Posted on Sep 19, 2023
Can you Direct Commission as an Officer in the Army after ETS'ing from Active Duty?
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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?
Officer
Army Regulations
Commission
Posted 2 y ago
Responses: 5
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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.
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.
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Check later, everything changes within commissioning programs as ‘Needs of the Army’ changes! Do not depend on yesterdays rules and regulations.
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SGM William Everroad
SGT(P) (Join to see) I agree with CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025, "needs of the Army" affects what degrees and what MOS are in the DC pipe. I would recommend paying attention to the Direct Commissioning site about 2 years out and start talking to recruiters if you would qualify (specifically if there are age limits).
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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/
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?
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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.
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