Become a Respected Leader
As a commissioned Officer, you’re not only involved in leading, problem-solving, and planning for upcoming missions, but you’re also empowered to make decisions that affect the lives of people across the globe.
- Lead with authority and respect
- Apply advanced skills, knowledge, and experience
- Plan and guide missions
- Train and mentor a team
A Simple Conversation Can Change Everything
If you’re thinking of joining, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
Ways to Become a Commissioned Army Officer
Graduate College as an Officer with ROTC
Earn college scholarships, develop leadership skills, and advance your military career while on campus with the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC).
- Graduate with a secure career as a commissioned U.S. Army Officer
- Start at the rank of second lieutenant
- Complete Basic Combat Training and Officer Candidate School on summer break
Attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Prepare to lead while earning a degree from the prestigious U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
- Earn a Bachelor of Science degree in an immersive military environment meant to build leaders of character
- Receive a fully funded, four-year college education plus an annual stipend of $10,000+
- Enter the Army as a distinguished member of the military community
- Applicants must request nomination from a U.S. Congressman or Senator
Learn to Lead in Officer Candidate School
Officer Candidate School is an intensive program designed for enlisted Soldiers and civilians with college degrees to earn a commission to become an Officer.
- Join the Army’s 12-week Officer training program
- Utilize your undergraduate degree to advance rank
- Refine your leadership skills and gain the opportunity to command Soldiers
Earn a Direct Commission
Choose to apply your knowledge and skill to a career with meaning. A direct commission appoints civilians with professional experience directly to an Officer rank.
- Utilize your professional expertise to become a leader in the Army
- Join a mission with a purpose
- Work in state-of-the-art facilities around the world
Become an Expert in Your Field as a Warrant Officer
Enlisted Soldiers demonstrating unparalleled technical skills can earn a place in Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS), where they’ll achieve the rank of Warrant Officer and serve as tactical experts and advisors for strategic missions.
- Warrant Officers help shape policy and advise on specialized missions
- Enlisted Soldiers can be recruited to apply to the school after two years of service
- Candidates will deepen their skills in their specialty and prepare to instruct and advise others
Advance in Rank as an Officer
Your rank as a commissioned Officer indicates not only your pay grade, but also the amount of responsibility you hold.
Second lieutenant to major
Start by leading platoon-sized units of 16 to 44 Soldiers in entry-level leadership roles, working your way up to being responsible for as many as 1,000 Soldiers.
- Second lieutenant
- First lieutenant
- Captain
- Major
Lieutenant colonel to major general
Advance in rank to lead battalion and brigade-sized units of anywhere between 300 and 3,200 Soldiers, to eventually lead division-sized units of 10,000 to 16,000 soldiers.
- Lieutenant colonel
- Colonel
- Brigadier general
- Major general
Your Opportunity for Growth Continues Beyond Your Army Service
When you become an Officer in the Army, your opportunity for growth doesn’t stop. You’ll establish a fulfilling lifelong career while still having many opportunities for advancement and training. Becoming an Officer will also help you if you decide to enter the civilian workforce, as employers place a high value on workers who can lead others in stressful situations.
Common Questions About Army Officers
How long does it take to become an Officer?
It depends 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’ll become an Officer after completing four years of college. Through Officer Candidate School (OCS), you’re commissioned as an Army second lieutenant after completing the 12-week course, but you still need to earn a four-year degree from an accredited university.
If you join through direct commission, you’re automatically an Officer when you enter the Army, but your commission may still be dependent upon completion of specific courses and certifications related to your branch.
What is the salary like for Army Officers? Are there additional benefits?
Army Officer salaries are generally comparable with mid-level to senior-level corporate executives. Officers are also eligible for other benefits such as Army housing and health care, which can have additional financial value.
Do I need a college degree to become an Army Officer?
Yes, the one basic requirement to become an Officer is that you must have a bachelor’s degree—not necessarily at the start of the process, but by the time you’re commissioned as an Officer. If you don’t have a degree yet, the Green to Gold program is a way for enlisted Soldiers to earn a commission as an Army Officer after completing a bachelor’s degree or a two-year graduate degree.