FYI - you would have to have had student loans PRIOR to 1 Jul 1993 to qualify for the armed forces deferment. Check out mohela.com for a consolidation loan. I locked in 4% interest for the life of my loan with them, and I have a hardship deferment good for up to three years through them, too on O1 salary. Of course, I am still accruing interest during that time unless I pay it quarterly, but it will get me a lot closer to O3 pay before they are due to be paid.