I'm a student in High School right now, and I'm determined on going to college. Will I be able to direct commission in to the Army after?

2023-01-10T21:16:06-05:00

Just to clarify, I am going to college for at least 4 years, maybe 8, after highschool. I've done some research online, and it sounds like I may be able to enlist straight into the officer corps as long as I have a degree. Is that correct, incorrect, or a huge oversimplification? Thanks!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2023 9:21 PM

2023-01-10T21:21:49-05:00

Contact one of these four gentlemen... they are very knowledgeable in Military related questions/issues.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jan 10 at 2023 9:27 PM

2023-01-10T21:27:50-05:00

You can direct commission into certain career fields with a degree, but for the most part, simply having a college education isn't enough. Most people have to go through some sort of a commissioning program (e.g. ROTC, OCS, etc.). The Army doesn't offer many direct commissions, and when they do, those normally go to critical shortage areas or into highly specialized fields.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2023 9:28 PM

2023-01-10T21:28:17-05:00

John Doane Here is a link that I found. I will let the experts respond to your question. Good luck!

MSG Private RallyPoint Member, COL Randall C.

https://talent.army.mil/direct-commissioning/

US Army Direct Commissioning

In 2019, Congress granted the Army authority to direct commission in the ranks of 2LT-COL

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2023 9:32 PM

2023-01-10T21:32:22-05:00

Those that are Lawyers, Chaplains, and Doctors can direct commission. Everyone else wanting to become an Officer usually go thru a Commissioning program, such as ROTC or Officer Candidate School.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jan 11 at 2023 5:47 AM

2023-01-11T05:47:45-05:00

A degree is just one of the requirements to get a commission. Unless you are going to be a doctor or lawyer, direct commissions are not common anymore. Realistically, you have 3 choices. 1. You can apply for appointment at West Point. 2. Join ROTC and commission through them, or 3. Get your degree and enlist for OCS. Some variation to the ROTC route. As an example, you can enlist in the Guard and MOS qualify, attend college on the Reserve GI Bill (+state educational benefits) and Drill Pay, then join ROTC in the Simultaneous Membership Program in the Junior Year and commission at graduation.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2023 8:24 AM

2023-01-11T08:24:53-05:00

I highly recommend ROTC in lieu of attempting a direct commission or enlisting for OCS.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jan 12 at 2023 10:39 PM

2023-01-12T22:39:49-05:00

Your terminology is all over the place.

Commissioning as an officer is different than a "direct commission". Direct Commissions are for specific jobs that require Grad level courses like Lawyers, Doctors, Chaplains, etc. Those are looked at separately/differently than a traditional or regular commission that requires a 4 year Bachelor's degree.

Enlisted folks enlist. Officers Commission. Do your research and learn as much as you can.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Jan 15 at 2023 3:32 AM

2023-01-15T03:32:09-05:00

Recruiters Have All The Details..
If You're Going To Be An Officer,..
You Need To Learn To
THINK.
Although Not A Requirement,
It WILL Come In Handy.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Jan 15 at 2023 6:53 PM

2023-01-15T18:53:22-05:00

Four letters: ROTC!!!!!!!!!!!!!