Posted on Feb 10, 2019
What are the best steps to increase my chances of earning a commission?
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Hello!
I am approaching college applications soon (jr) and was wondering what were the best steps to commission. From what I am aware, the only way to receive a guaranteed commission is from West Point, which of course I plan to try to become admitted into, however I also want some Plan B's.
If it helps, currently my GPA is around 3.6 unweighted, I am in decent shape as a bodybuilder, go to a private school, play a low physical varsity sport, and would prefer to commission in something like Field Artillery, Infantry, or Engineer; and later Special Forces.
The one thing that bugs me dearly though, is that I used to have Asthma. I talked to a U.S. Army recruiter last year and she said that since I didn't have an asthma inhaler prescription after age 13 then I have nothing to worry about. Problem is, I found out that I actually did have an asthma inhaler prescription filled at age 14 under the impression that I might've had Exercise-Induced Asthma. It later turns out, that I didn't need it at all, and I never used it, nor do I carry it on me for safety. If I did a heart rate test, everything would be normal (I tried it on myself), as I am in pretty good physical shape.
I was wondering on the off chance of not getting accepted into West Point, should I apply for other military universities (Virginia Military Institute, The Citadel, Norwich), or a regular public/private university that has ARMY ROTC? I basically want to go with the option that leads to a very high chance of being commissioned.
Also, any steps I should take are greatly appreciated. I am dedicated and all in on this journey.
I am approaching college applications soon (jr) and was wondering what were the best steps to commission. From what I am aware, the only way to receive a guaranteed commission is from West Point, which of course I plan to try to become admitted into, however I also want some Plan B's.
If it helps, currently my GPA is around 3.6 unweighted, I am in decent shape as a bodybuilder, go to a private school, play a low physical varsity sport, and would prefer to commission in something like Field Artillery, Infantry, or Engineer; and later Special Forces.
The one thing that bugs me dearly though, is that I used to have Asthma. I talked to a U.S. Army recruiter last year and she said that since I didn't have an asthma inhaler prescription after age 13 then I have nothing to worry about. Problem is, I found out that I actually did have an asthma inhaler prescription filled at age 14 under the impression that I might've had Exercise-Induced Asthma. It later turns out, that I didn't need it at all, and I never used it, nor do I carry it on me for safety. If I did a heart rate test, everything would be normal (I tried it on myself), as I am in pretty good physical shape.
I was wondering on the off chance of not getting accepted into West Point, should I apply for other military universities (Virginia Military Institute, The Citadel, Norwich), or a regular public/private university that has ARMY ROTC? I basically want to go with the option that leads to a very high chance of being commissioned.
Also, any steps I should take are greatly appreciated. I am dedicated and all in on this journey.
Posted in these groups: 
Commission
United States Military Academy (USMA West Point)
Virginia Military Institute
The Citadel
Commission United States Military Academy (USMA West Point) Virginia Military Institute The Citadel
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
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Darius Avinger there are three paths to earn a commission OCS, ROTC, and Service Academies.
I would make your plan B to West Point a reality. Not saying you will not get it, but this is where the Top of the Top are applying. Despite where you go, whether it is USMA, Norwich, Yale, or Wilson Pickett State Teachers College, if you successfully complete a commissioning program you will be a 2LT.
The medical is the medical. Doesn't matter where you go. You need to meet initial entry standards.
Remember the Service Academies are a year early for applications. LTC Brad Barker has an indepth respnse. I can't speak to Senior Military Colleges (North Georgia, Norwich, Citadel, VMI etc). Check your other schools for application deadlines.
I'd concurrently apply for Army ROTC Scholarships which you'll likely need to do now. Depending on what you are or are not offered that will impact when you contract. Being a contracted cadet is step 1 toward commissioning. That's when you are in it to win it.
I would make your plan B to West Point a reality. Not saying you will not get it, but this is where the Top of the Top are applying. Despite where you go, whether it is USMA, Norwich, Yale, or Wilson Pickett State Teachers College, if you successfully complete a commissioning program you will be a 2LT.
The medical is the medical. Doesn't matter where you go. You need to meet initial entry standards.
Remember the Service Academies are a year early for applications. LTC Brad Barker has an indepth respnse. I can't speak to Senior Military Colleges (North Georgia, Norwich, Citadel, VMI etc). Check your other schools for application deadlines.
I'd concurrently apply for Army ROTC Scholarships which you'll likely need to do now. Depending on what you are or are not offered that will impact when you contract. Being a contracted cadet is step 1 toward commissioning. That's when you are in it to win it.
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Darius,
Thanks for your desire to serve and your interest in West Point. Visit https://www.usma.edu/admissions/steps-to-admission to see the steps to admission. You should also visit https://www.usma.edu/admissions/prospective-cadets/highs-school-juniors and take a look at the admissions timeline (https://www.usma.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/ADMISSIONS/Admissions%20Timeline.pdf). You are in the window to start your application, seek nominations from your Congressional Representatives and apply for Summer Leaders Experience (SLE). The window to apply for SLE ends at the end of March. I recommend that you follow step 2 on the steps to admission page soon to get in touch with your local Field Force Representative who will guide you through the process.
The fact that you have a Plan B for commissioning and service in general will be a compelling part of your application for West Point and your Congressional nomination process and interviews. We are seeking young men and women who, above all, want to serve the Nation.
Let the medical exam sort out the medical questions that you have. Take multiple attempts, if necessary, to get the highest ACT score that you possibly can, continue to improve your physical conditioning and take on leadership opportunities, where possible, to demonstrate that you want to be a leader. Leadership can be in the form of student government, clubs, volunteer opportunities and sports. Being the captain of a team sport is particularly helpful.
Success is the intersection of preparation and opportunity. Do everything that you can to prepare and let the rest sort itself out. From the information that you've provided, you have the right attitude. Best of luck.
Brad
Thanks for your desire to serve and your interest in West Point. Visit https://www.usma.edu/admissions/steps-to-admission to see the steps to admission. You should also visit https://www.usma.edu/admissions/prospective-cadets/highs-school-juniors and take a look at the admissions timeline (https://www.usma.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/ADMISSIONS/Admissions%20Timeline.pdf). You are in the window to start your application, seek nominations from your Congressional Representatives and apply for Summer Leaders Experience (SLE). The window to apply for SLE ends at the end of March. I recommend that you follow step 2 on the steps to admission page soon to get in touch with your local Field Force Representative who will guide you through the process.
The fact that you have a Plan B for commissioning and service in general will be a compelling part of your application for West Point and your Congressional nomination process and interviews. We are seeking young men and women who, above all, want to serve the Nation.
Let the medical exam sort out the medical questions that you have. Take multiple attempts, if necessary, to get the highest ACT score that you possibly can, continue to improve your physical conditioning and take on leadership opportunities, where possible, to demonstrate that you want to be a leader. Leadership can be in the form of student government, clubs, volunteer opportunities and sports. Being the captain of a team sport is particularly helpful.
Success is the intersection of preparation and opportunity. Do everything that you can to prepare and let the rest sort itself out. From the information that you've provided, you have the right attitude. Best of luck.
Brad
Steps to Admission | United States Military Academy West Point
West Point Military Academy
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I'd recommend you expand your world by looking at ROTC options as well. Additionally, consider a degree program that is a prerequisite for some designators like engineering, law, medical, etc. That gives additional backstop if the MIL thing doesn't work out. Nothing like having a BA in Basket Weaving that's 3-5 years stale and then having to job hunt in the real world. The Ring Knockers correctly point out the ~60% graduation rate. Too tough for many but not all. I got tossed from USMA because they waited until after Beast Barracks to decide they didn't like my eyes. Wound up doing Plan B and then Plan C with a Draft Number of 2. Like anything else, it's what you make of it knowing many things in life are not in your control. If you broaden your basic option pool, there's an easier off ramp into something else when reality hits.
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