Military PTA

Is there anyone out there who is a PTA in the military? I'm currently a traveler PTA, but I figure being in the military would offer a much better retirement. I spoke with an Air Force recruiter a couple years ago but he was saying my chances were slim to get a PTA job. Jut wondering if there's anyone who could give me insight on this in any branch. Thanks

I was an Air Force PTA for 8 years. You often times do not go in with a guaranteed job. If a recruiter promises you something, make sure it's in writing. They are also contracting out a lot of therapy due to budget cuts. Case in point, my old boss retired after 20+ years in the Air Force. He got the same job as a contractor immediately after retiring. Basically he retired on a Friday & went back to work in civilian clothes on Monday. The Air Force & Army probably have the best PTA programs. The Navy generally trains you as a corpsman (medic) then you specialize from there. I believe the Army does the same. That would be two times the dice would have to roll on your number. Also, the retirement in the military isn't the greatest, unless you are an officer. Currently, you retire with 40% of your base pay (no housing allowance, etc) after 20 years. The higher rank, the more money. If you retired as an E7 (typical after 20 years) the saying used to be that it would pay the mortgage payment. You would need another job for sure. A quick look at the pay chart - would be about $1675/mo after 20 years, at E7 pay grade. If you are looking for retirement, etc I'd do Reserves. You keep your current civilian job, stay put where you are, get military training & if you do minimum 20 years you get a retirement check & medical benefits at 60.

Ok thanks a lot. That's very helpful

Hi bluelineman,

Are you still out there? I am considering doing a DPT with the AF. I read your comment on the reserves, but also heard that reserves are the first ones to go to war? Please let me know.

Thanks!

If you plan on doing DPT, do it BEFORE you join the military. There might be a program that pays for your DPT program as long as you sign up for so long after graduating. Talk to a recruiter. If this is your plan, DO NOT join up hoping you will get selected for it. The needs of the military come before any of your needs once you are in. Back when I was in, there was no physical therapy in the Reserves. Their website says it is available to officers. My buddy that is still in (he does aeromedical evacuation) says he's never seen a Reserve PT. But yes, Reserves can get called up at any time a Federal need arises. Generally it's for something big like Iraq/Afghanistan, etc.