OFFICER PROGRAMS
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Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)
Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) is one of the best college classes you can ever take. It offers opportunities and challenges that really put you in the driver’s seat. By participating in the program, you’ll develop life skills and possess the confidence, motivation, self-esteem and leadership skills to be successful in any career.
The Army ROTC program is a college elective that consists of a combination of academic classes and important hands-on training that will allow you to become an Army National Guard lieutenant. It offers physical and metal challenges geared to help you succeed in college and beyond. More importantly, you will learn teamwork and be given responsibilities like mentoring younger cadets and helping them gain the same skills that you have learned. In addition to on-campus training, you could be offered instruction in mountaineering, rappelling and orienteering.
Participation in the college-level Army ROTC program takes just a few hours per week. So, it won’t interfere with other academic studies, sports or your social life. As a matter of fact, you’ll find the program is a great place to form lasting friendships. Click here for more information about ROTC.
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Officer Candidate School (OCS)
Officer Candidate School (OCS) is where the officers are made. It's an intense leadership training ground, and not everyone's cut out for it. It's physically and mentally challenging. But those who are accepted, and see it through, agree it's one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.
OCS is a great way to enhance your leadership and management skills. Whether you're a first-time Soldier or have prior military experience, OCS will transform you into an effective leader. Click here for more information about OCS.
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Direct Commission
Direct commission is one of the ways to become an officer in the Army National Guard. In this method, a member of the chain of command nominates you for appointment as an officer.
Typically, those recommended for direct commission are people with specialized professional skills or personal qualities that would make them highly effective officers.
For example, someone with expertise in medical, legal, ministerial or technical fields, possibly acquired in their civilian job, might qualify. You could also be nominated if you show outstanding leadership as an enlisted Guard member. Click here for more information about Direct Commissioning.
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Guard Officer Leader Detachment (G.O.L.D.)
OSU-Cascades, Portland State University, Southern Oregon University, and Eastern Oregon University have partnered with the Oregon Army National Guard to offer a unique leader development program specifically for the civilian, career-minded student. This program, the Guard Officer Leader Detachment or GOLD program provides motivated young men and women exciting and valuable instruction in a variety of areas such as decision-making, goal-setting, team-building and small-group leadership. Classroom and outdoor activities are designed to physically, mentally, and emotionally challenge you, build your self-confidence and develop your leadership skills. If you qualify, you could earn a commission as an Army officer upon graduation in the Oregon Army National Guard.
The GOLD program provides on-campus military science instruction in two parts: the Basic Course and the Advanced Course. All classes are fully accredited and applicable towards fulfilling academic requirements for a baccalaureate degree. There is also a minor in Military Science offered through the OSU Gold Program. Many timeline options exist for those at different stages of their study. Click here for more information about the Guard Officer Leader Detachment program.
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Professional Degree Commissioning
These are offered only to those applicants who hold professional degrees in the medical, legal and theological fields. Click here for more information about Professional Degree Commissioning.
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Warrant Officer
Warrant Officers are Soldiers, officers and technical experts rolled into one. You'll take your military job to the next level and train others in the process. From highly skilled pilots to foreign intelligence, Warrant Officers' career paths progress within their chosen field, including the Military Police, Special Forces, Intelligence and Field Artillery.
You'll advise commanders. Train and manage others. Integrate emerging technology into the Guard's systems, and rise through the ranks developing your leadership skills. Ultimately, in this job you'll enhance the Guard's ability to serve our country and communities. Click here for more information about becoming a Warrant Officer.
