What are some additional paths to getting a commission?

2020-02-04T12:56:47-05:00

Hello everyone,

I'm currently a 42A and I've been in for two years and a few months. I'll be getting my promotable status within the next 3 months and about one and a half years from getting my bachelor's degree from Ashford University. I'm currently in a HRC with no S1 experience yet. However, I want to make a career out of the Army but I want to commission over in doing so. I understand programs such as Green to Gold, getting out and going ROTC, WOC, and OCS just wanted to see if there are any more options out there and if anyone could share their personal experiences with each option that they chose to take. Or just any general advice for me.

Thank you in advance!

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Feb 4 at 2020 12:59 PM

2020-02-04T12:59:30-05:00

CPL Private RallyPoint Member congratulations on furthering your education. You’ve mentioned all the programs I am familiar with. Best wishes.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2020 2:34 PM

2020-02-04T14:34:07-05:00

Besides OCS and ROTC, you have the option of going to West Point (USMA).

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2020 3:08 PM

2020-02-04T15:08:54-05:00

The only paths to become an officer are A service academy (west point), ROTV (including Green to gold), OCS, and a direct commission (much less common).

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 4 at 2020 7:58 PM

2020-02-04T19:58:59-05:00

I think the better question is what are the pros and cons of different commissioning processes.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2020 10:09 PM

2020-02-04T22:09:58-05:00

I did time on active duty, then reserves, then decided on the ROTC route. In the end, I've gotten everything I wanted, made good choices and worked hard. So here's my two-cents.

Green to gold: these guys and gals won the lottery, they get the biggest financial benefits. Seems like a great opportunity.

Service Academy: over-rated. I've met my share of cadets from these schools, their performance doesn't live up to the hype and the stories I hear of life at the academies seems like a whole lot of stress and BS for nothing. BUT, you will go places simply because you wlcarry the school name. Another thought is to get an education disconnected from the military industrial complex. This could be valuable in the long-term development of yourself as a leader.

OCS: It can be great if it fits your needs and most LTs coming out of OCS these days seem competent. But it's a really crappy experience and I believe you learn more in ROTC. The only real reason to avoid it is that it's harder to get the branch you want if you go OCS. See a recruiter for details.

ROTC: The biggest thing for you to consider is making the mental switch from enlisted to commissioned. I nearly got cut my first year because cadre said I couldn't do it. But I shaped up and graduated in the top of my class. I needed the time to re-learn the Army if you will. ROTC provides this. I went to a BN that was full of outstanding cadets, this was key. Having the time to learn and being surrounded by incredibly hard-working and brilliant kids humbled and challenged and me. And having the time to focus on my education was priceless.

I've said other things elsewhere on RP. Please sift through the forums or reach out for more info.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2020 8:50 AM

2020-02-05T08:50:26-05:00

Another option I like to advocate is the army Physician’s Assistant (PA) program. Similar to OCS but no degree required. It’s a Masters Degree producing program and you commission as a 1LT. Any MOS can apply but there are certain prerequisites you have to meet.

Response by Col Casey "Radio" G. made Feb 5 at 2020 11:50 PM

2020-02-05T23:50:51-05:00

CPL Private RallyPoint Member, it looks like you're in a great position. Among the officers I've known, no single commissioning source has produced more or fewer quality leaders than the others. Looks like all the options are laid out in this thread, so I'd really consider comparing them not so much to each other, but to yourself. Which one meets you where you are right now, and which one will push you down a path most likely to demand and enable your best growth and accomplishment before you raise your hand and accept your butter bar? All the best!

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Feb 12 at 2020 9:54 PM

2020-02-12T21:54:43-05:00

I assume you are active duty Since you have less than 2 years left to finish your degree I think OCS would probably be the best option but finish your degree first. Since you plan on making the Army a career getting your commission through OCS will meet your goals without a break in service