I'm interested in becoming an Officer. I already have a bachelor's degree. Will my age (27) or my husband being an NCO disqualify me?

Norah Julmis — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 10:51:01 -0400

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2017 11:18 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 11:18:46 -0400

Neither will disqualify you

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Sep 22 at 2017 11:25 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 11:25:37 -0400

No. You need to be a US Citizen, have a 4 year degree, which you have, be under age 33 and be able to get a secret clearance. Your husbands rank shouldn't have any effect.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2017 11:28 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 11:28:04 -0400

2LT Page is correct. You have up to age 42 to commission. Also since you have a pre-existing marriage, the Army's fraternization policy would not apply. However, you and your husband's assignments will be considered so there is no conflict of interest within either of your CoC.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2017 11:28 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 11:28:48 -0400

You should be good to go as long as you can pass a security clearance check. Get with an Officer Recruiter to get all the details.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 22 at 2017 11:30 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 11:30:56 -0400

Your age should not disqualify you. I think 33 is the max, but it can be waived. The recruiter will know or check the Service web page. If you pass the physical examination and score high enough on the entrance test the Service should make you and offer. Your husband's status should make no difference. The military would be recruiting you, not your husband.

I recommend you search your reasons for wanting to join the military, develop some career goals, and research military occupations that might help you reach those goals. If you find you have a strong motivation to join, career goals that support a decision to join, then talk to recruiters from all 5 armed services. Consider which service offers the best match for your goals, easiest pathway to commissioning, and accession date that matches your needs. It's a balancing act.

I watched my daughter go through the process. She is a Nurse Practitioner, much different from your education I know. She evaluated offers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Each Service "needed" her. Each Service wanted to count her enlisted time, education, and certifications differently. One wanted her to come aboard as an O-2, another as an O-3. One offered almost immediate entry into a medical Officer Training School. Another wouldn't let her start for almost 6 months. In the end, she went with the Navy because they offered her O-3, but had a 6-month delay before she would start OTS; however they gave her full credit for her enlisted time in the Air Guard and Inactive Ready Reserve, over 12 years.

One additional consideration is joint-spouse assignments. Assuming you and your husband like living together, you may want to consider the Service that offers the highest probability that you can be assigned together. If you and your husband both have "universally assignable" specialties, such as supply, personnel, vehicle maintenance, finance, information technology, public affairs, security, etc., then you may be able to be assigned to the same installation for most of your careers. If you have highly specialized career fields that usually work at a few locations, such as being a submarine nuclear engineer or a K-9 instructor, then joint-spouse may be more difficult.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Sep 22 at 2017 11:31 AM

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 11:31:58 -0400

U.S. citizenship; degree and; ability to get a security clearance. Also; unless a direct commission, you must complete Basic Training, AIT and report to your first duty station, get recommended by your chain of command thru the Division Commander for the Theater Commander. I went through this process, unless it has changed.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Sep 22 at 2017 11:33 AM

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 11:33:08 -0400

You will not be disqualified, but you must complete the process.

Response by Norah Julmis made Sep 22 at 2017 11:45 AM

Norah Julmis — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 11:45:16 -0400

Thank you, everyone. I'm seriously considering this, after my husband finishes his reenlistment term. It would give me time to prepare.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2017 3:30 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 15:30:43 -0400

Nope, as long as you can pass APFT, possess US citizenship, and don't have any criminal records, you're qualified to apply for OCS. I would personally recommend you to start the process now because it can be a long, drawn out process. Also, Army increases and decreases the age limit based on the needs of the service (normally it's 33, but it can range anywhere from 26 and 42), so start your application now just in case Army lowers the age limit. That's why I couldn't get into OCS about five years ago but going back to Army as an officer this time. Make sure you find a good recruiter willing to help you out. Good luck!

Response by CDR Kenneth Kaiser made Sep 22 at 2017 10:44 PM

CDR Kenneth Kaiser — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 22:44:07 -0400

I wish you success by the way the Navy also has OCS as well. Jusy sayin

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2017 2:16 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 02:16:32 -0400

No to both.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2018 1:53 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 01:53:11 -0500

In the normal course of things, I cannot forsee any major impediments. It is time for you to run, run, run. Go to a really good gym ... go nuts. Find a trainer who is a veteran preferably from a combat arm like the Infantry. Work, work, and work some more. While women are not yet expected to meet the same PT standard as men, impress everyone and max the male PT test at least for your age group. Irrespective of which functional area you enter, the military is an exceptionally physical endeavor especially if engaged in actual combat operations. As an officer you will be called upon to lead soldiers in extremely dangerous situations. You must be able to always lead from the front and at the very least be better than most of, or all your men and NCOs