I'm sorry, but how can you start a thread answering questions about AF medicine when you haven't even gone to COT yet? From what vast pool of experience are you pulling from?
My intention was not to answer questions about AF medicine, but rather the application process for a 3 year scholarship, as well as the differences between a three year and a four year. Obviously as I progress through the years I will have more first hand experience. Just because I have not completed COT yet, does not mean I don't know anything. Before joining I asked a thousand questions and saved hundreds of files. I have a lot of information about the program, even though I've not gone through it. This is a "learn-and-help-as-you-go" thing and I really just wanted to offer support. I'm not trying to sell anything. Just being straight.
This one is going to be a classic. Are you an adult? You chose the Air Force because you like the color blue? Military peeps love officers? How do people even know you you've joined so that they can thank your for your service? Why do you seem to (really) (really) like parenthetical (statements)? You'll complete COT when everyone else is doing audition rotations, so are you concerned you will end up with a less desirable residency in Ohio? You'll end up with the same post-residency obligation as a 4 year HPSP for 75% of the money. Why are you proudly selling a bad deal other than trying to make yourself feel better?
Clearly you didn't see that I was kidding, and I apologize for that. Sometimes it's hard to be informative online and funny (without others over analyzing, or maybe I'm just not funny). I clearly did not choose the Air Force because I like the color blue... I chose to join the Air Force because of events that have occurred in my life.
Eight years ago on the 12th of July, a 34-day military conflict erupted in Lebanon and I was right in the middle of it. I could hear the sound of missiles razing buildings to the ground and I could see clouds of smoke thundering into the Mediterranean sky. I was concerned and worried for the safety and well being of others. The explosions became louder, and the cries for help more numerous. I had no idea what was happening, and I didn't care. The only thing on my mind was “What can I do to help?” Sixteen years old and alone, I ran to the nearest cloud of smoke emanating from a collapsed building. In front of a pile of twisted metal and crushed concrete, a veiled woman laid there crying out to her son. I called out to the other adults nearby for help. Together, we lifted and moved the debris, only to have the young boy bleed out right there in front of us. After that life-altering experience, I promised myself that someday I would be in a position to help. I wanted to be able to save people and improve lives – I wanted to alleviate the suffering of others.
I applied to medical school and joined the Air Force for the same reasons. Classmates know that I'm in the Air Force because we all know about each other. It's not strangers thanking me for serving. I'm not concerned about completing COT at the start of my fourth year because we have 2-3 free months that are generally spent for research, vacation, or whatever. Since I completed research between my first and second year, completing COT then does not put me at a disadvantage. Like many others have told you in the past, if you are joining just for the money - don't. You are right about the post-residency obligation of 3-4 years at 75% of the money. But I want that, I want the unique military experience, and I'm very interested in pursing a career as a Pilot Physician (
http://www.aangfs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/AFI11-405-Pilot-Physician-Program.pdf).
I'm happy to answer all questions, and those that I don't know the answer to - I'll contact those who do know the answer and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Best,