Which is a better option, enlisting for four years to first see if I like the military or just becoming an officer?

Zachary Lindsay — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 13:00:20 -0400

I want to join but everyone says go Officer I know it will make you life easier. But I want to enlist after high school and do my 4 years and see if I want to continue after that.( In the Military) Which sounds like the best option?

Response by 1SG Eddie Smith made Aug 15 at 2019 1:10 PM

1SG Eddie Smith — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 13:10:27 -0400

You might want to rethink "make life easier." Not sure how YOU define easier, but you could be in for a rude awaking. Generally speaking Military Officers often times have much more responsibilities than Enlisted Servicemembers. I definitely recommend and encourage you to join the U.S Military. Also, ("after High School") you will need a college degree as part of becoming a U.S. Military Officer, with the exception of maybe Warrant Officer Candidate School.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Aug 15 at 2019 1:24 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 13:24:12 -0400

Becoming an officer doesn't commit you to anything longer than what a normal enlistment does. You can try out the military for handful of years through either pathway (enlisted or officer).

One side doesn't "make your life easier" than the other. My brother served an entire career as enlisted, and it was great for him. I served almost my entire career as an officer (I did have a few years of enlisted time), and that path was great for me. Neither of us would have had as much success if we had pursued each other's pathway, and neither career was easier than the other. They were both equally challenging and rewarding, but in different ways.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Aug 15 at 2019 1:26 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 13:26:41 -0400

Since I' retired Army the schools I'm going to list are primary officer course for that service. You will have to ask Navy, Air Force, Marine and Cost Guard folks online here to find out about them.
If you're able to go officer, you want to attend a Military School then go to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New Mexico Military Institute, Virginia Military Institute, Military College of South Carolina, or Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.
If you wan to go the ROTC route then many Universities (over a hundred) provide military programs. The advantage there is the military picks up some course costs AND will pay you a stipend each month. You do have to attend a military 'Summer camp' each year, but what the hey, - you signed up and you have to meet the course requirements.
Hope I helped and good luck.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 15 at 2019 1:29 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 13:29:03 -0400

Whomever said being an officer was easier than being enlisted is misguided, there are more challenging aspects of each. However, you can still attend college then join as an enlisted member to see how you feel about the military in general. If you have a degree and Soldier well becoming an Officer is a path you can follow. Don’t let people tell you either path is easier or better. Each has it challenges, and each has its rewards. As a profession they are amazing if it is in Your blood, that you will not know until you try. To coin a phrase, Nothing worth anything in life is easy.

Response by LTC Gary Earls made Aug 15 at 2019 2:28 PM

LTC Gary Earls — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 14:28:52 -0400

You could enlist and spent your four years and then apply to the USMA prep school or go to a college with a ROTC program. During your enlistment also work on your college degree.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Aug 15 at 2019 3:24 PM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 15:24:15 -0400

A good way to experience the service that also gives you several options is by joining your local Reserve or National Guard unit. After high school graduation you will go to basic training and advanced individual training, then come home to your unit. At home, you can experience the military career while going to college. After some time and experience with the service you can decide if you want to stay enlisted and become a non-commissioned officer or become a commissioned officer. If you decide to become an officer all you have to do is walk into the ROTC building at your college and ask to sign up.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Aug 15 at 2019 4:48 PM

MSgt Michael Smith — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 16:48:11 -0400

Anyone who tells you being an Officer is "easier" doesn't have a clue. True officers get paid more and receive a few better perks, but they are also far more accountable for their actions, as well as the actions of people they command. Jr. Officers have tons more responsibility, accountability, and in general, work, than jr. enlisted. And trust me, Jr. Officers pay their dues.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2019 6:25 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 18:25:48 -0400

enlist first. personally, i feel that all prior enlisted officers are 100xs more effective due to their knowledge on both parts.