15 year Navy Veteran, changing career paths.

[natron0802]

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Hello!!
I am a 33 year old Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy who has decided to forgo my next 5 years of service and potential retirement to pursue med school. I am seeking any and all advice that you all may have to offer. Here is what I have now:
A vast support network
Undergrad paid for via the Post 9/11 GI Bill
A path to pay for med school via the Navy Health Professions Scholarship
Lots of motivation and passion

Aside from these things, I am pretty much starting at a high school senior level. I have some general ed classes out of the way, but not enough to make a huge difference, maybe 1 semester complete. I really wish I could find another veteran who decided to take the path I have chosen, but I think I am more likely to find someone who changed career paths close to mid life. Please share your thoughts and anything that will help me through this journey. My support network always has room for winners.
Thank you!!

 

[abn632]

Unless there are circumstances that you have not mentioned, I would seriously reconsider leaving active duty, especially if you only have 5 years left. You can put those 5 years to good use by taking classes, even if you have to pay out of pocket (Army recently had TA suspended, then reinstated). U of Maryland (UMUC) has several online degree options, and they are a regionally-accredited (i.e. legit) institution. You could retire in 5 years, begin collecting a retirement income FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, and finish up your undergraduate degree, and then go to med school.

Retirement pay for an E7+ with 20 years may not be a lot in the grand scheme of things, but every little bit helps.

As far as paying for med school with the NHPS, I would get in touch with your career counselor (I'm former Army, utilize the Navy's equivalent) or a NHPS recruiter and smoke out the details. I say this mainly because there are certain requirements for officers (such as age at commissioning, ability to serve a minimum number of years as an officer, etc.) that may affect your decision or ability to use the NHPS for med school.

Best of luck!

 

[xffan624]

Unless there are circumstances that you have not mentioned, I would seriously reconsider leaving active duty, especially if you only have 5 years left. You can put those 5 years to good use by taking classes, even if you have to pay out of pocket (Army recently had TA suspended, then reinstated). U of Maryland (UMUC) has several online degree options, and they are a regionally-accredited (i.e. legit) institution. You could retire in 5 years, begin collecting a retirement income FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, and finish up your undergraduate degree, and then go to med school.

Retirement pay for an E7+ with 20 years may not be a lot in the grand scheme of things, but every little bit helps.

As far as paying for med school with the NHPS, I would get in touch with your career counselor (I'm former Army, utilize the Navy's equivalent) or a NHPS recruiter and smoke out the details. I say this mainly because there are certain requirements for officers (such as age at commissioning, ability to serve a minimum number of years as an officer, etc.) that may affect your decision or ability to use the NHPS for med school.

Best of luck!

Yeah and you can use the GI Bill for medical school! No additional service required.

 

[jde1223]

NHSP has an age limit of 63- so ur good, where as the army is 41 y/o- I'm prior army and navy medically retired at 9 years active, I'm 35 years old- also the navy won't take you if u have more than 2 kids. But I think it would be like re-enlisting for us. I would take the retirement and retired health benefits- 5 yrs is nothing. Finish up on shore duty and get gen Ed credits out of the way at night school!

 

[Goucher2013]

Unless there are circumstances that you have not mentioned, I would seriously reconsider leaving active duty, especially if you only have 5 years left. You can put those 5 years to good use by taking classes, even if you have to pay out of pocket (Army recently had TA suspended, then reinstated). U of Maryland (UMUC) has several online degree options, and they are a regionally-accredited (i.e. legit) institution. You could retire in 5 years, begin collecting a retirement income FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, and finish up your undergraduate degree, and then go to med school.

Anyone have any reliable information on how med schools view UMUC degrees? To me, it's always seemed to be by far the most reputable option to get a degree while in-service, but I think anyone considering that route should get some hard facts on how it's seen by med schools.

 

[Goro]

Firstly, many thanks for serving your country.
Yes, you're starting at square one, like every other pre-med. Your veteran status and maturity add huge plusses.

One suggestion, if you stay in the service, it should be possible to take some of your coursework, and get it out of the way, like, say, English, match,and, say,Bio 1 and 2. That way, you can pass your 20 year mark and get your pension. (do they still offer 20 year pensions??)

This forum can be a great asset.

Suggest starting some volunteer patient contact experience (unless you were a corpsman!) and/or physician shadowing.

Hello!!
I am a 33 year old Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy who has decided to forgo my next 5 years of service and potential retirement to pursue med school. I am seeking any and all advice that you all may have to offer. Here is what I have now:
A vast support network
Undergrad paid for via the Post 9/11 GI Bill
A path to pay for med school via the Navy Health Professions Scholarship
Lots of motivation and passion

Aside from these things, I am pretty much starting at a high school senior level. I have some general ed classes out of the way, but not enough to make a huge difference, maybe 1 semester complete. I really wish I could find another veteran who decided to take the path I have chosen, but I think I am more likely to find someone who changed career paths close to mid life. Please share your thoughts and anything that will help me through this journey. My support network always has room for winners.
Thank you!!

 

[natron0802]

I have definitely researched the Health Professions Scholarship and just like the officer recruiter told me, once you retire, you are retired from the military. So that scholarship opportunity would definitely go away. Also, I would much rather retire as an O3-E versus an E7. My point is, this was no light decision and has been something that I have been planning for for almost 3 years. I have a wonderful wife who is willing to support my plan and she has a wonderful job which will help us pay the bills. I am more interested in dealing with college life for someone who is older and hasnt been to school in many years.

 

[abn632]

Bottom Line Up Front: Go for it.

Disclaimer: I'm not a med student, I am going through an informal post-bacc in an attempt to get into med school. I am 34 years old, have a very well-paying job, and am married.

Got it - you want to be a Navy doc and retire (my dad did 14 years enlisted, retired at 22 years as an O3E). I did 12 years (4 active Army, 8 National Guard - got out as an SFC/E7), and I plan on doing the HPSP as and retire as an O3E or O4, but in the Reserves/National Guard.

Shoring up your finances and having health insurance will be key. If your wife works, that will certainly help out, but make sure you have a budget in place and that you actually use it. One option to consider is *gasp* ...the reserves.

The good: a humble monthly paycheck (E7 is around $500-ish/month), Tricare Reserve Select (good family coverage for only around $200/month), still get to keep SGLI, and some other benefits thrown in.

The bad: one weekend/month can be a PITA, the mentality in the reserves is WAY different than active duty, plus the fact that there's always that small problem of getting deployed. Although you should be able to lock down a "stabilization" period (I don't know what the Navy term is, but it's a time period where you can't get deployed).

If you get out, you'll be able to go to a brick-and-mortar school (a plus). Ensure that you go to a legit school, i.e. one that is regionally-accredited. Since you've been out of school for so long, you may want to ease into it. Don't start off with 18 hours of astrophysics, calculus III and some other high-powered stuff. Ease yourself into it. Take a full-time load, but only take 12-hours. Figure out your schedule, your work habits, your family schedule, etc., then after that first semester, adjust fire as necessary.

One last thing: I will probably get flamed for this, but do not be afraid to take out student loans. Many people don't like to go into debt - that's completely understandable. However, federal financial aid has a lot of positives - like tax deductibility and a generally low interest rate. You just have to ensure that you don't blow it all on stupid stuff. Use the student loan money wisely for legitimate purposes, or simply stash it in a savings account/money market fund so that if you need it, it's there.

Good luck, Chief!

 

[Goro]

OK, that's perfectly fine. This forum will be a fine source of info; better than the hyperventilating and overanxious 20 year old hyper-achieving pre-med.

I'd recommend chatting up some recent medical school grads and asking about their path to medical school.

I have definitely researched the Health Professions Scholarship and just like the officer recruiter told me, once you retire, you are retired from the military. So that scholarship opportunity would definitely go away. Also, I would much rather retire as an O3-E versus an E7. My point is, this was no light decision and has been something that I have been planning for for almost 3 years. I have a wonderful wife who is willing to support my plan and she has a wonderful job which will help us pay the bills. I am more interested in dealing with college life for someone who is older and hasnt been to school in many years.

 

[natron0802]

Bottom Line Up Front: Go for it.

Disclaimer: I'm not a med student, I am going through an informal post-bacc in an attempt to get into med school. I am 34 years old, have a very well-paying job, and am married.

Got it - you want to be a Navy doc and retire (my dad did 14 years enlisted, retired at 22 years as an O3E). I did 12 years (4 active Army, 8 National Guard - got out as an SFC/E7), and I plan on doing the HPSP as and retire as an O3E or O4, but in the Reserves/National Guard.

Shoring up your finances and having health insurance will be key. If your wife works, that will certainly help out, but make sure you have a budget in place and that you actually use it. One option to consider is *gasp* ...the reserves.

The good: a humble monthly paycheck (E7 is around $500-ish/month), Tricare Reserve Select (good family coverage for only around $200/month), still get to keep SGLI, and some other benefits thrown in.

The bad: one weekend/month can be a PITA, the mentality in the reserves is WAY different than active duty, plus the fact that there's always that small problem of getting deployed. Although you should be able to lock down a "stabilization" period (I don't know what the Navy term is, but it's a time period where you can't get deployed).

If you get out, you'll be able to go to a brick-and-mortar school (a plus). Ensure that you go to a legit school, i.e. one that is regionally-accredited. Since you've been out of school for so long, you may want to ease into it. Don't start off with 18 hours of astrophysics, calculus III and some other high-powered stuff. Ease yourself into it. Take a full-time load, but only take 12-hours. Figure out your schedule, your work habits, your family schedule, etc., then after that first semester, adjust fire as necessary.

One last thing: I will probably get flamed for this, but do not be afraid to take out student loans. Many people don't like to go into debt - that's completely understandable. However, federal financial aid has a lot of positives - like tax deductibility and a generally low interest rate. You just have to ensure that you don't blow it all on stupid stuff. Use the student loan money wisely for legitimate purposes, or simply stash it in a savings account/money market fund so that if you need it, it's there.

Good luck, Chief!

Thank you!! I think that my wife is actually what has made this decision all the more easy. First, she is extremely supportive. Secondly, she has a decent job with decent benefits that will allow us to muddle through life's quandaries. Aside from her support, I have tried to build a network of great friends to fall back on when the times are tough and I am sure they will come. Like I mentioned before, this was not a spur of the moment decision. I have built my network over the past few years and it is very strong. As for budgeting financially for this transition, our budget only includes her income. Anything I get from the GI Bill or other means will be extra. I am still four months out which is more than enough time to get a handle on some of my debt. I gasp at the idea of taking out student loans and do not plan on doing so, unless it is absolutely necessary. My goal is to have no student debt upon completion of this journey, which gives me a considerable leg up on my fellow students. And the last thing is, I realize that I am my only barrier to success. My choices will have to reflect the over arching goal of this decision. I would really hate to have gotten out at 15 years only to fail out of my classes, but I am well aware of what my limitations are and I know I will have to work harder at some subjects than others. My study habits will be everything to me and if I am not grasping the material, I know I need to seek assistance. I appreciate your input and wish you the best of luck in your endeavors as well. Please stay in touch.

 

[Mominboots]

Hi Chief,

Just wanted to say I am in a similar situation right now, the few differences being that I am a little younger (24 going on 25) and I'm E5 with almost 5 years of service. I will be seperating this coming August. With the downsizing and all people are pretty surprised that I am choosing to seperate rather than stay in and make rank. This is probably due to the fact that I went from E1 to E5 in less than 3 years. But I think separating is a better choice right now for pursuing a career as a physician.

I currently have 15 college credits GPA of 3.0 and a collection of AP and over 30 ACE recommended courses from my rate as an AT (kind of worthless).There are a few reputatble Universities that will take military credits for gen eds but you have to make sure to take all- I mean all your prerequisites at a University.
My novice advice is to worry more about your overall apllication rather than the quickest path to a degree. Find a good, affordable brick and mortar school that will accept the credits you already have, ease into the course load, and then hammer out the prereqs. If you qualify for Vocational Rehab (disability above 20%) you can recieve an additional 12 months of Full tuition paid and a stipend. I'm still researching this one so bear with me. I've been searching this forum for over a year. If you have any specific questions feel free to ask. I've searched every tab with "veteran"

Good Luck
AT2

 

[Blue Spoon]

Ok Chief I will give you my perspective take it for what it is worth.

I left the Army as an O3 with 10 years in (31 years old). I had already finished by my BS back in 2001 but needed to retake all of the pre-reqs to make me competitive. I went to a state school took 2 years worth of classes and applied to medical school. I am now 33 years old and almost done with my 1st year of medical school.

I have no doubt that you have thoroughly thought through this decision and I won't second guess you on it. Good luck. My advice would be:
You have a lot of experiences that will help make you stand out but you still need to do the basics:
1. Volunteer somewhere within the medical community (I recommend a VA) and shadow to gain exposure
2. At some point during your first year or two of undergrad start looking for opportunities to gain experience in a research lab
3. Keep in contact with leadership in the military you worked with - you are going to need letters of recommendation

Other than that get good grades and accept that it is a long process. If you have any questions let me know.

 

[1012526fs]

OK, that's perfectly fine. This forum will be a fine source of info; better than the hyperventilating and overanxious 20 year old hyper-achieving pre-med.

I'd recommend chatting up some recent medical school grads and asking about their path to medical school.

This comment made my day and is by far my favorite on SDN now. 👍

 

[Croooz]

Navy vet here. My recommendation is that you get out and complete your undergrad. Let it take 5-6 years instead of the normal 4. Your 4.0 GPA will open all the doors you need. Don't fall for the idea that schools will look at how long it took you and decide you're not a good candidate. In 5-6 years also apply to USUHS. I know, I know...what the website and what "they" say but trust me that if you have the grades they will want you and grant you an age-waiver. This way you go through med school as an O1e. Great grades, great MCAT, stay in shape, and you're in.

You could spend the next 5 years taking classes and then get out but I wouldn't recommend it. I got out at 10 years but took a job with the command I was with. I became a "victim" of my own success doing very well as a program manager. I've counseled quite a few people and told them all the same thing I'm telling you, get out, go to school, rock the MCAT. I finally took my own advice and I'm unemployed taking my prereqs and apply next year.

I'm against going the military route if you want maximum flexibility in your specialty. However it reads as though you want to be a military physician more than a physician so go for it!

 

[534455]

Hello!!
I am a 33 year old Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy who has decided to forgo my next 5 years of service and potential retirement to pursue med school. I am seeking any and all advice that you all may have to offer. Here is what I have now:
A vast support network
Undergrad paid for via the Post 9/11 GI Bill
A path to pay for med school via the Navy Health Professions Scholarship
Lots of motivation and passion

Aside from these things, I am pretty much starting at a high school senior level. I have some general ed classes out of the way, but not enough to make a huge difference, maybe 1 semester complete. I really wish I could find another veteran who decided to take the path I have chosen, but I think I am more likely to find someone who changed career paths close to mid life. Please share your thoughts and anything that will help me through this journey. My support network always has room for winners.
Thank you!!

As a former USN Officer, I salute you, Mr Chief Petty Officer. I love stories like yours. Oooorraaahhhh!

I am an older MD first year student, and one of the branches sent their Officer recruiter to my medical school for orientation. He came right up to me and told me in my face, "I can get you an age waiver. I've had them older than you".

I had to laugh. While that was encouraging, I was not interested in returning to the military. But it seems to me that you are interested. However, since you are starting at the first rung of the ladder, high school senior level, think long and hard about whether to pass up on those 5 years now. You might change your mind about military medicine.

May the wind be always at your back. Carry on!

 

[Gastrapathy]

Shipmate,

This is a very risky decision that puts your family's financial and physical well-being at real jeopardy.

There are lots of people who want to go into medicine and many don't get to. If that's you, you've given up a pension that is indexed to inflation and health care for life (maybe). Are you in a position where you could recover from that?

5 years to get your pension, bolt at 20, finish your undergraduate degree at a reputable school with the GIB bill and go to med school.

If you do plan to move forward, UMUC is better than most of the degrees folks get on AD but still will not be viewed favorably compared to a good state school. You can, however, transfer credits over and inflate your GPA by taking hard classes there. If you get the prereqs done while AD, you could finish undergrad in 2 years. You'd still have 2 years of GIB left.

Whatever you decide, I hope it works.

 

[natron0802]

Shipmate,

This is a very risky decision that puts your family's financial and physical well-being at real jeopardy.

.

No need to shipmate me. We are all friends here. I have to say that I took some offense to this comment. I almost feel as though you think I havent or cant do the math on what I am momentarily giving up. Plan A is what I have presented here, but there is definitely a plan B and plan C if all else fails. No man ever accomplished greatness without taking a risk and I am well aware of what perils I am looking dead in the face. Life will go on and I will survive. The negative comments motivate me more than the positive ones do, so thank you. We will talk in 5 years when I get to med school and have the Navy footing the bill. 😎

 

[Gastrapathy]

Forget it, I typed a long post with sincere advice but you clearly don't want it. Go forth and accomplish greatness.

I didn't "shipmate" you. Its a sad statement about your view of the Navy and your place in it that you view that word as an insult.

 

[natron0802]

Lastly, as a shameless plug, we are having a "military medicine" them at the OldPreMeds National conference this year (info/links below).

I am trying to make arrangements to make it out there to DC. This sounds like a pretty good opportunity to network and get some real advice before I ever set foot in a classroom. Hopefully I will see you there. Thank you for the advice and the invite. I will keep you posted on if I will be there. Should know early next week.

 

[Croooz]

I was under the impression that this was NOT the case as I have certainly met individuals who have left the military to return to school (usually postbacc) and them use HPSP to go onto medical school. Perhaps they stayed as reservists? I would suggest to find an experienced health professions advisor/recruiter in the Navy to clarify this prior to making any decision.

There is a difference between leaving the military and actually retiring from the military. Once drawing a retirement pension it eliminates the retiree from scholarships. Much the same as being a veteran eliminates the vet from the opportunities available to active duty. As in the educational requirement for a healthcare manager is a BS for active duty members but MS for those not in the military to include vets.

 

[534455]

Forget it, I typed a long post with sincere advice but you clearly don't want it. Go forth and accomplish greatness.

I didn't "shipmate" you. Its a sad statement about your view of the Navy and your place in it that you view that word as an insult.

What you wrote to him was very wise, fatherly and genuine (from my angle). He did not appreciate your concern, nor your efforts in responding to his request. It's an age thing, I am seeing. I have witnessed some of the kids blow up over the most inane things people say with such an entitlement attitude. These are from future doctors. I decided shortly after my first year began to interact with them and say nothing. My professors have asked me during class to speak up, lead, counsel, offer a hand. My answer has been a loud "nope. They'll figure it out"

These kids today don't appreciate it and I am here to get an MD Degree, not raise them. I've already raised mine and they came out pretty darn well. We are proud of them.

A friend of mine is a clinical psychologist in his 60s, and he runs a Disruptive Physicians Program where docs are court ordered to attend or else risk losing their license. We have spoken at length on the topic, and he has shared insight that I think is applicable here

The docs that are legitimately dx'd disruptive did not become that way later in life by some head injury or drinking the koolaid. They had the raw material within them as kids. Perhaps Freudian, perhaps Jungian, but when physicians succumb to Medicare Fraud, or bilk patients, have sex with them, video tape their private parts, traffic in body parts, etc, etc, etc........they came to medical school with those deficits.

I see them all time in some of my young classmates. The ones that sell Adderall black market, show up to Anatomy Lab drunk and a stench of alcohol while bragging about it, cheat on exams flagrantly, or worse the men/women that go through other women/men like pieces of flesh for their selfish pleasure while having girlfriends/boyfriends back home, it hit me pretty hard:

these are the future disruptive physicians, the Medicare fraud pigs, the ones who are splashed across the headlines in the news, where everyone wonders, "how did it happen?"

I've finally come to understand how they end up that way.

It happened because medical schools only screened for GPA and MCAT scores. They should be equal emphasis on integrity, moral fiber, maturity and having the necessary personal skills to be doctor...not just ability to memorize Glycolysis.

While I can't attest as to the moral fiber of the poster who slammed you because you were kind enough to respond to him with solid counsel, it is typical today to see young kids be self-absorbed when someone older, like yourself: an Attending Physician and Military vet, comment on their thinking....per their request no less.

An attending physician/friend of mine of 10+ years, also a Veteran, told it to me best:

"as**oles will always be as**oles no matter where ever you go"

So true!!!!

or as a Judge friend of mine told me recently:

"being a Judge makes nice people become even nicer, and jerks become insufferable jerks"

it's probably a nature vs nurture thing

Thanks Shipmate for showing some concern for another. Hopefully he will take back what he said and apologize publicly (fat chance) or mature. If that's the way he treats a Veteran and an Attending Physician as a Pre-Med, I'd call CMS and alert them to a future Medicare fraud bum

Anchors Aweigh and Carry on
- another shipmate

 

[natron0802]

No need for apologies. I wasnt asking anyone to validate my decision, I was asking for advice on preparing for undergrad and med school. To jump to the conclusion that I am putting my family in grave financial and physical jeopardy seems a bit illogical to me. Not only did I not mention what my financial obligations are anywhere on this forum, I mentioned very little about what exactly my family consists of. I see that you have jumped to conclusions as well. feel free to alert who ever you wish, I can not be deterred by any of this ridiculousness. The shipmate reference is a joke by the way. I was trying to bring a little levity to the situation. So, I am sorry if that part of my comment rubbed you the wrong way. I do think that the advice that was given to me from Gastrapathy was very fatherly and makes a ton of sense. I have not made this decision for monetary reasons. I have not made this decision for the purpose of status. I have status in the military as a Chief Petty Officer. I make decent money roughly 80k a year, but the fact remains that the job that I am tasked to do in the military offers me very little overall fulfillment, a ridiculous OPTEMPO, and will not serve me in any degree once I break ties with the military. So, I did mention that I was seeking any and all advice in my previous post. The advice on here has been mixed. I have not rejected any advice that his been posted here, however a comment that I am jeopardizing my family's well-being is out of line. My wife knows that I will not be able to complete this challenge without her. To everyone else, thank you very much.

 

[rangerdad]

Hello!!
I am a 33 year old Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy who has decided to forgo my next 5 years of service and potential retirement to pursue med school. I am seeking any and all advice that you all may have to offer. Here is what I have now:
A vast support network
Undergrad paid for via the Post 9/11 GI Bill
A path to pay for med school via the Navy Health Professions Scholarship
Lots of motivation and passion

Aside from these things, I am pretty much starting at a high school senior level. I have some general ed classes out of the way, but not enough to make a huge difference, maybe 1 semester complete. I really wish I could find another veteran who decided to take the path I have chosen, but I think I am more likely to find someone who changed career paths close to mid life. Please share your thoughts and anything that will help me through this journey. My support network always has room for winners.
Thank you!!

Wow! I'm a 14 yrs. Navy and Army Vet. I was a Surgical Tech and a Corpsman. I served with the Marines in Iraq but then transferred to the Army. I also served with the Army Rangers for 6 yrs and 5 combat deployments as a FO/JTAC. I made it to E-7 as enlisted and wanted to serve with SF but the CSM did not allow me to attend SFAS 🙁 , "to ahead in my career", he said. Applied and got accepted as a FA Warrant Officer in which I served for one year. The transition from combat arms to a desk job and the officer life did not satisfied my goal seeking personality so I spoke to my family and decided to leave the service. Now I'm in the path to med school, my childhood dream. I did the numbers and if I become a doctor forgoing military retirement is not a big deal, if I fail then PROBABLY the biggest mistake in my life. I'm ready and excited, and like most of you I take this mission very serious.
Good luck in your future endeavors and thank you for he MOTIVATION!!!!

PS
Very cool to see someone with a very similar decision. I know about the UHSH and HSPS options but I'm loving the civilian life. I will apply to the VOC REHAB six month before my GI BILL runs out.

 

[rangerdad]

Bottom Line Up Front: Go for it.

Disclaimer: I'm not a med student, I am going through an informal post-bacc in an attempt to get into med school. I am 34 years old, have a very well-paying job, and am married.

Got it - you want to be a Navy doc and retire (my dad did 14 years enlisted, retired at 22 years as an O3E). I did 12 years (4 active Army, 8 National Guard - got out as an SFC/E7), and I plan on doing the HPSP as and retire as an O3E or O4, but in the Reserves/National Guard.

Shoring up your finances and having health insurance will be key. If your wife works, that will certainly help out, but make sure you have a budget in place and that you actually use it. One option to consider is *gasp* ...the reserves.

The good: a humble monthly paycheck (E7 is around $500-ish/month), Tricare Reserve Select (good family coverage for only around $200/month), still get to keep SGLI, and some other benefits thrown in.

The bad: one weekend/month can be a PITA, the mentality in the reserves is WAY different than active duty, plus the fact that there's always that small problem of getting deployed. Although you should be able to lock down a "stabilization" period (I don't know what the Navy term is, but it's a time period where you can't get deployed).

If you get out, you'll be able to go to a brick-and-mortar school (a plus). Ensure that you go to a legit school, i.e. one that is regionally-accredited. Since you've been out of school for so long, you may want to ease into it. Don't start off with 18 hours of astrophysics, calculus III and some other high-powered stuff. Ease yourself into it. Take a full-time load, but only take 12-hours. Figure out your schedule, your work habits, your family schedule, etc., then after that first semester, adjust fire as necessary.

One last thing: I will probably get flamed for this, but do not be afraid to take out student loans. Many people don't like to go into debt - that's completely understandable. However, federal financial aid has a lot of positives - like tax deductibility and a generally low interest rate. You just have to ensure that you don't blow it all on stupid stuff. Use the student loan money wisely for legitimate purposes, or simply stash it in a savings account/money market fund so that if you need it, it's there.

Good luck, Chief!

So true! I researched for 13 months and learned about student loans, scholarships, BOG FEE WAIVER, PELL grant ( which I completed a Appeal for special circumstances), changed my residency to the state of my CC two weeks before getting out (last LES was proof to receive in-state tuition). I also completed my VA compensation benefits application before ETSing and I just learned that I will receive 60% disability which opens up the VOC REHAB program. Additionally, my wife and I took student loans and paid a yr of house rent , water, electricity (estimated), sold one car, paid liquid debts, etc...
I also applied to many scholarships (no essay necessary) and will know in April.
As a combat vet I will received full VA medical benefits for 5 yrs. and due to $0 income my family qualified for Government Health Care.
There are so many opportunities out there to help you succeed.
I'm planning on applying to a research program, surgical internship and study abroad in the summer.
If I can do it, you will rock it too Chief. good Luck!

 

[deleted480308]

@rangerdad , with 14yrs in...you might want to take a look and see if you qualify for the NHSC with the navy....you get active duty enlisted pay while in school and make O3 at graduation. You would easily reach your retirement by the time your service obligation was over.

 

[rangerdad]

I'd suggest applying for voc rehab sooner than that as I've heard the time to approval varies greatly depending on who is working it for you. It also has no cap on tuition and has other benefits. You can use your GI bill in residency for BAH. This will maximize your benefits. If you're rated at 60% you'll have an uphill battle to be found medically qualified for USUHS or HPSP. Good luck.

I am done with the military, many opportunities other to serve and travel. Thank you for the heads-up in the Voc Rehab, but I understood after I switched I am not entitled to GI BILL benefits anymore so how can you use the BAH for residency?

 

[rangerdad]

@rangerdad , with 14yrs in...you might want to take a look and see if you qualify for the NHSC with the navy....you get active duty enlisted pay while in school and make O3 at graduation. You would easily reach your retirement by the time your service obligation was over.

I became a Warrant Officer and hated the officer path. I decided that instead of doing paperwork and doing research for mission better to put all that effort in earning my degree and become a doctor. Plus I can finally enjoy my beautiful family. As for the military I think I am done, I really do not want to be one of those Soldiers that does it without passion, that's how you get in trouble or get someone kill.

 

[deleted480308]

I became a Warrant Officer and hated the officer path. I decided that instead of doing paperwork and doing research for mission better to put all that effort in earning my degree and become a doctor. Plus I can finally enjoy my beautiful family. As for the military I think I am done, I really do not want to be one of those Soldiers that does it without passion, that's how you get in trouble or get someone kill.

It's your call. But if you'd like to not leave all that money on the table, I thought of another option. If you went national guard while in school but didn't take any of the incentive money, you could serve out your standard 6yr contract before you even got out of residency. You would qualify to flex drill (drill every other month) and wouldn't be deployable during that time. Then you retire at 21ys as an O3 in the national guard with a retirement very close to active duty retirement because you would have so many retirement points from your time being active. The NG still lets you do civilian residency match and there are no specialty restrictions.

Once again, your call though...

 

[bryce]

The only caveat that I have to offer as an O-3/E, myself, having switched from AD to NG is that if you're already burnt out, this path is just throwing salt on an open wound. While, yes, there are some excellent Soldiers and leaders in the Guard, it carries the "nasty girls" stigma for a reason. And while I do realize the significant difference of being a CA Officer to that of being a doc, you still have to put up with the same **** that wears you out at the Command level. Just gloss over the numerous posts within mil med of pissed off doc's that are being pigeonholed. Sounds familiar, huh?

You've certainly earned the right to make your own path. And while it does (financially) make sense not to 'waste' all of that time, you can't put a price tag on your sanity/happiness. Besides, with your background, you'll have a chance to return in some type of capacity, should you want to.

 

[deleted480308]

The only caveat that I have to offer as an O-3/E, myself, having switched from AD to NG is that if you're already burnt out, this path is just throwing salt on an open wound. While, yes, there are some excellent Soldiers and leaders in the Guard, it carries the "nasty girls" stigma for a reason. And while I do realize the significant difference of being a CA Officer to that of being a doc, you still have to put up with the same **** that wears you out at the Command level. Just gloss over the numerous posts within mil med of pissed off doc's that are being pigeonholed. Sounds familiar, huh?

You've certainly earned the right to make your own path. And while it does (financially) make sense not to 'waste' all of that time, you can't put a price tag on your sanity/happiness. Besides, with your background, you'll have a chance to return in some type of capacity, should you want to.

I agree with weighing the nuisance against the money and going with what makes sense to you. NG retirement at 21 yrs as O3 and 5800 retirement pts is....
Estimated monthly pay in today's dollars: $2,581.00
Anticipated monthly pay at age 60 in 2040 : $5,404.04

it's a s$%& ton of money for flexdrilling for 6 years with no deployment, but it's possible you just hate the military that much

 

[bryce]

I agree with weighing the nuisance against the money and going with what makes sense to you. NG retirement at 21 yrs as O3 and 5800 retirement pts is....
Estimated monthly pay in today's dollars: $2,581.00
Anticipated monthly pay at age 60 in 2040 : $5,404.04

it's a s$%& ton of money for flexdrilling for 6 years with no deployment, but it's possible you just hate the military that much

"Hate" isn't really the correct word... but totally burnt out, absolutely. Anyone who survived the constant optempo of 2002 - 2008 has/or does feel it. Senior Command knows this and that's why he could always come back in. And as you said, it's a ****load of $$.

I'd be interested in the job satisfaction of a former CA Officer turned military Dr. Burn out in both professions are high, and the merging of them would be a story that I'd like to hear.

 

[Mississippi Grind]

The Army is like an abusive wife to me. Even though she is better now, I know how damn crazy she was back in 08.

 

[rangerdad]

The only caveat that I have to offer as an O-3/E, myself, having switched from AD to NG is that if you're already burnt out, this path is just throwing salt on an open wound. While, yes, there are some excellent Soldiers and leaders in the Guard, it carries the "nasty girls" stigma for a reason. And while I do realize the significant difference of being a CA Officer to that of being a doc, you still have to put up with the same **** that wears you out at the Command level. Just gloss over the numerous posts within mil med of pissed off doc's that are being pigeonholed. Sounds familiar, huh?

You've certainly earned the right to make your own path. And while it does (financially) make sense not to 'waste' all of that time, you can't put a price tag on your sanity/happiness. Besides, with your background, you'll have a chance to return in some type of capacity, should you want to.

You both have very good and strong points. I served in the military since I was 17. I know there is a lot of money on the table and the math makes sense, like it did when I switched from E7 to Warrant but I disliked the Army outside SOCOM. The training and quality of Soldiers is very different. After moving 20+ times, 42 month deployed, six combat deployments, seven years away from my wife (She was in the Navy), etc... I'm happy with my decision. I also receive a good chunk from the "5k" plus all the school benefits without being HOORAH! All the time. The option is there but I learned from SDN and researching that there are so many great opportunities in the civilian sector plus ALL THE FREEDOM!

Thank you for the great counseling and info!

 

[rangerdad]

The Army is like an abusive wife to me. Even though she is better now, I know how damn crazy she was back in 08.

The Mississippi NG relieved us in 2004 from Iskandariah. Horrible deployment, it was the beginning of seeking vengeance!!! (I'm good now🙂

Just wondering if you served there?

 

[Mississippi Grind]

Nah all my time has been active - I was stationed in MS which was a grind- hence the name. I was attached to a MS NG ODA in 09 though

 

[j4pac]

I would strongly recommend that you visit the military forum. There will be TONS of people you can relate to who will help you on this voyage. I'm pretty sure that any military guy on this forum will go above and beyond to help a Chief. You guys make the Navy go and are the most respected people in the Navy.

We need to formulate a good solid plan. I believe that you have an incredible opportunity to stand apart from other med school applicants. You have real world experience that other applicants could only dream of. If your personal statement isn't one of the top 1% of the best personal statements out there...something is incredibly wrong.

I think that you need to ensure to get 20 years in the military. Yes...it would be better to retire as an O-3 but the truth is that the difference in pay will be trivial in the grand scheme of things.

 

[rangerdad]

WOW!!! along time.... Fast forward... I have used almost all my GI BILL, and currently working on changing to the Vocational Rehab, I didn't expected to be such a pain but my goal is to make them pay all the way to the end of Medical School (MY MISSION).
I earned 100% disability, with other perks, plus wifey is also going to school with GI BILL, so even tough it took some time we are financially stable, so I am happy I didn't join the NG or any other service.
I hope you guys are doing great!!!!