jwells78 Posted August 4, 2013 Share Posted August 4, 2013 Thank you for saying this. I don't even see why someone would want to join a part-time unit if they didn't want to deploy. Ya. I have been in for 16 years; commissioned a few years ago. Just returned from Afghanistan in Feb 2013, looks like I will probably be going back next summer. I love it, save the time it takes away from my family. There is nothing like practicing medicine on your own in an Austere environment. NG vs Reserves? Talk to both and see which can comp you the most. At this point, I don't know what the incentives are, but I got 20k/year x 3 years incentive pay, 20K/year x 3 years SLR (goes directly to the school). This was for commissioning into the National Guard 3 years ago. I don't know what the Reserves can give you, or where they will send you. I do know this: if you don't like the idea of deploying, don't do it. Thats my take. J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rescue_med-01 Posted January 17, 2014 Share Posted January 17, 2014 So is it better to join before, while in, or after PA school? I am going to apply in a few months to PA school and plan to join reserves (not sure which branch). Trying to strategically plan the route where I will be screwed the least. Looking for deployments and EM specialty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weav01 Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 You can join before. The guard will not put you into the Specialist Corp where the PA's are billeted. You would be put into a general medical billet such as MSC corp. However after graduation they move you into the Specialist Corp which then allows you to collect annual bonus or loan repayment. One or the other but not both at the same time. Someone mentioned before that their state was broke and he didnt get his bonus. I find that hard to believe. That is a breach of the contract. My state goes broke every year but my bonus' and loan repayment were always paid and ontime. That money comes from other places. The Navy, Air Force, Marines, Army Reserves do not have the education monies like the National Guard and AIr National Guard do. IE: retention bonus' and loan repayment. You also have access to FTA (federal tuition assistance) and the GI bill with ALL services. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weav01 Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 PA's in the National Guard are 180 day rotators during deployments. Second rotation is always the best because the processing as an individual is quicker than traveling with an entire brigade whom is processing. Count begins the day you leave home. They can extend you but its rare. 6 months is nothing. Its actually a nice break from the monotany of work. Nothing like joining the fight and doing military medicine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m8trix18 Posted August 18, 2018 Share Posted August 18, 2018 Andysmac How long is the commissioning process? How long will I be away? Looking at ANG vs. army and not sure on what the time difference is or if it's similar Thanks Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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