Can you Direct Commission as an Officer in the Army after ETS'ing from Active Duty?

2023-09-19T20:17:33-04:00

I have recently ETS'd from Active Duty with 12 years of service. I am getting ready to start my degree in Computer Science: Cyber Security. While doing some research, I noticed that Cyber Operations is one of the field for Direct Commissioned Program. Can I, with 12 years of active duty enlisted time, Direct Commission after getting my degree?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2023 8:23 PM

2023-09-19T20:23:34-04:00

What did your local recruiter say?

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 19 at 2023 8:34 PM

2023-09-19T20:34:42-04:00

Check later, everything changes within commissioning programs as ‘Needs of the Army’ changes! Do not depend on yesterdays rules and regulations.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2023 11:51 AM

2023-09-20T11:51:03-04:00

Cyber is where it's at. Last I read one can direct commission to full COL (O6) in Cyber. So I presume if the CEO of google wanted to join they'd give him COL.

That said.......... the direct commission pathway is the one constantly in flux. Don't plan your life around it. You have to be perfectly positioned when the direct commission door opens. If you are trying to make yourself competitive for a program that is open now chances are things are going to change.

Stay on top of it.

Response by COL Randall C. made Sep 20 at 2023 8:10 PM

2023-09-20T20:10:43-04:00

If you're asking if your 12 years of active duty enlisted time will preclude you from being direct commissioned, the answer is no.

What will have an impact on you is that direct commissioning is not for people to just have an applicable four-year degree - it's for people that have the requisite educational requirements AND work experience which you (probably) won't have. You can see what the current minimum requirements they are looking for to direct commission to Cyber*.

Is there a reason you're not looking to go the ROTC route? You would be over the normal age limit (assume you are about 30 now and would be 34 at the end of your four-year degree), but an age waiver shouldn't be an issue (they can be granted up to age 39) for you assuming you have no medical and/or other issues.
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* https://talent.army.mil/job/cyber-officer/

Army Cyber Officer - U.S. Army Talent Management

The Army is looking for uniquely qualified individuals that have worked in cyber fields to commission directly into the Army as officers. Do you have what it takes?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 22 at 2023 4:56 PM

2023-09-22T16:56:47-04:00

You should be able to direct commission if you meet all the Service requirements. My daughter direct commissioned as a Navy Reserve Nurse Practitioner entering as an O-3 with full credit for her 10 good years of Air National Guard enlisted service for pay and retirement. The needs of the Service will dictate if the opportunity to direct commission exists when you graduate possibly several years from now. If the direct commission opportunity is closed, you should consider applying for OCS after graduation anyway.