What's the best path to becoming a junior military officer?

I'm a high school junior considering a military career. What steps should I take to pursue a role as a junior military officer? Are there specific programs or degrees that might help?

There are a few well-known paths to becoming a junior military officer, and the best one for you will depend largely on your personal goals, financial situation, and desired military branch.

1. Service Academies: These are federal academies that offer a full four-year scholarship, including tuition, room and board, and expenses, in exchange for a commitment to serve in the military for a minimum period upon graduation. Graduates earn a Bachelor's degree and a commission as a junior officer in their respective branch. For the Army, it's the United States Military Academy (often known as West Point); for the Air Force, the Air Force Academy; for the Navy and Marines, the United States Naval Academy. There's also the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Admission to these academies is very competitive and requires a nomination, often from a member of Congress.

2. ROTC Programs: The Reserve Officer Training Corps programs are available at hundreds of colleges nationwide. These programs allow you to have a traditional college experience, while taking additional military and leadership classes. They offer scholarships that cover tuition, fees, and provide a monthly stipend, in exchange for a service commitment post-graduation.

3. Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS): These are designed for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree and wish to become officers. This is often considered after a few years of working or after college. These programs tend to be shorter (around 9 to 17 weeks), and upon completion, you're commissioned as a junior officer.

Degrees in fields such as engineering, computer science, physics, and other STEM subjects are generally highly sought after in the military. However, the military also needs officers with backgrounds in a wide array of disciplines, such as politics, history, economics, etc. Therefore, as long as you meet the specific prerequisites for the officer training program you're interested in, any undergraduate degree could potentially be useful.

Remember, a military career is a substantial commitment, so ensure you're making an informed decision. This can involve speaking with current or former military officers, exploring online resources, or meeting with counselors specializing in military careers.