I wouldnt mind going in as an officer but they say you dont get any respect if you dont go enlisted first.
2007-02-21 00:55:26 · 12 answers · asked by yowza_boy 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Talk to your Air Force recruiter... I am not sure that you can go in as an enlisted, if you already have the educational background that would make you an Officer. The respect thing... yeah, some people do not respect officers that did not come in as enlisted nor went through OCS, but respect is something you earn from your fellow service members by the way you treat them, regardless of how you became an officer. You can choose to go in as an officer, but not let the arrogance of a rank get to your head... you know what I mean?
2007-02-21 01:11:11 · answer #1 · answered by ~MIMI~ 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It depends - do you already have a 4 year college degree?
Who are "they?" Lesson # 1. Don't believe everything you hear! Form your own opinions. Yes, prior enlisted officers do have a better understanding of how the Air Force works, and therefore might be treated differently by some in the service, but it's not always the case. Just don't go in with a chip on your shoulder and you'll do fine. If your goal is to become an officer in the Air Force, then I suggest you join as an officer. If you don't have a degree, then join as enlisted and let the service pay for your degree, then there are programs for making the transition. Find a good recruiter in your area and talk with him/her. They can explain all that the Air Force (or any service) has to offer. If you run into a lame recruiter, find another one. The service is a great way to get your life started right. It's by far, the best thing that I ever did. 17+ years enlisted active duty - 2 more to go and retire at 38 with 50% pay for life. Good luck to you!
2007-02-21 02:12:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Speaking from an enlisted point of view, it doesn't matter if you were prior enlisted it matters what kind of leader you are. Respect has to be earned. I have worked for officers with both types of backgrounds and I think the prior enlisted ones made better leaders because they understood the enlisted mind set. The biggest difference was that they didn't treat enlisted people like they were worthless. Too often officers feel that they are better than the enlisted guys, which isn't the case they are higher ranking. that doesn't make them more important or better. I've met a several E-9s held in higher esteem by senior leaders than O-6s and above. That speaks to their character and ability to be effective leaders. If you have the educational background to become an officer from the beginning go for it. There's no need to take a pay cut in an attempt to get respect later, you have to earn it no matter what.
2007-02-21 02:13:16 · answer #3 · answered by dpanic27 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how you go about it...but for some reason, I am assuming that you are just graduating from High School, in which case I would check into the whole ROTC thing...they will help pay your way through College....OR you could attempt to enroll at the Air Force Academy.
You could also enlist, and if your test scores are good enough they may invite you to the Academy, I was in the Army and I was invited to enroll at West Point. You can also enlist and then later go to OCS, OR you can enlist then later become a Warrent Officer...that's Army, but I assume the Air Force probably has an equivalent...
2007-02-21 02:32:13 · answer #4 · answered by hunnygril 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First... "They" are wrong. Respect is earned, not given. Don't think that just because you were enlisted first respect is automatically given.
If you are eligible to be an officer then by all means pursue that route. I am not aware of the requirements for the Air Force, however the Army requires a certain GT score (calculated from the ASVAB) and a college degree.
If you enlist then most likely you will have want to pursue OCS (Officer Candidate School). Again you have to have GT scores, and a certain amount of college education. OCS selection is competitive. The time it takes to apply may be short relative to the time it takes to build a reputation that is deserving of being an Officer.
My information is general. Each service will have different names and requirements, but it is the same process.
2007-02-21 01:14:56 · answer #5 · answered by Benjamin M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've heard that also. you get more respect if you go in as an enlisted then become an officer... and it makes since, what does someone right out of college really know about the military enough to command troops? but You would have to get your college degree first... so at least 4 years, unless you already have a degree than i think it may be two years, i'm not sure though!
2007-02-21 09:31:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO. Warrant officers have a different means or coaching it quite is extra ideal than what you assume from an enlisted guy yet with out each of different coaching that should justify being a commissioned officer. as an social accumulating, copter pilots indoors the U. S. military are many instances warrant officers. They understand a thank you to fly the copter like a commissioned officer yet with the aid of way of fact they lack each and each of different education of a bachelors degree, they are definitely no longer getting a cost and can below no circumstances be a commander. All they get to do is fly the copter. you do now no longer enlist and regulate spectacular right into a warrant officer. You enlist and regulate into an enlisted. then you quite definately pass to varsity and as quickly as you graduate you get your degree and your warrant officer rank. (FYI there at the instant are no warrant officers indoors the USAF.)
2016-11-24 21:50:27 · answer #7 · answered by leissa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1) Getting an OTS slot to become an officer from being a prior enlisted is incredibly difficult right now... as in they only took 26 people from that method for last year.
2) Be a good officer and no one will care two hoots about your comissioning source. People like to toute prior-E officers, but the truth of the matter is that there are dynamic and effective leaders from all the sources.
2007-02-21 03:19:35 · answer #8 · answered by promethius9594 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You only get respect by earning it. When I was in the Army, people had to be at least E-4 with promotable status to start paperwork for Officer Basic School. Maybe the Air Force has similar requirements.
2007-02-21 01:18:39 · answer #9 · answered by B aka PE 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need a college degree to become an officer.
And, IMO,"they" are wrong. Being respected is based on how good an officer and commander you are, whether you respect, protect and look out for your men, your dedication to the mission and the manner in which you conduct yourself, not on your past history.
USAF '84-'89
2007-02-21 01:13:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋