- Joined
- Apr 5, 2005
- Messages
- 1,507
- Reaction score
- 337
I'm in the middle of applying for Navy HPSP, mainly because I've already got lots of years in the system towards my 20. Also because I'm ineligible for any federal student loans, due to my income in 2005 as a fulltime CRNA. (I guess the fact that I would be making zero in 2006 as a medical student has no bearing on the federal loan decision makers.)
Before starting the pile of HPSP paperwork, I made sure BUMED would give me an age waiver. I had it in writing from the O-6 who controlled (past tense) HPSP scholarships: "no problem." In fact, he said (and I quote): "Age waivers are not a problem. In fact the only thing not waiverable is death, and we're working on that as well."
I felt good about my HPSP chances, especially considering how 50% of Navy HPSP dollars were left on the table last August, unused.
I recently found out my friendly O-6 has transferred, and his replacement told me today "BUMED is not in favor of age waivers."
OK Navy, you're 50% manned in the HPSP pipeline, you have a motivated applicant with lots of prior military service (currently drilling as an O-4 NC reservist) and you play Indian-giver with him.
I'm loathe to go $250,000 in hock with private loans, or take that out of my 401(k) and sacrifice all those tax-deferred earnings over the next eight years (as med student and resident). What to do? I'm 49 and don't have five decades of potential private practice opportunity in front of me, to make up the losses from the 401(k).
Before starting the pile of HPSP paperwork, I made sure BUMED would give me an age waiver. I had it in writing from the O-6 who controlled (past tense) HPSP scholarships: "no problem." In fact, he said (and I quote): "Age waivers are not a problem. In fact the only thing not waiverable is death, and we're working on that as well."
I felt good about my HPSP chances, especially considering how 50% of Navy HPSP dollars were left on the table last August, unused.
I recently found out my friendly O-6 has transferred, and his replacement told me today "BUMED is not in favor of age waivers."
OK Navy, you're 50% manned in the HPSP pipeline, you have a motivated applicant with lots of prior military service (currently drilling as an O-4 NC reservist) and you play Indian-giver with him.
I'm loathe to go $250,000 in hock with private loans, or take that out of my 401(k) and sacrifice all those tax-deferred earnings over the next eight years (as med student and resident). What to do? I'm 49 and don't have five decades of potential private practice opportunity in front of me, to make up the losses from the 401(k).