So how does entering the military as an officer w/ a bachelors degree work?

Question

I recently graduated from a local community college with an A.S. degree in Human Anatomy and Physiology, I also earned another degree an A.A in Transfer Studies emphasis on Social Science.

I read that one can enlist as an officer assuming they have a bachelors degree from a university. And I am debating if those extra two years in college are worth it, because I really would like to leave already - just keep on working until I ship out (I don't know when.. probably sometime early next year) I can just tell my recruiter to shred every document he has about me - I signed no legal document, but like I said I just want to get started, I've been in school all my life and need a break, granted two years isn't a lot.


I intent on joining the Air Force... do they only accept a certain type of bachelors degree in exchange for a officer position, or would any bachelor degree work? I got an 86 on my AFQT and I know if I wait and get my bachelors degree I'd probably have to retake the ASVAB.. when I apply for a masters program (or maybe doctorate) in this field, would the G.I. Bill cover everything (assume I do all 4 years of service).

Any advice is much appreciated.. thanks.

Answer 1

You can't "enlist as an officer". With a bachelor's degree, what you CAN do is compete for selection to Officer Candidate School, which leads to a commission as an officer. ASVAB matters not at all, and any bachelor's degree technically makes one eligible for OCS. However.....



Forget about "eligible". Actually getting competitively selected is a different matter entirely. Simply having a bachelor's won't be close to enough. You'll need a high GPA, forget about a BA (think BS), probably a STEM field major and from a well known top school also helps (forget about online or community college). You'll also need to have shown volunteerism, leadership and community service outside of school. That's what it takes to be competitive.



If you're not prepared to do all that for a CHANCE to compete for an officer slot, you're better off enlisting now.



Good luck!

Answer 2

You don't "enlist" as an Officer. You are commissioned. You do need a Bachelors degree, however that's just one of the requirements. They don't just make you an Officer because you have a fancy piece of paper.



Since haven't received your Bachelors yet, you can still do the last two years of AFROTC (Google it) if you contract. Try to find a university that offers AFROTC if you can. If not, then you'd have to apply for OTS and hope you get the chance to try out.



Officers don't take the ASVAB. Only people who want to enlist take it.

Answer 3

you apply for a commission. Officers do not enlist and do not take the ASVAB.



generally speaking, the AF and Navy want 3.5 or better GPAs in a hard science like Engineering unless you want Aviation.



if you enlist, you do so under the assumption that you will never be allowed to strike for a commission from within.