What is the process like for Direct Commission (Army MOS 73B)?

Hello! I have about a year left in my Master's program, then 5 years in a PhD program. I have reached out to my local AMEDD recruiting office, but they haven't gotten back to me in a few weeks. From what I have been told, it sounds like their office has been especially busy with COVID-19 going on, so there has been a big delay in response time. I plan on of course following up with them again, but since I am not in a time-sensitive position, thought I'd give this site a try :) I can provide more information if it helps!

MAJ Byron Oyler all great points. My two main objectives are to work in mental health care and to join the military, but ideally the two would be combined. While my MA make me qualified to work as a therapist, the military only accepts master’s level social workers or PhD level therapists. Basically, my degrees do not qualify me for any mental health jobs in the military. From what I’ve seen, all branches have some type of behavioral specialist MOS for enlisted members, but the position seems very entry-level and I’m not sure I’d feel challenged and fulfilled by it in the long run. I’m totally open to other branches! From my research and conversations with recruiters, it doesn’t seem like any other branch has another job that is more fitting unfortunately /:

I would not enlist with what you are wanting to do but would encourage you to look at the social workers in the Army. It is a commissioned level job and my director for Behavioral Virtual Health is a social worker. I do not have a lot of information to give you as I am critical care RN however this far into your education you obviously have research abilities :) Enlisted time is great and I loved mine however your education already has you past some of what the instructors would have in AIT and when you get into the assessment level of healthcare from the technical side, some people have problems downing their game for those tests.

MAJ Byron Oyler from what I’ve read online, you have to have a Master’s degree in Social work. Mine is in Counseling /: when speaking with recruiters, I’ve basically been told to either get a different Master’s degree (social work) or keep going in school (PhD in Clinical or counseling psych). That’s why I’ve been looking more into PhD programs for the latter. The psych pathway follows more closely with my academic past, whereas getting a second Master’s in social work would be more of a career restart for me. Wish the military accepted Master-level therapists and this would save me a big headache lol

Kelly Re - I would not think it would take much from the school that gives you a degree in counseling to add some classes and have a SW grad degree. Beyond that, I do not think we can be much more help on here. You have a goal, you know what you need to do to obtain that goal, and that is great. From the sounds of this conversation, I am sure the military would benefit from you being an officer in any career field and doing so off your bachelors would benefit us but probably not you. Good luck in any pathway you chose.

MAJ (Join to see) you’re describing a student being trained in the Army. I was referring to a professional who was done with school. You can’t direct commission without a license if you are not part of an Army training program.