Regular Army Commission
The 'stepping stone approach' to Commissioning allows you to take a series of planned and carefully coordinated steps forward in developing your career. It allows you to assess how long you want to serve and under what conditions.
SHORT SERVICE COMMISSION
For most officers their initial engagement will be for a period of three years on a Short Service Commission. If you wish, and if your Commanding Officer supports your desire to do so, this period can be extended to allow you to remain for up to a maximum of eight years. During that time, once you have received two annual reports, you can apply for the next level of Commission, provided that your Commanding Officer supports your request. Approximately seventy-two percent of all Short Service Commission officers completing their military training will be able to make this transition. Bear in mind that some will not wish to do so, having opted for relatively short periods of service before embarking upon a civilian career.
INTERMEDIATE REGULAR COMMISSION
The next level is known as the Intermediate Regular Commission. Once you have been awarded this Commission you will be eligible to remain in the Army for a period of eighteen years of Reckonable Service. After two years you will be eligible to apply for the final level of Commission; once again this is dependent on the support of your Commanding Officer. Approximately sixty-three percent of those allocated Intermediate Regular Commissions will be able to convert to the next level. Remember that some will never plan to do so and will leave the Army at this stage in order to embark upon a civilian career.
REGULAR COMMISSION
The third and final level is the Regular Commission. Once you have reached this you will normally be able to serve for a full pensionable career, eligible for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, selection and subsequent progression to the highest ranks.
