Can I work in a job during the process of becoming an officer?

Aleena Dadayan — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 08:51:39 -0400

I want to apply as an officer in the military after college (about to graduate), but I know it will take long. Can I find and work in a job during the process of becoming an officer?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2020 8:59 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 08:59:40 -0400

There is nothing in the regulations that prohibit you from having a job while going through the application process. Once you are accepted into a commissioning program, you can work right up until the day before you report to training if you want to.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2020 9:01 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 09:01:33 -0400

What type of degree do you have? Are you planning any further education such as a masters or doctorate?

Provide more info and we can guide you better.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Jul 10 at 2020 9:18 AM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 09:18:35 -0400

There are several paths to a commission, and they all differ dramatically. Since it seems you'll have a degree before applying... sounds like OCS is your ticket. As I recall, OCS lasts about twelve weeks (don't know if they do roll-backs, etc.) and is "in residence" training. Perhaps the simplest way to explain that is that you'll be living that training 24/7. I don't know if OCS candidates get weekends, but would imagine they get some "time off" base... though I doubt it would be enough to hold down a second job (or that you'd have the energy/interest in doing so). Obviously, you'd be free to continue to pursue employment while you apply.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2020 11:50 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 11:50:09 -0400

Definitely, I would recommend that. Stay productive, keep working and when they cut your orders give your employer a 2-week notice. It will definitely help time pass. I kept working at my civilian hospital a month prior to my report date cause the process for me to go active duty took 13 months.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 12 at 2020 11:13 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 11:13:21 -0400

Went through ROTC. Worked at my part time college job until 1 week before leaving for pilot training. Employer was happy to have the help. I was happy to have the paycheck.

Response by Capt Craig McDaniel made Jul 12 at 2020 3:53 PM

Capt Craig McDaniel — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 15:53:17 -0400

I had a nine-month wait for my pilot training slot and worked three different jobs until I needed to report.

Response by CDR William Smith made Jul 14 at 2020 11:49 AM

CDR William Smith — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 11:49:11 -0400

Sure, why not? You're able to work up until your report date.