Quote:
Originally Posted by nire120
I have a bunch of questions...I am a mid-20s woman and just finished my Masters of Public Health. I am seriously considering joing the Navy reserves as a way to pay off student loans (I have close to 6 figures of student loans).
1. Would I be able to become an officer in the reserves because I have a masters? How do I do this? What are the benefits?
2. I don't think I can take advantage of the student loan program if I am an officer. Does it make more sense to enter as an enlistee and take the (taxed) student loan relief or to enter as an officer and take the increased pay?
3. Am I able to change jobs/move around the country and still be in the reserves?
4. How likely is it that I would be deployed?
5. Does anyone have any experience in the reserves? What's it like?
Thanks in advance
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1. Yes, you would go through OCS (in Newport, RI). Unless it's changed all but the very top of the class receive a Reserve Commission. You would then go on to your specialty training (Aviation, Surface Warfare, etc.). Expect to serve a period of active duty after commissioning (in aviation it used to be 6 years, I don't know what it is now).
2. I don't know.
3. Yes, if you're in the Reserves.
4. Very likely, all the branches are looking at downsizing. That means the likelihood of deployment increases. Plus IT'S THE NAVY, deployment is accepted and expected. As an officer your advancement hinges on performance and deployments. I'll come back to this later.
5. Reserve duty is just that. Monthly training plus an extended time sometime during the year.
Do not do this unless you are willing to do what the Navy (or any branch) orders you to do. The military is not just another job. It's a calling. Hence my comment about deployments. Going on cruise is what you do as a member of the Navy. If you are lucky (and good) they let you do things like fly multi-million dollar planes or drive billion dollar boats.
Your military service will color and drive you the rest of your life. From things like getting the job done to how you fold your underwear.
I would tell you, with your degrees, to explore OCS. Not doing so would, in my opinion all you Chiefs and Gunnies out there, be a waste of your academic training.
Also, if you wish to be commissioned you need to talk to a recruiter who specializes in that. They usually come to college campuses.
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