SBB Service Selection Criteria
Selection of Trainees Application and selection for the Tri-Service Blood Bank Fellowship is governed by each of the three services (Army, Navy, and Air Force). It is open to all clinical laboratory officers of all services. By memorandum of understanding, the Air Force and Navy are allocated two slots in each class. Blood Bank Fellowship Program officials may approve additional slots depending on allocations and requirements. This program follows the non-discrimination policies set forth by the Department of Defense Military Equal Opportunity Program and Civilian Equal Employment Opportunity Program. Note: Do not send applications to GWU.
Army
Active duty MSC officers in RA, VI/CVI status with an AOC of 71E, or existing certification as an MT (ASCP) may apply. The officer must have a minimum of 24 months time on station in CONUS (computed from date of arrival on station until date of expected departure) or have completed a current overseas tour (computed from actual DEROS). The officer must meet height and weight standards and have completed the resident AMEDD Officer Captains Career Course. Those who have transferred to MSC, meet the other criteria, and have completed another branch’s resident Officer Captains Career Course are also eligible. The applicant must have less than 17 years active federal service as of the start date and sufficient retainability to complete the Blood Bank Fellowship and a three-year active duty service commitment upon completion. The application must arrive as specified in the current year’s Long Term Health Education and Training (LTHET) application instructions with all documents requested. Officers in a non-select status for promotion are not eligible to apply. Officers should have taken the general GRE within 5 years from the projected date of admission. The selected officer will receive PCS orders for assignment to the Student Detachment, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, with duty at WRAMC. Reporting date is mid-June with classes beginning the first week of July. The student must be completely inprocessed and have all personal affairs taken care of by the first day of class. This assignment is for eighteen months. More information is available on the AKO website: https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/protect/Active/opmsc/9lct.htm
Air Force
Air Force officer applicants must meet the following qualifications: - Completion of appropriate allied science degree and overall grade point average of at least 2.5. - Completion of the GRE within four years of board date. Minimum combined verbal and quantitative score of 1000. - Agree to incur an active duty service commitment (ADSC) IAW AFI 36-2107, Table 1.2. - Physically qualified for worldwide duty assignment and not medically restricted under any assignment limitation code C (ALC – C1, C2 or C3). - TAFCS: No restrictions; however, officer must have the required retainability to serve the active duty service commitment IAW AFI 36-2107. - CONUS applicants should have at least four years time-on-station (TOS) as of training start date. Exceptional applicants may be considered with as little as two years TOS. For OCONUS officers, see individual program announcements for DEROS requirements. The application package must include a letter of recommendation from the applicant’s squadron commander with an endorsement from the facility Senior BSC Executive and group commander; a personal essay from the applicant stating his or her career goals; a copy of all college transcripts; a copy of GRE test results; and a statement by the squadron or group commander that the applicant is qualified for worldwide assignment. The original application package must be submitted to HQ AFPC/DPAMW, and a copy of the complete package must also be sent to the Laboratory Associate Corps Chief for indorsement. An Education Selection Board will select the most qualified applicant(s). In addition to the qualifications previously addressed, final selection is based on the following: 1. Needs of the Air Force (utilization positions are limited) 2. Officers OPR history 3. Perceived applicant motivation Questions concerning this program should be addressed to Chief Consultant, DSN 240-2003. Questions on application procedures and criteria should be addressed to, HQ AFPC/DPAMW, DSN 665-2775 or commercial (210) 565-2775.
Navy
The Blood Bank Fellowship Program is open to Navy Medical Service Corps officers who meet the following requirements: 1. Must be a Navy Medical Technologist with NOBC. 2. Must be on active duty; both regular and service officers are eligible. 3. Must be of the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade or Lieutenant (O-2 or O-3). A formal request should be submitted in accordance with NAVMEDCOM Instruction 1520.2 after consultation with the specialty advisor for medical technology. Successful candidates are selected by the annual Medical Service Corps Full time Training Selection Board in November for the Fellowship starting the following July. Graduates of the Fellowship are expected to sit for the Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) exam, which is administered by ASCP-AA
