Explore this page to get a better understanding of the expectations and responsibilities of this role within the Military.
Medical Residency Programs
What to Expect
As a resident, you will be a member of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Members of the IRR are trained Soldiers who may be called upon to replace others who are in active-duty and/or Reserve units.
While in the IRR, you will not wear a uniform and you will not be pulled away from medical training for deployments. During your annual training, you will be considered an active-duty officer, and you will receive pay and benefits equal to those of a captain in the Army or Air Force or a lieutenant in the Navy.
For medical residents, the Financial Assistance Program (FAP) includes an annual grant and a stipend for required books, equipment and supplies, and payment of any required tuition.
Application Checklist
- Get accepted to a civilian residency program.
- Determine if you are eligible to join the Military.
- Contact a recruiter for each Service that interests you. You can apply solely to the Services that interest you or you can apply to all three — Army, Navy or Air Force.
- Your recruiter or recruiters will schedule a preliminary interview.
- Fill out a separate application for each Service that interests you.
- Your recruiter will schedule a physical examination for you via a Military Entrance Processing Station or the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board.
Service Commitment
In exchange for your financial assistance, you will be required to participate in one 14-day annual training period for every year you spend in the program. Deployments to bases or locations within the United States or overseas may also be a requirement, depending on the specific needs of the Military at the time of your service commitment.
In total, you will receive a minimum Active Duty Obligation (ADO) of two years (or one-half year for every half year or less you spend under your FAP sponsorship, whichever is greater). For additional information, explore these part-time service opportunities for residents.
Topic Categories
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Military Medicine 101
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Applying + What to Expect
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Education + Training
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Careers + Lifestyle