iyoojin Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 I've read on some a previous thread where they mentioned how PA's in the Army are expected to fill non-PA roles as a officer if they want to do their 20, how true is this? and how about in other branches? I've heard in the Air Force, they do not like to extend commissions because of budgetary constraints and retirement. Any truth to this? I do want to serve in the military medical field but allowing me to do 20 years and have a choice to retire plays a big role. As for ranking, I've heard the highest ranked PA in the army (which tends to promote quicker and generously), is a O-5, is there a non-spoken prejudice against making a PA a full-bird? How is it in other branches? Any inputs? Thank you. (Another case scenario is doing 20 in the reserves and maintaining a civilian PA career.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator EMEDPA Posted May 22, 2013 Moderator Share Posted May 22, 2013 there are PAs who are full bird colonels. I work with one. there are even 2 generals, one who worked his way up and one who became a pa after already being a general. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator LT_Oneal_PAC Posted May 22, 2013 Moderator Share Posted May 22, 2013 I can answer 2. It's not prejudice, it's just that there are multiple professions in the medical service corp. you will need to do admin duties, but won't be taken completely out of patient care just to rank up until retirement, as I've been told. The navy just had a PA make O6 and my faculty mentor is an O5 Navy reserve PA. So I think it's very doable to retire as long as you aren't a slacker and put forth efforts into your fitreps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator LT_Oneal_PAC Posted May 22, 2013 Moderator Share Posted May 22, 2013 Making 03 is automatic, O4 is 80% according to Navy stats. Can't remember % for O5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSG2PA Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 Check out the article below. Should answer most of your questions, pertaining to Army PAs anyway. In the Army, as well as in the other branches with a medical corps, promotions are all about how many slots are available. http://www.almc.army.mil/alog/issues/JulAug12/Force_Management_Army.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iyoojin Posted May 22, 2013 Author Share Posted May 22, 2013 Thank you all for your inputs. SSG2PA, are u going back in as a PA? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSG2PA Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 iyoojin, Absolutely. I have 12 years TIS now, so no reason not to do 20. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator ventana Posted May 23, 2013 Moderator Share Posted May 23, 2013 Coast guard has ALL officers as general officers, there is no medical corp so you do everything..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HMtoPA Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 I'm not sure I understand your question fully, but if you're asking if it's possible to do a full 20 years in the military as a PA, then the answer is a resounding yes, so long as you meet all minimum promotion timelines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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