How to Choose Between Joining the Military as Enlisted V.S. Officer

You will have plenty of choices to make when you join the military, one of them being whether you enlist or join as an officer. What you pick will determine your career path and what role you’ll play in critical military operations. You will want to make an informed decision to ensure you’re starting your career on the right path, which is why we’ve created this guide to help you choose between enlisting and becoming an officer. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between the two, some distinct benefits for each choice, and how to pick the right option for your personal career goals.

Differences Between Enlisted and Officer

When you choose to enlist rather than be an officer, you will have to follow the lead of other officers and handle day-to-day operations in the military. Officers are in a leadership position and have the responsibility of making strategic decisions. Below, we’ll go into more depth about the differences between enlisted service members and officers so you can make the best decision for your future career.

Education

One of the key differences between enlisted troops and officers is the education requirements. To enlist in the military, all you will need is a high school diploma, which is why many recent high school graduates decide to enlist. If you enlist, you can join the military as soon as you graduate, as long as you meet the age requirement and other eligibility requirements for your chosen branch.

Alternatively, most officers don’t join the military until their 20s. This is because officers are required to have a college degree. After high school, they’ll need to attend college until they complete their degree, and then they’ll be able to start their career in the military in a leadership role.

Responsibility

Another key difference between enlisted and officer is the level of responsibility. Enlisted service members follow the orders of their commanding officer, and are often responsible for handling the daily tasks that make the military operate. On the other hand, officers are required to handle the decision-making and delegation of these tasks, which makes them responsible for leading the enlisted troops in their unit during military operations.

Pay

Officers receive a higher pay grade than their enlisted counterparts. Similar to how it works in the civilian world, having a higher level of education increases the level of professional responsibility which increases pay. Becoming an officer can help you start off on a better foot financially in the military, but you will have to spend significantly more time in school to achieve this pay grade.

Job Options

The jobs available to you in the military will vary depending on whether you’re an officer or an enlisted service member. Being an officer means you’ll have access to leadership roles as these are only permitted for officers.

Officers who receive a four year degree will have access to commissioned roles after completing a specific program, such as the Officer Candidate School (OCS), Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), or Direct Commission Officer Course. The education and training you receive in preparation of becoming a commissioned officer will open up opportunities for impactful leadership roles, including things like Chaplain, Judge Advocate, and roles in healthcare professions.

If you enlist in the military, you won’t be eligible for a leadership role until you climb through the ranks, but you will be able to take on a career assisting in the day-to-day tasks of military operations. You can always start your career as an enlisted and continue your education and training while you’re serving to eventually become a commissioned officer. Each branch will have their own education and training programs available for enlisted service members who want to become commissioned officers in their future careers.

When you’re choosing between enlisted and officer, it’s important to consider your career goals so you pick the job that’s best for you.

Benefits of Choosing Enlisted

If you’re trying to decide whether you want to enlist in the military or seek different avenues, it’s important to be aware of the benefits of being an enlisted service member. Some of the most notable benefits of choosing enlisted include:

• Career timeline: When you enlist, your career will start almost immediately. You don’t have to wait until you finish college and can immediately start working on your career and professional development. You may also want to enlist if you want to move right after high school since you’ll be shipped off to basic as soon as you meet all eligibility requirements and complete the enlistment process.
• Education assistance: Just because you enlist doesn’t mean that you can’t go to college. In fact, the military encourages higher education among its troops. One of the benefits of enlisting is that you’ll receive tuition assistance so you can further your education and excel in your career.
• Immediate benefits: The military offers comprehensive benefits, which you’ll receive right away if you enlist in the military. Once you start your career, you’ll get healthcare and a regular paycheck, which may offer you the immediate stability you need.
• Personal influence: You may come from a family where enlisting in the military is a tradition, and it’s something you want to honor. While enlisting is an excellent choice for many people, make sure you’re taking the time to research your options and make the decision that’s best for your professional and personal goals.

Benefits of Choosing Officer

Just like there are benefits to enlisting, there are also plenty of benefits to being an officer that some people find more appealing.

• Higher pay: Being an officer means you’ll start off at a higher pay grade than an enlisted service member. A larger income allows you to have more financial freedom and stability, giving you the chance to save more for your future. Keep in mind you will have to wait until you finish college and start your training as an officer to receive your pay.
• Professional development: Going to college and developing your leadership skills as an officer makes it easier to progress in your career and climb the ladder. Whether you want to stay in the military until you retire or eventually transition to a civilian career, the skills you develop will pay off and help you achieve your long-term career goals.
• College experience: If you want the college experience right out of high school but also want to serve in the military, becoming an officer allows you to have this experience while still committing to serve your country. Once you wrap up your schooling, you’ll be able to start your training as an officer and put your knowledge to work to protect and serve our nation.
• Growth opportunities: You’ll have plenty of opportunities for growth as an officer in the military, allowing you to advance in your career and set yourself up for success in the future.

How to Make the Right Choice for You

One decision isn’t better than the other when it comes to choosing between enlisted and officer. The decision that’s right for you will depend on your goals, personal interests, and how you want to start your career. Carefully consider the benefits of each option when making your decision and research what it’s like to enlist and be an officer. You can talk to a recruiter and even reach out to service members and veterans to get a better understanding of what it’s like to be in each role.

Ask yourself some of the following questions to discover what option best aligns with your aspirations for your future career in the military:

• What are your long-term career goals?
• Do you prefer to lead and carry a lot of responsibility or assist in daily operations?
• What skills do you have or want to develop?
• What’s your ideal work environment?
• Do you want a long career in the military or do you want to develop skills to transfer to the civilian workforce?

Both options offer their own unique benefits and challenges that can lead to a fulfilling career. Whatever option you choose, make sure you’re making the choice that’s best for your professional development and aligns with your aspirations for the future.

Start Your Career Off Right With Military Luggage Company

Whether you enlist or join as an officer, Military Luggage Company has your back. All service members need the appropriate gear to help them get the job done, which is why we offer a comprehensive range of bags, packs, and cases. You can choose from options like assault packs, wheeled loadout bags, duffles, kit bags, bugout bags, and more. We personally ensure all our products meet the standards of our troops so they can rely on our bags during their operations. You can get started by checking out our selection here, or contacting us if you have any questions.