Early Commissioning Program

[1] Upon completion at MJCs, ECP lieutenants must receive a bachelor's degree before serving as active duty officers or continuing a career in the reserve components.

They must graduate within the next 24 months (waiver for one additional year may be granted by Cadet Command) after receiving early commission.

[3] Before 1966, a prospective officer in the United States Army could only gain an ROTC commission after being awarded a baccalaureate degree.

[5] The program is a major financial incentive for students who could receive their commissions early and serve as officers while still attending college.

[5] In 1991, the downsizing of the Army reduced officer production requirements, leading to the reduction of the Early Commission Program to only the Military Junior Colleges.

Gustave F. Perna was an ECP officer who became a United States Army four-star general