What is the best/quickest way for me to become a Commissioned Officer? And which branch should I choose?

Anderson Dao — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 01:58:32 -0400

I'm a manufacturing engineer that wants to work toward becoming a an officer reserve. I do not know whether to choose the Navy or Army. I am looking to serve at the same time focus on my self development and leadership skills. Any guidance would be appreciated.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2021 3:24 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 03:24:24 -0400

If memory serves, all branches have 3 commissioning sources:. ROTC/Academies, OCS, and Direct Commission. If you already have a Bachelor's Degree, then ROTC/Academy is out. You would need then, to talk to each branch to see if your degree transfers for a Direct Commission. If not, then OCS will be your route. But then, you'll have to ask each branch if there is a required amount of time to serve after enlisting before submitting an OCS packet. I think there is, but I can't rightly remember.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 3 at 2021 11:40 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 11:40:04 -0400

No offense but you are going about this all wrong. Speak to some recruiters and see for yourself what Branch gels with your goals and personality. Each branch has it's own pros and cons and each branch is a good and bad fit to a person depending on the individual. This isn't a decision anyone but you can make.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2021 12:18 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 12:18:29 -0400

Anderson Dao Do your research into all the branches including the Coast Guard. Talk to recuiters from these branches to ask questions and see what each has to offer.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jun 3 at 2021 2:49 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 14:49:15 -0400

The Air Force offers the shortest Commissioning School, it's only about 9 1/2 weeks long and not basic training requirement. I haven't been around that side of the Military since my Father died, I have no information on how competitive it is these days or what options are available. The Navy OCS is 12 weeks, down from the old 16 weeks, also with no requirement to enlist and do basic training. There are two different paths, one OCS for Aviation related officers, one for everyone else.
The Army takes the longest. You have an 8 week BCT, the 12 weeks of OCS.
Don't know how easy it is to chose a career path in the Air Force or Navy, but Army OCS graduates are Needs of the Army. While you will be given the chance to make a wish list of Branches, you may not get your top choices, or any choice at all.
Also, be aware that is just the start of your training. In the Army, next you would go to your Branch Specific Basic Leadership Course, 16+ weeks, depending on your Branch, then Airborne if you are going to an airborne unit and Ranger School if you are Combat Arms, especially if you land in the Infantry.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2021 9:40 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 21:40:30 -0400

Optimum would be like CarVana.