Become enlisted or become an officer?

Question

Just sorta a poll, would you rather be enlisted or become an officer?

So, you all said officer. My dad is currently enlisted, and it is way harder than being an officer. Officers are pretty much known to be whimps, and get promoted easy, not to offend any body, but this is coming from experience.

Max, I really liked your answer, it really does describe an officer. I think enlisted is more for those that don't want to do office work.

To Reasonable guy, I have experience in the Army, and I am 100% sure that officers aren't the leaders. The 1st sargents and sargent majors have to teach them everything.

Answer 1

Officer have much responiblity and they have to be more poltical to advance. Pretty much admin.
While enlisted it is pretty much your performance. You do your job and get your hands dirty in your work.

I thought I like to be an officer but now that I have been out for while time to reflect I rather be enlisted you have more friends and more people willing to cover you.

Here is stat I have learn from a Navy corpsman in Nam.
70% of the 2nd Lts were shot in the back.

Does that tell you something about officers?

Answer 2

I retired as a senior NCO (E-7).

Officer careers are very "zero defect." You don't get promoted when they say you should, and you're gone. You have a sucky boss writing your evaluation, the board may not pick you up. I had a friend who was an officer and didn't make rank. He got out as a captain (O-3) and enlisted as an E-5 the following day so he could finish his 20 and retire. Not something most folks want to do at age 35.

That said, there is also a significant amount of responsibility placed upon you. Lives, equipment, dollars...you won't be doing the nuts and bolts work, but you'll be making sure that enlisted people have the tools, money, training, and "motivation" to do it.

Me, I had a bachelor's degree and elected not to apply for commissioning training. I had so much time in enlisted status that if I commissioned, I'd need 10 years as an officer. I didn't want to go over 20. Also, I couldn't have stayed in the law. I was a paralegal, but if they made me an officer I'd have to go do something else (since I lack a law degree).

Answer 3

Personal choice. My brother has 2 degrees but loves the enlisted life... though he would make a great officer. I became an officer because I like to be a leader. Officers dont have to be wimpy... I am out with my platoon and work along side with them most of the time. Times I am not I am making sure they get what they need for the next day. Future missions taken cared of blah blah blah. It's what you as officer make of it. Being an officer though, means having to take responsiblity too... And if you like the hands on work... nothing wrong with being enlisted. You can be a great leader as a NCO as well. And it can be more fun being enlisted side.

Answer 4

As a former soldier and NCO, I would say Enlisted. There were many instances where an Officer did not understand his NCO's or enlisted men. For the most part, enlisted did the dirty work and Officers got the credit. Officers have many reponsibilities, but so are the NCO's. An officer with a background as an enlisted, can understand his men and related with them better.
NCO's are leaders too and in some cases, will train officers.
Make sense?

Answer 5

The number one problem is that while enlisted you will be allowed some slack on most mistakes while you go up the ranks. Officers are considered proffesionals and are allowed NO SLACK. The enlisted are allowed to remain in the army or 20 years if they keep their noses clean. An officer can be sent out the door for one bad evaluation report. The pressure is 10 times worse on them.

Answer 6

there's no real answer for this, if you have the education to become an officer I would go for it. In looking at it as a lifetime job, perhaps enlisted is the better choice, though, as an officer, depending on your place you are working if you raise to col say and you are in the pentigon, you'l be serving coffee for generals and admirals. in the higher enlisted ranks you learn management and procurement needs of the divsion, detachment, department you are in. great for civillian life afterwards.

Answer 7

Officer = Leader

If you get excited over the concept of leading and training people, officer is the way to go.

Enlisted is a little easier, less risky and frankly sometimes much more fun.

Answer 8

I would say officer since im going to be one.....In 4 Years Im going to the Air Force as a Commisssioned Officer, as I will be a Military Physician, which automatcially qualifies me for the rank of a captain.

Officer or Enlist don't matter to me, in the field, its Americans versus Enemy, i dont care if you are higher or lower in rank than me, as long as you have my back, I GURANTEE you, i will to death have yours....

So hell with this bs officers or enlist......we are all the same.....SEMPER FI

Answer 9

Enlisted is lots better. To be an officer, you have to really toe the line and it's all political!!!!

Answer 10

I would say become an enlisted and work your way up that's what my bother is doing in the army.