All Branch Topic (ABT) How hard is it to become an officer in the navy/army/airforce

[LFA20]

if you did not go through the dental/medical/nursing corps? I met my friend who is a soldier in the army and he was like "no wayyyyy".. that I will get commissioned directly to an O-3 upon graduation from dental school...

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[ramborhino]

Your friend didn't believe you because all of the other officer commissioning programs (any of the 3 service academies, ROTC, and OCS) start you out as an O-1 when you finish their program, regardless of your job. Healthcare professionals (and maybe JAG + chaplains?) are the only officers who receive their commission above O-1.

 

[Bis-GMA111]

yeah, you're an E-6 i believe while you're in school (hscp), and when you graduate you get commissioned to LTJG i believe

 

[LFA20]

yeah, you're an E-6 i believe while you're in school (hscp), and when you graduate you get commissioned to LTJG i believe

I will be LT.(O-3) not LTJG(O-2).

 

[CraigHack]

It's not extraordinarily difficult to get a commission in the military as long as you're in good physical shape and reasonably intelligent. It has gotten more difficult with the wars coming to a close. It wouldn't come as a surprise to me if your friend in the Army was unaware of the unique route medical and dental officers take into the military.

 

[Bis-GMA111]

I will be LT.(O-3) not LTJG(O-2).

i stand corrected

 

[flurocore]

You're an ensign for 4 years of dental school (O1). Graduate dental school and boom, you make lieutenant. Its really quite simple.

 

[LFA20]

You're an ensign for 4 years of dental school (O1). Graduate dental school and boom, you make lieutenant. Its really quite simple.

Under HPSP, yes you are an ensign (O-1) while in dental school, but under HSCP(navy only) you are an E-6/E-7 while in dental school...

 

[flurocore]

Under HPSP, yes you are an ensign (O-1) while in dental school, but under HSCP(navy only) you are an E-6/E-7 while in dental school...

Yup, I'm a Navy dentist. You are right my friend.