Going the Army route?

[wolfspeaker]

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I've been doing a LOT of reading lately about the Army. I haven't started my vet school prerequisites yet because of financial issues and was looking around for other options in animal careers. I came across Animal Care Specialist 68T in the Army. I'm quite interested in it even though I have to go to Basic(shudder, barring any underlying medical conditions of course). I have not talked to a recruiter yet as I want to learn as much as possible and hear people's stories before I do that. That and I have 50 lbs to lose before I can go to Basic. I would like to lose 15 of that before talking to a recruiter, mostly to prove to myself that I CAN do it.

I'm 27 now, will be 28 or 29 when going to Basic. While I'm not sure exactly what benefits and enticements there would be, my understanding is that some of my school loan could be paid, and some future schooling after the term is up(2,4 or 6 years). Which could be my vet prerequisits? So I would serve for 2-6 years, then finish undergrad(or be able to finish it WHILE enlisted) and apply for Vet School. Then either go the Large/Food Animal route, or apply for HPSP in the Army(age cutoff is 42).

It's a great career move for me, even if I decide to stay Animal Care Specialist 68T and not go to Vet School(oh yeah, it's the equivalent to a Lab Animal Specialist in Civilian life with some VetTech thrown in. But the Army will pay for my training). I have no dependents, no significant other, not much family ties, I can live anywhere. I used to be pretty physically fit...10 years ago LMAO. I'm giving myself one full year to lose 50 lbs and get into shape enough to survive Basic.

Has anyone gone the Army route or is thinking about it? I'm still doing a lot of reading and really just started thinking about this a month ago. But it makes so much sense to me and I know I need to do it.

I would love to hear your stories, advice and thoughts.

 

[ASUprevet]

I am also considering going through the military for veterinary school. More than just financial support through vet school, I like the idea of serving my country while advancing my career in veterinary medicine. However, I am still very ambivalent about my plans. All I know at this point is that I want to become a veterinarian.

As an undergraduate student at Arizona State, I am hoping to get support through WICHE to earn in-state tuition at CSU, WSU or OSU. By getting sponsored through WICHE, I agree to return to Arizona to work for 5 years or so. However, if I get sponsored through WICHE, I don't think I can break that contract to get HPSP through the military. I don't want to apply as a non-sponsored student in case don't accepted into the US Army Veterinary Corps or I change my mind about the military. So for now I'm just going to worry about getting into a vet school and then I'll decide about the military.

 

[linacows]

I am still in high school, and I didn't finish reading other posts so I don't know if they helped you out alittle. But I am planning to get pre-vet (4 years) then get accepted into a vet school and the military will pay for it, plus monthly stipen, that is only if you plan to work 3 years after and get accepted also work as a full student. Just make sure you get things down IN WRITING AND SIGNED if you plan to take that path. Well, I am nervous about the costs, but from military-scholarships-grants-and loans, it won't turn out that bad. :]
Hopefully I made sense.

 

[Armymutt25A]

I have a little experience in this. First off, instead of focusing on losing weight, focus on passing the tape test. I assume you're male. Right now, you are on the cusp of the ranges. Once you are 28, you are allowed 28% body fat at entry. Do a search for the charts to match your height, neck, and waist. Your best bet is to do a lot of running (not necessarily fast, though sprints will help with the APFT later) and shrugs. I routinely shrug 5 gallon water cans or sand bags before every tape test. This increases the size of your neck. I lost 3% body-fat in 1 month through a combination of pushups, crunches, 45 min of elliptical daily, a 3 mile run on Mon, 500 yards of sprints (broken up into smaller pieces) on Tues, and a 5 mile run on Friday. My diet consisted of fruit and cottage cheese for b-fast, turkey sandwich for lunch, and a really big salad for dinner.

If you have student loans, you can get them paid off under the loan repayment program. There is a cap - I think it's around $165K. I don't know if the system is set up like the old Montgomery GI Bill, where the LRP is in lieu of the GI Bill, but if not, then you will walk away with the Post 911 GI Bill, which covers 100% of tuition and fees (including health insurance if the school requires it) $1000 for books, and a housing allowance at the E-5 rate for the location of your school.

Your basic training will most likely be at Ft. Jackson, with AIT at Ft. Sam Houston. Many of us call Ft. Jackson, "Relaxin' Jackson". It's not exactly rigorous. If you are able to shut up, do what you are told, when you are told to do it, then it should be easy. PT will probably be the worst part of the day. Just remember that basic is under TRADOC and they have rules that the rest of the Army does not have to follow. Your experience post basic could be very different, depending upon who your boss is. You could end up working for a VCO with a combat infantry badge and a Screaming Eagle on his right shoulder. That could make for a very fun time.

None of your training will count for vet school pre-reqs unless a university gives your credit for a class. Generally, credits don't come with a grade, so they are pretty useless as a pre-req. It will look good on your application, and you'll have a hell of a network of VCOs for recommendations. If you have an O-5 or higher write an LOR, be prepared to write it yourself. Trust me.
Any other questions, fell free to PM me. I can get back to you pretty quickly until school starts. After that, all bets are off.

 

[wolfspeaker]

Armymutt25A- Thank You for that information!

Ummm yeah I do need to lose weight LMAO. I have a gut 😛 I 60 lbs overweight but do not look like it because I already have decent muscle, but I definitely look overweight. For a female 😀 (Yup, I'm female😀 Surprise!) . I am so out of shape haha. I don't think I could do more than 10 pushups right now. It's been over 5 years since I have last ran. I started walking everyday about a month ago but I haven't done anything these last two weeks. My excuse is we were moving and I was taking care of a kid(not mine) and working Fulltime. Not a good excuse, I know.


Is it possible to take online classes while on active duty? I know I have more questions, but can't think right now.

E: Oh and I really can't start running until I can afford some good shoes. I don't want to cause any injuries. I'm hoping in 2-3 weeks I'll have enough money. Should I just get a $20 pair of "running" shoes and then save up for a good pair. Or just wait and get the good pair a little sooner? (My current tennies are completely shot. I shouldn't even be walking with them. Worn down with holes 😳)

 

[Enginarian]

E: Oh and I really can't start running until I can afford some good shoes. I don't want to cause any injuries. I'm hoping in 2-3 weeks I'll have enough money. Should I just get a $20 pair of "running" shoes and then save up for a good pair. Or just wait and get the good pair a little sooner? (My current tennies are completely shot. I shouldn't even be walking with them. Worn down with holes 😳)

I would try and invest in a nice pair of running shoes right off the bat. If possible, even go to a running shop, so the staff can help you pick out the right pair of shoes for you. Not having the right pair of shoes for you can also cause injuries.

I took up running a couple years ago and just love it. Congrat's on joining the running community! 😀

 

[Armymutt25A]

Well, you're in luck. Females get to have even more body fat - 34%. Not sure how the measuring goes - I think it involves the wrist, so work out those muscles as well. Walking can be very effective. Find a backpack that can hold 35 lbs and go for a brisk walk - 15 min/mile for about 3 miles. Work up to 12 miles. I think I read somewhere that 6 hours of walking burned 1lb of fat. Get yourself a pair of New Balance shoes. Pricey, but worth it.

 

[StartingoverVet]

I routinely shrug 5 gallon water cans or sand bags before every tape test. This increases the size of your neck.

Completely OT, but why do you care about the size of your neck (except for stereotype reasons)?

 

[LetItSnow]

Completely OT, but why do you care about the size of your neck (except for stereotype reasons)?

Because the larger neck size brings the body fat calculation down. (I don't remember the exact formula used, but you can probably google it.)

 

[StartingoverVet]

Because the larger neck size brings the body fat calculation down. (I don't remember the exact formula used, but you can probably google it.)

That can't be very accurate then. Nice way to game the system.

 

[Armymutt25A]

That can't be very accurate then. Nice way to game the system.

No one said the measurement system was accurate. It just has to be passed. For my age and height, I need to have a difference of 23" between my waist and neck. There are several tricks for achieving better results for each measurement, but the neck is pretty much the only one you can manipulate once the test begins. Some people will smear their waist with Preparation H and wrap themselves in plastic wrap over night to shrink it a bit. In addition to the shrugs, you can enlarge your neck by slightly lowering your chin and tilting your neck to the rear - hard to describe.

There are some people will will pass the initial weight screening and fail the body fat test. One of my NCOs was a 6'2", 160lb guy. His ribs were visible and his stomach flat. Unfortunately, he had a skinny neck and was 35, so he had a little fat over his kidneys. He was way under weight, but 1% over body fat.

 

[heylodeb]

I was under the impression that only 3 people a year (countrywide) get chosen for the "pay for vet school then work for us for 3 years" thing.

Not so?

 

[cry]

I was under the impression that only 3 people a year (countrywide) get chosen for the "pay for vet school then work for us for 3 years" thing.

Not so?

I got the three year scholarship if thats what your talking about (HPSP)? This year I was told they offered a total of 18 three yr scholarships. Not sure how many 2 or 1 yrs were awarded though.

 

[gina85]

I will be applying for the HPSP once I'm accepted into vet school, but I have experience with the Army Vet Corps as I was an MWD handler for seven years (which is what made me want to get out and go to vet school).

OBC for vets won't be at Ft. Jackson. You'll go to Ft. Sam-Houston for officer training. Ft. Jackson is at this point mostly for reservists, anyway.

As far as becoming a 68T, I don't recommend that at all. You'll have your degree by then if you don't already - if you are going into the military don't go enlisted. Advancement for 68Ts isn't that great, and there's plenty of other careers for an officer you might like. The paycheck is just such a huge difference. As much as I loved being a handler, if I don't get into vet school at this point I'd become an officer and fly helos. (Flying is wicked fun anyway!)

That's just my opinion, though. Have you talked to a recruiter about AMEDD opportunities? You can set up a phone appointment if you don't want a personal interview.

Also, the Vet Corps is changing its program up a little, and starting this year or next, all graduates will be going through a residency type program before reporting to their first duty station.

Hope some of this is helpful 🙂

 

[lsucouple]

I read this as you are interested in
1. Joining the army as an enlisted solider
2. Serving your time. (2-6yrs)
3. Leaving to go back to school.
4. Getting pre-reqs (2yrs)
5. Applying for vet school (4yrs)
6. Possibly rejoining the Army

If I misunderstood this please correct me but if you are currently almost 28 then you would be anywhere 36 - 40 by the time you finished vet school IF you went through your pre reqs full time AND got into vet school on your first try.

I don't think this is the best plan. Why don't you join your colleges ROTC and let them pay for tuition and board and then apply to vet school and the Army HPSP after being accepted. This way you don't have to waist 2-6 years as an enlisted solider.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[ASUprevet]

I got the three year scholarship if thats what your talking about (HPSP)? This year I was told they offered a total of 18 three yr scholarships. Not sure how many 2 or 1 yrs were awarded though.

Do you know how many students applied for those 18 three year positions?

 

[cry]

Do you know how many students applied for those 18 three year positions?

I know it fluctuates but i think the minimum is usually 90+ students or so (cant remember what it was this yr though 98 or something??).

 

[wolfspeaker]

I read this as you are interested in
1. Joining the army as an enlisted solider
2. Serving your time. (2-6yrs)
3. Leaving to go back to school.
4. Getting pre-reqs (2yrs)
5. Applying for vet school (4yrs)
6. Possibly rejoining the Army

If I misunderstood this please correct me but if you are currently almost 28 then you would be anywhere 36 - 40 by the time you finished vet school IF you went through your pre reqs full time AND got into vet school on your first try.

I don't think this is the best plan. Why don't you join your colleges ROTC and let them pay for tuition and board and then apply to vet school and the Army HPSP after being accepted. This way you don't have to waist 2-6 years as an enlisted solider.

Just my 2 cents.

Yeah that is pretty much the timeline, but I may not leave the Army 😛 and may not go all the way to Vet School. I don't know for sure. I need something different in my life right now. I would like to work with animals in a veterinary setting but I cannot afford to go back to school right now. My state requires certification to be a Tech. Too many bills to pay and too much school loan to pay back first. I was in college 10 years ago and made some really poor choices. Otherwise I would be back in school already.

With the Army, I could pay back some School loans, serve my country, be forced to be physically fit and be able to go back to school later without having to pay for it all. And get a Salary. I can easily live off of under 30k a year. Shoot, the last few years with paying big bills, I've been living off of under 10k a year.

To be honest, with or without joining the Army right now, I would not be graduating Vet School until after I'm 36 anyways.

I haven't looked into ROTC. I just assumed that since I had already been in college and owe money, it wasn't an option. Right now I'm not allowed to go back unless I have money up front for it.

 

[Armymutt25A]

Sounds like a reasonable plan to me. Definitely successful. Did you finish undergrad? Might be worth pursuing OCS after you get comfortable in the Army. Less of a chance to work around vets, but the money and independence is better. You're basically where I was 10 years ago, though I decided I wanted a big adventure and went infantry. Kind of miss some of the aspects.

 

[wolfspeaker]

I don't think they allow females to go Infantry yet 😉

I did not finish Undergrad. Basically what happened, I got to college and discovered alcohol and freedom(my parents were pretty strict). I started failing classes because I wasn't going. My parents didn't have any money to help pay for college so in addition to my regular school loans(which didn't cover all of the costs) I got a school loan through my bank. The second year I shaped up and started getting A's and B's in all my classes, but the bank changed their policy for all school loans for everybody and now required a co-signer no matter what(I hadn't needed one before). My parents refused to co-sign and I had to drop out after 2nd year. It sucked. I got super depressed, went through multiple crappy jobs, spent too much money on things other than bills, etc. Defaulted on my loans because I couldn't pay them(had already deferred the maximum 2 times). Now it's a giant game of catch up and I definitely can't get another loan until these are payed off.


Not sure if I would like anything but working with the Vets and animals 😀 Unless it is something science related, but that is more Air Force area isn't it?

 

[Armymutt25A]

Science is more of an officer area. Sounds like the Tango is right up your alley. It's a good career field from what I've seen.

 

[lionking101]

I just recently started looking at going the Army route. To hear that coming from me is pretty crazy, as I have never even for a second seriously considered going into the Army. I think what attracts me most about this is that I would probably get a really solid foundation from which I could really grow as a veterinarian. Not to mention, the monetary debt that I wouldn't be in should I be accepted for the HPSP.

I guess the biggest question I have is what to expect should I enter the Army, and do you need to be in the Army in order to receive the HPSP? Quite honestly, I'm a little "hippie" girl from New Mexico who has never seriously looked at the military as an option. But now, it seems like an amazing opportunity to get through school and have a solid foundation for my future career as a veterinarian.

What do you guys think?

 

[fromthebox]

lionking - I think you have to want to be part of the Army to consider going that route. If you don't like authority or the general military culture - and on first glance it appears you don't then you will be unhappy there unless you adapt quickly. If you are looking at it from a purely monetary standpoint, remember that you are taking on a lot of stuff in order to receive that money.

I have considered the Army for years, even outside of my interest in Vet Med. I find that even though money is not a major concern for me when considering school I still have reservations about joining. So consider yourself, your eventual goals and the value of service vs loans. Many people do successfully pay off their loans, so don't think that's impossible either.