What are the best steps to increase my chances of earning a commission?

2019-02-10T22:00:12-05:00

Hello!

I am approaching college applications soon (jr) and was wondering what were the best steps to commission. From what I am aware, the only way to receive a guaranteed commission is from West Point, which of course I plan to try to become admitted into, however I also want some Plan B's.
If it helps, currently my GPA is around 3.6 unweighted, I am in decent shape as a bodybuilder, go to a private school, play a low physical varsity sport, and would prefer to commission in something like Field Artillery, Infantry, or Engineer; and later Special Forces.

The one thing that bugs me dearly though, is that I used to have Asthma. I talked to a U.S. Army recruiter last year and she said that since I didn't have an asthma inhaler prescription after age 13 then I have nothing to worry about. Problem is, I found out that I actually did have an asthma inhaler prescription filled at age 14 under the impression that I might've had Exercise-Induced Asthma. It later turns out, that I didn't need it at all, and I never used it, nor do I carry it on me for safety. If I did a heart rate test, everything would be normal (I tried it on myself), as I am in pretty good physical shape.

I was wondering on the off chance of not getting accepted into West Point, should I apply for other military universities (Virginia Military Institute, The Citadel, Norwich), or a regular public/private university that has ARMY ROTC? I basically want to go with the option that leads to a very high chance of being commissioned.

Also, any steps I should take are greatly appreciated. I am dedicated and all in on this journey.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2019 10:13 PM

2019-02-10T22:13:08-05:00

Apply for all of them and choose from your acceptances.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2019 10:57 PM

2019-02-10T22:57:49-05:00

When conducting officer interviews, I always ask, “why do you want a commission? Can’t you be a leader enlisted?” Ask yourself this question, that should be your first step. If you feel you have a great answer, start reading. Read the recruiting manuals and read degree plans, you never know how much might change in the four years of college. Make sure you set yourself up with a great degree that will allow you to be successful as an officer or as a civilian. And Go Bulldogs!
(Citadel class of 2005!)

Response by LTC Brad Barker made Feb 10 at 2019 11:00 PM

2019-02-10T23:00:10-05:00

Darius,

Thanks for your desire to serve and your interest in West Point. Visit https://www.usma.edu/admissions/steps-to-admission to see the steps to admission. You should also visit https://www.usma.edu/admissions/prospective-cadets/highs-school-juniors and take a look at the admissions timeline (https://www.usma.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/ADMISSIONS/Admissions%20Timeline.pdf). You are in the window to start your application, seek nominations from your Congressional Representatives and apply for Summer Leaders Experience (SLE). The window to apply for SLE ends at the end of March. I recommend that you follow step 2 on the steps to admission page soon to get in touch with your local Field Force Representative who will guide you through the process.

The fact that you have a Plan B for commissioning and service in general will be a compelling part of your application for West Point and your Congressional nomination process and interviews. We are seeking young men and women who, above all, want to serve the Nation.

Let the medical exam sort out the medical questions that you have. Take multiple attempts, if necessary, to get the highest ACT score that you possibly can, continue to improve your physical conditioning and take on leadership opportunities, where possible, to demonstrate that you want to be a leader. Leadership can be in the form of student government, clubs, volunteer opportunities and sports. Being the captain of a team sport is particularly helpful.

Success is the intersection of preparation and opportunity. Do everything that you can to prepare and let the rest sort itself out. From the information that you've provided, you have the right attitude. Best of luck.

Brad

Steps to Admission | United States Military Academy West Point

West Point Military Academy

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 11 at 2019 12:06 AM

2019-02-11T00:06:47-05:00

Darius Avinger there are three paths to earn a commission OCS, ROTC, and Service Academies.

I would make your plan B to West Point a reality. Not saying you will not get it, but this is where the Top of the Top are applying. Despite where you go, whether it is USMA, Norwich, Yale, or Wilson Pickett State Teachers College, if you successfully complete a commissioning program you will be a 2LT.

The medical is the medical. Doesn't matter where you go. You need to meet initial entry standards.

Remember the Service Academies are a year early for applications. LTC Brad Barker has an indepth respnse. I can't speak to Senior Military Colleges (North Georgia, Norwich, Citadel, VMI etc). Check your other schools for application deadlines.

I'd concurrently apply for Army ROTC Scholarships which you'll likely need to do now. Depending on what you are or are not offered that will impact when you contract. Being a contracted cadet is step 1 toward commissioning. That's when you are in it to win it.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2019 7:39 AM

2019-02-11T07:39:24-05:00

The medical evaluation is what it is. Do not let it stop you from trying. West Point is a great opportunity. Many will tell you that it might be out of reach, they are wrong. I got admitted and even graduated. LOL.

If you decide to go the ROTC or even OCS route, those are just as good, though different experiences. I believe that ROTC does not guarantee an active duty commission though.

Good luck!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 11 at 2019 9:16 AM

2019-02-11T09:16:43-05:00

I'd recommend you expand your world by looking at ROTC options as well. Additionally, consider a degree program that is a prerequisite for some designators like engineering, law, medical, etc. That gives additional backstop if the MIL thing doesn't work out. Nothing like having a BA in Basket Weaving that's 3-5 years stale and then having to job hunt in the real world. The Ring Knockers correctly point out the ~60% graduation rate. Too tough for many but not all. I got tossed from USMA because they waited until after Beast Barracks to decide they didn't like my eyes. Wound up doing Plan B and then Plan C with a Draft Number of 2. Like anything else, it's what you make of it knowing many things in life are not in your control. If you broaden your basic option pool, there's an easier off ramp into something else when reality hits.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Feb 11 at 2019 11:42 AM

2019-02-11T11:42:50-05:00

The ways to commission in the military are as follows:

1. Service academy. These are very difficult to get into. Definitely apply, but have a backup plan.
2. ROTC. This is the most common way officers commission.
3. OCS. This is for enlisted personnel who have degrees and would like to transition into the officer side. These are the officers that generally get the most respect from the enlisted personnel.
4.Green to Gold. This is a program for enlisted personnel who have not yet received a degree. The will transfer to a ROTC unit and begin college.
5. Battlefield Commission, these are the unicorns. The rule technically exists, but I don't think that anyone has commissioned this way for over 60 years.
6. Direct commissions for professionals. Chaplains, lawyers and doctors can enter military service through this method. My older sister (lawyer) tried this a few years ago, but sadly she was rejected.

Response by 2ndLt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2019 9:43 AM

2019-02-12T09:43:24-05:00

Darius, my suggestion would be to stop worrying about the “chances” of commissioning and focus on the route that suits you best. As stated already, there are 3 paths: OCS, ROTC, and Service Academies. Each one is different and difficult in its own way. However, all of them lead to a commission. I think the best way to choose is ask yourself what kind of college experience do you want and if you can afford it financially? If you want to be a normal college student and attend any accredited 4 year institution you want, then go the OCS or Marine Corps PLC route. If you want a mixture of normal college life and military structure ROTC is a good fit. If you want full blown military structure while in college and want to be apart of a institution with rich history, then go to a service academy.

Regardless of which one you choose, there is always a chance of attrition so I would not stress about your chances of success. Put forth max effort and remain resilient. If you do so, you’ll be a hard person to beat. Best of luck! Semper Fi

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Feb 12 at 2019 1:05 PM

2019-02-12T13:05:48-05:00

Darius-No such thing as a "guaranteed commission", even from a service academy :) That being said, your basic choices are one of the academies (West Point-Army, Annapolis-Navy/Marine Corps, Colorado Springs-Air Force, King's Point-Coast Guard), a contract through ROTC scholarship, or OCS, if you complete your degree beforehand. You can also enlist and work towards OCS and a variety of other commissioning programs (Limited Duty Officer, for example). Some folks earn professional degrees in fields such as medicine or law, and come in as "direct commission".

You seem sold on the Army (hey, nobody's perfect), and interested in Special Forces. I'm not any flavor of SF, but I think I'm correct in suggesting that if that's your goal, you need to be thinking Airborne, and as an officer, you'd be shooting for a very small target on a very long range. There's all sorts of career milestones in Special Operations, and I'd suggest you research all the minutia/differences regarding what it means to be called a "Ranger", earn a Ranger "tab", be selected, etc... etc. Look hard enough, and I think you'll find a few such gentlemen here on RP.

Getting back to more general answers, a officer candidate needs to be three things to succeed: be able to think (or able to learn to think) when under duress, have a solid foundation of principles built on integrity and commitment...not just to the nation or your service, but to those you may ultimately lead, and finally... you need to be the sort of person who derives personal satisfaction from competing not just with your peers, but yourself. The vast majority of classmates who didn't make it through "four years by the Bay" I knew failed because they were lacking in one or all of the above.

Your health concern should be resolved pretty quickly...you'll pass, or you won't. You may have to seek a waiver, or you may not. It may rear its ugly head again a couple of years later when you are all set for graduation...or even later when you're trying to get selected for training. The point being, clearing Doc's office is always a concern for anyone, and there's no guarantees.

In closing, you've opted for one of the most challenging, and rewarding professions a young person can choose...realize that it's a long, long road, and the name of the game is making it from one step, one day, one moment to the next. Best wishes, and Bon Chance!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2019 8:31 AM

2019-05-08T08:31:02-04:00

Rah Va Mil!!