Hello, I just finished college with my bachelor's degree in veterinary science (essentially a biology degree) and am looking for advice/tips on routes to becoming an officer in the military straight out of school. First of all, I do not want to get duped by a recruiter because I don't really know what to expect or ask going in. But I have wanted to join either the Navy or Army for some time. I also do not really want my major to go to waste-although I know many of the jobs you do might not even be related to what you studied in school. Does anyone have any ideas on what I should even be asking a recruiter?
Joining the Military as a College Grad
- Thread starter abby_
- Start date
Also, I am waiting to hear back from vet schools next month so if anyone has any experience with joining the military as a veterinary student that would be great too! If I don't get accepted I would still like info on joining as an officer with my bachelor's though.
- Joined
- May 22, 2018
- Messages
- 5,482
Are you interested in enlisting or being commissioned as an officer? Big difference. If it’s the former, you’re OK talking with a standard recruiter. If it’s the latter, make sure you’re speaking with a recruiter who’s focused on officers. If it’s an officer you want to become, your best route is OCS. Others will eventually weigh in, but you can easily get the ball rolling by using our good friend Google. Otherwise, your question is very broad — and can be initially answered via primary online sources.
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2008
- Messages
- 20,520
Check the Army vet program, with vet school scholarships:
m.goarmy.com
Army Medical (AMEDD) Careers and Training
AMEDD provides specialty careers in the Army medical field where leadership opportunities are extended to individuals with valuable health care experience. Learn if you’re ready for a medical career in the Army.
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2010
- Messages
- 15,994
Who knew? @abby_ I encourage you to look at the link Capt MJ provided as it might be the best of all worlds for you... pursue and pay for vet school, join the military as an officer making use of your skills. Win-win. I expect it's competitive though so be prepared and don't put all your eggs in one basket. OCS is also a viable route if this path doesn't work out.Check the Army vet program, with vet school scholarships:
Army Medical (AMEDD) Careers and Training
AMEDD provides specialty careers in the Army medical field where leadership opportunities are extended to individuals with valuable health care experience. Learn if you’re ready for a medical career in the Army.
I was looking more into the options of becoming a commissioned officer through OCS (not as a veterinarian). I have obviously looked on all of those pages as google is who I turned to first. I came to this forum for more personal advice from someone that has been there, done that. And more along the lines of the possibility of being able to use a biology degree, what to expect as an officer who doesn't have prior military experience, someone else's prior experiences, etc.
I am interested in being commissioned as an officer. I just want to learn more about OCS and joining the military as an officer with no prior military experience and more along the lines of what to expect. Or to see if anyone that went to college first was actually able to utilize their degree, or more specifically a degree in science. It would be nice to hear someone else's experiences with that since everyone is just telling me to google my questions-which I already have.
UHBlackhawk
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2015
- Messages
- 2,342
What would you like to do in the military? If you have good eyesight and are otherwise healthy have you thought about flight school? I know several doctors who went to flight school before medical school. I know that sounds like a long commitment, but you have your entire life ahead of you.
So many options in front of you right now. Once you're a vet that's probably what you will do for the rest of your life. But you can do other things first.
So many options in front of you right now. Once you're a vet that's probably what you will do for the rest of your life. But you can do other things first.
Day-Tripper
5-Year Member
- Joined
- May 16, 2014
- Messages
- 893
Air Force OTS & Navy OCS definitely prefer STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) BS degrees. Army OCS is more open to non-STEM degree holders. Marine Corps OCS doesn't care at all as long as its a 4-year degree in something. Shakespearean English major? Sounds good!
Army OCS is easiest to get into, due to he simple math that it is the largest service, in personnel numbers, i.e. needs more officers. Air Force OTS is probably the hardest.
Army, Navy & Air Force get the majority of their new officers through Service Academies (West Point, Annapolis, Colorado Springs) & ROTC. Whatever shortage they have make up for with OCS/OTS.
Marine Corps, however, gets majority of its officers through OCS, though has the fewest slots (due to its size, as the smallest service.)
Air Force OTS & both Navy & Marine Corps OCS have specialized officer recruiters. They are few & not located in every recruiting office. Best use internet sources to locate them. With the Army, any recruiting officer can recruit OCS candidates. Before COVID, you could just walk in to any Army recruiting office & start working on a package. Nowadays I'm sure you have to have a scheduled appointment.
The toughest part is the first one: making that call & talking to someone.