Since I recently completed my master's degree, would I be able to do G2G or Rotc for another graduate degree, or is it easier to do OCS?

2024-01-04T05:15:45-05:00

I recently completed my Masters degree and would like to commission. Would I be able to G2G/Rotc for another Masters/doctoral degree; or is it easier to do OCS?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2024 7:13 AM

2024-01-04T07:13:46-05:00

G2G is a commissioning source for those without a degree. Depending on your degree, you could direct commission. If you can't direct commission, then apply to OCS.

Response by COL Randall C. made Jan 4 at 2024 7:23 AM

2024-01-04T07:23:36-05:00

You need to consider what specifically your goal is. If it is "become an officer and continue my career on active duty", then applying for active duty OCS is the most logical route for you to pursue. If it is "leave active duty, become an officer, and continue to serve in the Reserve Component", then your options widen up.

I'll write the rest assuming you want to pursue being an officer on active duty. However, if you're not planning on getting another degree, then G2G isn’t even a possible option (BTW, G2G is the program for enlisted Soldiers to join ROTC .. if you separate first, then it’s ‘regular ROTC’).

Easy answer first - If you have a good file and your leadership supports you, going the OCS route to become an active duty officer is the most direct route with the highest chance of getting into the program ... again, IF you get past the initial screening and your leadership actively supports you (good recommendations are important). One huge caveat that might apply - you can't have more than six years of active service.

For Green-to-Gold (G2G) Active Duty Option (ADO), I am not 100% sure about this, but you may not be eligible* as you already have a Master's degree. I can't find anything OFFICIAL online or in the US Army Cadet Command's (USACC) regulation (AR 145-6*) detailing the program that mentions it as a disqualifying criterion, but to get a definitive answer, you'll need to talk to an ROTC recruiter. Understand that if you ARE eligible, G2G ADO is very competitive and HOW 'very competitive' will largely depend on how many they select that year (I've seen as low as 75 and as high as 400).

You might be eligible for a direct commission* depending on your degree, knowledge and experience, but you need to be the right round peg that the Army is looking to put in just the right round hole.

All in all, talk to a ROTC recruiter. They will be the one best able to give you the complete answer to the above questions. For the OCS route, the discussion starts with your commander.
------------------------------------------------
* For G2G, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that you won't be able eligible if you already have your Master's degree (The program gives those RA enlisted Soldiers the opportunity to complete their "first Baccalaureate degree or their first Masters degree", comments on social media saying you can't do it if you have a Master's degree, etc.)
* USACC Reg 145-6 - https://armyrotc.army.mil/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/145-06-Green-to-Gold-Program.pdf
* Direct Commissioning - https://talent.army.mil/direct-commissioning/

145-06-Green-to-Gold-Program.pdf

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jan 4 at 2024 2:22 PM

2024-01-04T14:22:28-05:00

G2G is for those who need to complete a degree to commission. You are already there so it would be pointless to apply for that program. I would say that you would have the same issue with ROTC because it is intending for those actively pursuing a degree to complete the circle on their eligibility requirements. If you want the Military to pay you to attend Grad school that's a whole different process that would send you to the Naval Post Grad school in Monterrey. But for Commissioning the most direct route for you would be to apply to OCS. Do more research and speak to an Officer recruiter

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2024 7:18 AM

2024-01-05T07:18:41-05:00

Most important is what do you want to do as an officer.
You didn't mention what your undergraduate and graduate degrees are in.
Would you be happy to commission through ROTC (if possible) or OCS and be commissioned in any branch to meet the needs of the Army? Or do you have a specific career path in mind?
With all options you must be aware of age requirements and whether or not any waiver is possible.
If you would consider going to school again for another masters degree or PhD, consider a degree which would make you eligible for a direct appointment in a speciality branch.
https://talent.army.mil/direct-commissioning/

Direct Commissioning - U.S. Army Talent Management

In 2019, Congress granted the Army authority to direct commission in the ranks of 2LT-COL

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2024 9:39 AM

2024-01-07T09:39:05-05:00

I believe GTG doesn’t apply in this case. Also, a lot depends on your component of choice, and their needs.
As a member of TXARNG I know we have a lot of opportunities to become and Officer with a few different routes.

Determine what the opportunities are in your component of choice and then do the leg work and pick the best route for you.