Description

• There are a variety of careers and occupational specialties that U.S. Army officers may choose. Air defense artillery officers lead operations for the Air Defense Artillery Branch of the Army, and are experts in air defense systems, tactics and procedures. Armor officers direct tank and cavalry forward reconnaissance operations, and field artillery officers lead cannon, rocket and missile fire arms operations. Infantry officers head infantry and combined armed forces during land combat. Aviation officers must be expert aviators, and oversee all aviation operations, including tactical field missions and maintenance. Military intelligence officers gather crucial intelligence that is used to better prepare soldiers on the front line. Other titles for army officers include military police officer, civil affairs officer and medical specialist corps officer.
  
  

Education

• There are four paths for candidates interested in becoming an Army officer. The Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a development program offered at colleges and universities throughout the country and U.S. territories. Students receive leadership and physical training while earning a degree. Students may also attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, where they receive a regular undergraduate education combined with leadership training in a military environment.
  
  Candidates who have already earned an undergraduate degree may enroll in Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA, where they attend basic training and leadership instruction. Candidates who are civilian leaders in fields such as medicine or law may receive a direct commission in their specialty, and receive additional training in leadership, military history and customs.
  
  

Requirements

• Army ROTC cadets must be at least 17 years old but not more than 32 years of age. They must also be a U.S. citizen and in good physical shape. West Point cadets must be at least 17 years old, but no more than 23 years of age when they are admitted to the academy. They must be an unmarried U.S. citizen and cannot have children. In addition, academy cadets must receive a congressional nomination. Candidates in Office Candidate School must be at least 18 years of age, but no more than 41 years of age. They must also be a U.S. citizen and possess a college degree.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Working conditions for army officers largely depend on their occupational specialty. Many officers live and work on army bases located across the U.S. and world. They are required to move regularly for further training or new assignments. Some officers may be deployed for active duty as well, which may present many risks. In many cases, army officers work standard 40 hour weeks, but long hours may be required during missions or other special assignments.
  
  

Salary

• According to U.S. Army, officers with the title of Second Lieutenant, the lowest officer rank, who have served less than two years were paid $31,863 in 2009. Those with the title of First Lieutenant and less than two years of service earned $36,705, while those with the rank of Captain were paid $42,483. In addition, army officers may receive housing and food allowance and special pay for certain duties or specialties.