If your goal in the military is to become an Officer, doing research on the many different schools and academies can prove to be beneficial.

Military Academy Preparatory Schools

These schools can be used to strengthen a candidate’s education, as well as give a brief insight to life in the military. This can be a great first step in deciding whether the military is right for you, and if being an Officer is a future goal. All branches of the military have some form of Military Prep School, so be sure to check for the one you are interested in.

Military Academies

Academies can not only provide the best college education, but they also train young soldiers to be great leaders. Many great military leaders have come from academies, and being accepted to one is of honor. Getting into an academy can be extremely difficult, and also nominations are needed for acceptance. The Coast Guard is an exception however, they select soldiers on merit.

Once a soldier is accepted to an academy, they receive full benefits as well as a free education.

• Army: U.S. Military Academy at West Point New York
• Navy and Marines: U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland
• Air Force: U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Coast Guard: U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut

Officer Candidate School or Training School (OCS/OTS)

• Program for college students with no military experience to train to become officers
• Lasts an intensive 20 weeks, and candidates become officers

Direct Commission

• Similar to OCS/OTS, candidates are trained in professional fields like medical, legal, engineering or religious careers.
• Are not required to be part of a full schedule of military training

There are many ways to become an Officer, each taking the dedication and education to complete training and provide leadership.