Is it hard being a junior officer in any branch of the military?

Answer 1

Ensigns/2nd Lts, the most dangerous people in the military! Just by their new rank, they "outrank" Warrant officers and all enlisted people.
To be a good Ensign/2nd LT, listen to your experienced people, seek them out, most likely they have more time in than you have alive! Listen to their advice, use it, ask questions, admit you don't have all the answers, but are trying to learn.
Most senior enlisted understand that you are new and have a lot to learn, as long as you don't get an "attitude" with them, they will go out of their way to give friendly advice.

Answer 2

If you are asking this question, you have too little confidence and too much doubt to be a military officer. I guarantee you. Being an officer is very hard. Thats why only some advance. Enlisted people can make or break an ensign or a 2nd lieutenant. You are accountable for everything that happens in you division, or company? I only know navy organization. Anyways, its a huge responsibility, and you *** is on the line for everything. IT IS NOT EASY.

Answer 3

Unless you are a mustang (prior enlisted) then you are going to be essentially someones slave. In OCS you are given 10 million things to do and time to do 3. Maybe. Then you get reamed a new one for not doing the other 9,999,997. It's the same thing after graduation. I knew a Colonel who would have new officers sign a blank resignation. When that officer screwed up the Colonel would fill out the pre-signed resignation and have the officer kicked out of the service. Nice, huh? This is what you have to look forward to.

Answer 4

It's tough, but a great challenge. The soldiers you're expected to lead have the experience, but you have the education. The trick is to mix the right combination of experience and education. Just think... if you're an Armor LT, the Army expects you to be just as competant tank commander as your platoon sergeant and two staff sergeant TC's that grew up on tanks and have quite a few years under their belt. That can be tough, but if you can be successful as a junior officer, you've got a lot going for you.

Answer 5

It is not much harder than it is for a junior manager in a civilian job. Just as in civilian life, a 2nd LT/junior manager's subordinates will have more experience and usually be older than he is, and will know more about the job.

If a new 2nd LT is not dazzled by the shine of his gold bar, he will learn his job, not only from fellow officers, but from his senior NCO's. If he is dazzled by that shiny bar, his NCO's and enlisted men can make his life a nightmare.

Doc

Answer 6

Yes, it is hard to be a junior officer in every branch of the military. Ask any butter bar and they will share that with you.

It sux until you make captain.

Answer 7

All you have to do is listen to your NCO's especially your First Sergeant!
Be humble and treat everyone with respect and you will be treated the same, be fair!
Better yet, seek an officer who have had enlisted time!

Answer 8

It's only difficult if they make it difficult...you get the Lts who come in and try to start making changes based on their "experience"...if junior officers listen to their NCOs and try to learn before trying to led they will be ok.

Answer 9

Yes it will be rough. It will be really rough if the guy is a dud or a primadonna. The damage can be minimized if they just shut up for a second, talk to their PSGs and don't get too cocky. Thank god I'm gonna be a mustang and not a new butter bar.

Answer 10

Yup...most of the enlisted they "lead" have more time and experience. The military is about time in rank and time in service...and most junoir officers have the least of both.