How to Become an Army Officer When Enlisted

Many enlisted men and women in the Army, upon deciding to make the military a career, desire to become officers. The pay and benefits are superior, including in their eventual retirement. What many don't realize is that there are multiple paths to conversion from enlisted to officer. A little research and preparation will show you several possible avenues and greatly increase your chance of success.

Things You'll Need

• Program Information, Your Military Records

Instructions

1. Research available enlisted to officer conversion programs to determine which you are qualified for or can easily meet the qualifications for. Some programs are job-field specific, while others are general and anyone can apply.

2. Decide which program or programs you want to apply for. You can apply under more than one program, and may very well be accepted to one even if denied for another.

3. Prepare your application packages. Every program has different application requirements. It is wise to create a checklist for each application to be sure your package is complete. Incomplete applications will be the first ones dropped from consideration by review boards.

4. Submit your application. Every program has a different application deadline. Be sure to get yours in on time.

5. Attend an officer interview. With very rare exceptions, enlisted to officer conversion programs require an officer interview as the final step in the application process. Some programs require multiple interviews.

6. Complete program requirements to receive your commission. Every program is different. Some require you to attend school for a period of time. Others require you only to attend Officer Candidate School. Once accepted into a particular program, these requirements will be laid out for you, and upon completion you will be commissioned as an officer.

Tips & Warnings

• Officer programs look for well-rounded candidates. Be good at your job, but also strive to excel in collateral military duties if conversion is your goal. Have an officer who converted from being enlisted review your package before submission. They can make good recommendations from a successful experience. Apply multiple times if necessary. Officer conversion programs take a limited number of candidates each cycle. You may not get selected the first time you apply, but you very well may in a subsequent cycle.