What’s the best career, Enlisted or Commissioned Officer? What are the pro and cons of each?

SPC Richard Skeen — Wed, 25 Dec 2019 17:36:17 -0500

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made Dec 25 at 2019 6:04 PM

PO3 Phyllis Maynard — Wed, 25 Dec 2019 18:04:50 -0500

SPC Richard Skeen This question is difficult and easy at the same time. The path that one chooses has to fit the abilities and personality. I had a choice, once. But I chose to get out of the military. What I am saying is this your priorities and passion will guide you. Do your research, talk with both enlisted and officer, know yourself, and then make your choice. Best to you.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Dec 25 at 2019 6:52 PM

LTC Eugene Chu — Wed, 25 Dec 2019 18:52:54 -0500

It honestly depends on what type of role that you want to have in the military. Officers focus on planning, enlisted focus on execution...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 25 at 2019 7:16 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 25 Dec 2019 19:16:01 -0500

I enjoyed being an army officer because of the diversity of work scenarios: Tanks, Finance, Budget, DFAS, Home Land Security mission and various special duties.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 25 at 2019 7:18 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Wed, 25 Dec 2019 19:18:55 -0500

Think in civilian terms.. management vs labor... CEO Generals.. president Col's VP 0-4's...dept managers.0-3's Assit Managers Lt's. Labor... factory manager... E-8 and 9's supervisors E-7..shift leaders E 5 and 6... workers.E-2 to E-4.. janitor..pvt.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 25 at 2019 7:24 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Wed, 25 Dec 2019 19:24:53 -0500

Education and skill.. real life and BS.. depends on personality and drive.. story of 2 soldiers... class of 74... me 16 good years ..USMC..USAFR..ARNG...Army... Kicked out for medical..Psych... CPL.. my friend...ARNG...E-1 to Major General... Degrees..War College..etc.. He got stars..I saw stars.... he's retired..I am severely disabled 194% VA math..

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 25 at 2019 7:31 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Wed, 25 Dec 2019 19:31:10 -0500

I tried the same track as my friend.. same NG OCS.. He passed..I freaked and knocked out a woman LT trainer.. botrom line its want you want and how hard you work.. I can't control my mourh and anger.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2019 9:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Dec 2019 21:32:27 -0500

To complicated for me, I was just a grunt, and happy with what career I have now. In essence for some, what ever career you might have, do the best you can with what you know at the time.

Response by 2LT Gerald Dominy made Dec 26 at 2019 2:33 AM

2LT Gerald Dominy — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 02:33:51 -0500

Warrant officer..bar none.. best way to go

Response by Maj John Bell made Dec 26 at 2019 2:41 AM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 02:41:31 -0500

That's kind of like asking what's the best color to paint your house. The only person who can answer that is you, based on your own set of circumstances and preferences.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Dec 26 at 2019 1:54 PM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 13:54:01 -0500

Everyone will have different experiences and therefore, an infinite variety of perspectives. I took great pride in being a commissioned officer, but honestly would've often preferred not to have been-once I got enough experience to somewhat "understand" my place in it all. Seems like an awful lot of effort and commitment only to realize you're generally "in the way" of the SNCOs, ineffectual in really "leading" anyone (most of the time), and only rarely capable of doing much to significantly, positively impact the lives of either. That being said, there were times I found my "place", and it all seemed worthwhile. Unfortunately for me, the "light bulb" started to come on just as my short career was ending. Had I to do it all over again, I'd have spent less time trying to "apologize" for being an officer...and more time punching the cards I needed to ensure I could actually start to do some good as one. On the other hand, if I COULD go back...I'd probably have enlisted, and in a different service. Square pegs don't fit into round holes...but I managed to try for almost a decade.

Response by CW5 Jack Gaudet made Dec 29 at 2019 9:08 PM

CW5 Jack Gaudet — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 21:08:19 -0500

Neither Warrants are best! Just kidding, each has a roll. I was an E7 before warrant so I have a lot of respect for the NCOs, they are the back bone for a reason

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2020 2:41 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 02:41:31 -0500

Officers plan, Enlisted NCO’s execute. You will only really lead troops as a Junior Officer (2LT, 1LT, CPT). Once you make 0-4 (MAJ or above) you are guaranteed to be on staff and will have very little day to day interaction with troops. Being an officer has some perks but they are mostly overrated. Pay is the only one that really counts in my book. Had I to do it over again, I’d have stayed enlisted. I loved being with the troops. Everyone is different though.