Who Can Be a Reenlistment Officer?
- To be an officer in general requires that you receive a commission. You can become an officer by attending a military academy and reserve officers' training corps (ROTC) program. You must also attend Officer Candidate School or receive a direct appointment. Officers must be high school graduates and pass a medical and physical examination, but the highly competitive status generally goes to those who are working toward, or have already received, a degree from a four-year college. Some reenlistment officers are noncommssioned officers, or NCOs --- high-ranking enlisted personnel.
- Depending on your branch, you may be nominated and appointed for service as a reenlistment officer. Others volunteer for recruitment duties through a special application. Eligibility for acceptance is based on current needs, as well as your fit for the special duty.
- Many officers who are successful at receiving an appointment as a reenlistment officer have previous recruiting experience. In addition, your chances are better if you are assigned to a branch that is most prevalent where the reenlistment duty is to be performed. Moreover, recruiting experience is often predicated upon years of successful active-duty service.
- As ambassadors for the branch, reenlistment officers must maintain a certain degree of professionalism, especially as it relates to appearance. For example, each branch has rules about whether you can have any tattoos, what kind and where they are on your body. In the Army, you're required to submit photos of any tattoos with your application. In addition, your credit history will be a factor in decisions. For example, a bankruptcy within the past three years may disqualify you. Moreover, each branch has age limits for potential reenlistment officers.
