Army National Guard's new Med student program details.

[Mr. Freeze]

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I have no doubt people will be deployed. I just doubt they'll be pulled from residency. Technically, they could do it with HPSP folks who have civilian deferments to do residencies, and I haven't heard of anyone being pulled from there either. If any kind of number had been pulled from those ranks, you can believe we'd've heard about it on SDN.

Possible? Yes. But I don't know when docs have ever been pulled from residency by the military.

Admittedly, I may be wrong on the issue, simply because I don't care enough to look it up, but aren't the people who go off and are assigned GMO tours, Flight Surgeons, etc after completing their internship "deployed" for lack of a better term? I don't enough about how deferment works for HPSP; I never thought it was a good enough deal to sign on.

All I am saying is that if you sign a dotted line on a blank check to the U.S. Gov't, don't count on a policy with an expiration date to keep you from getting deployed/activated. And let's not forget being Guard, it doesn't have to be across the globe. I agree, the odds are exceedingly slim, but I'll still have my duffle bag packed and powers of attorney just in case. The Titanic wasn't supposed to sink either.

 

[NavyFP]

I have no doubt people will be deployed. I just doubt they'll be pulled from residency. Technically, they could do it with HPSP folks who have civilian deferments to do residencies, and I haven't heard of anyone being pulled from there either. If any kind of number had been pulled from those ranks, you can believe we'd've heard about it on SDN.

Possible? Yes. But I don't know when docs have ever been pulled from residency by the military.

I concur. The likelihood of a resident being deployed is very near zero. It would take the Canadians invading for that to happen.

 

[eflix]

I filled out a form that said we get our uniform allowance after we receive 14 "points" in the system. 2 points/drill day and 1 point per active duty day. I'm one point short until August drill, but I know someone in my unit got their uniform $$ after filling out the form.

 

[notdeadyet]

Officer's have to buy their uniforms, enlisted get all of it issued. Your recruiter or someone in the recruiting office should help you go get a uniform.

There are also threads on SDN about the Army uniform you need to buy. I'd STRONGLY recommend getting just a set of ACUs to start out with and go from there. Some folks apparently buy the full dress uniform out of excitement.

I think it would be unusual that you'd ever need for anything other than ACUs. You can buy them online at a lot of sources. I like acuarmy.com.

 

[notdeadyet]

Admittedly, I may be wrong on the issue, simply because I don't care enough to look it up, but aren't the people who go off and are assigned GMO tours, Flight Surgeons, etc after completing their internship "deployed" for lack of a better term?

Absolutely. But there's a big difference between the military and civilian match.

If you're in HPSP, when you graduate, you are active duty military and are required to go through the military match. Some folks match into full specialties (a 5 year general surgery residency, for example). Some folks match into a one year internship. The folks who match into the one year internship will have to match into a specialty the following year. Some of these folks are rerouted to GMO tours instead. I don't know if folks ever get pulled out of a 5 year residency they matched straight into and reassigned to a GMO tour. I do know that most GMOs are assigned after they complete their internship, before matching into a residency. Make sense?

In ASR, you will be in the civilian match. The vast majority of applicants match into a full residency. Even folks applying to residencies requiring a separate internship (like 1 yr internal med followed by 4 years Rads or 1 yr internal med or surg followed by 3 years anesthesia) usually match all the way through to their residency. So the Guard couldn't divert someone to a GMO tour without breaking their residency contract.

So again, I wouldn't sweat it. The Army has actually been pretty good about greatly reducing the number of GMOs. They aren't there yet, but they're moving in that direction. And if the Army needs more people to do an active duty GMO tour, they have a much more accessible pool to draw from among their own ranks. The idea of them skipping over active duty folks to activate a National Guardsman in the middle of a civilian residency program is pretty unlikely.

 

[notdeadyet]

All I am saying is that if you sign a dotted line on a blank check to the U.S. Gov't, don't count on a policy with an expiration date to keep you from getting deployed/activated.

Most of the gripes I hear from people in the military are gripes about things that they knew about going in, if they researched something like SDN. AHLTA, RVUs, GMO tours, etc. I'd sweat what actually happens more than what hasn't happened but conceivably could. If Guard doctors were being pulled from residency, they'd be vocal about it and you'd hear of it if you kept your ears open. I know I've kept my ears open about that.

And let's not forget being Guard, it doesn't have to be across the globe.

Correct. If you can't live with the idea of domestic activation for state emergencies, do not join the Guard. You won't be called up during medical school. I doubt you'd be called up during residency either. In my state, California, we have a fair amount of Guard activation for occasional earthquakes and annual wildfires and floods. From talking to Guard docs here, an email goes out looking for volunteers and more people want to go than they have slots for. When The Big One hits, I'm sure that would change, but I'd be willing to have to stay on my residency for an extra month for the sake of helping my state in time of dire need. I think most of us would be. Those who wouldn't probably shouldn't join the Guard, as this is one of our forte's.

I agree, the odds are exceedingly slim, but I'll still have my duffle bag packed and powers of attorney just in case. The Titanic wasn't supposed to sink either.

Yeah, but I still think that we'd all laugh at the guy you see on the Carnival cruiseline wearing his life vest to dinner.

I think it gets down to a matter of personal philosophy. You can be prepared or you can sleep in the air raid shelter every night. Having a healthy amount of skepticism and a good B.S. detector is probably wise. But if you worry about every thing that could happen when you sign up to the military, you're going to be an unhappy camper. Given the right circumstances, we could all get activated tomorrow. But then again, civilians could be drafted too. But neither of these is going to happen realistically.

And I'd rest assured if you did get activated in the Guard as a resident, you'll have time to pack a duffle and power of attorney... No use mildewing your ACUs and paying any more money to lawyers than you absolutely have to in your life.

 

[themule]

So in speaking with my recruiter she said that STRAP was a 1:1 commitment, which seems to be contrary to everything posted here. I will assume a 2:1 commitment with STRAP.

I will be an MS1 this coming fall and am looking at the STRAP program since the ASR is full for at least the next 2 years. If I take STRAP for the 4 years of med school that would incur an Active Drilling obligation of 8 years correct? While in med school, according to the recruiter, I would be drilling. So does that mean that the 4 years of med school drilling will count towards my 8 year Statutory Obligation? If so, then following med school I would still owe 2 more years Active Drilling and 2 years IRR, plus the 8 years Active Drilling due to my STRAP obligation for a total of 10 years Active Drilling and 2 years IRR. Please let me know if I have this correct.

Her use of obligation was odd and she said that the term "obligation" means that I can't apply for more bonuses until I finish the "obligation" of 4 years from STRAP. I'm not sure who's confused her or me. Thanks.

 

[koojo]

Yeay! Finally got my ASR orders. They backdated it to mid-June. I'm set!

 

[EMH]

I will be an MS1 this coming fall and am looking at the STRAP program since the ASR is full for at least the next 2 years.

I may be out of the loop but I don't believe it's fair to say that ASR is full for the next two years. There is a waiting list but until Oct 1 rolls around it's only speculation and rumor that they won't add everyone on the list.

 

[rpc7]

can someone PM me a recruiters contact info?I'm in NYC if it matters. Thanks

 

[notdeadyet]

So in speaking with my recruiter she said that STRAP was a 1:1 commitment, which seems to be contrary to everything posted here. I will assume a 2:1 commitment with STRAP.

Your recruiter is wrong. STRAP is a 2:1 commitment. Always.

I will be an MS1 this coming fall and am looking at the STRAP program since the ASR is full for at least the next 2 years.

1. STRAP is only for residents in particular fields. Are you thinking of MDSSP?
2. ASR is not full "for at least the next 2 years". As of today, 200 slots are supposed to open up for October 1st. Everyone's keeping their fingers crossed that budget cuts don't hit it, but they haven't as of yet.

If I take STRAP for the 4 years of med school that would incur an Active Drilling obligation of 8 years correct?

You take MDSSP in med school. Yes, that would incur an 8 year obligation.

While in med school, according to the recruiter, I would be drilling. So does that mean that the 4 years of med school drilling will count towards my 8 year Statutory Obligation?

You are in the National Guard for the 4 years you take MDSSP, so you will be drilling. But you do not begin payback until you graduate med school. So your 8 years of drilling starts ticking from med school graduation.

If so, then following med school I would still owe 2 more years Active Drilling and 2 years IRR, plus the 8 years Active Drilling due to my STRAP obligation for a total of 10 years Active Drilling and 2 years IRR. Please let me know if I have this correct.

No. Your 8 year MSO is one every officer takes. You start nibbling away at it as soon as you are commissioned.

Ignore it. By taking four years of MDSSP, you will finish your 8 year MSO, but you've tacked other obligations on that will last longer. By taking 4 years of MDSSP, you'll be drilling for four years then will owe eight years of drilling when you finish med school. You'll end up drilling for 12 years by the time you can leave. No IRR necessary.

Try going to:
www.dmna.state.ny.us/arng/ocs/med_benefits.pdf
They give a great overview of the programs with details about payback...

 

[notdeadyet]

Yeay! Finally got my ASR orders. They backdated it to mid-June. I'm set!

Post when you get your first ASR paycheck. It's a nice moment...

 

[punkiedad]

Post when you get your first ASR paycheck. It's a nice moment...

Got my first ASR paycheck on 7/15......It was a really cool moment. I was a little worried cause they did not have one of my dependsnts, but everything worked out.......

So, on a side note, did anyone see the report about Mr. Gates saying the Army needed to increase strength by approx. 22,000 soliders for afghanistan and Iraq as short terms measure?? He said he was not going to ask for more money in the budget, so the quote was "some tough choices will have to b made......" Was just wondering if the many peopel smarterand more experienced than I had any thoughts on the possible ramifications to the Guard and ASR program........(.notdeadyet, I am just wondering, rather than trying to start rumors 😉 )

 

[notdeadyet]

He said he was not going to ask for more money in the budget, so the quote was "some tough choices will have to b made......" Was just wondering if the many peopel smarterand more experienced than I had any thoughts on the possible ramifications to the Guard and ASR program........(.notdeadyet, I am just wondering, rather than trying to start rumors 😉 )

You're safe, punkiedad. But I'm watching you....

ASR is a great program, but it's very expensive, and of no short-term benefit. So when things come up on the chopping block, I hope we have leaders with the foresight to recognize that the benefits long-term will be incredibly helpful to our country's well-being.

Much like investing in our country's public education, environment, or public transportation. Uh-oh...

 

[TANSTAAFL]

Okay, I've been in touch with amindwalker about ASR and I feel up to date on the state of things. But I've been weighing possible scenarios that combine MDSSP transitioning into ASR and I'm not clear on the obligation I would incur. Let me put a hypothetical out to you guys to see if you can set me straight. It goes like this:

I join the guard with and get a waitlist spot for ASR. In the meanwhile I take 1.5 years of MDSSP. Then spring semester of my 2nd year I get the ASR gig.

From the day I join I'm counting down an 8 year MSO.
I've taken MDSSP monies incurring an additional obligation of 3 years.
My total obligation is now 11 years.

If I understand correctly, I will begin my payback of MDSSP after I have fulfilled my initial 8 year obligation. Correct?

Or is there some scenario in which my MDSSP payback can fall within that initial 8 years (i.e., concurrently)?

Also, ASR is a 3 year deal. If I've only got 2.5 years as a med student to do the ASR, would that remaining 0.5 years of the program carry over post graduation?

Making sense?

Thanks.

 

[notdeadyet]

But I've been weighing possible scenarios that combine MDSSP transitioning into ASR and I'm not clear on the obligation I would incur.

My understanding (someone correct me if I'm wrong) is that you could not take ASR until your obligation to MDSSP was paid back. I saw this posted a couple of times on this thread. If someone would verify, that would be great, but my understanding is that once you took MDSSP, you'd pretty much have to kiss off ASR.

From the day I join I'm counting down an 8 year MSO.
I've taken MDSSP monies incurring an additional obligation of 3 years.
My total obligation is now 11 years.

If I understand correctly, I will begin my payback of MDSSP after I have fulfilled my initial 8 year obligation. Correct?

No. You get the standard 8 year MSO that all folks get when they are commissioned into the Guard. This is served concurrently with any other obligation. Think of it as something that says, "no matter how little obligation you get from Program X, you DEFINITELY will be serving 8 years". So if you did ONLY 1.5 years of MDSSP, you'd owe 3 years in the Guard. But you'd have the 8 year MSO, so you'd owe 8 years. Make sense?

Now, if you take TWO obligation-incurring programs, the two programs are served consecutively, not concurrently. So in your example, if you took 1.5 yeas of MDSSP (3 years obligation) and ASR (6 years drilling), you'd owe 9 years.

That said, I don't think it's possible, because my understanding is that you wouldn't be able to take ASR until you paid back MDSSP, and you wouldn't pay back MDSSP until after med school, obviously.

Also, ASR is a 3 year deal. If I've only got 2.5 years as a med student to do the ASR, would that remaining 0.5 years of the program carry over post graduation?

No. The idea of ASR is that you are an AMEDD Student Recruiter, expected to help recruit medical students. That ends with medical school.

Hope this helps and good luck with your decision...

 

[TANSTAAFL]

Think of it as something that says, "no matter how little obligation you get from Program X, you DEFINITELY will be serving 8 years". So if you did ONLY 1.5 years of MDSSP, you'd owe 3 years in the Guard. But you'd have the 8 year MSO, so you'd owe 8 years. Make sense?

Perfect sense. I could do as much as 2 years MDSSP and owe no more than the initial 8 years.

My understanding is that you wouldn't be able to take ASR until you paid back MDSSP, and you wouldn't pay back MDSSP until after med school, obviously.

This is sticky. For someone looking forward to pride in service and who is likely to come off of a waiting list for ASR what would you suggest for a plan? Would I be required to join outright in order to be placed on the wait list? Do I run the risk of deployment during med school if I just wait for ASR and don't take MDSSP?

The idea of ASR is that you are an AMEDD Student Recruiter, expected to help recruit medical students. That ends with medical school.

Roger.

Either way it's a good deal what with federal tuition assistance and state tuition assistance totaling ~1/2 the cost of med school in Pennsylvania (at least that's how I read it.)

 

[punkiedad]

Perfect sense. I could do as much as 2 years MDSSP and owe no more than the initial 8 years.

This is sticky. For someone looking forward to pride in service and who is likely to come off of a waiting list for ASR what would you suggest for a plan? Would I be required to join outright in order to be placed on the wait list? Do I run the risk of deployment during med school if I just wait for ASR and don't take MDSSP?

Roger.

Either way it's a good deal what with federal tuition assistance and state tuition assistance totaling ~1/2 the cost of med school in Pennsylvania (at least that's how I read it.)

I concur with notdeadyeton the MDSSP part. I thought I had read that you could not take MDSSP first, but that was before the waiting list for ASR. BUT, again to agree with Notdead yet (thats twice in one post), I do think we ought to wait and see on a confirmation that the fundamental piece of ASR has changed to a rolling 200 slots rather than a 200 slots per year x 3 years. This may be a wait and see?!?!?!?!

So, my uneducated advice would say get things rolling and have them put you in as MDSSP/ASR (my recruiter did that in case I wanted MDSSP after ASR). Hold off until you have to make a call. Depending on how far your app is, you might have a more clear answer about what happens when new FY starts..............no sense in waiting just to wait, if you know you want one or the other.

Also, in regards to the federal and state tuition assistance, I am still a little confused. Does anyone have any links for us pennsylvanians? Do we apply for this after we graduate, or do we do it once a year?? Any guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[del Sol DOHC]

This is sticky. For someone looking forward to pride in service and who is likely to come off of a waiting list for ASR what would you suggest for a plan? Would I be required to join outright in order to be placed on the wait list? Do I run the risk of deployment during med school if I just wait for ASR and don't take MDSSP?

If you join without taking MDSSP to wait for ASR you should still be nondeployable as long as you are commissioning into a 00E67 (medical student) slot, which you should be.

 

[koojo]

Post when you get your first ASR paycheck. It's a nice moment...

Ya I know right, I'm checking mypay at least once a day haha

 

[themule]

So in speaking with my recruiter she said that STRAP was a 1:1 commitment, which seems to be contrary to everything posted here. I will assume a 2:1 commitment with STRAP.

I will be an MS1 this coming fall and am looking at the STRAP program since the ASR is full for at least the next 2 years. If I take STRAP for the 4 years of med school that would incur an Active Drilling obligation of 8 years correct? While in med school, according to the recruiter, I would be drilling. So does that mean that the 4 years of med school drilling will count towards my 8 year Statutory Obligation? If so, then following med school I would still owe 2 more years Active Drilling and 2 years IRR, plus the 8 years Active Drilling due to my STRAP obligation for a total of 10 years Active Drilling and 2 years IRR. Please let me know if I have this correct.

Her use of obligation was odd and she said that the term "obligation" means that I can't apply for more bonuses until I finish the "obligation" of 4 years from STRAP. I'm not sure who's confused her or me. Thanks.

Bump for help.

 

[tech2doc]

Got my first ASR paycheck 7/17. YAY!!!

 

[notdeadyet]

So, my uneducated advice would say get things rolling and have them put you in as MDSSP/ASR (my recruiter did that in case I wanted MDSSP after ASR). Hold off until you have to make a call. Depending on how far your app is, you might have a more clear answer about what happens when new FY starts..............no sense in waiting just to wait, if you know you want one or the other.

punkiedad's on point. Folks are concerned about the future of ASR for this upcoming October 1st, but no one is questioning MDSSP. You could be confident in getting the ball rolling and if you hear news you don't like about ASR, just taking MDSSP.

Also, in regards to the federal and state tuition assistance, I am still a little confused. Does anyone have any links for us pennsylvanians? Do we apply for this after we graduate, or do we do it once a year?? Any guidance would be appreciated.

You can go to Virtual Armory --> Online Apps --> Application for Federal Tuition Assistance. It's a painless application and you're eligible for $4,500/year.

Pennsylvania has a 100% tuition policy. You should contact your state education officer. If you don't know who this is, ask your CO. They should know.

 

[notdeadyet]

Ya I know right, I'm checking mypay at least once a day haha

Mine was delayed a couple of weeks. Hopefully yours isn't, but don't take it personally if it is. I understand it's pretty common...

And congrats, tech2doc...

 

[notdeadyet]

Bump for help.

If you let me know what part of my response was unclear, I can try to help...

 

[themule]

If you let me know what part of my response was unclear, I can try to help...

My bad I didn't see your response. Thank you greatly that clears things up immensely.

 

[TANSTAAFL]

Pennsylvania has a 100% tuition policy. You should contact your state education officer. If you don't know who this is, ask your CO. They should know.

This is my one lingering question. PA has a 100% tuition policy for undergrads but I just got off the phone the Pennsylvania AMEDD office and the gentleman there had other not-so-good news regarding state tuition assistance for med students. His understanding reflected what I'd read on pa.us websites. Graduate study tuition benefits are meager at best in PA and then only for part-time students. That's not us. Phooee.

But I'm still hopeful. I've heard of $10,000 PA state tution assistance bandied about on this forum but I haven't been able to find a source for the info. Can anyone chime in with hard details?
He did confirm, however, that branch certified members (completed OBS) are eligible for GI Bill benefits. That's good, if you can get a seat.

Just a couple other interesting details. MDSSP is all-or-none. Yes, all ASR or wait list ASR members are enrolled to take the MDSSP if it comes to that. But, if you pull the trigger on MDSSP you are no longer eligible for ASR and if you take MDSSP in year one of med school you must take it for 4 years.

I'd personally been considering only taking MDSSP for two years (MSI, MSII) but that's not an option. What we did discuss was contracting from MSI wiithout taking incentives so that I could wait out ASR. I was concerned about deployability if ascession'd without taking incentives and yes, this is a concern unless you are contracted as "MS to MC" or Med student to Med Corps. This will make the non-incentivised med student non-deployable.

The above route offers little more than federal tuition assistance, monthly drill pay, possible weeklong stints on active duty and the intriguing GRAP bonus (~$7000/recruit if you refer med students while not in ASR).
It's kind of piecemeal, but I'd be able to begin counting down my 8 years from MSI while waiting for ASR.

One last bit. Wait list ASR students need not be sworn in to come off the list, just ready to do so (i.e., all papers in order and current).

Wow, that's a mouthful.

 

[TANSTAAFL]

BTW, thanks for all your help, notdeadyet, punkiedad, del sol DOHC.

del sol, have you seen this???

star wars del sol A wing

BAAAAAD!

 

[punkiedad]

This is my one lingering question. PA has a 100% tuition policy for undergrads but I just got off the phone the Pennsylvania AMEDD office and the gentleman there had other not-so-good news regarding state tuition assistance for med students. His understanding reflected what I'd read on pa.us websites. Graduate study tuition benefits are meager at best in PA and then only for part-time students. That's not us. Phooee.

But I'm still hopeful. I've heard of $10,000 PA state tution assistance bandied about on this forum but I haven't been able to find a source for the info. Can anyone chime in with hard details?
He did confirm, however, that branch certified members (completed OBS) are eligible for GI Bill benefits. That's good, if you can get a seat.

Just a couple other interesting details. MDSSP is all-or-none. Yes, all ASR or wait list ASR members are enrolled to take the MDSSP if it comes to that. But, if you pull the trigger on MDSSP you are no longer eligible for ASR and if you take MDSSP in year one of med school you must take it for 4 years.

I'd personally been considering only taking MDSSP for two years (MSI, MSII) but that's not an option. What we did discuss was contracting from MSI wiithout taking incentives so that I could wait out ASR. I was concerned about deployability if ascession'd without taking incentives and yes, this is a concern unless you are contracted as "MS to MC" or Med student to Med Corps. This will make the non-incentivised med student non-deployable.

The above route offers little more than federal tuition assistance, monthly drill pay, possible weeklong stints on active duty and the intriguing GRAP bonus (~$7000/recruit if you refer med students while not in ASR).
It's kind of piecemeal, but I'd be able to begin counting down my 8 years from MSI while waiting for ASR.

One last bit. Wait list ASR students need not be sworn in to come off the list, just ready to do so (i.e., all papers in order and current).

Wow, that's a mouthful.

Nice work on this......if you find anything else out about the PA financial assistance, please post or even PM.

Also, great to see someone who is willing to roll with it and take chances getting ASR. That alone makes me think you are in good shape, as there are a lot of people waiting on the sidelines. Good luck. Think you'll be fine.

 

[punkiedad]

Question for current ASRs (smarter than I) or other 'in the know'......Does anyone know if ASR orders are title 10 or title 32? I looked on my orders and saw both numbers in different places. Neither said 'title' next to it, so I was wondering if anyone could help me out.

Thanks.

 

[notdeadyet]

Question for current ASRs (smarter than I) or other 'in the know'......Does anyone know if ASR orders are title 10 or title 32? I looked on my orders and saw both numbers in different places. Neither said 'title' next to it, so I was wondering if anyone could help me out.

Most definitely Title 32. This means you're ineligible for a lot of benefits that are for people "activated". If you read the fine print, they are often for folks activated for Title 10, which isn't usually ADSW type jobs but is instead folks actually activated by the federal government for war and the like.

 

[del Sol DOHC]

BTW, thanks for all your help, notdeadyet, punkiedad, del sol DOHC.

del sol, have you seen this???

star wars del sol A wing

BAAAAAD!

No problem, man.

Yes, I have seen that. It is called the H-Wing carfighter and it was pretty awesome. Luckily, that guy was already married before he built that, because it would be impossible to pick up chicks in that thing. I think it got totaled a few years back, but the guy is planning to do the same thing with either a Nissan 350Z or a Mercedes SLK.

 

[TANSTAAFL]

Punkiedad,
Thanks for the encouragement. I really hope that the ASR continues even if I'm only able to get in for the last two years of school. When the ARNG gets an official report on the program's success I can't imagine they won't recognize what a boon this is to to the Guard. BTW, LECOM is at the top of my list for next fall. All goes well and I'm there.
T

 

[WamWammy]

Hi everyone. I am very interested in joining the ARNG. I am about to start my 3rd year, and looked at going into the AF or Navy before my first year. But I was swayed by some of the negative comments people made in the mil med forum. I want to serve. The "risk" (if you call it that) of deployment doesn't bother me at all. So here is my question....don't worry it's an easy one! 🙂 I went to the ARNG website and put in all my info for a recruiter, then I got the email saying that my info was received and that someone would be contacting me to set up an appointment. The email even had the name of my local recruiter. But it's been over a week and I haven't heard. Am I just being antsy?? Should I just call on my own? I would like to get the ball rolling on the ASR program so I can join the waitlist. You can tell me to cool my jets if that is what I need to do.

 

[del Sol DOHC]

Hi everyone. I am very interested in joining the ARNG. I am about to start my 3rd year, and looked at going into the AF or Navy before my first year. But I was swayed by some of the negative comments people made in the mil med forum. I want to serve. The "risk" (if you call it that) of deployment doesn't bother me at all. So here is my question....don't worry it's an easy one! 🙂 I went to the ARNG website and put in all my info for a recruiter, then I got the email saying that my info was received and that someone would be contacting me to set up an appointment. The email even had the name of my local recruiter. But it's been over a week and I haven't heard. Am I just being antsy?? Should I just call on my own? I would like to get the ball rolling on the ASR program so I can join the waitlist. You can tell me to cool my jets if that is what I need to do.

Call them. If you want to be in the military, the most important lesson to learn is that you can't wait for things to happen in your military career. You have to make them happen. Sometimes that means you have to be annoying.

 

[punkiedad]

Hi everyone. I am very interested in joining the ARNG. I am about to start my 3rd year, and looked at going into the AF or Navy before my first year. But I was swayed by some of the negative comments people made in the mil med forum. I want to serve. The "risk" (if you call it that) of deployment doesn't bother me at all. So here is my question....don't worry it's an easy one! 🙂 I went to the ARNG website and put in all my info for a recruiter, then I got the email saying that my info was received and that someone would be contacting me to set up an appointment. The email even had the name of my local recruiter. But it's been over a week and I haven't heard. Am I just being antsy?? Should I just call on my own? I would like to get the ball rolling on the ASR program so I can join the waitlist. You can tell me to cool my jets if that is what I need to do.

Honestly, I totally annoyed my recruiter....in a good way I think. I have heard many stories of recruiters not moving with passion. Might be high volumes or just the way things work. If you want it go get it......If the worst thing the Guard has to worry about is you being too ready, then that is a good thing.....It is always easier to put a leash around someone than lite a fire underneath them.

BTW, what state are you in? Some folks here might have a quicker route for you if there is an ASR from your area.

Best of luck, and as Notdeadyet always points out, you never know how fast that waitlist will clear. The faster you move yourpaperwork, the better chance you have. I think a lot of people are sitting on the fence and are scared of the list, when it could totally clear by October 1st.

 

[WamWammy]

Thanks for the advice! I contacted the recruiter today, and we're going to meet in person soon. Luckily, he was the correct person to contact about the med programs. I'm excited to find out more.

 

[notdeadyet]

Good news for us. We're no longer the only state in the country that gives educational benefits to folks in the Guard.

Looks as if the max amount is set to Cal Grant A award, which is $7,788 at the University of California, $3,354 at California State University, and $9,708 at non-public colleges.

This is all based on a reading of SB 815, which apparently the program is "virtually identical to". We'll see...

 

[BaseballSensei]

Figured I would post this as I have been following the developments on this forum. I am currently starting the application process in Illinois and my AMEDD recruiter forwarded this to me this morning...

"Pass the word NGB will fund additional 200 seats. If you are one the waiting list you will be on orders 1 Oct for the ASR program. If you know someone that is interested lets get the ball rolling


ALCON,

Below is the approved SMOM for the continuation of the ASR program.

There was a lot of leadership behind the continuation of the program and I
want to personally thank COL ----- and LTC ----- for their support. Their
decision to keep the program running will ultimately turn around the 13 year loss rate for AMEDD Officers.

For the field recruiters that kept pushing the program, thank you!

Please read carefully through the SMOM as there are some important changes, like who are eligible to participate in the program and how pay and orders work.

We are working on a ASR SOP that will be published shortly to help States
better manage the pipeline of ASR's."
MEMORANDUM FOR The Recruiting & Retention Force of all States, Puerto Rico,
The Virgin Islands, Guam, and the District of Columbia

SUBJECT: AMEDD Student Recruiter Program (ASR)


1. The Army National Guard (ARNG) announces the continuation of the AMEDD
Student Recruiter (ASR) Program for FY10.

2. Effective 1 October 2009, NGB will fund an additional 200 seats for ASR
which will bring the total allotted seats of FY09 and FY10 to 400.
States/Territories are authorized to place medical, dental, physician
assistant students, newly accessed into the ARNG, on Title 32 FTNG-OS orders
in accordance with the attached LOI for recruiting and retention purposes.

3. Enrollment cycles and order start dates will be in accordance with the
below guidance. ASR applicants starting on the desired dates below must have
a completed packet to NGB-ASM-O, NLT 30 days prior to the start date. Request
for Control Numbers and completed documents will be e-mailed to
http://us.mc338.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]

Start Date

a. 1 October 2009

b. 1 January 2010

c. 1 April 2010

d. 1 July 2010

4. It is imperative to adhere to the guidelines described below in
conjunction with ASR LOI. Failure to adhere to the LOI could have legality
implications and therefore endanger the continuation of the ASR program.

a. Amend ALL TDY orders greater than 180 days to state "Period:
(PCS)" (see Joint Federal Travel Regulation U10E-13, change 263 11/1/08).

b. States/territories can place ASR participants on TDY orders for
state/territory funded training as stated on ASR LOI paragraph 13e.

c. No other TDY's are authorized than the one stated above.

d. No PCS moves are authorized per ASR LOI paragraph 13c.

e. Amend orders to state: "Report to: Name of college attending,
City, State, Zip code of college"

f. Amend orders to state: "Purpose: AMEDD Student Recruiter

g. Under additional instructions, no travel is authorized

h. Per ASR LOI paragraph 13a and 13b, this program is subject to
availability of funds. Participants will ONLY receive from NGB: Base Pay,
BAH and BAS

i. BAH is based on school zip code which is the assigned place of
duty

j. Cost estimates MUST include the following:

(1) Full SSN of applicant

(2) Clearly state the full address applicant is attending, i.e., to
include city, State/Territory and zip code

(3) Indicate applicant's Time in Service, qualification for O-1E,
O-2E or O-3E pay rates (if applicable), and if applicant has dependants.

(4) Only: BAS, BAH, Base Pay and Leave (30 days of annual leave
is authorized per ASR LOI paragraph 12a and 12b

k. ASR control number request must now include the additional
information:

(1) Years in service as well as if they qualify for O-E pay

(2) Name and full address of participant's college where duty
will be assigned

5. Online or distance learning programs are no longer eligible to participate
in the ASR program effective immediately. Current ASR program participants
will be allowed to finish their program of study or 1094 days of FTNG-OS
whichever is less.

 

[koojo]

You beat me to the punch! Was just about to post this. So looks like 400 seats for fiscal years 09-10

 

[EMH]

Hoooaah!

 

[tsbuqh]

I just got the email today too, and ran to the forum to post. Whoo, what a relief.

For anyone still on the fence about applying, get your app in now. This is a great program, and I don't just mean the money. The experience so far has been great. As an M0 (4 days to M1), I have learned how to give physicals, I have been the Officer in Charge at the TMC (medical clinic) and treated patients (with a couple of medics and the PA's cell phone for backup). What an opportunity to earn some money and get some clinical experience. 😍

 

[Barium56]

Great news about the new slots! My packet made it to the professional board yesterday. If all goes well I should be able to swear in next week.

 

[amindwalker]

Open the flood gates, we're back in business!!!! Tell everyone you know that ASR is back ON! I fully expected to not be believed, but I'm glad to see that you all already know. Now we can all go back to recruiting instead of just studying medicine.

 

[eflix]

Great news for everyone here. Let's see how fast these 200 slots will fill up - it may just be open for a few months...

BaseballSensei, just wanted to drop you a note that I'm on ASR in Illinois, so if you have any q's feel free to PM me - we're a pretty small community so i'm sure we'll meet each other.

 

[IDBasco]

I know someone that recently signed up for MDSSP and I was considering it. This news about ASR changes my thoughts a bit, but I have one question.

Do either MDSSP or ASR limit the residency you can do? I thought that was not the case, but this guy said there are 5 that are not eligible. I told him I thought that was for the bonus, but he said no, it was for MDSSP at least. He doesn't remember what they were- not what he wants to do, in any case.

Can anyone confirm or deny? If this is true, what are the 5 ineligible residencies?

 

[whosmk]

I was also informed by my recruiter about 200 seats being opened up. I'm so relieved! Here's my question. I am waitlisted in 60s. If I get ASR started this October, when will I have my first paycheck? I moved to a very expensive city & my whole budget depends on it. Thanks 🙂

 

[notdeadyet]

Do either MDSSP or ASR limit the residency you can do? I thought that was not the case, but this guy said there are 5 that are not eligible.

No. The National Guard has a couple of programs (Healthcare Professional Loan Repayment Program and the Healthcare Professional Bonus) in which you need to be in or have finished from a list of specialties. But it's a long list.

ASR does not restrict your residency choice at all. The only issue is if you go into a subspecialty. You are non-deployable during residency, but during fellowship, it's case-by-case.

 

[IDBasco]

No. The National Guard has a couple of programs (Healthcare Professional Loan Repayment Program and the Healthcare Professional Bonus) in which you need to be in or have finished from a list of specialties. But it's a long list.

ASR does not restrict your residency choice at all. The only issue is if you go into a subspecialty. You are non-deployable during residency, but during fellowship, it's case-by-case.

Well that is what I thought, but he keeps mentioning those restrictions. I'll have him check with his recruiter to see what he was talking about.

 

[punkiedad]

I was also informed by my recruiter about 200 seats being opened up. I'm so relieved! Here's my question. I am waitlisted in 60s. If I get ASR started this October, when will I have my first paycheck? I moved to a very expensive city & my whole budget depends on it. Thanks 🙂

You should get paid on the 15th of October that is assuming EVERYTHING in your paperwork packet is up to date, etc..... Get it done ASAP. Register your dependants, even if you are not putting them on Tricare. If they are not in DEERs, it will screw it up and you will get shorted. As long as the paperwork is good, you should get paid on the 15th.

GRET news on the extension of the ASR program. I have several folks in the hopper...........Thanks to notdeadyet's intuition. Until I see it in writing........LOL.

Congratulations everybody