Direct Commission Army Reserve component: Any input?

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.

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.

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

email me at [login to see] if you need further assistance.

I commissioned DC as a 92A and a rigger company. Was 43 at the time. Got my jump wings 3 days before my 44th bday. Special Assessions Recruiter told me she had commissioned a 47yo butter bar. LT Oakley gives you the right scoop. Track down the recruiter for the current answers.

There is a board process. Complete the packet and it goes before the board. Do the physical. Raise your hand. Have the Silver Dollar ready.

Here is a link to the contact information for all of the Army Reserve Career Divisions Battalions. Contact the one that covers your area and ask for contact information to the Special Mission NCO.

http://stayarmyreserve.army.mil/region_contact.htm

Yes, the Reserves have a Direct Commissioning option. That is how I received my commission. It is a board process. I'm not sure what the age cut off is at this time.
Contact a Reserve Retention NCO and he/she should be able to give you more information on the requirements and current likelihood of being accepted.

SFC(P) (Join to see). This is true, though I believe the maximum age is 35. Contact your RSC Retention Office for details.

I am in a reserve drill sergeant unit - direct commissions seem to be pretty common. I know 2 of our guys, out of about 36, got direct commissions during our last deployment (came through after the deployment, but they completed the process, except the physical, while deployed). About half the officers on that mission had also beeen direct commissioned drill sergeants (2 of 2 Lt's, 1 of 2 Cpt's and 1 of 2 LTC's, but 0 of 2 COL's).

As I understand it, the USAR is short of company grade officers.

Personally, I'd do it, but I think JAG is all I'd be likely to get (49 year old lawyer in civilian life) and that is both more competitive and not something I want to do.

Been out too long, but yes there was a program, and there were some wavers one could get. Best to consult a recruiter or retention NCO.