How to Become a Military Officer

Do you want to join the military as an officer? It offers good pay, benefits, and you are put in charge of soldiers.

Things You'll Need

• A bachelor's degree (for OCS and direct commission application)
• A leader's attitude
• Be physically fit

Instructions

1. There are four options to joining the military as an officer:
   Academy (for high school students with outstanding grades)
   ROTC (for people that want to go to a regular college and have it payed for)
   OCS (for people that already have a bachelor's degree and want a better payed military job)
   Direct commission (for people that already have a degree and training in a much needed area like medical or clergymen)

2. To get into the academy (which is a military college) you must be between 17-23. You have to have great grades, be in great physical shape, and show leadership qualities. If you are a young person that has done extremely well in high school you have a chance. Academy is very competitive and you have to get a recommendation from a politician just to apply. Once you do get accepted though you will spend four years at this military college getting your education and getting prepared to become an officer upon graduation.

3. To join ROTC you have to be between 17-31. You must plan on going to a college that has ROTC as well as have the grade and test requirements to get into that college. Once you've done that you can choose the four year, three year, or two year option. Either way you will get some or all of college tuition payed for and be given an officer commission upon graduation. In select circumstances they may even allow you to be reserve in order to pursue a civilian career.

4. To get into OCS you must be between 19-29 and have a bachelor's degree. You apply for OCS and get accepted based on your grades, and leadership possibilities. If you have never been in the military you will go to basic training first, then OCS. Upon graduation from OCS you will be commissioned as an officer.

5. To become a direct commission officer you must have a bachelor's degree and experience in your field. Most of the time the only direct commissioned officers are in the fields of law, medical, and clergy. Contact a recruiter if you think you'll be eligible for this route.

6. A last few points that are important no matter what route you take. You must be within the military's weight standards. You must be in good shape as you'll be required to pass a physical test that involves running, push ups and sit ups. You must have leadership qualities and capability, officers are always put into positions of authority so you must be able to handle that. And as with anything in the military you must be willing to go where they tell you when they tell you, including the middle east.
   What do you get in return? You get great pay and benefits, you get to serve your country. You have a support group of other military families, and you get to move around and see the country. You also can get great retirement and benefits if you decide to stay in for a career.

Tips & Warnings

• Choosing a branch to serve in is a personal choice so go to these website to find out more information: www.goarmy.com , www.navy.com , www.marines.com , www.gocoastguard.com , www.airforce.com

• Check online if you are within weight standards before talking with a recruiter

• If you think that you can join the military and hope that you won't go to Iraq/Afganistan you're kidding yourself and shouldn't join