What are your reasons for wanting to become part of the Army Reserve? Everybody has a different answer to this question. However, there is one thing that you don’t want to overlook: the money. In addition to regular paychecks, many who join the Army Reserve are eligible for bonuses.

It is good to know that you have the ability to earn extra money in the Army Reserve. This may go a long way in making your decision an easier one. From one time bonuses to those that are awarded based on education or special training, your options run deep.

Note: contact a local recruiter for more information on which bonuses you are eligible for.

Types of Bonuses in the Reserve

Although your recruiter can give you the most up to date information on Army Reserve bonuses, there are some basic options that you should be aware of.

Army Reserve Enlistment Bonus

For non-prior service applicants enlisting for a period of six years, an enlistment bonus of up to $20,000 is available.

Civilian Skills Bonus

Do you have civilian skills that the Army Reserve is seeking? If so, you can enlist in a critical skill specialty and receive a bonus of up to $20,000 via the Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program.

Officer Candidate School Bonus

Bonuses are often times available to Warrant Officer candidates and those attending Army Reserve Officer Candidate School.

Again, these are just a few of the many bonuses offered by the Army Reserve. You need to speak with your recruiter to get a better idea of whether or not you qualify for these bonuses or any others.

A bonus is just one way that you can be compensated for serving in the Army Reserve. Your recruiter can help you seek positions that offer bonuses, while ensuring that you get involved in the career area that is best for you.

With the cost of college tuition on the rise, many students are looking for financial assistance. In addition to traditional financial aid, such as loans and grants, there is another option to consider: Army ROTC scholarships.

When you join the Army ROTC you may qualify for scholarships and stipends that will help pay for your education. In other words, you will get the same college degree as other students – but you won’t have to pay nearly as much money, if anything at all.

No matter if you are a college or high school student, there is a good chance you will qualify for an Army ROTC scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based on merit, such as your grades, not financial need.

An Army ROTC scholarship can consist of the following:

• Full tuition scholarship



• Two, three, and four year Army ROTC scholarships based on how much school you have remaining



• Room and board scholarship, as opposed to tuition, for qualified students



• Additional allowances for fees and books

Living Expenses for Scholarship Recipients

Along with an Army ROTC scholarship that pays your tuition, you may be eligible for a monthly living allowance. The amount you receive is based on your current level in the Army ROTC program.

• 1^st year students receive $300/month



• 2^nd year students receive $350/month



• 3^rd year students receive $450/month



• 4^th year students receive $500/month

There is a good chance that you will qualify for an Army ROTC scholarship, regardless of your current level of education. At this time, there are programs for high school students, college students, and enlisted soldiers who are interested in becoming an Officer.

With so much “free money” available, it is easy to see why many students are interested in obtaining an Army ROTC scholarship as opposed to more traditional financial aid. As long as you qualify and have a strong interest in serving in the Army upon graduation, this type of scholarship is perfect for you.

Your career options in the Army National Guard are nearly unlimited. No matter what you are interested in you will find a career that matches your skills. However, the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) has quickly become one of the top career fields.

If you are looking for a place to start your healthcare career, consider joining the Army National Guard – you will not be disappointed with this decision.

Not only will you learn a lot about your chosen profession, but you will receive training from top personnel while also having the chance to work with some of the most advanced medical equipment in the world.

Medical Career Categories

There are three main career categories within the medical field in the Army National Guard.

Medical Professional Officers

As a Medical Professional Officer you can focus on a variety of specialties including: physician, dentist, physician assistant, medical administrator, medical or dental student, registered nurse, and family nurse practitioner.

Which one of these career paths is right for you?

Medical Service Corps

When you become part of the National Guard Medical Service Corps you are in position to pursue your desired career while improving your leadership skills. From patient administration to training to administrative work, this category is full of opportunities.

Career fields include: aviation, behavioral sciences, environmental sciences, medical administration, and preventative medicine.

Physician Assistants

As a physician assistant you will work alongside Army National Guard physicians and other medical professionals. When you take on this career, you will become an officer trained to work with medical professionals in a number of critical situations.

Bonuses

Almost every position in the Army Medical Department has a bonus or loan repayment program. With this type of financial assistance it is much easier to get involved with your desired career category.

Although there are hundreds of career opportunities in the Army National Guard, those within the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) have become extremely popular.

As part of the U.S. Army, you have access to some of the greatest minds in the world. This definitely holds true when it comes to the career management portion of your enlistment. You will never be on your own, regardless of if you are choosing a career, have questions related to your pay or benefits, or need help in another area. The same holds true once you are comfortably working your job, day in and day out.

Want to join the Army? Request more information today.

U.S. Army Career Counselors

These professionals focus on counseling and mentoring Army soldiers as well as their family members. From career opportunities to special programs and benefits, a career counselor can show you the way.

Regardless of which questions you have, a counselor can get you the right answers. As a soldier in the Army you will have access to a high trained career counselor.

U.S. Army Human Resources Command

Just like any good company, the Army relies on a strong human resources department. The U.S. Army Human Resources Command provides all HR services to soldiers, retirees, family members, and veterans. As the largest human resources organization in the world, you can expect to receive top notch service as well as accurate answers to any questions.

The U.S. Army Human Resources Command manages all of the following: promotions, awards, soldier schooling, appointments, retirement, transfers, benefits, and more.

Military Entrance Processing Organization

The Military Entrance Processing Station is responsible for more than just the U.S. Army. This organization, also known as MEPS, plays an important role in ensuring that every new member of the military meets the medical, moral, and mental standards that are currently required by the Department of Defense.

This organization is responsible for the following military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.

When you join the U.S. Army you are not left to fend for yourself. There are many career management services, from career counselors to HR professionals, who can help you make the right decisions.

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) offers up to 36 months of education based benefits to eligible active duty soldiers (as well as veterans) for a variety of programs including: college; technical, business, or vocational school; on the job training or apprenticeship; refresher training; flight training; and correspondence courses.

While the above may not make full sense, this will: if you are eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill you can receive a monthly payment of at least $579 (more on eligibility requirements below).

Learn more about joining the Army and taking advantage of this education benefit, among others.

Eligibility for the Montgomery GI Bill

As an active duty soldier, you may be eligible for this education benefit after serving only two years of active duty. In other words, you don’t have to wait a long time to take advantage – this alone is a huge benefit.

Additionally, you must have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate.

Payment Rates

Let’s face it: most people are interested in the payment/benefit that they are going to receive. Rates are based on the following:

• Length of enlistment
• Type of training
• Number of classes you are enrolled in
• Participation in a college fund program
• Participation in the buy-up program

Note: rates are determined by Congress and generally change every year.

Rates for Full-Time Training

• Original enlistment of less than three years – $1,158 per month
• Original enlistment of three years or more – $1,426 per month

Rates for Part-Time Training

• ½ time with original enlistment of less than three years – $579 per month
• ½ time with original enlistment of three years or more – $713
• ¾ time with original enlistment of less than three years – $868.50
• ¾ time with original enlistment of three years or more – $1,069.50

How to Apply for the Montgomery GI Bill

To get started, complete VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits or visit the Veterans Affairs website.

Every position in the Army is an important one. No matter where you fit in, you are doing your part in protecting and serving your country – and it does not get any more important than that. However, you want to be selective when choosing a career category and job. This decision will affect you for a very long time.

Do you have specific career goals that do not align with the more “traditional” Army jobs and careers? If so, you may want to consider a specialized career. No matter if you are looking to put a certain degree to use or are only interested in serving part-time, there is a specialization to consider.

9 Specialized Army Careers

You weren’t expecting this decision to be easy, were you? There are nine specialized Army careers – all of which have something unique to offer.

Army Reserve

Are you interested in training close to home, continuing your education, and serving your country part-time? If so, becoming part of the Army Reserve is a great idea. There are more than 120 jobs within the Army Reserve, so you will not have a difficult time finding one that matches your experience and skills.

Army Bands

If you enjoy music (like many people do) you are going to have a great time in the Army Band. With this special unit, you have the ability to express your talents through music. Does it get any better than this? You get to be part of the Army, while still focusing on what you love.

Army Chaplain Corps

When you become part of the Army Chaplain Corps you have the unique chance to serve both God and your country at the same time.

Army Law

This team is also known as the JAG Corps. With this opportunity, you will receive firsthand legal experience. This is unlike anything that you would run into while going through law school.

Army Health Care

Known as the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD) you are responsible for the health of soldiers all over the world. Did you know that AMEDD is one of the largest health systems in the entire world? Wouldn’t you like to be part of that?

Special Forces

If you have the desire to “do more” while expressing your creativity and taking on special missions, this is the right career choice for you. While training is rigorous and missions complex, most people in the Special Forces wouldn’t have it any other way.

Army Rangers

What do you know about the 75^th Ranger Regiment? If nothing else, remember this: the unit is the best of the best when it comes to light infantry special operations.

Army Linguist

Do you speak more than one language? If so, the Army wants to speak with you. Those with the ability to understand and communicate with those from different cultures are in high demand. If you are fluent in a language other than English, consider becoming a Linguist in the Army.

Warrant Officers

If you want to do more with your career, you should consider becoming a Warrant Officer. With this, you will become an expert/trainer in your particular field. You can then provide your knowledge and guidance to those who are moving up through the ranks. Are you interested in a more specialized position in the Army? If so, consider the nine opportunities detailed above.

No matter if you choose to serve in the Army Reserve or full-time on Active Duty, your goal remains the same: to become a soldier in the United States Army. Either way, you need to be aware of the steps to take towards enlisting.

The Army follows a simple process for soldiers interested in enlisting. Once you know which steps to follow, you will find yourself on the right path in no time at all.

Step One: Apply Online through the Army Website

This is an optional step, although one that many prospective soldiers take. You can submit your information to the army through its website. This process only takes a few minutes, and does not put you under any obligation to join. In short, this is the first step in having a recruiter contact you to determine if you meet the necessary qualifications.

Step Two: Contact a Recruiter

You can cut the first step out of the process by contacting a local Army recruiter on your own. Think of your recruiter as a guide who can answer all your questions about the Army, from how to join to how much you will get paid and much more. Regardless of where you live, there is an Army recruiter in your area. Again, just because you meet with a recruiter does not mean you are obligated to enlist. For some, this is nothing more than an informational session.

Step Three: Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

Don’t worry; this test is nothing to be afraid of. In short, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is nothing more than a multiple choice exam that helps you determine your strengths and weaknesses, and in turn choose the Army career that is best for you.

Step Four: Visit the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS)

When you are ready to join the Army you will visit the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). Your recruiter can point you in the right direction, at the right time. Upon visiting MEPS you will get a physical, select your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), and be sworn in as a soldier. This is a big day in your life – you are finally becoming part of the Army.

Many people believe that joining the Army is a long, drawn out task. Nothing could be further from the truth. By following these four steps (three if you skip the first one) you can quickly enlist in the Army and begin serving and defending your country.

When you enlist in the Army you are taking the first step in serving and defending your country. At the same time, you are taking the first step in starting a career that you can enjoy for many years to come.

With hundreds upon hundreds of Army careers and jobs to consider, finding one that matches your skills and interests should be a simple task. However, an abundance of options means that you have to be extremely selective – this is the only way to ensure a confident decision.

Below are several questions to answer as you begin your quest to choose the best career:

1. Are you Active Duty or in the Army Reserve?

2. Are you an Enlisted Soldier or an Army Officer?

3. Do you have any interest in a particular career or job category?

While answering these three questions will put you on the right track, you are far from complete. Even after you have a better idea of where you stand, there will still be several positions that match what you are looking for.

Army Career Options

For a better idea of what you will face during the selection process, here is a list of career categories: Administrative Support, Arts and Media, Combat, Computers and Technology, Construction and Engineering, Intelligence and Combat Support, Legal and Law Enforcement, Mechanics, Medical and Emergency, and Transportation and Aviation.

Easy enough, right? Well, you are not finished just yet. Once you know which career category suits you best, you then have to choose a job within the field.

For example, there are many jobs in the Medical and Emergency category including but not limited to: Pharmacy Specialist, Dental Specialist, Health Care Specialist, Nutrition Care Specialist, Nurse Corps Officer, Dental Corps Officer, Medical Corps Officer, and Radiologist Specialist.

As you can see, saying that you want to join the Medical and Emergency field is just the start. You have to narrow your focus to ensure that you are working a job that is exactly right for you.

Need help choosing an Army career? Don’t worry; your recruiter can supply you with all the necessary advice and information. While this is your choice, don’t be afraid to get advice from others.

With more than 100 ways to become a soldier in the Army, it is important to be careful as you search for and select a career and job that will keep you busy for many years to come.

Army public health nurses work to improve the lives of soldiers and their families. Army public health nurses investigate the health requirements of communities and then plan public education and therapies to address those needs. Army public health nurses affect the outcomes of inpatient, outpatient and home care cases.

Army public health nurses are officers in the Army’s Advanced Health Care Organization. As officers, Army nurses enjoy decision making authority in their work that is superior to that of civilian nurses.

According to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, the ten essential public health services provided by Army public health nurses are:
1. Monitoring community health status.
2. Diagnosing and investigating health issues.
3. Health education.
4. Directing communities to correct health issues.
5. Public health policy and plan writing.
6. Ensuring Health policy compliance.
7. Connecting people with the health services they require.
8. Maintaining licensing and educational competencies of Army public health nurses.
9. Evaluating current services.
10. Conducting research.

Some of the specific fields Army Public Health Nurses work with may include: tuberculosis, epidemiology and disease Control, mother and children programs, sexually transmitted infections, family safety and health education.

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Benefits
The Accession Bonus is a sign-on bonus of up to $30,000 for qualified applicants. Army nurses may also be eligible for the Health Professions Loan Repayment Program, which offers up to $120,000 to repay nursing school loans. Army nurses are also eligible for paid continuing education which includes clinical specialization courses.

Most Army nurses receive health, life and dental insurance, retirement, housing stipends and 30 days of paid vacation each year.

Education Requirements
All Army Nurses are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited college. Qualifying accreditations include programs accepted by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Army public health nurses are also required to attend additional courses, including the Army Occupation Code Producing Course and the Principles of Military Preventive Medicine. Some of the topics that may be covered include:
Military Environmental / Occupational Health
Public Health Case Management
Military Reportable Conditions
Family Advocacy
Military Population Health Education
Mass Vaccination Program
Community, Family, Individual Assessment
Rapid Health Assessment
Epidemiology
Humanitarian Assistance
Public Health Emergency Response
Risk Communication

Age and Citizenship Requirements
Army public health nurses must be between 21 and 42 years at the time of entry. Those who do not meet this requirement may request a waiver. Army public health nurses are also required to be US citizens.

There are many different reasons why people join the United States Army. One of the main reasons why people join is because of the benefits they can receive by joining. This includes the ability to have comprehensive medical coverage for each personnel member as well as the rest of their family. Making this possible includes many different positions through the Army medical field. This includes those who work as a health care specialist in the US Army.

What You Will Do

When you work as a health care specialist, you will work directly under a physician in order to make sure that each individual seeking medical attention is getting exactly what they need to stay healthy. This includes making sure to keep impeccable records for each and every personnel member. This has meant currently a switch from paper files to the computerized records which allow the US Army to stay current with all medical records regardless of what medical facility a US Army soldier might end up at.

Get the information you need to start your adventure by clicking here!

Get the Training

While others toils away to make the money that they will need to pay for medical classes, you will go through a sixteen week advanced training course. You will learn how to maintain files, basic medical procedures and the different pieces of equipment you will encounter in the commission of your responsibilities. Click on the link above to find out how you can get started in this and other careers in the US Army.