Can I direct commission to become a Financial Officer in the Army or do I have to go to OCS?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 11:27:39 -0400

I'm a Dental Specialist (68E) in the Army for almost 3 yrs. I have a Master's degree in Economics.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2018 11:31 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 11:31:44 -0400

Generally you have to be an E7 to direct commission. OCS is a better option across the board. You'll miss all of the tough lessons learned in OCS which inherently will make you a better officer on the back end.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Oct 29 at 2018 11:46 AM

SP5 Peter Keane — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 11:46:45 -0400

https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/become-an-officer/how-to-become-an-officer-in-the-army/direct-commission.html

Army Direct Commission Officers

Learn about Army direct commission requirements. The eligible areas for direct commission are the Army Medical Department, Jag Corps and the Army Chaplain Corps.

Response by CPT Enrique M. made Oct 29 at 2018 11:56 AM

CPT Enrique M. — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 11:56:28 -0400

I know only of a few Direct Commission officers in the financial side when being a comptroller for AMEDD. General Army as SP5 Peter Keane link shows there is no other direct commissioned areas. Other than the ones listed on the website he provided.

Here is info about 70C's

https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/amedd-categories/medical-service-corps-jobs/health-services-comptroller.html

Health Services Comptroller (70C)

The health services comptroller examines, manages, and certifies military and civilian payrolls, travel, commercial accounts, and other vouchers and claims. As an officer, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your skills in one of the world’s largest health care organizations.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 29 at 2018 12:36 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 12:36:56 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Not unless you can pull that tarp over Cyber. Google 5th man. https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/become-an-officer/how-to-become-an-officer-in-the-army/direct-commission.html

Army Direct Commission Officers

Learn about Army direct commission requirements. The eligible areas for direct commission are the Army Medical Department, Jag Corps and the Army Chaplain Corps.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2018 1:51 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 13:51:16 -0400

You cannot direct commission (currently) into the standard branches. You'll need to do OCS.
Direct Commissions were given even a few years ago but now even the Reserves has withdrawn the Direct Commission route. There are options for professional corps (doctors, and such, but not for finance)

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Oct 31 at 2018 10:01 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 10:01:30 -0400

I believe the Army is only considering Licensed Professionals. Ie Doc’s, JAGs, etc. check with retention NCO fir more ok

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Nov 1 at 2018 11:26 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 11:26:31 -0400

No only a professional I.e Jag Doctor Chaplain etc

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Apr 3 at 2019 12:25 PM

CW4 Craig Urban — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 12:25:42 -0400

I have 6 years of college. No degree. I had a job. GS 12 as well.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 3 at 2019 2:46 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 14:46:25 -0400

I went OCS and went into Armor and branch transferred to Finance a couple years later. I think the process was made easier as combat arms officers have a pyramid rank structure. It also gave me a greater appreciation for the Army by going to Armor first. It gave me an insight into combat arms and support units and what is good for the two kind of units.