How should I go about joining the Guard/Reserve as a nurse?

Ana H. — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 15:22:13 -0400

I have contacted a few recruiters both reserve and ANG in Texas and Oklahoma. We are originally from Texas but my husband is finishing up pilot training and we are unsure where we are headed next. I have my BSN and looking to serve “part-time”.

The reserves tell me I should wait until we know where we will be heading next and contact a recruiter in that area. I still haven’t gotten far with the guard (left VMs, sent Emails). Just looking for insight or guidance from current RNs in the guard/reserves! Thanks!!

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Jun 5 at 2018 3:37 PM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 15:37:37 -0400

I'm not an RN but I served many years in Hospital Units in the Reserves and also served as a Medical Platoon SGT in the Guard. I suggest talking to a Reserve Recruiter, I believe they have specialized recruiters that handle Medical Personnel, they should be able to give you the lowdown. It is much easier to transfer in the Reserves than the Guard because the Guard is State run. One thing I will say that if you decide to enlist and have any children you will have to have a family care plan as the chances of being deployed are quite high. Also Doctors and RNs in the Reserves go to a two week (I believe) Officer Course and no basic etc. Hope this helps some and I thank both your husband and you for serving or wanting to serve!!

Response by SPC James Dixon made Jun 5 at 2018 3:54 PM

SPC James Dixon — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 15:54:25 -0400

I have worked along side recruitors before. I would listen to them and pump the breaks for a couple months, at least until you know what you want and what your actually plans are. A recruiter won't want to touch you until they are sure your plans are set. You dont want to rush into something now and reliaze a year or two down the road that it was the wrong decesion. Sit tight and do your research to find the correct timeframe and state to enlist in. You don't want to get stuck in a state and you end up moving due to your husband's job and have to transfer states and units left and right.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 5 at 2018 4:57 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 16:57:34 -0400

I would stay civilian as the other route is fraught with separations.

Response by CPT Enrique M. made Jun 5 at 2018 6:47 PM

CPT Enrique M. — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 18:47:04 -0400

Army or airforce reserves?

Because if you do army , it's extremely easy to move units as a nurse. The hardest part is getting in. Once in you can plan your moves accordingly. Now if you find a slot in Texas and let's say your husband gets stationed in Arizona. You can technically idt and use lik to keep drilling in Texas until you find a unit near your husband's duty station.

For AF I am not sure if there is a lot of medical units and/or know the process of switching.

You got better choices in the army reserves to be completely honest.

I would not do national guard .. you are pretty much married to the state you join

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2018 7:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 19:39:31 -0400

Don’t! Go active. Do not go reserve you will wish you went active.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Jun 6 at 2018 12:29 AM

LTC John Mohor — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 00:29:54 -0400

With being married to an Active Duty Service member your best bet is going reserve. Look into Direct Appointments if going Army or Air Force. Not sure that Navy Medical would be conducive drill / Battle Assembly weekends!

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2019 5:11 PM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 17:11:17 -0500

I worked in a navy recruiting office. Go navy. I won't put figures out there, but navy nurses get a good bonus to be in the reserves.
What branch is your husband learning to fly for?

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Nov 3 at 2020 6:07 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 18:07:04 -0500

How did things turn out for you?

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made May 19 at 2021 1:18 AM

MSG John Duchesneau — Wed, 19 May 2021 01:18:43 -0400

Nurses are in high demand in both in the active and reserve components. I suggest you visit a medical unit in your area and talk to the head nurse and unit commander. They will probably be happy to have you and tell you what you need to do.