Which branch should I join to serve as a Reservist LPN?

Yuliya Baran — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 10:04:51 -0400

Hi guys, I got a question.... I am 34 years old, I have been an LPN since 2014, I am interested in joining a reserve .... which branch would you recommend ?

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jun 6 at 2021 10:30 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 10:30:12 -0400

Go to a recruiting office which has multiple service reserve recruiters and see who offers you the best deal rank wise. Those things change.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jun 6 at 2021 10:52 AM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 10:52:45 -0400

If you are wanting to work as an LPN in the military, you must join a branch that has them and last I knew the Air Force and Navy certainly do not. The only branch I know of that you will actually use an LPN license is the Army. The other branches will tell you they use LPNs but really all they are is medics with a larger scope of practice. Stateside I cannot assign them patients like I can assign you patients. Granted this can change as an RN I do not go around checking LPN policy every year but I would be surprised if it has. Most likely the best option for you will be the Army Reserves as they have the most medical for the Army that is not active duty.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2021 11:14 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 11:14:09 -0400

I was an LPN both Army active duty then Reserves. Used educational benefits while in Reserves and had my ASN and BSN funded. Came back active duty Army for nurse anesthetist graduate school. Find a service that both uses you as an LPN in case you are activated and utilize the education benefits. The difference in pay from LPN to RN is tremendous both civilian or military side and the work may not be that much different.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2021 11:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 11:21:48 -0400

You can join the Army Reserves, or Regular Army, under the ACASP (Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program) and access directly as an E5. Plus, because your license is part of your MOS requirements they will pay for the CEUs, training requirements, and license fees for the upkeep of your license. They'll also offer opportunities for advanced training and certifications, pay for them, and pay you for attending them while serving.

Response by PO3 Rick Lewis made Jun 6 at 2021 12:55 PM

PO3 Rick Lewis — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 12:55:13 -0400

Go Navy! You would be a major asset to the Navy and very much appreciated.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2021 1:12 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 13:12:14 -0400

Most of us will recommend our branch, except the Marines, who do not have any medical corps. I would sit down with the reserve and Guard recruiters in your area. See who has medical units in your area or a radius in which you wouldn’t mind commuting. The best service is like the best gun, dog, or underwear. It really is a personal choice.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 6 at 2021 1:14 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 13:14:41 -0400

U need 2 b cognizant if there is a pay disparity between your civilian job 2 the deployed or mobilized pay.

Response by Yuliya Baran made Jun 6 at 2021 2:35 PM

Yuliya Baran — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 14:35:04 -0400

Ok, thank you guys for your input ... I will call local recruiters and go from there ...

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jun 6 at 2021 4:21 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 16:21:36 -0400

A friend of mine did really well with the Army Reserve. They sent him to Nursing School at Penn.

Response by SPC Michael Aldridge made Feb 21 at 2022 4:44 PM

SPC Michael Aldridge — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 16:44:11 -0500

Reminds me of a joke I heard.
An Admiral, a Army General and an Air Force General were talking about who had the bravest people.
The Admiral saw a Sailor ND told him to catch that anchor as it fell. SPLAT! No more Sailor. The Admiral looks over and says that's bravery.
Not to be outdone. The Army General tells a Soldier to stop a speeding tank. The Soldier jumps in front of the tank and SQUISH! The Army General looks at the other 2 men and says "That's bravery".
The Air Force General sees an Airman on the flight line and tells him to stop that jet landing. The Airman looks at the General and says "F-you, Sir", The Air Force General looks at the other to officers and says, " Now that gentlemen is bravery."