Is it still viable for a 26 year old prospective grad student to commission through ROTC?

2018-03-23T17:19:27-04:00

I graduated with a BA in Finance in 2015 and am now looking to fulfill a goal of mine, which is an MS in Finance. I'm 26 right now and would be 29 by the end of my program. That said, Commissioning as a 2nd LT has always been a dream and after a few years in the corporate world as a civilian, I'm beginning to see more and more that the Army is where I want to be. I've always admired the discipline, leadership and integrity displayed by our service members and can think of no higher honor than having a leadership role in our Army.

That said, does anyone know ROTC to be a viable Commissioning path for a grad student? Is it worth it to go this route this late in the game (I'm now in my late 20's)? What are thoughts on OCS vs ROTC?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 5:26 PM

2018-03-23T17:26:01-04:00

Yes. Most definitely. Talk to the ROTC program at your school. They can get you all the details you need. Best of luck!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 5:54 PM

2018-03-23T17:54:44-04:00

ROTC is much more laid back and more enjoyable then the super fast pace of OCS. If my kid was to ask me I would steer them to ROTC. If you have the two years to finish your graduate work.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 6:50 PM

2018-03-23T18:50:32-04:00

All good advice above! I have two grad students in the ROTC program I’m still teaching at, talk to the cadre of your school’s programs.
It’s a bit challenging doing a 4 year program in 2 years, but absolutely achievable.

Response by Jane Harris made Mar 23 at 2018 6:55 PM

2018-03-23T18:55:36-04:00

Again, thanks all! I appreciate the rapid and encouraging response.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Mar 23 at 2018 7:36 PM

2018-03-23T19:36:11-04:00

Your question interests !e on multiple levels...I realize tour interest in Army, that's apparent, howecer, purely out of curiosity, must it ne Army? Would you consider other services as well? I onoy ask as I'd seen mentioned on here, and also knew anecdotally that ROTC can be done as a grad student, I'd known of that, I'd been ArmynROTC at a unit tat no longer exists, then went USAF OTS instead. While I fathom your interest in a single service, I'd merely point out that you might think about submitting multiple packets, to all the services, at least those you'd positively want, just to maximize your chances, or also, look at OCS or OIS (indoc or direct commission type programs as well). Further, just purely FYI, I'm not saying you want this, however the USPHS Commissioned Corps does use health admin mgmt officers, if you might have an inclination toward anything in clinical finance aspects, I only !mention that as, when I'd gone in, I hadn't known of USPHS at all, or I'd have certainly tried to go that route, being of a clinical bent from the outset, though I never got to ne on the clinical side. Please understand, I realize, I gather, that you want one of the other more typical services, I just thought to mention that USPHS existed, just to give you another line of thought. Further, all the services use finance officers, esp. in acquisition or budgeting, and, I'd merely point out that finance, esp if you added a CPA (just another thought), is a natural lead in toward law, which would, were you to ne a JD-CPA, stand you in, I'd think, extremely good stead, to basically pretty much have your pick of pretty much anywhere you'd want to go, in any service, I'd ne most eager for your thoughts, I hope the suggestions might be of at least some use...had you given any thought to law at all? Also, there:s another type of law degree many JDs get, called an LLM, unusually, a masters, done after law school, I've never known much about it, though, I gather it's rather akinnto how MDs or DOs or other clinical fields frequently get an MPH, I've seen that quite frequently as well.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Mar 23 at 2018 9:48 PM

2018-03-23T21:48:52-04:00

There's also a third option of a Direct Appointment! Talk to a recruiter and specifically ask them about Direct Commissioning! I have a friend that's my current age that enlisted when he was 42. He was already degreed and learned about it. He's currently a Captain in Military Intelligence. As a LTC I served on a Direct Commissioning board as well. Good luck in achieving all your goals!!

Response by MAJ Bruce Davie made Apr 12 at 2019 9:27 AM

2019-04-12T09:27:15-04:00

When I was in ROTC, late 70’s, you had to commission prior to reaching 31 1/2. If that is still true, you shouldn’t have a problem. This is to say...you’re not alone & stay in the hunt.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Oct 26 at 2020 12:46 AM

2020-10-26T00:46:15-04:00

Kyle has given you the best information. GO and Talk to the ROTC program at your school.