If you are an E-6 and have your degree, are you able to direct commission? If so, how?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 06:31:55 -0400

Response by CW3 Stephen Mantie made Mar 30 at 2016 6:48 AM

CW3 Stephen Mantie — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 06:48:36 -0400

As far as I am tracking there is only a couple branches (chaplain, legal and medical) that you can direct commission if you meet the requirements. http://m.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/become-an-officer/how-to-become-an-officer-in-the-army/direct-commission.m.html.
Since you have a degree, why wouldn't you do an OCS packet?

Army Direct Commission Officers

Learn about Army direct commission requirements. The eligible areas for direct commission are the Army Medical Department, Jag Corps and the Army Chaplain Corps.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2016 7:52 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 07:52:15 -0400

Yes you would be eligible as long as you have ASVAB scores as well (110 or better). It is a packet process. I went through it and I have sat on a board for another E6 going through the process. Work with your retention NCO. Make sure your DA photo is up to date (in blues) and all your awards/citations match your iPerm record.
My degree did not match a branch. The Army choose a branch based on my enlisted MOS.

Response by SFC Familia Gonzalez made Mar 30 at 2016 8:07 AM

SFC Familia Gonzalez — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 08:07:17 -0400

My friend Google says the following:
http://m.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/become-an-officer/how-to-become-an-officer-in-the-army/direct-commission.m.html

Army Direct Commission Officers | GoArmy.com

Learn about Army direct commission requirements. The eligible areas for direct commission are the Army Medical Department, Jag Corps and the Army Chaplain Corps.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2016 8:27 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 08:27:58 -0400

I don't think you are able to direct commission. You would still have to attend OCS. Direct commission applies when you are now entering the service. for example I have a degree in the Medical Field so I would let my recruiter know that and ask for a direct commission. I am pretty sure it doesn't apply for soldiers already in service you would need to check out OCS route for a commission

Response by SFC Familia Gonzalez made Mar 30 at 2016 8:28 AM

SFC Familia Gonzalez — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 08:28:43 -0400

I would go for it! I'm a retired grunt (1999) and have many regrets about things I could have done and was qualified to do (at least on paper) while on active duty (79-99) but never did. Your GT score is key on just about anything you want to do IOT further your career... I tried to catchup after I retired and got a Masters in post-secondary education and even graduated CGSC/ILE (attended as a DA civilian) but it's just not the same. Go for it while you're on active duty! Best of luck!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2016 9:41 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 09:41:53 -0400

You can direct commission for any branch. You only need a Bachelors, under 41 and a GT score of 110 or higher. You just need to go see a Career Counselor and ask for an Officer Accessions NCO to talk to. I have a friend that just did his physical to commission as an Engineer Officer. He's just waiting for the next board to convene. Good luck!

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Mar 30 at 2016 11:55 AM

Maj Mike Sciales — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 11:55:13 -0400

Go to Law School full time at an ABA accredited law school. You can apply for permission for the ELP (Extended leave program) to attend Law School (each branch has it's own requirements). Use your 9-11 GI bill benefits (tuition, books & Housing) then find a law school that fits your needs. If you want to get into Admiralty Law, or Patent law two specialty areas then you must be concerned about which school. For entry level, any good law school will suffice (like the U of Idaho, College of law). You don't need a top 10 law school, all you need is J.D. after your name. The DoD values lawyers that have real world military experience and expertise. All that plus you can skip 0-1 and start as an 0-2E with X number of years time in service. Personally, since every ABA accredited law school teaches the exact same law from the same books, find a school that has a physical environment you'd enjoy living in. Those 3 years will be the last time you'll have any spare time.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Mar 30 at 2016 12:52 PM

Maj Marty Hogan — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 12:52:08 -0400

Ensure you have your branches equivalent to AFOQT. Officer Qualification Test. I direct commissioned as a medical officer. Be proactive and ask your local Personnel office. I was in the right place at the right time. Had never really considered commissioning prior to this opportunity because of my age.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 30 at 2016 3:37 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 15:37:14 -0400

What is an E-6? What is an E-7?

Why refer to the enlisted Soldier in the form of a paygrade, and the Commissioned Soldier in formal rank?

Are you an E-6, simply a paygrade - or are you a Staff Sergeant? When I hear these references discussed (especially in an open forum - like during a QTB/Command & Staff etc.) I make it a point to refer to the Officer in paygrade as well.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Mar 30 at 2016 3:55 PM

CDR Terry Boles — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 15:55:48 -0400

Not Army, so I can't give advice other than pursue the commission. Best career move I ever made and I've made a few in different career fields and different branches of service. A whole new world of opportunities will open for you. Good Luck!!

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Mar 30 at 2016 7:24 PM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 19:24:18 -0400

Go to ARCD and get their assistance. These NCOs are missions tondo that and will provide what you need. Google ARCD and USAR Direct Appointment. Get back to me if you need an assist.

I received a DA in the early 60s

R
Chuck Dalbec
LTC, AUS, Retired
Email; [login to see]

Response by Maj Michael Leon made Mar 30 at 2016 8:36 PM

Maj Michael Leon — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 20:36:57 -0400

I was an E-6 Tech Sgt in the Air Force and received a direct commission after completing my degree and submitting a commissioning packet. It took 6 months but was well worth it.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2016 5:30 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 05:30:36 -0400

I know an LT in the Reserves (I'm actually Guard), but he has an Engineering degree and they let him DC. But as Chief Mantie stated, tge only actual feilds are Medical, Legal and Chaplaincy.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2016 10:24 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 22:24:56 -0400

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2016 8:15 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 08:15:49 -0400

It depends on your branch. Army reserve needs to theough ARCD.

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Jan 19 at 2017 5:19 PM

1LT Peter Duston — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 17:19:48 -0500

I wonder if you were an Arabic linguist, if the Army might be interested in you as a direct commission in MI. In my case (many years ago), they came to me and asked - I was a Russian Linguist SSG with a degree in Russian Studies.