Posted on May 5, 2015
Direct Commission Army Reserve component: Any input?
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I have heard that the Army Reserve component is offering direct commissions into basic branches (other than medical, JAG, or Chaplaincy). Can anyone confirm if this is true? I also heard that the commissioning age in the Reserves is up to 41? That's hard to believe considering active duty is 33. Thanks in advance!
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I forgot to mention that my highest civilian education is a Master's degree and I do not plan to pursue another degree/additional schooling (second Masters/Ph.D) anytime soon.
BREAK! BREAK!
I forgot to mention that my highest civilian education is a Master's degree and I do not plan to pursue another degree/additional schooling (second Masters/Ph.D) anytime soon.
Posted in these groups: 
Army Reserve
Army Reserve
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 25
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I agree with most of the comments above. Yes, Reserve component has a higher age but that is not exactly a gurantee. With the Army drawing down, the Reserve has become more selective and age has become an unspoken discriminator. As SFC Golden stated, use the link and contact the local Army Reserve Career Counselor who will place you in touch with the Special Missions Team(they specialize in OCS,ODC/odA and WOC). I would not recommend utilizing a Recruiter. Dependent upon your age, OCS would be great for anyone seeking commission. The training is unparralled, although, from my experience, the longer SOME have been an NCO the easier the transition through ODC. If ou have more specific questions, please let me know. I was on Special Missions for three years prior to my current position.
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I commissioned through Direct Commission.
Your best bet to get the most current guidance by speaking to a Special Missions Career Counselor. They can give you the full run-down on requirements, options, and the process.
Since you are currently a member of the Guard, have you considered looking at their OCS and Direct Commission programs? I know that their DC Program is a much less publicized and selective than OCS (and may not exist anymore) but it would be easier to process within your current component then switch components.
Your best bet to get the most current guidance by speaking to a Special Missions Career Counselor. They can give you the full run-down on requirements, options, and the process.
Since you are currently a member of the Guard, have you considered looking at their OCS and Direct Commission programs? I know that their DC Program is a much less publicized and selective than OCS (and may not exist anymore) but it would be easier to process within your current component then switch components.
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SFC (Join to see)
Sir, thank you for the info. OCS does exist, and I did look at it but I'm not interested to take that route. I ETS next Sept from the Guard and I'm exploring all options. I'm not necessarily worried about which component I belong to. I also want to reclass from 92F to 35 series which may more beneficial in the Reserves than the Guard. I've been talking to my unit Retention NCO about re-up, but I can only re-up in my DQMOS in order to receive a bonus. I feel I'm at that point if I'm going to transition from NCO to Officer it'll be within the next year.
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
Damn, NOW you tell me! I could have been doing a lot more 12 ounce curls in college instead of getting my a$$ up at 0600 to do PT before classes.
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Yes, the Reserves are always short of 1LT's and as we don't typically retire at 20 years the typical officer is much older than Active (promotions are much slower as well)
I would always recommend ROTC to any individual that has not completed college, but if you have a degree or are not going to school full time Direct Commission is a great option. The also offer commissions (occasionally) to pre-degree individuals but if you don't finish in 5 years your commission is forfeit.
I've never seen a USAR OCS the National Guard has a good OCS program if you are contemplating that route.
Basic information brochure.
http://stayarmyreserve.army.mil/oa_preq.htm
I would always recommend ROTC to any individual that has not completed college, but if you have a degree or are not going to school full time Direct Commission is a great option. The also offer commissions (occasionally) to pre-degree individuals but if you don't finish in 5 years your commission is forfeit.
I've never seen a USAR OCS the National Guard has a good OCS program if you are contemplating that route.
Basic information brochure.
http://stayarmyreserve.army.mil/oa_preq.htm
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