How to Become an Army Reserve Officer

Officers in the United States Army Reserve are distinguished leaders and dedicated soldiers both in their military and their civilian lives. Indebted with the responsibility of the lives of the men and women serving under them, Army Reserve officers must exhibit a level of integrity and courage that is not easily found. There are multiple paths to becoming an officer in the Army Reserve, but the end result is always the same: These men and women are ready to serve their fellow soldiers and their country the moment they receive their commissions.

Instructions

1. Join the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). Through ROTC, men and women are able to experience a traditional college environment while still receiving the training and skills necessary to succeed as an Army Reserve officer. ROTC offers academic scholarships to help cadets remain dedicated to their studies as students and future officers. A service obligation of eight years is incurred during the process, but newly commissioned 2nd Lieutenants can apply to fulfill their contracts in the Army Reserve.

2. Enter Officer Candidate School (OCS). For men and women who possess a college degree but who have had no exposure to Army training, OCS provides the transition between civilian and military life. Candidates attend basic training and OCS to earn their commissions, an experience that challenges recruits physically and mentally. Unlike ROTC cadets, OCS recruits have months--not years--to learn everything they need to be effective leaders and soldiers. In the end, they receive identical 2nd Lieutenant gold bars and can choose to serve in the Army Reserve.

3. Earn a direct commission. For professionals with advanced degrees in fields such as law and medicine, the Army offers direct commissions into the Army Reserve. Because these officers will be serving in a different context, the direct commission program allows men and women to bypass OCS and other intensive Army training programs. Instead, they attend a shorter course centered on Army history and military leadership. Army Reserve Officers with direct commissions will still lead other soldiers, but they will always remain close to their civilian professions and academic achievements.

4. Establish a strong enlisted career. Although all Army officers are required to possess at least a four-year college degree, some exceptions are made for phenomenal enlisted soldiers. Some slots at OCS are reserved for enlisted personnel who have earned at least 90 college credits and have established successful military records. Soldiers also can apply for the Green to Gold program, an initiative in which soldiers are discharged from active duty service and attend Army ROTC. Once Green to Gold participants are commissioned, they can opt to serve as officers in the Army Reserve instead of returning to active-duty status.

Tips & Warnings

• For those who are willing to serve an initial active-duty contract before entering the Army Reserve, there are other commissioning programs available, such as the United States Military Academy at West Point, that offer more extensive training and lucrative bonuses.

• While Army Reserve officers train and work part-time, there is always the risk of mobilization to active-duty status. There are laws to protect the civilian jobs of deployed members of the Army Reserve, but months away from home can put a strain on many aspects of an officer's personal life.

References

• Becoming an Army Officer