Part I
An Officer and a Test
In this part . . .
Consider Part I to be your basic training for the Officer Candidate Tests. Here, we show you how to go from Point A to Point B: from where you are right now to the point at which you become a bona fide officer. We bring you up to speed on the tests youâll be taking so you know what to expect. And we reveal valuable test-taking tips and strategies thatâll pay handsome dividends when test time rolls around.
Donât get us wrong. You still have a lot of preparation ahead of you before youâre ready to ace the test, but this part sets a solid foundation on which to build your knowledge, skills, and confidence.
By the way, Chapter 1 presents some general information that youâre unlikely to encounter on any of the tests. It does, however, give you an idea of some of the basics youâll run into in the military environment relating to structure, pay and benefits, and occupational specialties as well as links to more information.
Chapter 1
The Path to Becoming an Officer
In This Chapter
Looking into different officer occupations and opportunities Comparing officer ranks and compensation levels Choosing a path for becoming an officer Discovering warrant officer opportunities So you want to be an officer? Good for you!
Military service â the âProfession of Armsâ â is an honorable, enjoyable, and rewarding pursuit, but itâs not without challenges. When the time comes, youâll take an oath to
Support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, to bear true faith and allegiance to the same, to obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, in accordance with regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Taking this oath is a significant commitment to yourself as well as to your country and to your subordinates, peers, and superiors. To fulfill your duty, you must be true to yourself and committed to serving others through leadership. Significant responsibilities and expectations accompany the position, and achieving officer status requires considerable effort and training. But donât let the challenge stop you. If youâre dedicated to becoming an officer, this book is here to help. This chapter reveals what you can expect as an officer in the United States armed forces and shows you how to pursue your goals toward becoming one.
Exploring Military Officer Occupations and Opportunities
Opportunities abound in the military, especially when you achieve officer status. Start thinking now about your areas of interest and where you feel your strengths lie. The military can help place you on a career path that leads you to success and satisfaction. The following sections provide details about various specialties in the armed forces.
Not all of the specialties in the following sections are available in all branches of the military, but most are. Combat specialty officers
When people hear the term âmilitary officer,â they often think of combat specialty officers. These folks plan and direct military operations, supervise missions, and lead forces in combat. They typically specialize by type of unit (for example, infantry, artillery, armor, or special operations). They may further speci...
