Do you have to have a bachelor's degree to become an officer? Or, can you get away with an associate's degree?

2016-12-18T19:14:04-05:00

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2016 7:23 PM

2016-12-18T19:23:28-05:00

It used to be that you could become an officer with at least 90 credit hours and the stipulation that you needed to complete your Bachelors by the time you pin O3. However, with constricting budgets comes tightening of requirements. The one who would know best about the current requirements would be your ascension NCO.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Dec 18 at 2016 7:26 PM

2016-12-18T19:26:11-05:00

Last I checked a 4 year degree was a requirement to become an officer.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2016 7:26 PM

2016-12-18T19:26:39-05:00

It was that way in the California National Guard back in 1996. I personally know of a first lieutenant who got separated for not completing his requirements in 2004. Not sure if the New Mexico Military Academy still has graduations with the 2LT with just an AA degree? In today's competitive military I would not be surprised if they did away with 90 unit minimum to be commissioned.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2016 7:27 PM

2016-12-18T19:27:52-05:00

Not sure if that's still the case but in the Army Reserve it was 32 and 1/2 years old maximum to be a commissioned officer and get commission prior to 35 years old in the Army National Guard. I became an officer at 33 years 9 months. I believe active duty is 28 or 29 years old maximum. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2016 7:31 PM

2016-12-18T19:31:31-05:00

I will add that even IF the 90 credit/O3 option was available, I would wait until I finished my BA/BS. Why? If you're an Active Component O1 who just pinned you're going to be busy. Your supervisor is going to put you through the ringer with responsibilities. So much so that you'll find it difficult to handle your workload and complete your degree.

Response by LTC Orlando Illi made Dec 18 at 2016 7:33 PM

2016-12-18T19:33:38-05:00

I am an OCS Graduate. I am also a Graduate of both Army and USMC Command and General Staff College. I believe a Bachelors Degree is essential

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2016 7:38 PM

2016-12-18T19:38:45-05:00

Thank you all for your responses. it is greatly appreciated

Response by Col Dona Marie Iversen made Dec 18 at 2016 9:52 PM

2016-12-18T21:52:05-05:00

Air Force expects a Bachelor's degree for commission, if you want to make rank above Major need a Master's degree.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2016 1:13 AM

2016-12-19T01:13:55-05:00

The ARMY has a program where select two year college military schools like NMMI you can get a commission in one of the reserve components. The catch is that you have to have to get a four year degree before Captain or you get dropped from or be forced finish your service commitment as an E-5.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 19 at 2016 7:10 AM

2016-12-19T07:10:59-05:00

Yes for the Air Force.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 19 at 2016 9:58 AM

2016-12-19T09:58:41-05:00

Don't forget the Master's Degree if you want to be career competitive. Lots of school assignments out there just for that purpose. It's considered an investment and you owe time in return. Schools aside, both ENL and OFF careers have a continual learning process. Things change all the time.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2016 11:55 AM

2016-12-19T11:55:01-05:00

It used to be that you could attend OCS with as little as 90 credit hours toward a bachelors degree, but would not be able to promote to O-3 without the full degree, but that has since been dropped as needs of the service have changed and the "4-year" bachelors is once again the standard even for admittance into OCS. For ROTC, you will also need the bachelors, and will technically get commissioned on the day prior to graduation. The sole remaining exception is the Early Commissioning Program (ECP), which is only available at select military junior colleges (Wentworth Military Academy, Valley Forge Military College, Marion Military Institute, New Mexico Military Institute, and Georgia Military College), and it commissions you with an Associates degree and a 3-year clock to finish the bachelors at an institution that has a full ROTC (you also must be assigned either Reserve or Guard instead of Active until the bachelors is complete).

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2016 3:59 PM

2016-12-19T15:59:52-05:00

Barring any extraordinary circumstances you'll need a bachelor's.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Dec 19 at 2016 7:54 PM

2016-12-19T19:54:12-05:00

My thoughts that if you want become a Officer I would say it would a lot but not a Bachelors you could also I would wait until your a NCO of grade E5.
SSG MARK FRANZEN
US ARMY VET
Also My son Went from SSG To OCS and Got honor Grad and he retiring this year and I think as a Major I don't Know way to much on my Mind.
Good Luck