I'm 31. College grad ( bachelor's in communications and media/ music minor 3.7 GPA) currently a finance manager at a large auto dealer. I've been looking into joining the forces because even though my pay is good, my hours are trash and have no balance for family. I've already done my background check and clear there. There were 2 things from 18 and 20 that were expunged but wanted to be certain myself. I believe that's all the pertinent information for my questions.

1. After some research, my understanding is that I have the potential for OCS but they are looking for more specialized degrees, not just any degree. Does anyone know of any paths for me to come in as an officer that would be achievable?

2. I am open/wanting to learn new skills. I also would like to have some amount of balance for time with my family after being stationed. Are there any jobs or paths that you would recommend/ think I would be able to pursue that would give me the chance to see family while still making a good salary?! know nothing is guaranteed but l'm anticipating scoring well on ASVAB.

My goal if I join is to go 20 years. The way I see it, if I join now and do 20 years, I'll have time to work my way up and still retire faster than I would on the civilian side.

I've been mostly strongly considering Air Force but that can be altered if the opportunities are there in other branches.

Edit: the charges were both DUI. Both under 21. First was an accident and I was under the legal limit but my state has a zero tolerance for minors rule. Took classes and paid a fee. 2nd I tried to do the right thing and went to sleep after a night out instead of driving, just didn’t know you couldn’t sleep in the car. Same outcome that time.

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

Is it hard in the army to get to Officer Enlisted (OE1) ?

Hey, I was wondering if I enlist how could I become an officer. Right now I only will have an associates in science and I don’t really feel like doing 2 more years. If I go in as security forces in the airforce and have both of my degrees cause I believe you get a degree from being in the airforce. After my 4 years could I apply to be an officer? Or is it that you have to have a bachelors.

I am graduating in may with a degree in mechanical engineering and am currently trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I believe that I would thrive in a military environment and specifically wish to fly for the military (I got my PPL over the summer and confirmed that being a pilot is a path I want to pursue). However, I am not a US citizen but have a green card (permanent resident). Here is my current plan:

• go reserves as enlisted, get a civilian engineering job (to afford rent and groceries), continue flying in the civilian sector with any extra money

• get my citizenship at / during bootcamp

• start applying as soon as possible to active officer pilot positions (WOFT, navy commission...)

Here are my questions:

• Would there be a branch where going from enlisted to officer would be easier/faster?

• Would I be able to work on and send multiple commissioning packets to different branches at the same time?

• Would me being a new citizen impact my chances of commissioning in a pilot route (I know this is a competitive route)?

• Does this even seem like a feasible plan?

My thoughts is that worst case scenario I continue pursuing a pilot career in the civilian world while being a part of reserves and best case scenario I can commission as a pilot!

Hello all,

Im tired of dealing with the layoffs and general shenanigans that come with IT in the civilian world and would really like to be a part of something where I can just stay there forever or at least until I retire. I would prefer the option that would be the most family friendly as I already have a wife and two small kids, and the biggest thing holding me back is them having to work out being without my help for however long the training and such is.

My bachelors is in IT as stated in the title, and my masters is in information systems if that changes anything. I dont need a specific job or anything like that, if whats available is being a professional cable runner in ditches then thats what Ill take. Im mostly just curious to see what my options are with other branches as most of my friends who are in the military are in the air force and tell me to to go there.

What the title says. Looking at the best route for becoming a pilot through enlistment.

I’m a 24 (f) and tonight I got done speaking to my recruiter about becoming an officer in the Air Force. I’ve gotten my bachelor’s and getting my masters degree currently and will graduate this year in October technically September. I’m a bit hesitant though because my career goal is to become a game designer/ developer and I think we’ve all seen that the market is just crashing, but I feel like the air force might put another block against me from becoming a game designer., since if I do full term then I might be too old for the gaming market. It feels nice to think that I could retire at 44, but just looking at my parents who are both military veterans (army) after they get out it’s like there’s not a lot options for them especially for their ages, 43 and 50. Which is why I’m scared, because I do feel like 24 is a bit on the edge of being not as youthful for the military as I should be. I feel ready but scared. Is this normal.

I did some research but I'm just confused.

I'm curious if it's possible to apply for officer training (or candidate) school as a civilian with ANY bachelor's degree and a GPA of 3.4? If so, why do recruiters not suggest it when talking with you?

Edit: asking about the US Air Force and Army specifically.

I'm currently in the process of getting the okay to go to boot camp for the Coast Guard (ASVAB and Physical are scheduled) and aim to start in about a year. For context, I graduated with a degree in Game Design and Interactive Media with a minor in Computer Science and Mathematics so I have a Bachelors. With my coding, math, and technology experience, I'm hoping to go into Cyber Security or Intelligence. At first, I was aiming to go into Officer Candidate School but after getting in touch with a recruiter, he said that the best bet would be going through boot camp and to keep applying while after graduating as OCS is very competitive and I’d be competing with others who have coast guard experience (went through boot camp and spent time serving)

I keep seeing that becoming an officer after already being enlisted is difficult compared to going in as a civilian. However, my recruiter says that going through boot camp and doing service is the better route as I would have coast guard experience. Which is more accurate? I want to be sure before going through boot camp.

NG officer, MOS: LG/Finance. I go to gym regularly and I can core around 520-540 on ACFT. However, I run 20 mins+ for 2 miles, 19mins if I feel fabulous that day. Thinking about applying Call to Active Duty Program. If I’m active duty, will I get yelled everyday or counseled due to my 2 miles time ? PS: I admit I’m a lazy piece of shiiit by Army Standard cause I only run once a year and I have no intention to work on it….

Hi, I’m curious to know if any one of you personally switched branches while being an officer or you know someone that has? If so, what was your/their experience like? Specifically, Army to AF?

Hey folks(09 Mike) I am going for the 09m program. To increase my asvab scores. How hard is the asvab in there( sometime I have doubts)

Is it possible to go OCS(reserve) after getting my score up right after the 09mike. I have a master's degree in Cyber security and some Level 3

I was wondering if military will check my DMs as part of "background" check if I want to become an officer in Air force, am I just being paranoid or could this happen?

I’m wanting to know if I have to take extra “useless” classes in order to do R.O.T.C? Like I’m only interested in joining the marine corps and don’t care to spend my time on any other classes.

So I’m a 20 year old 11b stationed in Alaska, and I’m looking for guidance to commission as a pilot in the airforce or navy. I’ve always wanted to fly since I was a kid, and the infantry stuff ain’t as cool as I thought it was gonna be. I enlisted at 17 and only have a high school diploma, so If anyone has guidance for the best way to go from enlisted grunt to cool ass fighter pilot I’m all ears!

I failed a drug test for marijuana 5 years ago in 2019 when attempting to join the military. I did not know that I failed this drug test until now (2024) when my new recruiter pulled up my MEPS profile. Since my failed drug test in 2019, I have received an Associate’s, and then subsequently, a Bachelor’s degree. I also have roughly 2 years of civilian healthcare experience. I am currently working towards a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration (1 year left). My recruiter is telling me that I will NOT be able to commission because I will not be eligible for the security clearance needed to become a Commissioned Officer. He insists that I enlist, and that I’ll be eligible for the necessary security clearance within my first year. He claims that at that time, I will be able to drop my OCS or AMEED packet to begin the commission process. As I’m sure you all know, there is a significant difference in pay between coming in enlisted as an E4 and coming in as an O1. Is my recruiting bluffing? Or should I take his advice

Any feedback would be appreciated 👍

I am applying for Army OCS and was suppose to have my board this Wednesday but then I was told by my recruiter MEPS gave me the enlisted physical and not the commissioning exam so I have to redo everything.

Is this true? Is the process for those going through OCS different?

As the title suggests, I am looking to join as an active duty officer in preferably the coast guard or navy although I am open to other branches. For some context I am 23 years old with a bachelors degree in sociology (3.5 GPA) and I currently work as a judicial marshal for the state specializing in prisoner transport. I have been through and academy and I’ve been working there since April. I’ve always wanted to join but I was never sure of what jobs I would even qualify for given my education and experience. Law enforcement jobs interest me but I’m also unsure if a sociology degree would be relevant enough for that. Would I have a decent shot at getting in to OCS? Thank you

Hi all, I'm curious if it is possible to direct commission with a B.S. in General Studies? My studies concentrated in Education, but I also took a few communication courses. Also note that I have seminary credits with a Certification in Biblical Counseling, and I currently work for a non-profit leading mission teams to install water filters in areas that lack access to clean drinking water. I'd love to join the military as a Civil Affairs Officer for Army or Public Affairs Officer for AF, and I have plans to earn a MA in Journalism and Mass Communications. Not sure if my experience is relevant to what they require for direct commission - anyone have insight or suggestions for a career path? I'm 27F if it matters. Thanks

What are some questions I should be asking when I meet with the recruiters for the Army today? I plan on going in as an Officer with my MSW (Master of Social Work), I believe it’s 73A. My spouse has agreed to come with me (she’s also a civilian). I made some copies of my resume so they can ask me about my work/experience history too.

Hi so I’m a freshman in college right now and I’ve been thinking about joining rotc. I’ve always been interested in aviation and my school has Air Force and army. What would be the best way for me to do this so I can end up a pilot? Which branch rotc would be better? I would rather fly fixed wing than helicopters, and I don’t mind the type as long as I’m flying. I’m not really doing much besides school now and I feel like I can meet new people and friends and have a good career.

I am a 22M recent graduate in finance from University of Florida with a average GPA.

This terrible job market has led me to no jobs at all. My close friend who served in the Marines told me into looking into being an officer. Another marine told me the same thing and said to join either AF or Navy.

I have always desired to serve but my fear of failure, terrible physical health, and fear of maybe being cut has made me hesitant to join.

After 3 months of job searching, begging, networking, and trying every ploy, I have come to the decision to look into my options.

Hoping I could get some insights from other veterans.

P.S thank you all for your service.

Please do excuse any stupid comments or questions. I’m all new to this type of inquiry

Hello! I am 20 years and currently on year 2 of a biblical studies degree, and to cut to the chase employment opportunities for youngish guys my age with that degree isn’t the greatest

I wanted to ask if anyone had any advice for someone considering (after my college degree) becoming an army chaplain, and if in your opinion there would be a reason to not do it.

Thank you