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

Becoming an officer in the Military offers far-reaching benefits, including increased salary and better housing. Perhaps of even greater value are the intangible benefits: leadership development, management and increased real-world experience.

First and foremost, an Army officer is a leader. The officer plans the work of the organization, assigns tasks to subordinates, and sees that the work is accomplished to the highest standard. In that regard, an Army officer is similar to a manager in a corporation.

12 weeks Officer Candidate Course OCS is 12 weeks of intense classroom and field training held at Fort Benning, GA. You will receive the kind of leadership development training that is unmatched by any other program. How? By developing your potential in the most important of ways - mentally, physically and emotionally.

You must be a U.S. citizen and have your bachelor's degree by the time you are commissioned as an Officer. The general age requirement is between 19 and 32. You also have to be eligible for a secret security clearance. If you're current military, you can't have more than six years of active service before joining OCS.

Two particular qualities tend to be the largest discriminators in the criteria for a good commander and a good staff officer. These qualities are charisma (the ability to inspire soldiers to do physically hard tasks) and audacity (the ability to make decisions and accept appropriate risk).

Among the benefits that come with joining the U.S. military are free HMO medical and dental coverage while on active duty, 30 days of paid vacation each year and access to a 401(k) retirement savings and investment plan.

Being an officer is a demanding profession and becoming one can be even more challenging. The U.S. Army currently has three paths to a commission: the United States Military Academy at West Point, Reserve Officer Training Corps and the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Lots of Officers have free time to pursue graduate degrees, spend time with their families, take up odd hobbies, and travel on leave. Being an Officer is like being a mid-level manager at a company. Maybe the day-to-day grind is a bit rough, but the perks and benefits are well worth it in the end.

How long does it take to become an Officer? It depends on which path you choose. If you choose to become an Officer through the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) or the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, you'll become an Officer after completing four years of college.

12 weeks You'll undergo training in OCS for 12 weeks to ensure you're prepared to successfully lead others. Training will include two phases of advanced classroom instruction and on-the-ground training that you'll complete as part of a small squad.

It is another leadership entry scheme to join the army but as a non-commissioned officer. It is the route that many non-commissioned officers in the army follow. While serving as a soldier, you can apply to become a commissioned officer.