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What does a Military Officer do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A military officer is a person who holds a commission in the armed forces of a nation. Typically, officers hold a position of responsibility and authority over enlisted personnel.

Military Officer job duties include:

  • Providing leadership and direction to subordinates
  • Planning and coordinating military operations
  • Directing the activities of subordinate commanders
  • Allocating resources to achieve objectives
  • Ensuring the readiness of units under their command
  • Maintaining discipline and order within units
  • Investigating and responding to incidents and complaints
  • Planning and conducting training exercises
  • Representing the military in meetings with government officials, other militaries, and international organizations

Military Officer Job Requirements

A military officer must have a four-year degree from a accredited college or university. They must also have completed Officer Candidate School and Commissioned Officer training. There are many different types of officers, so the specific job requirements will vary depending on the branch of the military and the specific job. However, all officers must be able to lead and manage people, as well as be able to make quick decisions in difficult situations.

Military Officer Skills

  • Leadership
  • Strategy
  • Communication
  • Decision making
  • Problem solving
  • Flexibility
  • Creativity
  • Delegation
  • Teamwork
  • Organization
  • Conflict resolution

Related: Top Military Officer Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Military Officer

A military officer is a person who holds a commission in the armed forces of a nation. In most nations, the requirements for becoming an officer are similar to those for becoming a civilian government official. However, there are some important differences. For example, in the United States, officers must have a college degree, while in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, officers can be commissioned without a degree.

The first step to becoming a military officer is to meet the basic requirements of the country in which you wish to serve. As mentioned above, these requirements vary from country to country. In the United States, for example, you must be at least 18 years old and a citizen or national of the United States. You must also have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Once you have met the basic requirements, you will need to complete Officer Candidate School (OCS). OCS is designed to train civilians with no prior military experience in the basics of military life and leadership. The length of OCS varies by country, but is typically between six and twelve weeks.

After completing OCS, you will be commissioned as an officer and will begin your career in the military. The specific duties of your position will depend on the branch of the military in which you serve, as well as your rank. As you advance in rank, you will assume greater responsibility and authority within the military hierarchy.

Related: Military Officer Resume Example

Related: Military Officer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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