In What Us Military Branch is Easy to Qualify
Joining & Eligibility
Becoming an Officer
Commissioned officers generally enter the Military with a four-year college degree or greater. In certain cases, enlisted service members can advance and transition to officers during the course of their military career as well. Officers are generally employed in management roles or highly specialized fields that require professional degrees (e.g., doctors, lawyers and chaplains).
An officer's education often determines which career he or she will have in the Military. In most cases, the candidate will meet with a military advisor or career counselor during college to select a potential job specialty.
On This Page
- The Paths to Becoming an Officer
- Academies and Colleges
- ROTC
- Officer Candidate School
- Direct Commission
- Non-Scholarship Programs
Transcription
How to Become a Military Officer
Becoming a Judge Advocate General (JAG) Officer
Lieutenant | Karin Evelyn Coast Guard
The Paths to Becoming an Officer
If you're interested in serving as an officer, you have five options:
- Attend a senior military college or service academy
- Enroll at a traditional college or university with a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program
- Attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) after graduating from college
- Receive a direct commission after earning a professional degree
- Advance through the enlisted ranks and then complete officer training
Academies and Colleges
These highly competitive schools are virtually free of charge for those accepted. The government pays for each student's tuition, room and board, uniform and books. Students are sometimes given a living stipend as well to help cover fees, a personal computer and other class supplies. In return, the student commits to serving as an officer for a set period after graduation, usually five years.
ROTC
ROTC programs provide officer training for students during college in exchange for scholarship money. In return, the students commit to serving for a set period of time after graduation.
ROTC programs are offered at many schools and allow the student to have a traditional college experience while preparing for his or her future as an officer.
Officer Candidate School
After completing a four-year degree, graduates may enroll in OCS. This is also known as Officer Training School (OTS) in the Air Force. OCS/OTS varies in length between Services, but generally lasts 9 to 17 weeks.
The Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) is another alternative. It offers college students the opportunity to become commissioned officers in the United States Marine Corps.
In each program, students can expect courses that focus on military subjects, physical training and leadership skills.
Direct Commission
Direct Commission Officers (DCOs) are civilians who have special skills needed for military operations. These are usually individuals who have earned professional degrees in fields such as medicine, law, religious studies, engineering or intelligence. Groups such as the JAG Corps, Chaplain Corps and Medical Corps frequently employ DCOs.
DCOs are required to attend Officer Indoctrination School (OIS), Officer Development School (ODS) or the Direct Commission Officer Indoctrination Course (DCOIC), depending on which Service they join. College graduates who have been exposed to military training through any collegiate-level program may apply for the Coast Guard's Direct Commission Selected School (DCSS) program. Regular age limits and requirements may be waived for some of these positions. Since the Services' needs change rapidly, it's best to speak with a recruiter for up-to-date information about direct commission opportunities.
Non-Scholarship Programs
There are two non-scholarship paths to becoming an officer to consider.
The Army offers the Green-to-Gold Non-Scholarship Program. This officer-path option is for Soldiers who have completed two years of college and who complete certain college degree requirements in two years. Benefits of this program include a stipend, pay for attending the Cadet Leadership Course (CLC) and other incentives.
Another option is offered by the Air Force. Called the General Military Course, it is the first section of Air Force ROTC that is offered as a two-year course to college freshmen and sophomores who meet certain minimum requirements. It's an excellent opportunity for students to try out the ROTC program without any obligation to join ROTC or serve.
Source: https://www.todaysmilitary.com/joining-eligibility/becoming-military-officer
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