Purpose
The residency match process is a nuanced process graduating medical students endure to secure a residency position. The military match works both in tandem and outside of the NRMP Match process. This process functions in a quicker timeline with interviews concluding prior to ERAS beginning and the match outcomes themselves occurring well before the NRMP. This process is not well-defined, requiring students to depend on advisors who are not always uniquely trained in military processes. We aim to explore a variety of military specific questions that have arisen while advising HPSP students.

Methods
A survey consisting of frequently asked questions from past military residency applicants was distributed to MPDs via email (IRB # 2023-357) obtained from the ACGME program director list (n=91). We received a 15% response rate (n=14) representing seven specialties.

Results
71% of MPDs did not discourage civilian deferment. 64% did not prioritize medical students with previous military experience. 86% stated medical students who attended a military academy and/or USUHS were not more competitive than their counterparts who attended these military academies. When MPDs were asked to rank applicant metrics 79% stated audition rotations at the hospital/base of interest were very important. The MSPE letter was important or very important to 79% and hobbies were important to only 21%. The most common metrics additional MPDs described included resilience and teamwork.

Conclusions
MPDs describe the process as more intimate than the traditional civilian application process with performance and teamwork during audition rotations as one of the most important factors in determining whether a medical student would make a good fit regardless of branch. Interestingly, Step 2/COMLEX Level 2 scores had minimal perceived influence on the military match process. Given the current lack of clear guidelines on the military match process, our findings will be useful for advisors guiding students through the military match.