Can you start in the Army as an officer?

College students can start to train as Army officers via the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. In addition to physical and field training, students take elective courses and labs during each of their years at college. Once they graduate, they are commissioned into the Army as second lieutenants.

How much would you make starting out as an officer in the Army?

Newly commissioned officers make about $38,250 a year. Base pay is only part of their compensation. Most service members also receive allowances for housing, food, uniforms, and job-specific bonuses, many of which are not taxed.

How do I become a successful military officer?

10 Steps to Having a Successful Military Career

1. Follow Orders.
2. Stay Informed.
3. Stay on Your Toes.
4. Keep Your Activities in Line.
5. Don’t Be a Pushover.
6. Take Rumors With a Grain of Salt.
7. Learn to Accept a Variety of People.
8. Don’t Make Excuses.

How long do you have to serve in the military as an officer?

Usually, you’ll sign up for four years of active duty and four years inactive. After you’ve completed your active duty time, you can either extend your contract or re-enlist if you want to continue serving. Officers make up a much smaller part of the workforce.

How do I enlist as an officer in the Army?

The Paths to Becoming an Officer

1. Attend a senior military college or service academy.
2. Enroll at a traditional college or university with a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program.
3. Attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) after graduating from college.
4. Receive a direct commission after earning a professional degree.

How hard is it to get into Army OCS?

Only about 60 percent of all those who apply are accepted for attendance at OCS. Civilian college graduate and current military candidates do not compete with each other for available OCS slots. Once selected, the graduation rate for OCS is over 90 percent.

What benefits do you get after 4 years in the Army?

Military Benefits at a Glance

• A guaranteed paycheck and cash bonuses.
• Education benefits.
• Advanced and specialty training.
• 30 days of annual paid vacation.
• Travel.
• Option for full-time or part-time service.
• Tax-free room, board and allowances.
• Health and dental care.

What skills do you need to be an army officer?

You’ll need:

• leadership skills to manage and motivate soldiers.
• excellent verbal communication skills.
• thinking and reasoning skills for making quick decisions.
• persistence and determination.
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• concentration skills and fast reactions.

What do 2nd lieutenants do in the army?

Second lieutenants are usually placed in command of all-purpose ground combat units, with more-specialized platoons reserved for the more-experienced first lieutenants. The second lieutenant’s primary task is to lead infantry soldiers into combat, working closely with the platoon sergeant and two squad leaders.

What rank is a first lieutenant in the US Army?

First Lieutenant is the 20th rank in the United States Army, ranking above Second Lieutenant and directly below Captain. A first lieutenant is a Commissioned Officer at DoD paygrade O-2, with a starting monthly pay of $3,788. How do you become a First Lieutenant?

What happens when you get a first lieutenant promotion?

Some officers receiving a promotion to First Lieutenant may receive a further promotion to higher ranks with more leadership responsibility. First Lieutenant is the 20th rank in the United States Army, ranking above Second Lieutenant and directly below Captain.

How much does an O-1 2LT make in the Army?

O-1 Second Lieutenant – Commissioned Officer – U.S. Army Ranks Class Commissioned Officer Abbr. 2LT Title Lieutenant (last name) Paygrade O-1 (DoD Paygrade) OF-1 (NATO Code) Basic Pay $3,287/mo

How do you get a second lieutenant commission in the Army?

Soldiers who have completed an ROTC program or a four-year college degree combined with Officer Candidate School may enter the Army with a commission as Second Lieutenant. In times of war, exemplary enlisted soldiers may receive a “battlefield commission” to Second Lieutenant to reward leadership and bravery on the field.