Post-military Career Plans and How AROTC factors into it

[ArmycadetMS19]

I love the military. No matter what branch, I will always respect and be grateful for the sacrifices the men and women make on a daily basis. However, I do not (currently) want to stay in the military forever and become a Colonel or even a General in the Army.

I'm currently planning on going to medical school after I serve 7-8 years of Active Duty in the Army. The first 4 years are to satisfy the ADSO after I (hopefully) receive a 2-year scholarship this fall, and the 3-4 years are for the GI bill.

Is there a good way for ROTC/the Army to fund my way through medical school besides the GI bill? I'm aware of the HSSP program, but I really want to go to medical school after my service has ended, not before.

Also, is there a way for me to contribute to the military or help out the servicemen after I get out of medical school?

Thanks for any input you may have.

 

[Capt MJ]

Look at your state's veteran's department or agency - names differ by state. It can also be any state where you establish residency (voting registration, etc.). Each state has its own veteran's benefits program separate from the Federal DVA and your GI Bill benefits. Quite often there is a generous educational benefit.

Many state universities have generous scholarships for vets. The Admissions/Registrar's Office is likely to have a veteran liaison. Both public and private universities with the VA Yellow Ribbon designation offer all kinds of help. Grad/professional schools too.

Examples:
- State of Illinois Veterans Grant
https://www.illinois.gov/veterans/benefits/Pages/education.aspx

- Yellow Ribbon
http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/yellow_ribbon/yrp_list_2016.asp

http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/yellow_ribbon.asp


Long way in the future, but it's good to have an awareness.


Edit: You might also want to come back in, even to another service, and commission into Medical Corps, either active or Reserve. I had a USNA grad who worked for me, submarine officer, who resigned his commission after his obligated service, went back to his home state for medical school, using his GI Bill and state grants, applied to be a Navy Reserve doc while working in a regular practice.

As far as helping, there are hundreds of military and veteran-related non-profit service organizations.