Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 5/16/2008

Question
 My name is Bob, I am a permanent resident in the U.S. I am 29 years old with a Master in Quantitative Finance from a well known university in France. I am very interested after finishing my english classes ( ESL from level 3 to level 5, and Eng 111: college composition) to get into the Army or Air Force, but I heard that in the Army that I can not get in as an officer because I am not a citizen yet;However, I am able to get in as an enlisted. Honnestly, I am hesitating for many reasons:
1) The difficulty to move easily from enlisted to an officer unless I serve at least 2 years up to 8( with the contract that I will be signing)
2) Being an enlisted, is the army will regonize my master degree and let me pursue another master or Ph D ?
3) I do not really want to waist lot of time as an enlisted, which will block me achieve my goals.  
I am very confuse and do not know what to do, and I would really appreciated your help. I would like to work for the Army financial department. What is the shortess and the successful way for me
Best,
Bob


Answer
Bonjour Bob --

Je suis enchantee a faire votre connaissance.  

The advice you have received is accurate.  You cannot be commissioned as an Officer in the US Army unless you can earn a secret security clearance.

You can enlist without a clearance.

1)  Although enlisted Soldiers can apply for officer candidate school (OCS) before they complete their service obligation, you would not be eligible for OCS unless you became a US citizen.

2)  There are some masters degrees which earn enlisted Soldiers significant opportunities.  These degrees are usually in the medical or scientific areas, however there may be a need for your skills in the Finance Corps, and the only way to be certain is to talk to a recruiter.  You can chat with a recruiter on-line at http://www.goarmy.com/ChatIndex.do?redirect=true

As for continuing educational opportunities, Officers are usually the only people sent for Ph.D.s in fully funded programs.

3)  I cannot help you outline a path to your goals since I am not sure what your ultimate goal is.

If your primary goal is to work for the Army financial management branch, you can do that as a civilian employee.  You would not need to change your citizenship, and you would have opportunities for additional education both funded and as sabbaticals.  You would not be a Soldier, you would be a Department of the Army Civilian.

I hope this answer helps guide you.  Please let me know, if you have additional questions or would like more information.