Path to Leadership

If you think you've got what it takes to lead from the front there are three ways to become an officer.

  1. US Military Academy (USMA)- Since 1802 USMA or West Point has been graduating Second Lieutenants in the United States Army. They accept the best and the brightest high school graduates from across the United States. Candidates must not only be intellectually developed but also show promising signs of leadership potential and physical ability. For more information on this rigorous four-year university follow the link: www.usma.edu
  2. Officer Candidate School (OCS)- For those with prior military service or college graduates holding a bachelor's degree or higher OCS is the route to take. Once accepted to the program, officer candidates may have the option of choosing traditional, accelerated, or federal OCS programs. The state traditional program lasts 16-18 months and classes are held one weekend per month. Accelerated OCS is 8 weeks long with daily classes. Federal OCS is primarily for active duty soldiers and appears to be a long shot for National Guardsmen, but that course is 14 weeks at Fort Benning, GA. If you enlist with a four-year college degree, be sure to get the O9S option on your contract which guarantees your opportunity to go to OCS. www.nationalguard.com/ocs
  3. Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)- This program allows college students to become an officer by the time they graduate. While requiring classes and responsibilities in addition to their normal college studies, ROTC takes the financial burden off the student by providing scholarships and monthly stipends. www.nationalguard.com/rotc
Having a college diploma doesn't automatically make you officer material, and if your desire to lead is motivated by the military pay grade charts chances are your services aren't needed. If, however, you want to serve your country and community, set an example, and be responsible for the lives of tens, hundreds, or thousands of soldiers then it's time you called a recruiter.

I would be happy to field any questions you have with the knowledge that I've gained about the process thus far. I highly recommend reading the book The Unforgiving Minute by Craig Mullaney for a picture of what it means to be an officer and put your men and the mission first. 
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