Education
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Become an Army Officer?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

There are a few different ways to become a United States Army officer. You may graduate from college and complete an officer training program to become a commissioned officer. If you prefer to get started right after high school, however, you may choose to apply for the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program. Alternatively, you may apply to the United States Military Academy at West Point to become an Army officer or enroll in Officer Candidate School. The best path, however, may depend on your unique situation, age, and current level of education.

Many people work to become Army officers through the Army ROTC program. If you are accepted into this program, you may receive a scholarship to fund your college education as well as an allowance or stipend of money to spend as you please. The Army ROTC program allows you to earn a college degree and take college courses just as other students do, but also requires you to take ROTC courses and participate in Army training.

Many people become Army officers through the Army Reserve Officers'Training Corps program.
Many people become Army officers through the Army Reserve Officers'Training Corps program.

Another way to become an Army officer involves earning a college degree and then contacting a professional branch of the Army to seek direct commissioning. To earn direct commissioning, you'll have to complete the branch's officer training program. As part of this process, aspiring officers typically have to complete military courses, such as those that teach military history and army leadership.

Army officer training programs offer courses on military history.
Army officer training programs offer courses on military history.

Officer Candidate School is another route to becoming an Army officer that is only open to those who are college graduates. If you do not have army training, your first step on this path will likely be basic training. After basic training, officer candidates go on to Officer Candidate School, which lasts for 12 weeks and includes instruction that is intended to build both military and leadership skills.

In the United States, college graduates may attend Officer Candidate School (OCS).
In the United States, college graduates may attend Officer Candidate School (OCS).

The United States Military Academy provides another path for becoming an Army officer. You must receive a congressional or military nomination in order to apply for this school and become an officer this way. The program lasts for four years and includes academic instruction as well as military and physical training.

No matter which path you choose to pursue to become an Army officer, you will have to meet the criteria for entry into that particular program. Often, the entry criteria include physical fitness, age requirements, and degrees, but others may apply as well. For example, you may not become an Army officer through the United States Military Academy if you have custody of a minor child or an obligation to support one. Specific requirements can be found on the Army website or at a recruitment office.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Many people become Army officers through the Army Reserve Officers'Training Corps program.
      By: daughter
      Many people become Army officers through the Army Reserve Officers'Training Corps program.
    • Army officer training programs offer courses on military history.
      By: Puravida9
      Army officer training programs offer courses on military history.
    • In the United States, college graduates may attend Officer Candidate School (OCS).
      By: shiva
      In the United States, college graduates may attend Officer Candidate School (OCS).
    • Becoming an Army officer requires obtaining specific levels of physical fitness.
      By: nik7ch
      Becoming an Army officer requires obtaining specific levels of physical fitness.