Skip to content
Department of Military Science

Career opportunities

Commission as a Second Lieutenant

Two blonde women of slight to medium build share a laugh with each other on the steps of Suzzallo Library at the University of Washington. The one on the left wears a plain black dress while the one on the right wears a cream-colored dress with embroidered patterns. Both wear purple stoles which indicate they were in the UW's Army Reserve Officer Training Corps Class of 2018.
A male 2nd Lieutenant dressed in the green Army uniform sits with one leg up on a stone bench smiling at the camera. To the left and behind is green foliage and shrubbery.
A group of newly commissioned Second Lieutenants in formal military uniform walks confidently towards the camera. Some cadets wear purple stoles, indicating their graduation. In the background, a large fountain sprays water, surrounded by green trees and a serene landscape. The cadets exhibit camaraderie as they interact cheerfully with one another.
Three ranks of newly commissioned 2nd Lieutenants in dark blue uniforms pose on the steps of the Suzzallo Library at the University of Washington. Also posing in front of the group is the University's mascot, a husky.
This image shows a line of smiling cadets in green Army uniforms on the left. They are exchanging high-fives with an Army major, one of their instructors.

Once you commission, you will enter the Army as a Second Lieutenant in one of 18 basic branches or specialties. You can serve either full-time on active duty or part-time in the US Army Reserve or Army National Guard.

Benefits for an Active Duty Component commissioned officer

  • Salary and benefits of over $50,000/year
  • Full medical and dental coverage
  • Fast upward mobility
  • Wide range of job opportunities and assignments worldwide
  • Viable Retirement Plan

Benefits for a Reserve Component commissioned officer

  • Supplemental income and secondary career
  • Flexibility in choosing your specialty and assignments
  • Wide range of job opportunities
  • Establish connections between your military and private communities
  • Ability to enhance your career in the private sector or do something entirely different from your “day” job