Direct Commission

If you are someone who is looking to further their professional career in the military...

The intent of the Army National Guard Direct Commissioning Program is to offer an alternate commissioning source to exceptionally qualified individuals. The Direct Commissioning Program is not intended to replace or adversely affect Officer Candidate School (OCS) or other commissioning programs. 

An individual will not request a direct appointment; rather, an individual must be nominated and selected for consideration by the chain of command. The following factors apply when determining whether an individual should be nominated for a direct appointment or should instead attend OCS:

a. An individual whose record exhibits two or more of the following situations should pursue OCS rather than a direct appointment:

1. Lack of documented leadership position (completion of BNCOC or higher will substitute).
2. Failure to meet Army Physical Fitness test scores of at least 70 points in each event.
3. Body fat that is within 2 percent of maximum allowable, in combination with an APFT score of 210 or less.
4. NCOERs or Academic evaluation reports that do not provide written comments indicating above average accomplishments or address leadership skills.
5. Primary military experience in Marines, Navy or Air Force with less than two years served in an ARNG unit.

b. Individuals meeting any one (or more) of the following conditions are not authorized for a direct appointment: Individuals currently enrolled in OCS.

1. Individuals who were unenrolled, dropped, or resigned from OCS.
2. This includes soldiers who attended pre-Phase 1 orientation drills, but dropped prior to the official start of Phase 1.
3. Individuals who drop from OCS with the intention of applying for a direct appointment.
4. Individuals meeting any of the conditions stated in NGR (AR) 600-100, paragraph 2-8 and 2-9a, b, and c.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

An applicant must have served a minimum of 24 months of active service in any federally recognized unit. The applicant must also have served at least 12 months in an active Army National Guard unit immediately preceding application. Applicants will possess the minimum grade of E-5; E-4 if a graduate of WLC. A certified transcript must be included in the packet as certified proof of the applicant’s completion of a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. The applicant must have a GT score of 110 or higher on the ASVAB. Individual must also be a US Citizen.

Recommendations

At a minimum, the individual’s current Company and Battalion Commander must provide letters recommending the individual for a direct appointment. The letters must contain objective details outlining the traits, actions, skills, experiences, characteristics, training, and education that deem the individual exceptionally qualified to receive a direct appointment instead of being required to complete an OCS program.