Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 7/21/2009

Question
Greetings Dr. Howell!
Do you know if there are any programs in the (USNR, USAR, or USAF Reserves) that would allow for direct commission once I achieve a Ph.D. in Psychology? Currently I have a MS in Education and a BA in Psychology. I would like to be a Counseling Psychologist in the military. I do have 10 years prior military experience (Navy & Army respectfully). Any info or POC's would greatly be appreciated.
V/r,
Rocco

Answer
Rocco,
Yes.  What you're referring to is called the Direct Commission Officers (DCO) program.
In fact, you don't even have to have a Ph.D., just a Masters degree will suffice.
The Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard have more extensive active and reserve component DCO programs than the other two armed Services.  The Marine Corps does not offer a DCO program.

It's only open to certain skills, so you must realize that with a degree in Psychology you'll likely end up in the Medical Services field.  Also, your prior service is a big plus.

The general requirements for a direct commission are: You must be less than age 35 and meet all the normal physical and medical requirements, 90 semester hours of college credit, the ability to get and maintain at least a "Secret" security clearance, be physically qualified (obtain and pass a medical evaluation), three recommendation letters from commissioned field-grade officers, and a recommendation from the direct commissioning board.  Once selected, you'll sign the oath and be sworn-in by another commissioned officer.  Then you'll need to attend the Basic Officer Leadership Course before becoming fully qualified.  For the Army it's held at Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, TX.  The Navy's DCO school is in Newport, RI.  The AF Commissioned Officer Training (COT) course at Maxwell AFB, AL.  The USCG DCO school is at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT.

As for POCs, any recruiter can refer you to the proper POC.  I no longer have a current list.

Good luck, and thanks for serving.
Colonel H