Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Rank Entry for College Grads in Military?

I'm considering the military after college and was wondering if anyone knows what rank a college graduate typically enters the military as? Does it depend on the branch or are there universal standards?

9 months ago

In general, a college graduate who joins the military typically enters as a commissioned officer, which is a higher rank than an enlisted soldier. This applies to all the branches of the U.S. military.

Here is a breakdown:

1. Army: A graduate typically enters as a Second Lieutenant (O-1).

2. Navy and Coast Guard: A graduate usually enters as an Ensign (O-1).

3. Air Force: A graduate typically comes in as a Second Lieutenant (O-1).

4. Marines: A graduate usually enters as a Second Lieutenant (O-1).

5. Space Force: Following the model of the Air Force, a graduate would likely come in as a Second Lieutenant (O-1).

However, to qualify as an officer, you must complete officer training. This can be through Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs in college or Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS) after graduation.

Please note that specific ranks can depend on several factors, including the individual's degree, the need in the specific focus area, the number of credits the person has, and the level of education. Advanced degrees can sometimes qualify an individual for higher initial rankings. It's a good idea to talk with a recruiter for detailed, up-to-date, and personalized information.

9 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.