Posted on Jul 2, 2023
SPC Justin Adams
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I get out in 10 months. However, I don’t believe my journey with the military is done. How can I use my post 911 GI Bill to become an officer?
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Responses: 2
COL Randall C.
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Edited 10 mo ago
I assume you don't have a bachelor's degree, otherwise my first suggest would be to check into OCS. Have you looked into the Green to Gold* program?

If for some reason that doesn't work out, then you would use apply for your Post-9/11 GI Bill* benefits though the VA (there are other possible educations benefits though the VA you want to check out as well*).

Regarding becoming an officer, you would enroll in ROTC at the college/university you attend. There is an updated list* you can check, but contact any university you're interested in attending to confirm they have an active program and if they don't, if there is a partner institution that you would take ROTC classes at.
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* https://armyrotc.army.mil/green-to-gold/
* https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/
* https://www.va.gov/education/eligibility/
* https://myfuture.com/college/rotc-colleges
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CPT Lawrence Cable
CPT Lawrence Cable
10 mo
I'll add a couple other comments. Given the choice, ROTC is a better course of action if you do not presently have a degree. Army ROTC exempts Prior Service from the first two years, you can join as a Junior, attend Advanced Camp and Commission as a Senior. I have ROTC people not recommend this course of action, but every Prior Service ROTC commissioned officer I have met took that route.
I would also suggest you look at doing a Guard or Reserve enlistment, even if you choose to take the two year exemption, then apply for Simultaneous Membership when you go to ROTC the last two years. You get E5 pay for your drills as an SMP, Get some experience in leadership from serving officers, and you don't lose any TIS for Pay when you commission.
ROTC is competitive and you have to be near the top of the OML to get much of a choice with your Branch or whether you get Active Duty or not.
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LtCol Robert Quinter
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Col Cudworth gives excellent advice, but first things first. A little self-evaluation is in order, what makes you feel you will be beneficial to the service with a commission? Have you had a conversation with your OIC or any officer in your chain about their opinion on your potential for commissioned service?
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