...The attainment of a commission (officership) in the U.S. Army
is a distinctive honor earned through hard work, demonstrated
commitment, and a desire to serve the nation. Newly commissioned
second lieutenants are normally assigned as platoon leaders, typically
responsible for every aspect of training, supervising, and caring
for over twenty-five Soldiers and millions of dollars worth of
equipment. You can select between many career fields ranging from
aviation to electronics and from engineering to logistics. Of
course, there are also the possibilities of infantry and armor
(tanks).
...All army officers learn and practice the leadership, management,
and decision-making skills sought by leaders of public and private
organizations. Postgraduate professional education usually begins
within twelve months of graduation and commissioning and continues
throughout the officer's service career. This education begins
with officer basic courses that qualify the new lieutenant in
his or her branch specialty. Other military schooling, such as
parachuting, mountaineering, and Ranger, is available as needed.
Postgraduate civilian education is an integral part of officer
professional development. Officers often attend fully-funded graduate
programs as full-time salaried students.
...To a future employer, Army officer education on your résumé
says that you've learned the art of leadership and the science
of management. It says that you have more real-world experience
than most people your age when it comes to solving problems and
accomplishing tasks quickly and efficiently. It also shows that
you know how to conduct fair and accurate evaluations of your
self, peers, and subordinates. Army ROTC demonstrates to future
employers that you have the ability to be a team player and a
team leader.
...Army ROTC on your résumé is invaluable. It could
be the difference an employer is looking for when making hiring
decisions. It could be the difference between getting a job....or
just applying for one.
After graduating from college with your bachelor's degree, you
may continue with graduate work by applying for an educational
delay (service deferment). You will incur no additional obligation.
If you plan on attending medical school or Physical Therapy school,
the Army offers medical scholarships to those who qualify. The
scholarship pays for all school expenses and provides a salary
while attending college. Scholarship students incur an additional
service commitment equal to the time spent in medical school.
The Army's Judge Adjutant General Corps also offers scholarships
for law school.
Most officers wait to attend graduate school later in their career.
While on active duty the Army provides many different options
to fund your graduate school. If accepted to the degree completion
program, the Army will pay for your college and give you the time
to finish your master's degree, while still receiving full pay
and benefits. The Army then allows you to use your degree in a
different functional area. One example is the foreign area officer
program where upon completion of your graduate studies, the Army
places you in a foreign country to work with the US ambassador.
Many Officers attend Graduate School on nights and weekends, fully
funded by the Army, while they continue to work in their day-to-day
assignment.
For a detailed breakdown of the financial benefits of Army ROTC,
click here to go to our Scholarship
page.
