Difference between Air Force Reserves and Army Reserves as a Physical Therapist?

2020-12-09T12:22:42-05:00

Hi I am looking at joining the reserves in the next 6 months and was wondering if anyone could enlighten me on what may be different between AF or Army reserves as an officer in a specific specialty? I saw online that the pay is the same for reservist no matter which branch but are time requirements different? are physical fitness requirements different? sign on bonuses? I just would like to know as much as possible because right now it feels like picking between 2 options that sound exactly the same.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Dec 9 at 2020 2:52 PM

2020-12-09T14:52:58-05:00

Air Force requirements are higher. Minimum mandatory education is Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) or an entry-level DPT.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2020 4:24 PM

2020-12-09T16:24:23-05:00

Other than uniforms, should be about the same.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Dec 9 at 2020 5:29 PM

2020-12-09T17:29:57-05:00

The medical side is pretty interchangeable in regards to how DHA runs things now. You will even see different branches popping up at each others MTF's. The biggest difference is the culture of the specific Military Branch. Each is unique in their own way with their own sub cultures and hang ups.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Dec 13 at 2020 5:19 PM

2020-12-13T17:19:30-05:00

Each branch of service is a bit different with regards to culture, fitness testing, time in grade for promotions, bonuses, pro-pay based on your certifications ( i.e. Ortho, Wound Care, etc), drilling locations near you, and more. I would suggest you talk to an officer recruiter for medical and find out what the needs of the service currently are, and what billets are available in your area. Good place to start your search.

Good luck!

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2021 11:50 AM

2021-03-20T11:50:28-04:00

Curious if there was an update on your status? I just came across this thread. I can try to answer a few of your questions. Yes, physical fitness standards are different. The Army is moving to the ACFT (you can google to see the 6 events) which is much different than the previous APFT. It is much more of a cross fit-type regimen. Comparing the AF fitness test to the previous Army fitness test, the run for AF is a half mile shorter, and the scoring standards are different. The AF also has separate grading standards for Male vs Female. In the new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) Males and Females are scored on the same scale. Your AOC/MOS (your job title) will determine the minimum required score.

Currently there are no sign on or incentive bonuses for 65B (physical therapist) for the Army. You may be eligible for school loan repayment. There is Specialty pay available for any ABPTS certifications, i.e, OCS, SCS, GCS, ets. This is $500/mont, tax free, for active duty. Two years ago they made this available to Reservists on a prorated basis. So if you drill for 2 days (4 MUTAs) you will get $500/30 x 4 for the weekend you spent on Active Duty for Training (ADT). I am unsure if the AF offers Specialty Pay.

The AF is a little more laid back and posh, and probably less likely to deploy with an AF unit. Your duties as an Army Reservist 65B will depend greatly on the unit you are in and the region of the country you are in. Your first couple of years are going to be spent doing the basics, Security clearance, getting through Direct Commission Course (DCC) and Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC). These are hybrid-type courses where you do modules online then several weeks in class on site, most likely at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio. Once you get through these you will then be qualified to actually do your job in the Mil, prior to that you will not be qualified to deploy or do any active duty time, ADOS for example. You will drill with your unit and may or may not go on Annual Training (AT) depending on their policies, type of unit, and roster needs.

Deployment as a Reservist is not guaranteed and there will be times where your unit may gear up for a deployment and it does not materialize. Much of this depends on unit type and location. There are folks that have many years of service and have never deployed. With the draw down and slowing OP tempo in the Middle east there are fewer opportunities to deploy either Stateside or overseas. However, if you make it known that you are available and willing there are opportunities and mechanisms to put your name in the hat to spend some time on Active Duty.