BOHICA rings true! I got screwed by USAF!

[BOHICA-FIGMO]

Well folks, my BOHICA user name must be eerily prescient since, in spite of 11 years as an active duty officer and an acceptance to a "low-cost" state medical school, the Air Force, in their infinite wisdom, decided not to grant me an HPSP scholarship. They would not give a reason. I am not in an undermanned AFSC. I have good grades, OPRs, and LORs. So, I am pursuing HPSP with Army and Navy. Let this be a warning to anyone considering military service in the Air Force: they expect you to be loyal to the service, yet they show no loyalty in return. They will bend you over an screw you like the prom queen if it suits their interest. All future officers: Check six and BEWARE!

[R-Me-Doc]

Originally Posted by BOHICA-FIGMO

Well folks, my BOHICA user name must be eerily prescient since, in spite of 11 years as an active duty officer and an acceptance to a "low-cost" state medical school, the Air Force, in their infinite wisdom, decided not to grant me an HPSP scholarship. They would not give a reason. I am not in an undermanned AFSC. I have good grades, OPRs, and LORs. So, I am pursuing HPSP with Army and Navy. Let this be a warning to anyone considering military service in the Air Force: they expect you to be loyal to the service, yet they show no loyalty in return. They will bend you over an screw you like the prom queen if it suits their interest. All future officers: Check six and BEWARE!

This is what we call "A Sign From Above." The Big Guy Upstairs is telling you to go to that cheap state med school on your own dime and stay the heck away from the morass of military medicine!!!!!!!

RMD 1-1-21

[MoosePilot]

Originally Posted by BOHICA-FIGMO

Well folks, my BOHICA user name must be eerily prescient since, in spite of 11 years as an active duty officer and an acceptance to a "low-cost" state medical school, the Air Force, in their infinite wisdom, decided not to grant me an HPSP scholarship. They would not give a reason. I am not in an undermanned AFSC. I have good grades, OPRs, and LORs. So, I am pursuing HPSP with Army and Navy. Let this be a warning to anyone considering military service in the Air Force: they expect you to be loyal to the service, yet they show no loyalty in return. They will bend you over an screw you like the prom queen if it suits their interest. All future officers: Check six and BEWARE!

Whoa, dude!

You're accepted, an active duty officer, and they won't extend an HPSP scholarship to you? Weird! Are you going to be able to get out anyway?

I'm in the process right now, but at an earlier stage. I didn't get my letter of permission to apply last year, but I never expected that with the letter and an acceptance, getting an HPSP scholarship would be an issue!

[BOHICA-FIGMO]

Originally Posted by MoosePilot

Whoa, dude!

You're accepted, an active duty officer, and they won't extend an HPSP scholarship to you? Weird! Are you going to be able to get out anyway?

I'm in the process right now, but at an earlier stage. I didn't get my letter of permission to apply last year, but I never expected that with the letter and an acceptance, getting an HPSP scholarship would be an issue!

Hey Moose, I sent you a PM regarding my situation. Good luck!

[MoosePilot]

Originally Posted by BOHICA-FIGMO

Hey Moose, I sent you a PM regarding my situation. Good luck!

Thanks for the PM. Good luck to you too. The stupidity of the military never fails to amaze me. Did someone not have their coffee?

[BOHICA-FIGMO]

Latest word for any interested parties: my HPSP application was rejected because of "strength of package." Gee, let's see: same LORs, grades, personal statement, and MCAT that got me 12 interview invites (actually went to 6), 5 acceptances and 1 waitlist (out of the 6 interviews I went to), same OPRs and military record that got me promoted with a DP to major. Yet HPSP says my package wasn't strong enough?!?! I've got another package (STS) I'd like to give them ! Anyone heard when the padded walls will be installed at AFPC, because I am convinced everyone working there is completely and certifiably nuts!

[DrYo12]

How much time do you have left on your contract, BF?

[virilep]

Originally Posted by BOHICA-FIGMO

Latest word for any interested parties: my HPSP application was rejected because of "strength of package." Gee, let's see: same LORs, grades, personal statement, and MCAT that got me 12 interview invites (actually went to 6), 5 acceptances and 1 waitlist (out of the 6 interviews I went to), same OPRs and military record that got me promoted with a DP to major. Yet HPSP says my package wasn't strong enough?!?! I've got another package (STS) I'd like to give them ! Anyone heard when the padded walls will be installed at AFPC, because I am convinced everyone working there is completely and certifiably nuts!

ever moreso.... of my thinkings of military medicine... in lieu of my recent epiphany.

[qqq]

jesus . . . DP to major and they still don't give you hpsp?!! yet another reason i am happy i didn't get the hpsp either!!

[trinityalumnus]

Originally Posted by BOHICA-FIGMO

Well folks, my BOHICA user name must be eerily prescient since, in spite of 11 years as an active duty officer and an acceptance to a "low-cost" state medical school, the Air Force, in their infinite wisdom, decided not to grant me an HPSP scholarship. They would not give a reason. I am not in an undermanned AFSC. I have good grades, OPRs, and LORs. So, I am pursuing HPSP with Army and Navy. Let this be a warning to anyone considering military service in the Air Force: they expect you to be loyal to the service, yet they show no loyalty in return. They will bend you over an screw you like the prom queen if it suits their interest. All future officers: Check six and BEWARE!

Lurk mode off.

Me: CRNA, applying to med school and probably HPSP in 2006. Graduate of USAF Officer Training School with several years active duty as a line officer, got out, then switched to reserve nurse corps after finishing my BSN. Graduate of flight nurse school at Brooks AFB. Many hours flying, triple-certified in C-9, C-130, and C-141.

Despite all that, the USAF sticks it to their people with no conscience or logical reason.

I performed a reserve intereservice transfer to the USNR in 1999 (talk about paperwork). I walked into the USNR medical recruiter's office, and after I told him I had a commission, a CRNA license, wings, and an active security clearance he went apoplectic with delight. Long story short: the USNR has and continues to roll out the red carpet for me. Despite being another bureaucracy, they are much better to their people (at least reserve NC officers) and I whole-heartedly recommend Navy over Air Force, having served in both. You will also have a much wider variety of assignments and operational opportunities in the Navy.

Lurk mode back on.

[BOHICA-FIGMO]

Originally Posted by trinityalumnus

Lurk mode off.

Me: CRNA, applying to med school and probably HPSP in 2006. Graduate of USAF Officer Training School with several years active duty as a line officer, got out, then switched to reserve nurse corps after finishing my BSN. Graduate of flight nurse school at Brooks AFB. Many hours flying, triple-certified in C-9, C-130, and C-141.

Despite all that, the USAF sticks it to their people with no conscience or logical reason.

I performed a reserve intereservice transfer to the USNR in 1999 (talk about paperwork). I walked into the USNR medical recruiter's office, and after I told him I had a commission, a CRNA license, wings, and an active security clearance he went apoplectic with delight. Long story short: the USNR has and continues to roll out the red carpet for me. Despite being another bureaucracy, they are much better to their people (at least reserve NC officers) and I whole-heartedly recommend Navy over Air Force, having served in both. You will also have a much wider variety of assignments and operational opportunities in the Navy.

Lurk mode back on.

Thanks for the input Trinity! I am already engaged with the Navy and Army medical recruiters about their HPSP programs and they seem very interested. Both have indicated that even at this late date I could pick up a scholarship for this coming school year. (Yeah, yeah, I know to take what recruiters say with a grain of salt ...) I'm especially intrigued by the Navy where I could do flight medicine, dive medicine, AND hooah! ground-pounder stuff with the Marines. Of course I could still apply to the three year FAP (aka, 3 yr. HPSP) with the USAF, but that long wooden handle sticking out of my back is what you might call a "dis-incentive" (not to mention that it might be difficult to fit into a flight suit ).

[BOHICA-FIGMO]

Originally Posted by DrYo12

How much time do you have left on your contract, BF?

My Active Duty Service Commitment (ADSC) is 0.00 yrs, so I can punch out at any time. My only question will be whether to take my 60+ leave days as terminal leave or just sell it back. More tax advantageous to take terminal leave, but if I pick up Navy or Army HPSP, I might have to sell it since I can't "double dip."

[Mirror Form]

If you got into a "cheap" state medical school, then you don't need to take the HPSP scholarship anyway. Although, with your time in service you would be getting a pretty nice salary as a resident. But FAP might leave more options open for you.

[denali]

Originally Posted by BOHICA-FIGMO

My Active Duty Service Commitment (ADSC) is 0.00 yrs, so I can punch out at any time. My only question will be whether to take my 60+ leave days as terminal leave or just sell it back. More tax advantageous to take terminal leave, but if I pick up Navy or Army HPSP, I might have to sell it since I can't "double dip."

If you can, terminal leave. Better to cash it in for more base pay at a higher rank later... Enjoy some time off and get settled before school starts; it's a hell of a ride after that.

[IgD]

Can you use the GI bill to finance your medical education?

I wouldn't be surprised if you got rejected because of money. You would be coming in as an O3 with 10 on the pay scale instead of an O3 with zero. You'd be a lot more expensive then someone coming straight through college with no military time.

[militarymd]

Hey figmo,

Here is something that I have explained to me by a senior Captain in the Navy who has his eyes on stars.

He was one of my first attendings 12 years ago, and I actually respect him despite him being a senior officer. He had always watched out for me, and always offered his insight when I go high and to the right.

He told me this...the medical corp/military DOES NOT want its officers to retire at 20. The bean counters want you to get out at 19 years, so they don't have to pay you benefits that could go on for a very long time in this day and age. He explained to me that personnel costs (mostly retirees) is sinking the military budget.

What the military wants is junior (stupid) young guys to come in, do their time, and get out without benefits. The military expects a few to stay and become generals/admirals, but worker bees (read...doctors) need NOT stay....Retirement costs are very high.

So you, they see as someone who will come in, serve for a short time, and then retire, costing them big bucks....so why give you a scholarship, when they can give it to some stupid 21 year old, who'll be bitter by the time he is 33, get out and cost them nothing?

Sounds to me, that the AirForce is smarter than the Navy and Army....or perhaps the Navy and Army is just more desperate.

[BOHICA-FIGMO]

Originally Posted by militarymd

Hey figmo,

Here is something that I have explained to me by a senior Captain in the Navy who has his eyes on stars.

He was one of my first attendings 12 years ago, and I actually respect him despite him being a senior officer. He had always watched out for me, and always offered his insight when I go high and to the right.

He told me this...the medical corp/military DOES NOT want its officers to retire at 20. The bean counters want you to get out at 19 years, so they don't have to pay you benefits that could go on for a very long time in this day and age. He explained to me that personnel costs (mostly retirees) is sinking the military budget.

What the military wants is junior (stupid) young guys to come in, do their time, and get out without benefits. The military expects a few to stay and become generals/admirals, but worker bees (read...doctors) need NOT stay....Retirement costs are very high.

So you, they see as someone who will come in, serve for a short time, and then retire, costing them big bucks....so why give you a scholarship, when they can give it to some stupid 21 year old, who'll be bitter by the time he is 33, get out and cost them nothing?

Sounds to me, that the AirForce is smarter than the Navy and Army....or perhaps the Navy and Army is just more desperate.

Shack! (i.e., direct hit!) In fact, that is the theory the Army recruiter gave me within five minutes of our first conversation. Hopefully, the Navy doesn't clue in before I meet their HPSP board

BTW, IgD, I am a USAF Academy grad and therefore ineligible for the GI Bill.

[trinityalumnus]

Originally Posted by BOHICA-FIGMO

BTW, IgD, I am a USAF Academy grad and therefore ineligible for the GI Bill.

When were you there? My reserve squadron did our two weeks of active duty in 1992 and 1994 in Jack's Valley as stand-by medical during BCT. I covered the assault course. The "ironman" calisthenic routine looked particularly fun. They billeted us in the Academy VOQ, where the four-stars have their periodic Corona meeting. Definitely top-notch.

[USAFdoc]

Originally Posted by BOHICA-FIGMO

Shack! (i.e., direct hit!) In fact, that is the theory the Army recruiter gave me within five minutes of our first conversation. Hopefully, the Navy doesn't clue in before I meet their HPSP board

BTW, IgD, I am a USAF Academy grad and therefore ineligible for the GI Bill.

I beleive that we are onto something here. I have wondered why "the USAF admin" appear to care less as every "clinic doc" separates, and this theory may be the answer.

[BOHICA-FIGMO]

Originally Posted by trinityalumnus

When were you there? My reserve squadron did our two weeks of active duty in 1992 and 1994 in Jack's Valley as stand-by medical during BCT. I covered the assault course. The "ironman" calisthenic routine looked particularly fun. They billeted us in the Academy VOQ, where the four-stars have their periodic Corona meeting. Definitely top-notch.

Graduated '94. I was a basic at Jack's in '90 and did phase 1 BCT cadre in 93, so I probably missed you. Still a small world, though

[militarymd]

Originally Posted by USAFdoc

I beleive that we are onto something here. I have wondered why "the USAF admin" appear to care less as every "clinic doc" separates, and this theory may be the answer.

I 'm pretty sure it is not just theory....My mentor made it sound as if it is doctrine. But something not written down because it is not politically correct.

navbupersinst 1635.9 : make sure to screw military members who have prior service to decrease personel costs.

[island doc]

Why do HPSP at all? You will be better off in the long run if you don't. I know I have worked in both settings-military and civilian. Am a practicing civilian physician now-wish I had done it this way from the beginning.

[USAFdoc]

Originally Posted by island doc

Why do HPSP at all? You will be better off in the long run if you don't. I know I have worked in both settings-military and civilian. Am a practicing civilian physician now-wish I had done it this way from the beginning.

bump

[grmaster1]

Originally Posted by militarymd

but worker bees (read...doctors)

Everything is on the money except the above...

E1-E4's are the worker bees, but doctors are more of a drone variety

Read on for pure fun, no offense meant...

Worker bees

[USAFdoc]

Originally Posted by grmaster1

Everything is on the money except the above...

E1-E4's are the worker bees, but doctors are more of a drone variety

Read on for pure fun, no offense meant...

Worker bees

I love the analogies; but it was the FPs that were the "worker bees". We were there hours before ANYONE ELSE, we were there hours after EVERYONE ELSE left, we were there EVERY weekend.

there were 2 people that considered themselves the QUEEN bee (both nurses of course), and lastly,there wasn't no honey in that bee hive, only alot of stingers.

[grmaster1]

Originally Posted by USAFdoc

there were 2 people that considered themselves the QUEEN bee (both nurses of course)

Tru dat...