In your opinion, what is the best route to attaining a commission?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 10:17:37 -0500

I’m currently serving on AD as a 68W. I already have a Bachelor’s degree and am interested in pursuing a commission. In your opinion, what is the best route to take? I know there are a few options available so I wanted to reach out and get advice from those who have been there, done that. Thanks in advance!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2020 10:23 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 10:23:28 -0500

Depending on what your Bachelor's is in, you may be able to apply for a Direct Commission. Otherwise, OCS would be your only other option. As for which one is better....it's a coin toss. In your case, it's a matter of which one will get that 2LT bar to you faster.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Feb 11 at 2020 10:40 AM

SSG Carlos Madden — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 10:40:38 -0500

What is your degree in? Are you looking to use that in your military career? Do you want to remain in the health care field within the military?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 11 at 2020 11:22 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 11:22:29 -0500

There are four for Guard, Reserve, AD.
OCS
ROTC
service Academy
Direct Commission

Research OCS or Direct Commission. ROTC May be an option even for a masters

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Feb 11 at 2020 12:58 PM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 12:58:47 -0500

I can only speak for the Academy "experience"...and that of the Navy; take that for what it is worth. With your degree and experience...I'm not even sure this applies to you (OCS strikes me as being your obvious choice, but things change and I could have bad gouge). That said (and for the benefit of the group)-the "pros" of the Academies are somewhat obvious; you'll be in a concentrated, four-year, 24-7, 365 program that offers the combined benefits of a fairly lock-step "pipeline" to service assignment, a majority of military staff, and innumerable opportunities to build a solid foundation towards a career as a military officer. The "cons" however, are less obvious...but perhaps no less important in evaluation. For starters, you are going to be isolated from the "normal" world; even the Military world, for four years. Your first two years are rather drastic; as little as twelve hours, one day a week off the "Yard" (for Plebes), no civilian clothes, and no personal vehicle...can't even ride in one as a freshman. The anachronisms and "traditions" are both a blessing and a curse...you'll either be massively frustrated, or slowly desensitized to the point of "forgetting" some of the "common sense" rules of life outside. Very generally speaking, Academy grads are "shoe-horned" towards service assignment by three primary factors: QPR (basically academic GPA plus military and physical scores), medical qualification, and a rather well-organized, but no less subjective "interview" process. It's very possible for a great Cadet or Midshipman to "talk" their way into a designator (MOS) they may actually be less qualified for holistically...something that becomes IMMEDIATELY obvious upon accession to training command. They are improving this process, and there are equally surprising results in the opposite direction...but suffice it to say, the stats don't seem to bear out that being a "ring knocker" automatically equates to "better" performance at TBS, the VT's, Nuke School, or BUDS. Bear this in mind as well...you're still looking at up to two years of training AFTER the Academy before hitting the "Fleet", so six years can be a long time to wait to play in the big leagues. If you intend to stay Army, and go OCS, I can assure of this much...you're every bit as much (and as little) as the rest of us; other than you may get there faster, and with less potential pitfalls along the way.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 11 at 2020 1:41 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 13:41:36 -0500

Check with recruiters for all 5 services (AF is still recruiting for Space Force) active and reserve components. Determine which Service offers:
-Opportunity to enter a MOS/AFSC in which you want to serve
-Quickest route to a commission (probably OCS/OTS)
-Accession date consistent with your enlisted ETS and personal goals
-Full credit for your completed service
-Other benefits such as signing bonus or payment of student loans

Not much on your profile so I can't comment further on which Service might be the best fit.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2020 11:51 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 11:51:42 -0500

I’d talk to an AMEDD recruiter ASAP to project a goal timeline. I went in as a direct commission with my BSN, first as reservist and then transferred to active duty cause I loved the comradarie of the Army and the opportunities it offers as a nurse and officer is unmatchable to any civilian sector. This is just my opinion, good luck!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 10:57 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 10:57:23 -0500

I would say OCS or ROTC would be the better routes (not the easiest) compared to a direct commission because, they will better prepare you to be an officer. As an officer who came in through the direct commission route I have to learn as I go and seek out knowledge that I would have been taught.
Take a look at your options and pursue what would be a good fit for you. Being a officer is an honor and a privilege, good luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2020 4:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:47:11 -0400

Depends. Do you want a masters? If so you can do green to gold, do rotc while there, get your masters out of it and commission. It would help out both military and civilian side of house. Or like others said ocs or direct commission. Direct commission for amedd would be if you already have nursing, pa, md etc kind of degrees

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2020 4:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:50:52 -0400

Also look into the ipap program for PA school or usuhs for med school. Also the army has a physical therapy masters program and a nursing program if you can finish nursing school within two yrs (alot of nursing schools give a lot of transfer credits for medics and with your degree plus being a medic you could finish in 2 yrs)