what kind of course work does the military look for in officers

by Beaulah Crona 4 min read

Full Answer

What is the typical career path of a military officer?

Most officers will serve in positions from within their basic branch through their company grade years. Some officers will serve in a functional area or generalist positions that are not related to a specific branch or functional area after they are branch qualified as captains.

What can you do with a military degree?

If you worked in the medical support field while in the military, you can also pursue a degree in health education to educate service and community members on mental and physical care best practices. 3. Criminal justice Your military background may leave you with plenty of knowledge and experience in protecting others and serving your community.

What are the different types of officers in the military?

Civil Affairs officers – Yes, they’ll be wearing civilian clothes and mocking your slides all day. Medical Services officers – Actually skilled at their jobs and can’t believe that MDMP is a real thing that people use without feelings of self-harm. Ordnance officers – Blow it up. Just blow all of it up. Or maybe resupply it. What was the question?

What is it like to be in the Army?

The best thing about the Army is that there are many different avenues to each goal. If you are interested in applying for an Officers Commission through ROTC or West Point, work to be a good student, a good athlete, and a well-rounded person. West Point and ROTC are looking to award scholarships to individuals who are balanced and motivated.

What education does a military officer need?

Commissioned officers generally enter the Military with a four-year college degree or greater. In certain cases, enlisted service members can advance and transition to officers during the course of their military career as well.

What degrees are the military looking for?

Find out which degree is right for youStrategic Intelligence. ... Criminal Justice. ... Management Information Systems (MIS) ... Political Science. ... Healthcare - Nursing, Biology, Radiology. ... Philosophy. ... Psychology. ... Theology (military chaplains)More items...

What skills do military officers need?

The eight most common skills based on Army Officer resumes in 2022.Logistics, 13.8%Procedures, 11.9%Military Personnel, 10.7%Combat, 8.7%Platoon, 8.6%Unit Personnel, 7.1%Human Resources, 2.9%Other Skills, 36.3%

What degree do most military officers have?

A strategic intelligence degree is one of the most popular degrees for military officers to earn after service. Earning this degree allows you to work in a wide variety of fields, like military intelligence or criminal justice as you learn to analyze, interpret and assess large data sets.

Why do military officers need a degree?

To become a commissioned officer in most of the branches, active-duty military personnel are required to have a four-year college degree. This designation can help you increase your salary, job responsibilities, and future opportunities within your branch and upon entering the civilian workforce.

What subjects do soldiers need?

There are no academic subjects needed to join the military, just a fitness test and an IQ test (ASVAB).

What personality type is best for military?

ESTPs could be in the ranks as military officers Personality traits of an ESTP personality type are that of a thrill-seeker — perceptive and risky. They're smart, energetic, and make great leaders. ESTPs make good military officers because it involves being hands-on and working with others to solve problems.

What are the qualities of good officer?

Characteristics of a good officerUnderstanding the potential of subordinates. ... Delegation of work. ... Coordianting ability. ... Protecting the subordinates. ... Understanding the training needs of subordinates. ... Understanding the team dynamics. ... Be strict when necessary. ... Preach what you practice.More items...•

What makes a good military police officer?

Military Police Officer Requirements: Solid knowledge of all military guidelines. Valid driver's license. Ability to maneuver military vehicles is preferred. Unrivaled composure, resolve, and decision-making abilities.

Do military officers need a masters degree?

While requirements vary by service, if you want to keep progressing as an officer, you'll eventually need a master's degree. In this context, the type of degree doesn't always matter. Often, you just need any master's degree to check the promotion box (though certain technical fields may require a specific degree).

How long does it take to become army officer?

If you choose to become an Officer through the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) or the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, you'll become an Officer after completing four years of college.

Can you be a military officer with any degree?

Officer Candidate School and Officer Training School offer opportunities for anyone with a bachelor's degree. This goes for active duty, enlisted members of the military and reservists who have completed a four-year degree, as well as civilians with a bachelor's degree (who are not eligible for direct commissioning).

What it means to be an officer in the military?

An officer is a person who holds a position of authority as a member of an armed force or uniformed service. Broadly speaking, “officer” means a commissioned officer, a non-commissioned officer, or a warrant officer.

Do officers fight in combat?

Yes, Infantry Officers do fight. However, most Officers (including Infantry) will spend most of their time in staff roles where they will not have a direct role in combat operations, but will support them.

What do officers do?

Police officers are assigned to locations to patrol and watch for crime, enforce traffic violations, investigate criminal complaints and respond to emergency situations.

Do officers get deployed?

Quick Facts About Being A Military Officer Reserve officers can serve while continuing their civilian careers at home. Deployment depends on the Military branch chosen and the assigned unit. The commitment length varies.

Can a soldier become an officer?

Becoming an Officer. Commissioned officers generally enter the Military with a four-year college degree or greater. In certain cases, enlisted service members can advance and transition to officers during the course of their military career as well.

Do officers salute each other?

Enlisted and NCO members must salute officers. Officers salute senior officers. But you may salute anyone you wish; it is a sign of respect.

What is an army officer called?

Army officer ranks are in three tiers: company grade, field grade and general. Army officers in the ranks of O-1 to O-3 are called company grade officers; those in the pay grades O-4 to O-6 are known as field grade officers, and those in pay grades O-7 and above are known as general officers.

What is the best degree for a military officer?

4. Strategic intelligence . A strategic intelligence degree is one of the most popular degrees for military officers to earn after service. Earning this degree allows you to work in a wide variety of fields, like military intelligence or criminal justice as you learn to analyze, interpret and assess large data sets.

What are the different degrees in the military?

Different degrees in the military. Those who serve in the military typically gain extensive transferable skills like self-discipline, leadership and team-building abilities. You can easily apply these skills toward a large number of roles after earning the right degree. Different degrees military members can pursue after their service include: 1.

What is kinesiology in the military?

Kinesiology combines the studies of psychology, physiology, exercise science and anatomy. Those who finished the service can pursue this field of study to better understand the physical training of military members.

What is a history degree?

There are some history degree programs that offer specialties in military history. These new programs teach how to critically analyze and learn from past decisions that military leaders and members once made. You can use the actions and traditions learned in this program to apply toward any leadership or high-level military positions. You can make more guided and informed decisions for the military based on your studies.

What is an officer?

Officers are managers or specialized in fields that require professional degrees (e.g., doctors, lawyers, and chaplains). Expand the options below to explore the different paths to becoming an officer. SERVICE ACADEMIES, MILITARY COLLEGES, AND MARITIME COLLEGES. Service Academies.

How long is the Air Force rotc?

Air Force ROTC offers a four-year program and a three-year program, both based on Air Force requirements and led by active-duty Air Force officers. Upon completion, a student enters the Air Force as an officer. Learn more about Air Force ROTC. COAST GUARD SPLIT TRAINING.

What is Navy ROTC?

Navy ROTC offers a mixture of military training and normal academic study. Upon completion, NROTC graduates have the ability to choose an officer career in surface warfare, naval aviation, submarine or special warfare. Aspiring Marine Corps officers also participate in Navy ROTC. The ROTC academic curriculum for a Marine Corps-option student ...

What is a rotc program?

ROTC programs are offered at schools in every state and allow the student to have college experience while preparing to be an officer. College classes are mixed with service-specific ROTC curriculum (in the classroom and in the field), which covers everything from leadership studies to combat technique.

What is OCS in the Air Force?

After completing a four-year degree, graduates may enroll in Officer Candidate School (OCS), or Officer Training School (OTS) in the Air Force. Courses focus on military subjects, physical training, and leadership skills. There are three types of people who attend OCS/OTS: Graduates from a traditional four-year college or university.

What is a warrant officer?

Warrant officers are promoted from the enlisted ranks for technical expertise and rank between the highest enlisted and lowest commissioned officers. Non-commissioned officers (NCOs) are high-ranking enlisted service members who have been given officer-like authority by their superiors. Find a Recruiter.

What is a ROTC?

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs provide officer training for students during college in exchange for scholarship money. In return, the students commit to serving for a set period of time after graduation.

What is the most common way to become an officer?

The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is the most common way to become an officer. The program is offered at 1,700 colleges and universities across the country. Students are provided with leadership training and money for tuition in addition to a guaranteed job upon graduation. Officer Candidate School (OCS), ...

What is the most competitive pathway to becoming a commissioned officer?

Service academies are the most competitive pathways to becoming a commissioned officer. The Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and the U.S. Merchant Marines all offer a high-quality, no-cost, four-year education equivalent to that of civilian Ivy League schools. The four military service academies are:

What is OCS in the Air Force?

Officer Candidate School (OCS), known in the Air Force as Officer Training School (OTS), is a program designed for graduates who have a four-year degree, but did not participate in an ROTC program. Additionally, enlisted servicemembers with 90 hours of college credit can enroll in the program to advance to the position of commissioned officer.

What is a commissioned officer?

Commissioned Officers. An officer with specialized training and experience in areas such as law, engineering, or healthcare. Officers are required to have a college degree and are assigned positions after completion of an ROTC or OCS/OTS program.

What degree do you need to be a transportation officer?

Transportation officers. Advancing your career in the military will require hard work, determination, and a college degree. While the requirements for promotion differ by branch, servicemembers are encouraged to progress through the ranks into leadership positions.

What is direct appointment in the military?

Direct appointments are reserved for professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, and clergy. They receive abbreviated officer training and are then commissioned at a rank based on professional experience. Officer positions in the military fall within several categories, including:

What are the benefits of being promoted to a military officer?

military officer comes with a variety of benefits, including a salary increase, educational benefits for advanced degrees, and the opportunity to hold a leadership position at an early age. To help you along in your journey to becoming a military officer, we’ve created a guide filled ...

What is a military officer?

Military officers are the leaders of the military, and instead of enlisting in the sense that enlisted military men and women do, they are commissioned officers who serve indefinitely at the pleasure of the President of the United States. We should note that the officer ranks also include Warrant Officers ...

What are the ranks of the Air Force?

Air Force. The Air Force ranks share the same titles as the Army and Marines. Company Grade Officers (O-1 through O-3): The junior grades of officers in the Air Force often serve as more administrative leaders, though O-3s may be given authority over a company (becoming a "Company Commander"). Pay Grades: Second Lieutenant (O-1), First Lieutenant ...

What is the highest rank in the Coast Guard?

O-10 Admirals are the highest rank in the Coast Guard, and reports directly to the president. Pay Grades: Rear Admiral Lower Half (O-7), Rear Admiral Upper Half (O-8), Vice Admiral (O-9), and Admiral (O-10).

How many generals are there in the Marines?

Three-star generals (O-9) can only extend their status through an act of Congress. There may only be 60 total generals in the Marine Corps, and 3 of those can be four-star generals. Pay Grades: Brigadier General (O-7), Major General (O-8), Lieutenant General (O-9), General (O-10).

How many Marines are in the O-6?

They command between 300 and 1,000 Marines. O-6s typically attend the Army War College. Pay Grades: Major (O-4), Lieutenant Colonel (O-5), Colonel (O-6) Generals: Generals in the Marine Corps start off by presiding over 10,000 to 15,000 Marines, and are in charge of tactical planning and coordination of operations.

What is the rank of a Coast Guard officer?

Field Grade Officers (O-5 through O-6): O-5s are the first Coast Guard rank to command ships or squadrons of aircraft. O-6s are given a high degree of autonomy in a variety of stations. Pay Grades: Commander (O-5), Captain (O-6)

How long does it take to become an O-2 Marine?

Company Grade Officers (O-1 through O-4): O-2 is generally automatic after two years as an O-1. O-3s act as Company Commanders for 62 to 190 Marines, and are in charge of the tactical and everyday operations of their company.

Military Officer Career Path

Learn how to become a Military Officer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

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What is the primary form of military training?

The primary form of military training is recruit training , which makes use of various conditioning techniques to resocialize trainees into the military system, ensure that they will obey all orders without hesitation, and teach basic military skills.

What are the benefits of military education?

Moreover, participants are able to learn more survival skills during the military education, like co-operations and resilience, which will help participants improve the capabilities ...

What happens after a recruit is trained?

After their recruit training, personnel may undergo further training specific to their military role, including the use of any specialist equipment. They are then normally deemed fit for military service.

What is resocialization in the military?

Resocialization is a sociological concept referring to the process of mentally and emotionally "retraining" a person so that they can operate in a new environment, and it involves changes to an individual's attitudes and behaviours . The drill instructor has the task of making the service members fit for military use.

Is military training voluntary?

Military training may be voluntary or compulsory duty. It begins with recruit training, proceeds to education and training specific to military roles, and sometimes includes additional training during a military career. Directing staff are the military personnel who comprise the instructional staff at a military training institution.

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Assignments For Army Officers

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Most officers will serve in positions from within their basic branch through their company grade years. Some officers will serve in a functional area or generalist positions that are not related to a specific branch or functional area after they are branch qualified as captains. Following the Career Field designation, officers are …
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Branch 11–Infantry

  • The infantry officer is responsible for leading the infantry and combined armed forces during land combat. This branch includes the 11A Infantry Officer.
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Branch 12–Corps of Engineers

  • An engineer officer is responsible for providing full support to the wide range of engineering duties in the Army. They can help build structures, develop civil works programs and even provide combat support. This branch includes: 1. 12A Engineer 2. 12B Combat Engineer (del 1310/1110-14) 3. 12D Facilities/Contact Construction Management Engineer (FCCME) (del 1310/1110-14)
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Branch 13–Field Artillery

  • The field artillery officer leads the field artillery branch, who neutralizes the enemy by cannon, rocket, and missile fire. The officer must be an expert in tactics, techniques, and procedures for the employment of fire support systems. This branch includes the 13A Field Artillery Officer.
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Branch 14–Air Defense Artillery

  • The air defense artillery officer leads the air defense artillery branch, who protects U.S. forces from aerial attack, missile attack, and enemy surveillance. They must be an expert in tactics, techniques, and procedures for the employment of air defense systems. They also become an expert in one or more systems including the PATRIOT missile system and the AVENGER system…
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Branch 15–Aviation

  • Aviation officers coordinate/lead operations using Army helicopters: OH-58 Kiowa, UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, and the AH-64 Apache. These operations can haul troops and carry supplies, as well as provide quick-strike and long-range target engagement. This branch includes: 1. 15A Aviation-General 2. 15B Aviation Combined Arms Operations 3. 15C Aviation All-source In…
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Branch 18–Special Forces

  • The Special Forces officer is the team leader of an operational detachment alpha, a highly trained 12-man team that is deployed in rapid-response situations. The officer organizes the mission, outfits the team, and debriefs them on the mission objective. This branch includes the 18A Special Forces Officer. An officer in the Army who wants to transfer into Special Forces, must pa…
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Branch 19–Armor

  • Armor officers are responsible for tank and cavalry or forward reconnaissance operations on the battlefield. The role of an armor officer is to be a leader in operations specific to the armor branch and to lead others in many areas of combat operations. This branch includes: 1. 19A Armor, General 2. 19B Armor 3. 19C Cavalry
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Branch 25–Signal Corps

  • The signal officer leads the Signal Corps, which is responsible for the Army’s entire systems of communication. Officers plan and execute all aspects of communication on a mission and are critical to the Army’s continued success. 1. 25A Signal, General
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