Honor, integrity and personal courage are three of the values Army Officers embody in their pursuit of mission accomplishment and personal excellence. By standing as examples of the leadership skills honed through centuries of Army achievements, today’s Officers set the standard. They serve our nation with distinction in peace and in war.
As leaders, Commissioned Officers constantly validate themselves as Army Strong by having the strength to inspire strength in others.
The four paths to become a Commissioned Officer in the world's premier Army are highlighted below.
Army ROTC is available at colleges and universities throughout the United States, as well as in Guam and Puerto Rico. Students enroll in ROTC’s elective leadership and military courses in addition to their required courses. Upon graduation, ROTC Cadets are commissioned as Army Second Lieutenants.
Direct Commission provides leaders in professional fields such as law, medicine and religion the opportunity to become an Army Commissioned Officer. Upon completion of their Officer training program, they are commissioned at a rank determined by their career branch.
OCS allows college graduates to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be commissioned as an Army Officer. Through classroom instruction and training exercises, Candidates learn to become leaders. Upon completion of OCS, they are commissioned as Army Second Lieutenants.
United States Military Academy
West Point is one of our country's premier colleges. West Point Cadets are immersed in military customs and traditions while working toward a college degree. Upon graduation, West Point Cadets are commissioned as Army Second Lieutenants.
