What is the best route to become an officer in the Army? What is needed and what is recommended after obtaining officer status?

Speak to your readiness NCO and get the OCS packet done. Simple as that

Each Service posts requirements for a commission on their web site. If you meet these requirements for physical, mental, age, and academics, then it's time to talk to recruiters. You should talk with recruiters from active duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard; Reserve Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines; National Guard Army and Air Force. Air Force covers for Space Force I believe.

You'll need to look at the opportunities each service offers, active or reserve component. Some or one will match your life goals the best. Compare the offered credit for your enlisted time, open MOS/AFSC, date you can come aboard, dates you could start OCS, and dates you would start your basic officer schools after commissioning. Also, where your initial assignment might be based on current Service needs for your projected MOS/AFSC. The pay, allowances, and benefits are the same for all services for the same grade and number of years of service. If you would like to go into aviation, then review the extra requirements on the Service web page. There are also age restrictions, but they can be waived.

Example: my daughter left the Air Guard with 10 years of service. She had completed her BSN and over the next 10 years finished her MSN and Nurse Practitioner. Then she decided to try to get a Guard or Reserve position so she could gain military retirement in the future. She talked to the Army, Navy, and Air Force nurse recruiters. The Navy gave her the best deal: direct commission as an O-3 after a four week medical OCS, full credit for pay and retirement for her ANG good years, and accession within 6 months. She went this them.

If your physical fitness is high and you have the free time then go to the accelerated OCS program which is 12 weeks. The traditional route is 14-16 months long with two ATs and one year of drills but may work better for family or civilian jobs. Once you commission in the Guard you have a six year commitment. You can do AGR during that time or ADOS then when your commitment is up you can apply for transfer into the Active Army if they have positions available. It is easier to commission in the Guard than in the Active Army.