Commissioning Programs in the U.S. Army

Welcome to the Mission to Commission Resources section! Becoming an officer in the United States Army is a prestigious and rewarding career path that offers the opportunity to lead, inspire, and make a significant impact. Whether you are currently enlisted, a college student, or a professional seeking to transition into military service, the Army provides multiple pathways to commission as an officer. Explore the options below to find the best route that fits your background and aspirations.

Unrestricted Line Officer Programs

Officer Candidate School (OCS)

Overview: Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a rigorous training program designed to transform enlisted soldiers and civilians into commissioned officers. Located at Fort Benning, Georgia, OCS is a 12-week program that focuses on leadership development, military skills, and physical fitness.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Age between 19 and 32 years
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance
ASVAB and AFAST scores (if applicable for current enlisted soldiers)

Training:

Location: Fort Benning, Georgia
Duration: 12 weeks
Leadership Training and Development: Emphasis on developing decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Military Tactics and Strategies: Instruction on infantry tactics, operations orders, and military planning.
Physical Conditioning and Endurance Training: Rigorous physical training to meet Army standards.
Academic Instruction on Military Subjects: Courses on military history, Army organization, and combat operations.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Candidates receive pay and benefits commensurate with their rank and time in service.
Housing and meals are provided during training.
Medical and dental care are covered for the candidate.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of OCS are commissioned as Second Lieutenants and can serve in the Active Duty Army, the Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard. They can pursue various career fields, including infantry, armor, aviation, and engineering. OCS graduates are typically assigned to branch-specific Basic Officer Leader Courses (BOLC) following their commissioning.

Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)

Overview: The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a college-based program that prepares students to become commissioned officers while completing their undergraduate degrees. ROTC offers scholarships and stipends to help cover tuition, books, and other expenses.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Age between 17 and 26 years
High school diploma or equivalent
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Enroll in a participating college or university
Commitment to serve in the Active Duty Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard upon graduation

Training:

Location: Participating colleges and universities across the U.S.
Duration: Four years (or two years for the accelerated program)
Leadership Development Courses: Focus on developing leadership skills through practical exercises and classroom instruction.
Military Science Classes: Courses on military tactics, history, and Army organization.
Physical Fitness Training: Regular physical training to maintain Army fitness standards.
Summer Training Programs: Includes the Advanced Camp (Leader Development and Assessment Course, LDAC) and other specialized training opportunities.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

ROTC cadets receive stipends ranging from $420 to $500 per month, depending on their year in the program.
Scholarships cover full tuition, fees, and book allowances.
Additional stipends may be available for certain programs.
Medical and dental care are available through campus health services and military facilities.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE for those who are enlisted and activated.

Career Opportunities: Upon graduation, ROTC cadets are commissioned as Second Lieutenants and can serve in the Active Duty Army, the Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard. They can pursue a wide range of career fields, such as medical services, military intelligence, and cyber operations.

United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point

Overview: The United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point is a prestigious four-year institution that provides a comprehensive education and military training. West Point graduates are highly respected and well-prepared for leadership roles in the Army.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Age between 17 and 23 years
High school diploma with strong academic performance
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Nominated by a U.S. Congressman or Senator
Pass a medical examination
Pass the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA)
Demonstrate strong leadership potential and character

Training:

Location: West Point, New York
Duration: Four years
Rigorous Academic Curriculum: Includes engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
Military Leadership Training: Focuses on leadership development, ethics, and military skills.
Physical Fitness and Athletic Programs: Emphasizes physical conditioning, team sports, and individual fitness.
Summer Field Training and Internships: Provides hands-on military training and leadership experience.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Cadets receive a monthly stipend of approximately $1,150.
Tuition, room, and board are fully covered.
Medical and dental care are provided for the cadet.
Additional benefits include uniforms, books, and a personal computer.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE for eligible dependents.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of West Point are commissioned as Second Lieutenants and can serve in the Active Duty Army, the Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard. They can pursue various career fields in the Army, including engineering, aviation, and cyber operations. West Point graduates are also well-positioned for advanced training and leadership roles.

Restricted Line and Staff Corps Officer Programs

Direct Commission

Overview: The Direct Commission program allows professionals with specialized skills and expertise to become commissioned officers. This program is ideal for individuals in fields such as medicine, law, chaplaincy, and cyber security.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field
Professional experience and credentials
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance
ASVAB scores (if applicable for specific technical fields)

Training:

Location: Various military training centers depending on the field
Duration: Varies by specialty (typically 6-10 weeks)
Direct Commission Course (DCC): Provides military orientation and leadership training.
Branch-Specific Training: Develops specialized skills relevant to the officer's professional field.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Direct Commission officers receive pay and benefits commensurate with their rank and time in service.
Housing and meals are provided during training.
Medical and dental care are covered for the officer.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE.

Career Opportunities: Direct Commission officers serve in their professional capacities, contributing their expertise to support the Army's mission. They can serve on Active Duty or in the Army Reserve. Career fields include the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps, the Army Medical Department (AMEDD), and the Cyber Corps.

Medical Professions Officer Programs

Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)

Overview: The Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) is designed for medical, dental, veterinary, psychology, and optometry students. The program provides full tuition and a monthly stipend to students in accredited programs, in exchange for an active duty service commitment.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Enrolled in or accepted to an accredited medical, dental, veterinary, psychology, or optometry program
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Students attend their civilian medical schools
Duration: Duration of medical program
Summer Training: Officers participate in a 45-day Active-Duty Training (ADT) annually

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Full tuition paid to the school
Monthly stipend of over $2,300
Additional allowance for books, supplies, and equipment
Medical and dental care are covered for the officer
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE

Career Opportunities: Upon graduation and completion of residency (if applicable), HPSP officers are commissioned as Captains in the Army Medical Corps, Dental Corps, Veterinary Corps, or Medical Service Corps and serve on Active Duty. They can work in a variety of medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and field units.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS)

Overview: USUHS is a federal medical school that educates health professionals for careers in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Public Health Service. Students receive a full scholarship and a salary in exchange for an active-duty service commitment.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Bachelor's degree with strong academic performance
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Duration: Four years
Academic Curriculum: Includes medical and military training
Military Training: Focus on leadership, military ethics, and operational medicine

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Full tuition paid
Monthly salary as a Second Lieutenant (over $2,200/month)
Medical and dental care are provided for the student
Additional benefits include uniforms, books, and a personal computer
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE

Career Opportunities: Graduates are commissioned as Captains in the Army Medical Corps and serve on Active Duty. They work in Army medical facilities, research institutions, and field units, and can pursue various medical specialties.

Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP)

Overview: The Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP) is designed for students pursuing advanced degrees in health care fields, such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, clinical psychology, and pharmacy. This program offers financial assistance while students complete their degrees, in exchange for an active-duty service commitment.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Enrolled in or accepted to an accredited graduate program in a health care field
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Students attend their civilian schools
Duration: Duration of graduate program
Summer Training: Optional summer training programs are available

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Monthly salary as an E-6 to E-9, depending on program and rank
Full active-duty benefits, including medical and dental care
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE

Career Opportunities: Upon graduation and completion of any required residencies, HSCP officers are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Army Medical Corps, Dental Corps, Veterinary Corps, or Medical Service Corps and serve on Active Duty. They can work in a variety of medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and field units.

Baylor University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program

Overview: The Army-Baylor University Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy is designed for students pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. The program provides a comprehensive education in physical therapy and includes clinical internships.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Bachelor’s degree with prerequisite coursework
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance
GRE scores

Training:

Location: Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and clinical sites across the U.S.
Duration: 30 months
Academic Curriculum: Includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and other physical therapy subjects.
Clinical Internships: Hands-on training at military and civilian medical facilities.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Full tuition paid
Monthly stipend and salary as a Second Lieutenant
Medical and dental care are provided for the student
Additional benefits include uniforms, books, and a personal computer
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE

Career Opportunities: Graduates are commissioned as Captains in the Army Medical Specialist Corps and serve on Active Duty. They can work in a variety of medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and field units.

Warrant Officer Programs

Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS)

Overview: Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) is designed to train and commission highly skilled technical experts as Warrant Officers. WOCS is a challenging program that focuses on leadership, military skills, and technical proficiency.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Age between 18 and 46 years
High school diploma or equivalent (some technical fields require an associate or bachelor's degree)
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)
Must be a current enlisted member with at least five years of service or meet specific technical skill requirements
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Fort Rucker, Alabama
Duration: 5-7 weeks
Leadership Training and Development: Focus on leadership skills and officer responsibilities.
Technical and Tactical Training: Emphasis on the candidate's specific technical field.
Physical Conditioning and Endurance Training: Rigorous physical training to meet Army standards.
Academic Instruction on Military Subjects: Courses on military history, Army organization, and combat operations.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Candidates receive pay and benefits commensurate with their rank and time in service.
Housing and meals are provided during training.
Medical and dental care are covered for the candidate.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of WOCS are commissioned as Warrant Officers and can serve in the Active Duty Army, the Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard. They provide technical expertise in fields such as aviation, intelligence, and cyber operations.

Green to Gold Program

Overview: The Green to Gold Program offers enlisted soldiers the opportunity to earn a commission as an officer while completing their college degrees. This program provides scholarships and financial assistance to support educational pursuits.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Age between 19 and 30 years
Completed two years of active duty service
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Enroll in a participating college or university
Honorable discharge (if applicable)

Training:

Location: Participating colleges and universities across the U.S.
Duration: Two to four years, depending on the academic program
ROTC Curriculum and Leadership Development: Includes leadership labs, field training exercises, and academic coursework.
Academic Coursework Toward a Bachelor's Degree: Pursue a degree in various fields while participating in ROTC.
Physical Fitness and Military Training: Regular physical training and military science classes.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Green to Gold participants receive scholarships to cover tuition, fees, and books.
Monthly stipends ranging from $420 to $500, depending on the academic year.
Participants in the Active Duty Option continue to receive their enlisted pay and benefits.
Medical and dental care are available through campus health services and military facilities.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE for eligible dependents.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of the Green to Gold Program are commissioned as Second Lieutenants and can serve in the Active Duty Army, the Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard. They can pursue various career fields, including logistics, military police, and medical services.

The U.S. Army offers diverse and comprehensive commissioning programs designed to develop future leaders. Whether you are a current enlisted soldier, a college student, or a professional with specialized skills, there is a pathway to becoming a commissioned officer that aligns with your goals and aspirations. Explore these programs and take the first step toward a rewarding career as a leader in the U.S. Army, serving either on Active Duty or in the Reserve components.