Army Reserves

[PsyDHokie]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I know I am a little head of the game, but I am really thinking about joining the US Army Reserves post graduation. I believe the requirements are Ph.D./Psy.D. from APA-Accredited program, APA-Accredited internship, and license in any state. I am in an APA-Accredited program and matched at an APA-Accredited internship for next year. As I write this I realize I am getting way ahead of myself, as I still have to start/finish internship, finish the dissertation, graduate, find a job/post-doc, take the EPPP, and get licensed - oy vey! I would still love to hear from someone who is currently serving or did serve in the Reserves, as I am somewhat a "planner." The few questions I have:

1) When did you start the process? I know it takes a few months or get the paperwork done, get a physical, and get everything processed. My plan is to initially get licensed in a state that does not require a post-doc, but still work on hours via a job or post-doc for licensure in nearby states - studying for EPPP during internship.

2) Are there any "cons" to joining the reserves? The loan repayment, health professional special pay, and other benefits seem great.

3) It looks like I would serve one week per month and two weeks a year, with the possibility of getting deployed. Would I be working at a VA or military hospital during those times? Any other obligations that come along with joining the Reserves?

If anyone would be willing to talk about the Army Reserves, please feel free to send me a private message or comment on here. Feel like I pursued a degree that is never ending... Haven't been able to even embrace the joy of matching, instead have spent all my time thinking "what's next?..." Nonetheless, thanks in advance!

 

[neuronic]

3) It looks like I would serve one week per month and two weeks a year, with the possibility of getting deployed.

If the posting read, you have a 100% chance of getting deployed, would that change how you felt about the position? Military psychology is not for everyone, and I have the most respect for individuals in these roles. But you need to take the mindset that you will be deployed, and be surprised if you are not. If you are ok with that, then keep investigating.

 

[PsyDHokie]

3) It looks like I would serve one week per month and two weeks a year, with the possibility of getting deployed.

If the posting read, you have a 100% chance of getting deployed, would that change how you felt about the position? Military psychologyis not for everyone, and I have the most respect for individuals in these roles. But you need to take the mindset that you will be deployed, and be surprised if you are not.

Guess I "unconsciously" left out the piece about the possibility of being deployed. I think the chances are slim, but at the same time, reservist were deployed in the Iraq war. I also believe the deployment are around 120 days, so to answer your question, no it would not change how I feel about the position.

 

[ADDICTED2STATS]

I'm going through the process right now. I'm planning to join the national guards (not reserve). The benefits are a bit different, but here's a link to them (http://www.nationalguard.com/careers/medical-professional-officer/healthcare-bonuses-and-loans).

Essentially, you're looking at ~$40,000 - $50,000 / year (assuming a 3 year commitment), for 1 weekend/mo and 2 weeks in the summer. There is certainly the possibility of getting deployed, and I would say the odds are a bit greater than "slim." However, as I understand it. medical professionals are limited to 3 month deployments now (that's what I was told by the recruiter). I'm prior service (Army - Combat Arms), and spent 13 months in Iraq. Three months as a medical professional don't seem that bad.

As for where you drill and do your annual training (AT), I think that depends on whether you're guard or reserve. Guard would drill at their state medical facility or a med detachment. Reserves would do the same for drill. However, for AT guards go with their higher level unit, while reservists typically go to a regular Army facility somewhere.

I'm not sure what the work will entail. Perhaps in a couple months I can update you on that. As for the length of time, it will be a bit faster for me since I was in before and they have most of my records. But, in general I think it takes 2-6 months.