Military Academies:
U.S. Military Academy
U.S. Naval Academy (Navy and Marines)
U.S. Air Force Academy
U.S. Coast Guard Academy
|
Four service academies combine "Ivy League"-quality
education with special training. Competition is extremely fierce to
get into the academies; three require nominations.
Once accepted, cadets or midshipmen receive full benefits along with
a tuition-free education. All graduates earn a Bachelors of Science
degree. |
Officer Candidate School
or
Officer Training School
(21% of new officers) |
This program turns college graduates with no
prior military training into military officers. The training lasts
up to 20 weeks culminating in commission as officers. |
Direct Commission
(11% of new officers) |
Direct commission candidates are trained professionals
in the medical, legal, engineering or religious fields. Due to their
expertise, direct commission candidates are not required to face a
full schedule of military training. |
ROTC
(44% of officers) |
Depending on service and ROTC option selected,
students train for two, three or four years. Often, they receive scholarships
for tuition, books, fees, uniforms and a monthly allowance.
In addition to military and college coursework, ROTC candidates drill
several hours each week and participate in military training exercises
each summer. Graduating ROTC candidates are commissioned as officers
and either go on active duty or become members of Reserve or National
Guard units.
ROTC programs for the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps are available
at more than 1,400 colleges. |
