Becoming a military officer without college degree?

Hey y'all. I've been thinking a lot about my future after high school, and I'm really drawn to the idea of becoming a military officer, but I'm hesitant about the college route. Is it possible to achieve an officer ranking without going to college? If yes, what could the path look like?

Absolutely, there are pathways to become a military officer without a traditional college degree. One such path is by going through the Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS).

The OCS/OTS programs act as a basic training ground for potential military officers and usually take between 9 to 17 weeks to complete, depending on the branch of service you choose. You can apply for these programs if you have a high school diploma and have achieved a certain rank if you're already enlisted.

In addition to that, it's important to note that while a bachelor's degree isn't required to apply, having some college credits can increase your competitiveness. So taking a few college classes at a local community college or online, for instance, could be beneficial.

Another pathway is through the Warrant Officer schools. Warrant officers are highly specialized experts and trainers in their career fields. Each branch has its own requirements, but generally, you must be highly experienced in your MOS (Military Occupation Speciality) or exceptionally skilled in a certain area of your field, such as flying helicopters in the Army, for example.

However, keep in mind that within the military, officers are generally expected to have a college-level education, so not having a degree may limit your progression or responsibilities down the line. It's not a hard stop, but it's worth considering if long-term career development within the military is your goal.

In short, yes, it's possible to become an officer without a college degree, but it involves a different route and having outstanding skills or experience in your field.