What are the opportunities for a Physician Assistant in the Reserves?

2018-09-12T00:08:01-04:00

I'm pretty close to being topped out both in terms of rank and potential leadership positions in the National Guard. While I enjoy being a provider, I found my time in command the most rewarding and that I really enjoy planning and operations. I wouldn't mind command again or medical operations. I have a little operations experience at the Brigade level but there few opportunities to advance either in that realm or in terms of rank or command possibilities in the in my state. I know most of the rank structure and units for AMEDD officers is in the reserves. If I transferred to the reserves would I be used strictly as a provider or have the opportunity for further leadership roles? What kind of units could I serve in? I've also heard Reserve units sometimes take care of Soldiers as well as the Guard. Just trying to make a 5-year plan.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2018 4:27 AM

2018-09-12T04:27:54-04:00

Ma’am, the best thing for you to do would be to contact an Army Reserve Career Counselor or one of the Army Reserve Careers Division Batallions. If you tell me the state you are in I get you the contact information you need.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Sep 12 at 2018 12:48 PM

2018-09-12T12:48:17-04:00

LTC Kevin B. Not sure you you have any insight about MEDCOM and the USAR in general.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2018 8:13 PM

2018-09-12T20:13:13-04:00

You can make it to Colonel and even possibly BG (just got our first SP BG who happens to be a Reservist)

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2018 12:03 AM

2018-09-13T00:03:08-04:00

You can find a command in the reserves if you are interested

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2018 5:41 PM

2018-09-17T17:41:46-04:00

MAJ Brown, What medical assets do you have in your state? Do you have MTOE and TDA units? MMB's have BN Command opportunities for 65D. Have you had an MCAS command? Some medical TDA units in the Army National Guard (depending on the state) will have command slots for
65D (0-6). I would recommend looking at all of your options as any organization Guard or Reserve does not want to lose dedicated Officers, NCO or Enlisted.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2018 8:23 PM

2018-09-19T20:23:41-04:00

MAJ Brown, I have had a similar experience in the National Guard and I am wondering “is there life after 0-4 for a PA in the NGB”. There are few to no slots anywhere but the MED DET, probably fewer than 10 PA MAJ slots and no AGR PA positions. I also wonder if the only alternative is to transfer to the Reserves.