Ask an Air Force Dentist

[AFDDS]

I was so excited when I found this post! Ok, my goal is to become a dentist for the Air Force. I'll be a freshman at the University of Central Florida this summer and I'm trying to decide what my major should be to achieve my goal. I was originally going to be a chem major but then I took an engineering course from Embry Riddle and really enjoyed it, but UCF doesnt offer Chemical Engineering and i don't know what other kind of engineering would be beneficial to my goal. Any advice or tips would be very helpful!

I have seen just about every major you can think of. Biology and Chemistry are the most common in my experience. You need to make sure you take all the prerequisites for dental school and you can get your degree in anything.

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[horoscope]

Could you tell me about the 1 yr implantology residency programs? is GRE a requirement? Thanks!

 

[nailz]

I found out that I will be stationed at Lackland AFB in San Antonio. Although I was crushed when I didn't get an AEGD or GPR, things are looking up now.

Lackland should be a good experience for me.

So for those of you that have faced some disappointments or setbacks in dental school, life, or the military.....keep your heads up......things are going to get better.

 

[AFDDS]

Could you tell me about the 1 yr implantology residency programs? is GRE a requirement? Thanks!

It's a one year training program in implant restoration. The GRE is not a requirement.

It's only one program that takes one person per year. It's brand new, so can't tell you too much yet.

 

[korndoctor]

Hi AFDDS,

can you tell me if i take a three year scholarship, is it a 3 year commitment?

Also how many 3 year scholarship were there this year and how many do you predict there will be for next year? How competitive is it compared to the 4 year hpsp?

 

[AFDDS]

Hi AFDDS,

can you tell me if i take a three year scholarship, is it a 3 year commitment?

Also how many 3 year scholarship were there this year and how many do you predict there will be for next year? How competitive is it compared to the 4 year hpsp?

I don't remember the number of 3 years off the top of my head for this year, but it was significantly more than the 4-year number.

It is a 3-year commitment unless you do an AEGD.

 

[korndoctor]

I didn't get the 4 year scholarship this year. You would suggest I would have a great chance for the 3 year scholarship if I get everything in on time? what happens the first year I dont get a scholarship. is there some loan repayment program for the first year?

Also I have a dislocated knee incidence 2 years ago, but everything is fine now and I can get a dr to sign off and say theres no problem. Do you think this will be an issue for MEPS?

 

[AFDDS]

I didn't get the 4 year scholarship this year. You would suggest I would have a great chance for the 3 year scholarship if I get everything in on time? what happens the first year I dont get a scholarship. is there some loan repayment program for the first year?

Also I have a dislocated knee incidence 2 years ago, but everything is fine now and I can get a dr to sign off and say theres no problem. Do you think this will be an issue for MEPS?

We only gave out 5 4-year scholarships this year, but we gave out 40 3-year scholarships. Those numbers change each year based on need. Typically, we have more 3-year scholarships. They are less competitive due to the number, but you still have to meet the minimum requirements.

HPLRP is available after you have been on active duty for 6 months. It's a 2 year contract that adds 2 years to your commitment for up to $40K/year - taxes toward your student loans. You can get a max of 4 years in 2 year increments.

Sounds like the knee won't be an issue at MEPS, but only the MEPS personnel or a recruiter can answer whether or not it will be a problem.

 

[ajaxkid]

It seems like it is extremely competitive to get a 4-year scholarship. Only 5 this year??? I will be applying this May for the 2010 cycle. I have a 3.17 GPA from West Point and hope to score in the 19-20 range for the DAT. I've been on Active duty for the past 6 years as an Army helicopter pilot and am deployed to Iraq right now. I'm afraid my GPA is going to categorically eliminate me from competition. I've heard they have a minimum GPA of 3.5 or something like that. Is this true? I really want to cross over into the Air Force. What are the chances of a 4-year HPSP with a lower GPA? Appreciate your help.

 

[AFDDS]

It seems like it is extremely competitive to get a 4-year scholarship. Only 5 this year??? I will be applying this May for the 2010 cycle. I have a 3.17 GPA from West Point and hope to score in the 19-20 range for the DAT. I've been on Active duty for the past 6 years as an Army helicopter pilot and am deployed to Iraq right now. I'm afraid my GPA is going to categorically eliminate me from competition. I've heard they have a minimum GPA of 3.5 or something like that. Is this true? I really want to cross over into the Air Force. What are the chances of a 4-year HPSP with a lower GPA? Appreciate your help.

All records meet a board now. There is no more matrixing for the scholarships.

I know the number of 4-year scholarships was low this year. We've had excellent retention and the need has diminished some. I don't know what the numbers will look like next year.

 

[OctaviustheFish]

AFDDS-

thanks for your amazing contribution to the military forum thus far.

I am on a 3 yr HPSP and will graduate 2012:

I was wondering:

a. is it true that if you have 3+ kids you can't be assigned overseas during your payback period?

b. this is from the most recent SGDetails:

"Over the past several years, the AF Recruiting Service has been extremely successful in recruiting dental students into the HPSP Scholarship Program. Recruiting has been so successful that the number of new dental officers coming onto active duty in 2010 and 2011 exceeds the number of available Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD -1) training positions. The clinical, educational, and professional development opportunities afforded by the AEGD-1 programs are incredibly valuable in preparing the new dental officers to serve as clinicians/officers in our DTFs. New dental officers unable to participate in an AEGD-1 program MUST be offered comparable opportunities to learn and develop. The clinical and professional development of these new officers must remain a top priority for Chiefs of Dental Services and senior mentors."

I don't see an AEGD in my future because a- grades and b- wife doesn't want to move again, and again...(trying to convince her of the long term benefits..)

but I really want to get the most out of my AF experience and so I wonder how much priority is given in "real life" to providing that training to those who are unable to do the AEGD

thanks in advance!

 

[AFDDS]

AFDDS-

thanks for your amazing contribution to the military forum thus far.

I am on a 3 yr HPSP and will graduate 2012:

I was wondering:

a. is it true that if you have 3+ kids you can't be assigned overseas during your payback period? Absolutely not.

b. this is from the most recent SGDetails:

"Over the past several years, the AF Recruiting Service has been extremely successful in recruiting dental students into the HPSP Scholarship Program. Recruiting has been so successful that the number of new dental officers coming onto active duty in 2010 and 2011 exceeds the number of available Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD -1) training positions. The clinical, educational, and professional development opportunities afforded by the AEGD-1 programs are incredibly valuable in preparing the new dental officers to serve as clinicians/officers in our DTFs. New dental officers unable to participate in an AEGD-1 program MUST be offered comparable opportunities to learn and develop. The clinical and professional development of these new officers must remain a top priority for Chiefs of Dental Services and senior mentors."

I don't see an AEGD in my future because a- grades and b- wife doesn't want to move again, and again...(trying to convince her of the long term benefits..)

but I really want to get the most out of my AF experience and so I wonder how much priority is given in "real life" to providing that training to those who are unable to do the AEGD
It is an inspectable item. Here's the kicker. If you go to a base without specialists, there are no rotations to complete. However, there will be someone there with AEGD training (1 year or 2 year or both) and most of them would be more than happy to help you with some extra training.

thanks in advance!

I think you will enjoy your time in the service. training will be available in the form of rotations or short courses.

 

[OctaviustheFish]

thanks for the quick response- I am really looking forward to the growth opportunities that the AF is renown for.

 

[UKcbk]

I'm getting ready to enter my 4th year of dental school and when it is all said and done will have about 200,000 in student loans. I am married and my wife and I have no problem traveling. I would love to join the air force and serve my country as well as get some debt paid off. My question is with 200,000 in loans how much can I get paid off with the 75,000 bonus and 40,000 per year loan repayment, is the loan repayment guaranteed when i sign on and how many years would i be obligated to serve if i recieved both the 75,000 and the max on the loan repayment?
Thanks

 

[AFDDS]

I'm getting ready to enter my 4th year of dental school and when it is all said and done will have about 200,000 in student loans. I am married and my wife and I have no problem traveling. I would love to join the air force and serve my country as well as get some debt paid off. My question is with 200,000 in loans how much can I get paid off with the 75,000 bonus and 40,000 per year loan repayment, is the loan repayment guaranteed when i sign on and how many years would i be obligated to serve if i recieved both the 75,000 and the max on the loan repayment?
Thanks

I can't tell you an exact number. Remember the bonus and the HPLRP are taxed.

By law the HPLRP will pay up to $40K (-taxes)/year up to 72% of your loans. It is not guaranteed. Typically, you need to be on active duty for 6 months to apply for HPLRP. Your recruiter would have to give you the specifics of the sign on bonus, but typically the payback with a sign on bonus is 4 years. The HPLRP will add 2 years to your time. If you take a 2nd HPLRP it will add 2 more years. Without knowing the exact numbers, I'd say you are looking at 6-8 years of payback if you take the bonus and max out on the HPLRP.

Your local healthcare recruiter will have all the latest info on this, so your best bet is to start there.

 

[UKcbk]

thanks

 

[ajaxkid]

Are there currently any signing bonuses for the Air Force? I know the Army offers a 20,000$ signing bonus for their HPSP. Does the Air Force offer similar special pay and bonuses like the Army?

 

[ALTOSS]

Are there currently any signing bonuses for the Air Force? I know the Army offers a 20,000$ signing bonus for their HPSP. Does the Air Force offer similar special pay and bonuses like the Army?

I don't think so. AF med program offers the 20k, though.

 

[ddstothecor]

I've heard of 75k sign-on for IHS. Is it possible to re-up and obtain that bonus? This is the first I've heard of it.

 

[AFDDS]

Are there currently any signing bonuses for the Air Force? I know the Army offers a 20,000$ signing bonus for their HPSP. Does the Air Force offer similar special pay and bonuses like the Army?

Once you are in, the special pays and bonuses are the same across the services. The AF does not offer the $20K sign on bonus for the HPSP at this time. We may in the future, but who knows.

 

[Ace3]

When you entered the AF after 2 years of private practice did you go directly to your 2-year AEGD or did you do a 3 year TOD first?

Out of curiosity to where are you (or were you) deployed?

Where are AF dentists deploying these days? Are they all 6 months, some 3 months?

Can I request a 1 yr unacompanied TOD in Korea as my first TOD upon entering the AF or must I do a CONUS TOD?

V/R

 

[anniesdad]

I am second year dental student and am in the 3 year HPSP program. I am also very interested in the 1 year AEGD. What are the stats for those getting accepted? Plus, are there other admissions criteria or helpful hints to being accepted?

 

[AFDDS]

When you entered the AF after 2 years of private practice did you go directly to your 2-year AEGD or did you do a 3 year TOD first? I spent 18 months at my first assignment before I went to the AEGD-2 program. That's just how it worked out for me.

Out of curiosity to where are you (or were you) deployed? To an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. Sorry, not really supposed to say.

Where are AF dentists deploying these days? Are they all 6 months, some 3 months? We have some of each, but moving to 6 months.

Can I request a 1 yr unacompanied TOD in Korea as my first TOD upon entering the AF or must I do a CONUS TOD? You can request anything you like. Some do go to Korea as their first assignment.

V/R

Let me know if you have other questions.

 

[AFDDS]

I am second year dental student and am in the 3 year HPSP program. I am also very interested in the 1 year AEGD. What are the stats for those getting accepted? Plus, are there other admissions criteria or helpful hints to being accepted?

Almost 100% get accepted to an AEGD-1. Not everyone wants one, so the real numbers are almost 100% of those wanting an AEGD are accepted.

We look at the whole person. Your GPA, class standing, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, your letter, and national board scores all make up the whole person.

 

[anniesdad]

Thanks. Two more questions for now. Is there a way to find out which AEGD bases have a pedo faculty present? I would be most interested in going to one of those bases.

Second, during the 3 years of payback time, how likely is it that I could be assigned to a base overseas? I've heard those are more competitive than stateside bases. Is that true?

 

[AFdent2]

Hello, first time poster but hope to help answer a few questions regarding AF dentistry.
The best way to find out which bases have pedo in their AEGD program is to contact the AF pedo consultant -- see link below (public accessible)
http://www.sammc.amedd.army.mil/patient/departments/dental/sammc_south/flights/pediatric_dentistry.asp
which will give you a starting point to investigate - sorry I don't have their contact info, and not sure I could post it if I did.
As to your second question, if you complete an AEGD-1, you have a good chance of going overseas. This is because overseas bases often (but not always) require a little more experience/training -- depending on the size of the base you go to, and the needs of the population, you may required to do "specialty" care such as endo, pedo, or pros - not all bases have all specialists, and we are sometimes hesitant to send people off base to see a non-US dentist. The bottom line is that dentists with more training tend to be good canidates for overseas locations. However, NO GUARANTEES with the military assignment system.

 

[AFDDS]

Thanks. Two more questions for now. Is there a way to find out which AEGD bases have a pedo faculty present? I would be most interested in going to one of those bases.
Quickest way to find out is to contact the Education officer at AFPC. You should be getting some HPSP newsletters from her if you are already on HPSP. If not, let me know and I'll send you her contact info.

Second, during the 3 years of payback time, how likely is it that I could be assigned to a base overseas? I've heard those are more competitive than stateside bases. Is that true?

Very likely, if you want it. Each year as positions come open, the Chief of Dental Services at a base will let AFPC know what skill sets they need. For example, a base that is doing quite a bit of endo or sending endo to civilian dentists may ask for someone strong in endo to take care of their need. That info is sent out to AEGD directors to share with their residents.

We have openings at almost every base each year. Most of our OCONUS locations are very desirable locations, so getting one can be more competitive.

Keep in mind, that the needs of the USAF must come first. Somebody has to go to each opening.

 

[JPevzner]

I was wondering whether its possible to get a guaranteed HPSP scholarship two years before I start dental school. I ask because I have been accepted to UOP's 2+3 accelerated dental program and am not sure whether I want to go there because its so darn expensive. However, if it were possible to have some contract that could guarantee me this scholarship, provided I get >3.5 GPA and >20 DAT for example, I would attend UOP in a heartbeat. Without some certainty that I will be able to get this scholarship, I will have serious reservations attending UOP because of the enormous debt burden (350k+). Any and all help is welcome and greatly appreciated.

 

[AFDDS]

I was wondering whether its possible to get a guaranteed HPSP scholarship two years before I start dental school. I ask because I have been accepted to UOP's 2+3 accelerated dental program and am not sure whether I want to go there because its so darn expensive. However, if it were possible to have some contract that could guarantee me this scholarship, provided I get >3.5 GPA and >20 DAT for example, I would attend UOP in a heartbeat. Without some certainty that I will be able to get this scholarship, I will have serious reservations attending UOP because of the enormous debt burden (350k+). Any and all help is welcome and greatly appreciated.

My instincts say it isn't possible. Your best bet for information is a recruiter close to UOP that is familiar with their programs.

 

[mysteriousvibes]

AFDDS,

Thank you so much for your informative replies throughout this thread. I am a 4th year dental student considering direct accession with the military. I was disappointed to read a few posts prior to your last where you stated that it would probably not be possible for a direct accession dentist to ever attend an AEGD-1 with the AF, as they are designed for new graduates only and obviously at this time all spots are filled for the upcoming class.

One of the main reasons I am interested in direct accession is for the opportunities for further education. I have recently decided that I think at this stage of my dental career, I really want to receive a level of directed education that I don't think would be possible by "osmosis" in private practice, or from CE courses, etc.

Assuming I were to receive a commission as direct accession, would it be possible to pursue an AEGD-2 at some point in the future, i.e. beginning 2011? How long must one serve as a comprehensive dentist in the AF before being eligible to apply for a specialty residency if they chose to do so further down the road? Also, seeing as how I have no ADSO at this time but am interested in the HPLRP, what type of commitment does a direct accession dentist typically sign up for when they are not eligible for the HPLRP until they have been on AD for 6 months?

V/R

 

[AFDDS]

AFDDS,

Thank you so much for your informative replies throughout this thread. I am a 4th year dental student considering direct accession with the military. I was disappointed to read a few posts prior to your last where you stated that it would probably not be possible for a direct accession dentist to ever attend an AEGD-1 with the AF, as they are designed for new graduates only and obviously at this time all spots are filled for the upcoming class.

One of the main reasons I am interested in direct accession is for the opportunities for further education. I have recently decided that I think at this stage of my dental career, I really want to receive a level of directed education that I don't think would be possible by "osmosis" in private practice, or from CE courses, etc.

Assuming I were to receive a commission as direct accession, would it be possible to pursue an AEGD-2 at some point in the future, i.e. beginning 2011? How long must one serve as a comprehensive dentist in the AF before being eligible to apply for a specialty residency if they chose to do so further down the road? Also, seeing as how I have no ADSO at this time but am interested in the HPLRP, what type of commitment does a direct accession dentist typically sign up for when they are not eligible for the HPLRP until they have been on AD for 6 months?

V/R

You can most definitely attend the AEGD-2 if accepted. It is a competitive process and most will spend 1 yr on active duty before applying.

Current rules say you must serve 5 years in your specialty before you can apply to another one. However, that can be waived, if you want to attend a program for a specialty that is severely under staffed.

Most will sign up for 3 -4 years. Check with your recruiter to see if a sign on bonus is available for a 4 year commitment. I don't think one is available at this time. Your recruiter will know for sure.

 

[cgurries]

This may have been asked already,
If I attend a 6-year civilian OMFS residency to obtain my MD along the way, how many years extra does it incur on top of my Dental school HPSP years (if any)? The recruiters say that if you get accepted to a civilian residency that it is not difficult to get the AF to allow you to attend, how true is this?
Thanks

 

[AFDDS]

This may have been asked already,
If I attend a 6-year civilian OMFS residency to obtain my MD along the way, how many years extra does it incur on top of my Dental school HPSP years (if any)? The recruiters say that if you get accepted to a civilian residency that it is not difficult to get the AF to allow you to attend, how true is this?
Thanks

Look back through this thread and you'll find all those questions answered several times.

 

[iahawkdds]

Does anyone have any suggestions (besides going through my recruiter) on how to contact a few recent graduates that are fulfilling their scholarship commitments? I am trying to find a few dentists (would like to talk to some women, too) that have been serving for a couple years.

Are there many women in AF dentistry?

Thanks.

I am a female AF dentist that graduated in 2007. What would you like to know?

 

[JPevzner]

Is it possible to get a waiver for the B.A/B.S requirement for the HPSP? I ask because i might end up doing the 2+3 UOP dental program. Thanks for your help.

 

[CoolPanda]

Hi,

I was recently accepted to dental school and am really interested in a 3-year HPSP. I have began contacting recruiters.

I am wondering about my chances since I have a horrible GPA during undergrad in a non-science major. But since then my post-bac GPA is excellent, and I am completing a M.S. in Physiology in a few months with a high GPA also.

Do the Boards take a Post-Bac/M.S. GPA into consideration, possibly over an undergrad GPA?

Thanks.

 

[AFDDS]

Is it possible to get a waiver for the B.A/B.S requirement for the HPSP? I ask because i might end up doing the 2+3 UOP dental program. Thanks for your help.

I stand corrected. I contacted AFPC and was told all you need is a letter of acceptance to dental school.

 

[AFDDS]

Hi,

I was recently accepted to dental school and am really interested in a 3-year HPSP. I have began contacting recruiters.

I am wondering about my chances since I have a horrible GPA during undergrad in a non-science major. But since then my post-bac GPA is excellent, and I am completing a M.S. in Physiology in a few months with a high GPA also.

Do the Boards take a Post-Bac/M.S. GPA into consideration, possibly over an undergrad GPA?

Thanks.

Your DAT score, and 1st year of dental school, will be big factors. It will really depend on the board at the time. Your recruiter will know what the requirements are at the time you apply. If the powers that be decide that you must have a certain GPA, DAT, etc... and you are below, it, it won't happen for you. Just keep your good GPA and work with your recruiter.

 

[Truedat]

By what date do we have to have our state licenses by to be guaranteed the 10k bonus? I am a bit concerned because if we don't finish our requirements by may13th we don't get our diplomas till July therefore delaying the licensing process and possibly missing the bonus.

 

[estrella00]

I'm considering joining the AF when I graduate, but I'm not sure if it's the "best" thing to do.

I'm a second year dental student, married, and with some tuition help from my parents. When I graduate, I think I'll be lucky enough to only have around $50k in loans. AF interests me for many reasons, but probably primarily because of the opportunity to live overseas. My husband and I would love to live abroad for a while and would like to start having children in the next couple of years.

My main concern right now is financial. I don't need to make a ton of money, but I feel like if I joined after graduation, made the approx $75k per year and did a loan repayment, with the amount of loans I have, I will actually be getting a way worse deal than someone that perhaps did the scholarship deal throughout school. Not to mention be way worse off financially than if I went off on my own.

Then there's the possible bad timing with starting a family and joining the AF. I'm just not sure if this should be a consideration or not.

I'm still interested in the AF, but I'm just not sure it's the right thing for me due to my circumstances. Any thoughts out there?

 

[SFO]

I am a female AF dentist that graduated in 2007. What would you like to know?

Hi & thanks for the reply. I guess I'm just curious as to how you are enjoying the AF.

Do you think think you'll stay on after your commitment (i am assuming you're HPSP)?

Did you do a residency (which one)? If so, do you think it was worth your time to do a residency? Is the work challenging/enjoyable? Any helpful hints / things you wish you had known?

Thanks again.

 

[AFDDS]

By what date do we have to have our state licenses by to be guaranteed the 10k bonus? I am a bit concerned because if we don't finish our requirements by may13th we don't get our diplomas till July therefore delaying the licensing process and possibly missing the bonus.

If you enter active duty with a license, you can immediately apply for the bonus. If you don't have one yet, you can apply for the bonus as soon as you get your license.

 

[AFDDS]

I'm considering joining the AF when I graduate, but I'm not sure if it's the "best" thing to do.

I'm a second year dental student, married, and with some tuition help from my parents. When I graduate, I think I'll be lucky enough to only have around $50k in loans. AF interests me for many reasons, but probably primarily because of the opportunity to live overseas. My husband and I would love to live abroad for a while and would like to start having children in the next couple of years.

My main concern right now is financial. I don't need to make a ton of money, but I feel like if I joined after graduation, made the approx $75k per year and did a loan repayment, with the amount of loans I have, I will actually be getting a way worse deal than someone that perhaps did the scholarship deal throughout school. Not to mention be way worse off financially than if I went off on my own.No doubt you will be getting less money, but you don't need as much either. Don't forget the economy still hasn't completely recovered. I just finished up at a national dental meeting and the recurring theme is that, dentistry has been affected by the downturn. It's not always safe to assume you will make more in private practice. Especially with the economy now.

Then there's the possible bad timing with starting a family and joining the AF. I'm just not sure if this should be a consideration or not.

I'm still interested in the AF, but I'm just not sure it's the right thing for me due to my circumstances. Any thoughts out there?

Most of the info you get will be very biased based on someone else's subjective opinion. That goes for what I tell you as well. Make a pros and cons list for AF vs. civilian life, but do some good research first. See what you think you can make, don't forget to factor in all your expenses and go from there. No one knows your situation better than you.

 

[iahawkdds]

Hi & thanks for the reply. I guess I'm just curious as to how you are enjoying the AF.

Do you think think you'll stay on after your commitment (i am assuming you're HPSP)?

Did you do a residency (which one)? If so, do you think it was worth your time to do a residency? Is the work challenging/enjoyable? Any helpful hints / things you wish you had known?

Thanks again.

I was HPSP and did a residency at Keesler. Was the residency worth my time? Yes and no. I think it was helpful for oral surgery since you get your sedation credentials and for Endo since you get to see a lot more endo patients and can increase your speed. I don't think it was that helpful in pros, perio or operative. It is useful if you plan to stay past your committment and want to sign a multi-year retention bonus because you will get more money for completing a residency.

I am going to stay at least one year past my commitment to see if I can get a European assignment. I am at a smaller base with no specialist so I pretty much get to do as much as I want. If you are at a larger base you will probably be doing more operative especially if you didn't complete a residency.

Things I wish I had known: The base you want to go to after your residency might not even be an option. Towards the end of your residency you will get a list of assignments available to residents and you will be asked to rank them like you do for your residency base choices. Some years the list has many good options and some not so good options but then there are years like the year I left the residency when almost all the options are stateside and most are in what are considered undesireable locations. Out of my top ten places I would want to go in the AF I think only one was on the list and there were forty people competing for that spot. Desirable location though does not always equal desirable dental clinic. It all depends on the people you work with and every base is different. The people are always changing too so some years a clinic may be a really enjoyable place to work, then the people change and that work environment might change as well. I also wish I knew that COT (comissioned officers training) sucks.

 

[korndoctor]

why did COT suck?

how physically demanding is COT? I'm worried I might not be fit enough to make it through.

 

[Roto Picante]

COT isn't that bad at all. PT is maybe 2-4 times a week depending on the scheduled events for that week. The workouts were never that hard. The hardest part is being able to pass the PT test that everyone is require to pass. Even that wasn't too difficult. For me, the worst part was the heat. July in Montgomery AL was pretty miserable.

 

[iahawkdds]

why did COT suck?

how physically demanding is COT? I'm worried I might not be fit enough to make it through.

COT didn't suck because it was physically demanding. See the other reply on the physical aspects of COT. What I didn't like about it was all the yelling. After just graduating from professional school I was not prepared to be screamed at like I was 18 and just left home for the first time. I don't think I would have taken as much offense to it if I had known it was going to be like that ahead of time.

 

[coolfez]

Sorry if this was already answered. But Could someone tell me what other pay and how much in addition to the pay grade you get as a captain? Thanks

 

[AFDDS]

Sorry if this was already answered. But Could someone tell me what other pay and how much in addition to the pay grade you get as a captain? Thanks

Read back through this thread. It's been covered more than once here and I think in some other threads. If you don't find it PM me and I'll help.

 

[SFO]

COT didn't suck because it was physically demanding. See the other reply on the physical aspects of COT. What I didn't like about it was all the yelling. After just graduating from professional school I was not prepared to be screamed at like I was 18 and just left home for the first time. I don't think I would have taken as much offense to it if I had known it was going to be like that ahead of time.

Yea, I am going this summer & am really wishing I just had the time off for the summer before having to hit it again hard in school next year, but oh well. I heard the yelling subsides after the first couple weeks? Or should I be prepared for it to suck for all 5 weeks?