Would someone qualify for OCS with a 3-year bachelors degree from a foreign university?

2020-05-19T07:57:20-04:00

Hello,
My husband (US born citizen) would like to join the military as an officer.
As we haven't been in the US for a couple of years, my husband has a foreign degree from a Czech University that is US accredited. However, outside the US all bachelor degrees are 3 year programs and not 4 years as in the US. Consequently leaving him with 3 year bachelors degree.
Would he still be able to join the military as an officer based on this degree?
Has anyone been through/ know anyone in a similar situation?
Alternatively are there legal experts that help with the military enrolment procedure that I could contact?
Thanks a lot for the info in advance :) Have a great day!!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 19 at 2020 8:14 AM

2020-05-19T08:14:56-04:00

Officer must be citizens of the US. If your husband is not a citizen, then he can enlist, but not yet serve As an officer. Check with recruiters from Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. There are programs intended to help immigrants gain citizenship through honorable service. I don’t think the number of years it took to get the degree from an accredited university will matter. Best of luck!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2020 8:25 AM

2020-05-19T08:25:43-04:00

A 4 year degree is required for OCS, but you can apply for a waiver. I would think that a 3 year degree from a US accredited university would be a strong candidate for waiver.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 19 at 2020 8:55 AM

2020-05-19T08:55:05-04:00

You don’t need a legal expert. Your husband needs to go to GOArmy.com and fill out an interest card. There are recruiters in Germany he could go see in person.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made May 19 at 2020 12:22 PM

2020-05-19T12:22:14-04:00

I had a US born AF NCO with a foreign degree that she submitted to the Education Office on base which is AETC ( Air Education Training Command) for evaluation. AETC approved her degree and she eventually commissioned as an 0-2.

It might be a leap, but worth asking an officer recruiter to submit the degree info with an accession package. Just need to find that recruiter who doesn’t mind working vs wanting slam dunk packages.

Best of luck!!

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made May 19 at 2020 2:31 PM

2020-05-19T14:31:53-04:00

The individual wanting to commission should be the person asking these questions and doing this process, not a spouse.