Navy or Air Force Orthopaedics

Currently a PGY-1 in a civilian five-year orthopaedic surgery residency. Contemplating signing up for the US Navy or US Air Force FAP for the final 4 years of my residency. Appreciate any information/opinions/advice... thanks in advance.

don't do it. how's that for advice? i looked into it and it wasn't for me. the recruiter still hounds me with letters (now 3 years later). you have to remember that there really is no free lunch.

Thanks for the advice, but what's for you or not for you may not necessarily be the same as for me. What exactly about the program did you like/not like that led to your decision?

Background: grew up in a military family with an enlisted army NCO father. He retired when I was 14, and in that time, I had the opportunity to travel to Northeast Asia and all over Europe for almost nine years.

Leaning towards the Navy (I don't know, just seems like a better choice all around), and the Air Force is looking into whether or not they'll need me (i.e., they may not fund me) in five years.

Have the application... going to start filling it out. Still thinking it over and talking with people. Haven't been pressured at all yet, and so far, I've had all of my questions answered (most by more than one person... only one is a recruiter... the others are positioned on different rungs of the ladder).

Thanks in advance for any and all advice...

if you want to travel, are psyched to serve, and can handle military atmosphere (good and bad) then it's a great deal. you make more money as a resident, less as an attending, but when you get done you have another strong networking tool, as a huge number of practicing physicians came through military programs.
my only advice is this: if you are married, or are dating someone you could remotely picture being married to, discuss this with them. as you found growing up, the decision affects your whole family for the duration of your commitment, and not every spouse will dig it as much as your mom must have.
i'm air force, btw, and the places AF goes aren't as tropical as navy, but there's no time at sea. plus, geez, that white uniform.

cheers.
firegirl

Just curious, did you ever apply for FAP?
If so, how's it going?
Are there any snags that you've encountered?

What if they don't allow you to go immediately into ortho and make you do general practice for a few years first? Is there a guarantee that you go straight into ortho? What about finishing ortho and then going into the military?