Forces option because no branch was willing to put in writing that they would allow her to become one of three specialities. They would all promise everything else, but when the time came to say ' what kind of doctor?" it was 'Whatever the (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, etc) needs at the time."
She had to say no for now, but will go back and apply at medical school again.
I can’t say I’ve regretted choosing the Army one bit. But then, I was already a doctor (PhD type) when I joined.
She should check out the AMEDD (Army Medical) at www.armymedicine.army.mil (sorry I don’t know how to make a link).
The Army has many training opportunities. Furthermore, they also offer loan assistance programs for professionals who join after receiving their advanced training. Since my PhD was paid through various programs, I did not have any loans to pay back, but for MDs who often incur tens of thousands in debt, this can be very attractive. Many of the students at the USUHS are Army.
LOL! How true!
If she wants to be an MD, she may want to choose a service that will offer her the chance to be a medical corpsman. The Marines use the Navy to supply their medics. The Army has them as well, and I don’t know about the Air Force.
Choosing the Army, considering its combat commitment now, will afford the chance to practice emergency medicine in the field, under fire, but the learning curve will be high. If that isn’t to her liking, the Navy is an excellent choice.
Aside from that, look for signing bonuses, or college fund incentives, and compare.
My son is a grunt, with the 2nd one going grunt after graduation.
However, if I had a daughter, Air Force all the way.
I did love my Army years as an avionics mechanic, but I joined the Army alongside my husband of three years—we were on the buddy plan—and they kept us together, as promised. I would never have selected avionics, but I wanted to insure that I went to school with my husband. My scores allowed me to choose my MOS.
For a young woman, I recommend the Air Force. Admittedly, you don’t make rank as quickly as in the Army, but the overall conditions and situations are superior in the Air Force.
I used my (VietNam Era) GI Bill for college, but two babies prevented me from taking many courses while enlisted. Keep your goal in sight, and understand that it will be tough to be an Air Force member and a student. It will be difficult to isolate yourself in studies; but your goal looks to be worth it.
As far as a career in medicine: Are you considering becoming a Physician’s Assistant first? Since your looking for a means of financing your education, this might be a good interim goal.
BEST OF LUCK! What an adventure!!!
Starfleet, of course.
Freep mail sent
good luck
First, thank you for your service to our country, young lady. It is a noble thing. Plus being a doctor in the new ObamaCare nightmare that is coming is also heroic and you may hate it someday.
I’ve not been in any of the services but I would think Navy might be best if you don’t get seasick, that or the Air Force.
Have you looked at studying at the service academies? Essentially, you trade a commitment to serve for x years for the branch you’ve chosen in return for a free ride through college. It’s very strict and you are advised to get the support of your local congressman to gain admittance but it might accomplishes both your goals at the same time.
In any case, good luck and I wish you success. If you are a prayerful person, seek God’s direction and He’ll lead you the right way.
US Public Health Service.
She can work with native americans
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