Becoming a commissioned officer without joining the armed forces

[sanantone]

I had no idea there was a way to become a commissioned officer and receive military benefits without joining the armed forces. I just discovered the U.S. Public Health Service's Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps. USPHS recruits medical professionals and scientists. NOAA recruits people with STEM degrees in areas of need. Recruits go through a direct commission officer program consisting of the basic officer leadership course. What attracted me was that they receive G.I. Bill benefits and can possibly qualify for student loan repayment. USPHS also has student programs kind of like ROTC. USPHS and the NOAA Corps are considered part of the 7 uniformed services of the U.S.
U.S. Public Health Service Home
NOAA Corps

[Getiton1]

This is awesome! I actually know someone way more qualified than I am that could totally use this to pay for more college and work up the ranks. AND he's working in weather which is perfect for NOAA.

Today has been a great day!

Thanks once AGAIN Sanantone!
-T

I had no idea there was a way to become a commissioned officer and receive military benefits without joining the armed forces. I just discovered the U.S. Public Health Service's Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps. USPHS recruits medical professionals and scientists. NOAA recruits people with STEM degrees in areas of need. Recruits go through a direct commission officer program consisting of the basic officer leadership course. What attracted me was that they receive G.I. Bill benefits and can possibly qualify for student loan repayment. USPHS also has student programs kind of like ROTC. USPHS and the NOAA Corps are considered part of the 7 uniformed services of the U.S.
U.S. Public Health Service Home
NOAA Corps

[dposborne]

This is very interesting. I had no idea that this was an actual route to getting a commission.
If I hadn't settled down already I would probably consider something like this.