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Officer Training

A male and female Pilot smiling and holding their flight helmets in front of a helicopter A male and female Pilot smiling and holding their flight helmets in front of a helicopter

Officer Training

The greatest leaders and mentors all start somewhere. Initial training prepares Army Officers both physically and mentally to lead effective, successful missions.

THE FIRST STEP FOR FUTURE LEADERS

Initial training is different between commissioned Officers and enlisted Soldiers, but it involves similar preparation to meet the challenges of leading by example in the Army.

An Officer in combat uniform adjusts the collar of a sweatsuit a young officer in training is wearing An Officer in combat uniform adjusts the collar of a sweatsuit a young officer in training is wearing

Designed to Develop the Best

Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC) is the core component of training for all commissioned Officers in the Army, where you’ll acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to make a difference as a leader in the Army. BOLC is split into three areas with each being focused on a different aspect of becoming an Officer.

SOLDIER SKILLS

First, every Officer is required to complete the equivalent of Basic Training in order to acquire the essential skills you’ll need for success in the Army.

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP

Next, Officers in training will learn combat and battlefield techniques that apply to both themselves and a larger group. By focusing on small unit leadership and basic military skills required to operate in the field, you’ll become more capable and confident.

SPECIALIZED TRAINING

The third focus area is branch-specific, helping you discover and refine your job-related skills. The length of this training varies, but it could be weeks or months depending on your specialty.

Two Officers in combat gear standing in front of a military vehicle having a conversation Two Officers in combat gear standing in front of a military vehicle having a conversation

ACHIEVe EXCELLENCE AS an Officer

By the time your training is complete, you'll have what it takes to lead and build confidence in your team as a commissioned Officer in the U.S. Army. This includes:

  • Leadership: The ability to solve problems, remain resilient, and adapt to any scenario under pressure
  • Confidence: A confident mindset and drive—physically, mentally, and emotionally
  • Expertise: The knowledge and skills to lead any situation effectively, no matter the environment or stakes

Three Officers in service uniform standing outside Three Officers in service uniform standing outside

Your Path to LEADERSHIP

If becoming an Army Officer sounds right for you, there are a number of paths to commissioning—some of which you might be able to begin right away.

Army Officers
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Common Questions

Do commissioned Officers go to Basic Training?

All Officers will complete some form of Basic Training, though how it is completed varies based on path of commission. In Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point (USMA), your initial training will be integrated into your curriculum and program. Candidates for OCS with no prior Army experience will attend Basic Training with fellow enlisted Soldiers before moving on to Officer training. Direct Commission Officer candidates will attend the Direct Commission Officer Course, where they will learn what it takes to serve in the Army before continuing their Officer training.

Do you go to Basic Training after Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)?

No, your initial training requirements will be integrated into your ROTC program. After graduating, you will commission as an Officer with the rank of Second Lieutenant and continue on to the Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC).

How hard is it to become a commissioned Army Officer?

Becoming a Soldier in the Army is meant to be a challenge, as a way to instill the values and discipline needed for success. An Officer, due to their responsibilities and roles, has a few key additional requirements, including that you must have a bachelor’s degree—not necessarily at the start of the process, but by the time you are commissioned as an Officer. Visit the Army Officers page to learn more.

What is Officer Candidate School (OCS) and is it difficult?

Officer Candidate School is the Army’s 12-week intensive program designed for enlisted Soldiers—and civilians with college degrees—to earn a commission to become an Officer. At OCS, candidates will refine their leadership skills and gain the opportunity to lead Soldiers. Officers are invaluable leaders and essential parts of mission success, and training is meant to be a challenge to bring out the best in all cadets.

Can an enlisted Soldier become an Officer?

Yes, you could earn your degree while you serve and a commission as an Army Officer by taking advantage of the Green to Gold program—a two-year program available to qualified enlisted Soldiers.

Talk to a Recruiter

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Here's What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive an email confirming your request

  2. We'll provide additional information about next steps

  3. You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you

Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

Who will reach out to me?

One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

What is the time commitment for part-time service?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?

How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

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Thanks for reaching out,

Here's What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive an email confirming your request

  2. We'll provide additional information about next steps

  3. You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you

Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can I join ROTC at my age

Can I join as an Officer?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

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Thanks for reaching out, .

We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.

Topics to Explore

Questions you may have right now

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you

How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?

Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

What are the ways to serve part-time?

You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

How do I become a health care provider in the Army?

You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.

What types of medical careers are available in the Army?

There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

What are the benefits of joining ROTC?

ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.

How do I prepare to join ROTC?

When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.

Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?

Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.

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