The Path to Commissioning: Insights from a Military Veteran

Have you ever wondered how many enlisted soldiers become commissioned officers in the military? My experience provides a firsthand glimpse into this often-mysterious journey. From my time as an enlisted soldier in the 4th Infantry Division to my successful application to Officer Candidate School (OCS), I'll share the essential steps and advice that led me to commissioning.

Enlisted to Commissioning: My Personal Journey

In early 1983, I began my military career as a PFC (Privately First Class) after completing Officer Service Training Unit (OSTU) in 1982 at Fort Knox as a tanker. My path to becoming an officer started while I was still enlisted, with a solid three years of college under my belt. Although I was interested in applying for OCS, my platoon leadership advised me to gain some real-world experience before submitting my packet.

This advice turned out to be invaluable. Within six months of enlisting, I earned an award and was promoted to E-4. When I did submit my packet, I received a strong endorsement from my company and battalion commanders. I even met the brigade commander, who approved my application. He noted that, out of the two interviews he conducted that year, only one other soldier was approved, due to less thorough evidence of being a well-established good soldier.

The Division Board only held one other commissioning board that year for about 12,000 enlisted personnel in the 4th Infantry Division. Out of seven soldiers interviewed, I was the sole approved candidate to be forwarded to the Department of the Army (DA) Board. The success rate at the DA Board is unknown, but it was stressed that a perfect picture, perfectly typed forms with no errors in triplicate, and an AFPT score of at least 275 were required. I also needed an ASVAB General Technical (GT) score above 120, significantly higher than the average minimum score required for most military occupations, which is usually between 90 and 100.

The Challenges of Commissioning

After receiving orders to attend OCS in August 1984, I joined a class with 263 candidates but was one of only 143 to graduate with commissions. Upon becoming a TAC Officer (Tactical Officer) and making the rank of Captain, I witnessed even more significant attrition rates in later classes. In a year with numerous experienced NCOs and warrant officers, the course graduation rate was 75%, whereas a class with mostly College Option candidates saw a rate as low as 46% at its lowest point.

My Armor Officer Basic Course in 1992 further highlighted the difficulty of becoming a commissioned officer. Out of approximately 150 newly commissioned lieutenants, only around 20 had prior enlisted experience, with a dozen coming from my own OCS class.

Conclusion: The Rare Path to Commissioning

Given my personal experience and the significant drop rates I observed, it's clear that the path from enlisted to commissioned officer is a rare and challenging one. While precise statistics are not available, it is evident that only a small fraction of the enlisted population successfully completes this transition. Understanding the rigorous process and the intensive preparation required can help aspiring officers navigate this complex journey.

For those interested in pursuing a career in the military, research and preparation are crucial. Start by building a solid foundation in your trade or academic studies, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from experienced leaders. This invaluable advice will certainly increase your chances of becoming a commissioned officer.