Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 12/12/2008

Question
Dear Colonel,

I am a legal Permanent resident since 2005. I have a Master Degree in Environmental Sciences from India which is equivalent to US BS in Environmental Science as evaluated Josef Silney and Associates( Foreign Degree credential evaluator). Currently I am doing my MS in Earth I Environmental and Physical Science Which i hopefully graduate in 2010.
In Army reserve, I applied for Environmental Science officer in Medical Service Corps where Permanent resident are accepted They sent my resume and transcript for evaluation and came back as i donot qualify for MOS with a foreign degree.
I want to be an officer in Armed services. What are my possibilities now.


Answer
Dear Indra --

To be an officer, you must be able to earn a secret security clearance.  Your chances are better, if you become a US citizen. Then, when you complete a degree from an accredited US university or college, you can try again to get your direct commission in the medical corps.

Alternatively, if your are not determined to be a medical corps officer, you could enlist, attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) and earn your commission in a different branch.  Then, you must complete your degree within 4 years to earn additional promotions.

You must otherwise be suited for commissioned officer service to be able to enlist this way.  There is no guarantee that you will pass OCS and earn your commission, but that would be the fastest path available to you now.

Good luck to you.