Entering the Military as an Officer Post-Graduation

Just a little bit curious here, but what's the deal with college grads and their route into the military? As someone with a degree, would I get to enter the ranks as an officer or am I mistaken?

Yes, you're correct. If you already have a college degree, you can enter the military as an officer through Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS), depending on the branch. These schools provide training for individuals who hold a college degree but have little to no military experience.

For example, the Army's OCS is a 12-week program designed to train, assess, and develop second lieutenants for the Army's active duty, Reserve, and National Guard. Similarly, the Navy's OCS is a 13-week program located in Newport, Rhode Island. For the Air Force, you'd attend OTS, which is a 9.5-week program located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.

It's important to note that selection for OCS/OTS is competitive, and you'd need to meet physical, moral, and age requirements. You’d also need to achieve a certain score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), which is a multi-aptitude test that measures abilities and helps predict future military success.

However, if you're interested in becoming an officer while you're still in college, you could consider ROTC programs or applying to a service academy. These routes also commission you as an officer upon graduation.

Before deciding to join the military as an officer, consider speaking with a recruiter or someone currently serving. They can provide more detailed insights about the training process, daily responsibilities, and potential career paths as an officer.