Army National Guard speaks about program aimed at medical students

The pressure of providing for his family and dealing with the poor economy has caused Dan Grutter to consider joining the Army National Guard.

Grutter, a second-year osteopathic medicine student, attended an Army National Guard recruiting presentation Monday in Fee Hall that explained a program that was created in July 2008 specifically for medical students.

“I’m looking for a way to cut down debt and an alternative to keep my wife from having to work,” Grutter said.

Third-year osteopathic medicine student Josh Rookus presented information about the benefits of joining the program, including pay, insurance and the possibility of nondeployment. Rookus, a second lieutenant, said students are recruited about four times per year.

“We mostly advertise to classmates by wearing our backpacks,” Rookus said.

The program is an eight-year commitment during which students spend six years drilling and two years in either inactive-ready reserve or an additional two years drilling. One weekend a month, students complete drilling requirements by giving soldiers physicals and completing paperwork, Rookus said.

Although Rookus didn’t join the Army National Guard until a year ago, he said he grew up in a military family and enjoys providing this service to the U.S.

“I get a lot of pride out of serving my country,” Rookus said.

Before joining the program in July 2009, second-year osteopathic medicine student David Teeples was a member of the Army National Guard in Utah before moving to Michigan for medical school.

“It’s good to help people out, especially people who have kids or have other obligations and need the money a little more,” said Teeples, a second lieutenant.

Teeples said his family was spending a lot of money on insurance, which they no longer need to do because it’s one of the benefits of being a member of the program.

He said being a member of the Army National Guard has taught him more than information about the medical field.

“I’ve learned the military side of things like how to wear a uniform, who to salute, how to treat people in the military and what is expected of you,” Teeples said. “(Many students) don’t know anything about the military and this is their first introduction, so there’s a learning curve.”

Though Grutter said he will speak with his wife before making any final decisions, at that joining the program could help out with his financial situation.

“I think it could help because medical school is a decent chunk of change,” Grutter said.