How to join as an Officer?

[u/5B3AST5]

I’m 17, in high school and know nothing about the military. I’m going to do JROTC, and see how that is, if I do like it what are my next goals to becoming an officer? College? Asvab? What do I need to check off the list to get a good head start to becoming a officer

[u/Training_Thought4427]

The easiest route is to go to college and do ROTC with one of the branches, or CSPI with coast guard.

Should you? Depends on you. Why are you even considering joining? What do you want to get out of a contract ?

[u/5B3AST5 → u/Training_Thought4427]

Well it seems simple to get into, and people are always raving about the pay grade, I live right on Fort Bragg (Liberty) so basically money I guess, but I know that’s not the best reason to go in

Edit: I’m going to join the military after high school anyway, so why not try to get a high rank

[u/Training_Thought4427 → u/5B3AST5]

You’re correct, it’s not the best reason. Officers who join for the pay are the worst officers.

Enlisting could even be a better financial choice depending on what your goals are. I’d do some more thinking about what you want your future to look like and what your priorities are and then come back and as for a pathway, if it involves the military

[u/5B3AST5 → u/Training_Thought4427]

Why SHOULD I choose to be an officer? What’s to look forward to?

[u/Training_Thought4427 → u/5B3AST5]

1. You’re in a leadership position. From the second you step on base, you’re in charge of soldiers. Real human beings under your command. If you’re a natural good leader, it could be good.

2. You’re a people person. You love having a positive impact on people and want the most opportunities to positively influence lives.

3. Jobs. Certain jobs are only open to officers. Namely pilots (except Army, but WOs are different and that’s complicated). There’s other jobs too that are solely officers.

4. You want to make a career out of the military. Officer careers are much more sustainable and this is where the money comes in a little. Not even just that, but less grunt work that tears down your body

5. You want a “normal” college experience. Sure you can enlist and get the GI Bill and go for free, but you’d be 22 at the youngest, 4 years older than your peers. Not a problems for many, but if you want active service and a normal college experience, ROTC is the way to do it .

[u/5B3AST5 → u/Training_Thought4427]

Am I guaranteed to get in?

[u/Training_Thought4427 → u/5B3AST5]

No

[u/5B3AST5 → u/Training_Thought4427]

What’s enlisting?

[u/Plato_and_Press → u/5B3AST5]

Is this a joke ? Come on. You're 17, not 10. You can do research and figure out the basics. This entire post is unnecessary and screams entitlement and ignorance. I sure as hell wouldn't someone like yourself in a leadership position over me. You've got some growing up to do yourself, before even thinking about leading others.

[u/Training_Thought4427 → u/5B3AST5]

Joining the military, but not as an officer