How does the process of direct commission (DC) work?

Joshua Obenauf — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 22:43:48 -0500

I'm an LPR with an MS in biology (Duke Uni., GPA 3.96, ASVAB 90) enlisting in the Army on a 4 year contract. Once I become a citizen;
- how soon will I able to submit my DC packet? As soon as I'm a citizen, or 1-2 years into my enlistment?
- how long does the process from submission to approval take, assuming I'm approved?
- I'm eyeing specific AMEDD non-medicine AOCs. Will I face stiff selection competition for such AOCs from officer candidates graduating from ROTC/OCS & other military academies?
- is there a chance that I might not be able to DC at all within my 4 year contract at which point I might have to get out of army & DC as a civilian?
- any other catches, tips, tricks I should know about this process?

Really appreciate the info.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2020 10:55 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 22:55:24 -0500

https://m.goarmy.com/amedd/allied-health.m.html

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Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2020 10:56 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 22:56:29 -0500

Once you're a citizen, you can actually apply, and subsequently get selected, while you're serving your enlistment. If selected, you don't need to finish out your enlistment contract; you'll attend the Direct Commission Course/Basic Officer Leader Course, without a break in service. However, if you complete 4 years of enlisted time, you'll qualify for the O1E to O3E pay scale, which is significantly more money.

To apply, you'll need to contact an Army Medical Recruiting Station in your nearest big city. This recruiting station is a separate entity from the typical enlisted recruiters in the mall. They will guide you through the process of building/submitting a Direct Commission package. The Selection Board typically gathers once per year (in October), reviews the packages, and makes their selections before the end of October. You'll likely need to have your package complete by August of the year you intend to apply.

With the exception the 70B MOS/AOC, all AMEDD DC Officers are selected via the direct commission process, so you won't be competing with ROTC, OCS, or USMA graduates. You'll compete for positions with other people submitting a DC package for your Area of Concentration. For Microbiology, the competition can be stiff if you only have a Masters. They typically get enough qualified candidates with a PhD. However, consider applying for the 71E AOC, Clinical Lab Scientist. Most people selected for this AOC have only a Bachelor of Science. Microbiology is one of the preferred degrees for 71E, and with a Masters, you'll actually have an advantage in the selection process.

The process takes about 6-7 months from the time you're selected (Oct), to the time you attend DCC/BOLC (around June/July of the following year). You don't officially get paid as an officer until day 1 of DCC.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2020 10:59 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 22:59:37 -0500

Also, if you can score the 68S enlisted MOS prior to signing your enlistment contract; with a MS in Biology, you'd be directly competitive for my AOC, 72D, Environmental Science and Engineering Officer.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Feb 7 at 2020 7:54 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 07:54:56 -0500

Follow cmts frim LT Hackler and especially the Army Medical Recruiting team. As a retired Senior HR Officer always listen to the LTs. Hooah!