U.S. ARMY OFFICER PROGRAM
BECOME AN OFFICER: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find out more about becoming an Officer in the U.S. Army in the answers below, with links to more detailed descriptions.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ENLISTED SOLDIERS AND OFFICERS?
Enlisted Soldiers are the backbone of the Army. They have specific specialties within an Army unit and make up the majority of the Armed Forces. Officers serve as leaders to those Soldiers. They plan missions, give orders, and assign Soldiers to tasks.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO BECOME AN ARMY OFFICER?
There are four main paths to becoming an Army Officer: The Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), Direct Commission, Officer Candidate School (OCS), or attending the U.S. Military Academy.
Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is a program in which undergraduate and graduate students enroll in elective leadership and military courses at colleges and universities in addition to the courses required for their degree. Enrollees receive a generous stipend and money toward books, tuition, and more. After graduation, students are commissioned as U.S. Army Officers at the rank of Second Lieutenant.
Learn more about (ROTC)
Direct Commission allows leaders in professional fields, such as law, medicine, and religion, to become Army Officers immediately. Typically, a direct commission is given to a person with a specialty skill the Army needs at that time.
Learn more about earning a Direct Commission as an Officer.
Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a training academy for prospective Army Officers. The school is generally open to qualified enlisted non-commissioned Officers, along with civilians who hold at least a four-year college degree. Candidates who successfully complete the rigorous, 12-week school receive formal commissions as U.S. Army Officers and assume the ability to lead Soldiers.
Learn more about Officer Candidate School and how to receive a formal commission as an Officer.
U.S. Military Academy at West Point is the oldest and most rigorous military training academy in the United States. Like ROTC, cadets earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation.
Learn more about the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME AN OFFICER?
Individuals with a four-year college degree earn an Officer rank immediately upon enlistment. Otherwise, the time requirements depend on which path you choose.
- If you choose to become an Officer through the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) or the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, you will become an Officer after completing four years of college.
- Through Officer Candidate School (OCS), you are commissioned as an Army Second Lieutenant upon completion of the 12-week course, but you still must have earned a four-year degree from an accredited university.
- If you join through direct commission, you are automatically an Officer when you enter the Army, but your commission may still hinge upon other requirements. Talk to a recruiter for more information.
CAN AN ENLISTED SOLDIER BECOME AN OFFICER?
Yes, there are a variety of ways an enlisted Soldier can become an Officer. The Army’s training academy is Officer Candidate School (OCS). Candidates who successfully complete the rigorous, 12-week program will receive a formal commission as U.S. Army Officers. In order to be considered for OCS, you must have a four-year college degree.
Additionally, enlisted Soldiers can become an Officer through time-based promotions and more rarely, battlefield promotions. Talk to a recruiter to learn more about your opportunity for advancement.
CAN I BE AN OFFICER AND STILL LIVE WHERE I WANT?
Yes. If you are an Officer in the Army Reserve, you can serve your country while you continue your civilian career at home. However, you should expect to spend one weekend a month and two weeks a year in training. Active duty Officers are able to pick their preference for a particular place, but there are no guarantees.
WHAT ARE ARMY OFFICER SALARIES? ARE THERE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS?
Army Officer salaries are generally comparable with mid-to senior-level corporate executives. When you factor in the savings from some of the other benefits of joining the military, such as Army housing and health care, you come out ahead.
| Rank | < 2 Years Experience | 4 Years Experience | 6 Years Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant (O1) | $39,445.20 | $49,636.80 | $49,636.80 |
| First Lieutenant (O2) | $45,450.00 | $61,628.40 | $62,895.60 |
| Captain (O3) | $52,599.60 | $70,167.60 | $73,533.60 |
| Major (O4) | $59,824.80 | $74,901.60 | $79,189.20 |
In addition to competitive salaries, Army Officers receive many additional benefits including: comprehensive health and dental benefits, generous vacation time, modern housing, cash allowances to cover cost of living, and more.
Learn more about Officer benefits.
HOW LONG IS THE COMMITMENT TO BECOME AN ARMY OFFICER?
The length of your military commitment to the Army varies depending on the path you have chosen. Talk to a recruiter for more information on military service obligations.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM AGE FOR AN ARMY OFFICER?
For an Army Officer, you must accept your commission by age 34. However, restrictions can be lifted based on the need for certain roles. Talk to a recruiter to get a better understanding of the demand for certain roles.
IS THERE AN ARMY OFFICER RECRUITER NEAR ME?
Yes, there is an Army Officer recruiter nearby ready to help you decide whether the Army is the right career path for you. Contact a recruiter.
