Posted on May 17, 2019
What advice do you have for a prior-service Infantryman who wants to pursue an education and become an Officer in the medical field?
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I've recently been separated from the us army. I did 12 yrs as an infantryman. 32 yrs of age. I want to pursue an education and eventually become an officer in the medical field. Any advice? Good or bad will do. Thanks
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Prior Service
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Advice
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 17
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Better hurry before you miss the age cut off! You only live once persue your passion!
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SGT Tim Fletcher - Direct commission through AMEDD is a great opportunity. Seeing that you tagged pharmacy I'm going to assume you're planning on pursuing that route?
Speak to an AMEDD Recruiter as soon as possible to get a working knowledge of all of the programs. They are specialized in all of the options available for the Army Medical Department and are a different type of recruiter. Off the top of my head, you'd want to look into the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) or even the Uniformed Services University for Health Sciences (USUHS). Below are links to medical recruiters and info on those programs.
https://recruiting.army.mil/mrb/
https://m.goarmy.com/amedd/education/hpsp.m.html
https://www.usuhs.edu/
Now if you're wanting to look at 70B- Healthcare administration, that's a great option in AMEDD that allows you to be an officer in any number of functional areas. It's not something you'd pursue if you have plans of becoming a provider, but I'm particularly fond of the AOC myself.
Speak to an AMEDD Recruiter as soon as possible to get a working knowledge of all of the programs. They are specialized in all of the options available for the Army Medical Department and are a different type of recruiter. Off the top of my head, you'd want to look into the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) or even the Uniformed Services University for Health Sciences (USUHS). Below are links to medical recruiters and info on those programs.
https://recruiting.army.mil/mrb/
https://m.goarmy.com/amedd/education/hpsp.m.html
https://www.usuhs.edu/
Now if you're wanting to look at 70B- Healthcare administration, that's a great option in AMEDD that allows you to be an officer in any number of functional areas. It's not something you'd pursue if you have plans of becoming a provider, but I'm particularly fond of the AOC myself.
The official website for the Army Recruiting Command (USAREC)
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I went the direct route (joined in the reserves and made SGT and then Green to Gold). My biggest advice is rely on your NCO knowledge but dont step into the NCO lane unless absolutely required. It sounds easy but as a PL I would find myself taking over NCO tasks because I was familiar.
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LTC Jason Mackay
True. The trap that gets many prior service officers. The confusing part is that it will serve him well as a cadet, as most roles evaluated are at the Squad level. So being a hooah squad leader will be rewarded.
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MAJ Hugh Blanchard
Good advice. As a former enlisted soldier and NCO I had to watch my step when I received my commission. But I had a great NCOIC at my first unit. We had some very helpful talks when he thought I was stepping into his lane.
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