Officers, what path did you take to commission, and if you were to do it again the same way, would you? Why or why not?

I was enlisted for 19 years, E7 and had just been selected for E8. The guard was critically short of officers and my 1SG and CO asked me if I would consider getting commissioned since I had a degree. I was 39 and thought I was too old. The army upped the age waiver to 40 and I got a direct commission. If I had it to do over again, I'd have looked into getting commissioned much earlier. Hell, I could have retired as a General. lol

I haven't commissioned yet (still waiting for my temp appointment letter), but I joined the ANG to pay for my college. Had the same thought as a few members who commented: get my degree and do my 6. That was it. Around my 4th or 5th year is where I realized I really enjoyed being in the Guard. I was approached by a couple of different mentors over the years to commission but I felt like I wasn't ready. When I put on Tech in Jan '19; I felt like I was ready to give it a shot. I reached a goal that helped me feel like I was ready to apply for commission. In the Guard, you apply for a commissioning position just like you would in the civilian world, personnel reviews your application, they bring you in for an interview, you wait a few weeks for a decision. If you're offered it, then you work with recruiting to build an officer packet that goes to NGB or in your case, AFRC; where you wait for the temporary appointment letter and then work with your BETM for class dates. I don't regret the way I've gone about this (so far!) I applied when I felt like I was ready, when I needed a new challenge.

I was direct commission after serving 8 years enlisted in the reserves. I don't think it would be my first choice if I had to do it again, but I don't regret my enlisted time. It gave me perspective and time to learn about the Army.
I do wish I would have known all the commissioning options.
I think I would have waited a few more months to enlist (to finish my associate) and requested SPC with OCS option going strait out of basic - younger and in better shape. ROTC would be my second choice as it helps build skills and knowledge while finishing education.