Choice between LDO, Warrant Officer, of Chief

ET2, in my opinion, strive to make ETC first. I say this for quite a few reasons. The biggest one is you will learn what true leadership is within the mess. I have many mentors that are both LDO and CWO EMO's and all of them have said that making chief first was the greatest thing they could have done. When they made LDO/CWO, they brought everything that they have learned into the wardroom and have great skills with training their fellow officers with what they have learned in the mess. I know I'm going to offend a few LDO's when I say this but, you can tell what LDO made chief before they went officer, they way they interact and send forth the workload is different. Another thing that my mentors in the EMO community have said, EMO, ETC, and ET1 (LPO) do 90% of the same job, lead the division, might as well get paid more by going EMO. On another note, as you know, CWO requires you to make ETC first. I myself am striving to make CWO2 in the near future. I hope my advise/opinion helps you make your decision.

PO2 Gibson, I was a prior enlisted E-6, I decided to get my commission when I thought about the challenging myself more in a different capacity. I could have gone warrant officer but instead wanted to command a company some day. I enjoyed my time as a NCO and knew that I would eventually move on up. It's been great for me and I will have the opportunity for another career move once my command is done. It's what you make of it for most. You will need to decide where you want to be in a 5-10 yrs and come to terms on what is best for you and your family only. Weigh out the options and factors and narrow it down to what you can accept and not accept. It took me 3 years to really decide to change my career route and it paid off well in the end. Hope this may help out some.

Start building your application for LDO/CWO now, but you need to focus on making PO1 and Chief first. You can apply LDO as a PO1 of that is the route you choose. But definitely start building your application now. Attend the Mustang Applicant brief in your area of you can as well.