Most educational benefits I have found are in relation to an enlistment not a commission. And is the education program contingent on what MOS you take? Ex.) Does an officer have to choose a degree that holds value to his job in the Army.
FYI: The recruiters are giving off strong vibes that I will probably end up being an Infantry Officer
2007-07-13 18:03:08 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I already have a B.A in political science
2007-07-13 20:44:02 · update #1
Make sure you are talking with an Officer Recruiter and not an enlisted recruiter. Officer Recruiters are the only ones who can factual answer your questions - as they pertain to the Officer Corps - based on their own personal experience and knowledge of the Army and current regulations. If you are not dealing with an Officer Recruiter then you are not getting full and correct advice. And from your question I don't think you are. Officer Recruiters are specifically detailed to counsel and advise future officers.
2007-07-13 20:05:01 · answer #1 · answered by cwomo 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Officers in the US Army have a several opportunities to advance their education. But I'll start at the beginning.
If you are not yet in the military, you have to have a 4 year college degree (an No, it doesn't matter what your degree is in) to become an officer. You can go to ROTC while in college and receive a commission when you finish your degree. Or you can get your degree and enlist with the option to go to OCS (This is the only option that an enlistment recuiter can offer - and officers don't get to pick their Army branch (Infantry, Armor, Finance, Military Police, etc.). They rank the branches in order of preference and a board of officers selects who gets what based on the needs of the Army).
If you are already enlisted and have 90+ credit hours and within 2 semesters of graduating, you can apply for OCS and the degree completion program and the Army will allow you to go back to school to finish up your degree prior to making Captain. Usually (not always, but usually) you have to have at least one enlistment completed for this option.
Once you are an officer, specifically a Captain, you can apply for ACS (Advance Civil Schooling). This is where the Army will take you out of the regular Army system and allow you to go and get your Masters. You still get your regular pay and allowances, but now your job is to go to school, not play Army, as my wife puts it. The Army has a similar program for Phds. There are also several programs where you can go to schools from other agencies such as the FBI and CIA, amongst others. You can even go to other countries and go through their military education courses as an exchange student.
Education oportunities for officers are out there, but you have to find them and apply for them, and there are usually only a limited number of slots for each. So selection can get tough.
2007-07-13 20:33:49 · answer #2 · answered by CPT A.B. 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are active duty Army officers attending civilian institutions to earn advanced degrees while in a temporary duty assignment. In addition, the National War College and other institutes within the Army afford the officer an opportunity to earn advanced degrees and gain knowledge in a number of areas beyond breaking things and killing people.
2007-07-13 18:27:25 · answer #3 · answered by desertviking_00 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OCS only accepts those who have completed at least a bachelors degree, so get that first if you want to be an officer.
Hon, those vibes may be them saying you
WILL be in the Infantry whether it be as an officer or an enlisted.
2007-07-13 19:16:10 · answer #4 · answered by Sgt Little Keefe 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should qualify to get the gi bill when you enlist, you'll find out for sure when you go to meps, but I'm almost positive ocs candidates get it. You'll also be able to get tuition assitance while you're in, any classes you take will be paid for as long as you pass them. No, it doesn't have to be related to your field. That's about it, and yes, almost all ocs candidates end up in a combat arms related mos, not necessarily infantry though.
2007-07-14 08:28:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont know about that kind of stuff. recruiters like to tell kids a lot of things that will make them want to join so dont expect becoming an officer. recruiters have to meet a certain limit of recruits each month, so they will try to pursuade you anyway they can. if you are able to go to college first, you can join army rotc and enter the army as a second lieutenent. i was going to join last year, but the recruiters said asthma is disqualifying. o well. good luck
2007-07-13 18:13:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋