Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/3/2006

Question
I've been thinking about joining the Army.  I'm primarily
interested in Military Intellegence.  I completed my Ph.D. in 2003
(political science).   I have 8 years of civilian federal work
experience as a statistician and IT specialist.  Prior to my federal
service I worked (research and teaching) at a public university.  

If I am accepted to the Army's OCS, what are the possible ranks
that I would be commissioned.   Is it possible to be
commissioned as Captain or Major?

thank you for your time
Paul

Answer
Dear Paul --

Unfortunately, Military Intelligence is not one of the Army's professional branches that can routinely commission officers into advanced rank. Those branches are various medical branches and the legal branch.

During periods of officer shortages, you can sometimes get advance rank written into your enlistment contract, if you have skills the Army needs or are entering a branch with severe shortages and have related experience from outside employment.

I do not believe that the Military Intelligence branch of the Army is currently that short at the captain and majors rank, but it would not hurt to ask your recruiter.  Ensure that Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a guaranteed school, if you perform sufficiently in Basic Training, and that you see that clause in writing in your enlistment paperwork.  DO not accept any verbal promises.  You will not be able to enforce a verbal promise once you enter the service.  If they promise you higher rank upon commissioning, be sure that is in your enlistment paperwork, and that it specifies the performance required to receive your promised rank.

Best of luck to you.