I am considering furthering my career as an officer. What is everyones opinion on this and why?

2015-06-18T14:55:05-04:00

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 18 at 2015 3:09 PM

2015-06-18T15:09:53-04:00

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member If this is truly what you want and you have the education - go for it! I really believe that NCOs make great officers because they have experienced coming from the enlisted and NCO side of the military. Not everyone will agree with me on that note, but I believe it doesn't hurt one bit. If you feel you can truly make a difference in leading, managing, and directing soldiers and organizations starting at the Platoon level and working your way up through the Company, Battalion, and higher levels, then set your goals and career path in that direction. I have always told young men and women that if they want to make a difference, if they want to lead, and if they want to really make a long-term career out of the military go for it!

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 18 at 2015 3:11 PM

2015-06-18T15:11:45-04:00

For those who want to become officers, as long as your intentions are to lead the way for others, and not just money, you're good in my book.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jun 18 at 2015 3:16 PM

2015-06-18T15:16:10-04:00

I totally agree with COL Mikel J. Burroughs and he said it very well. I would ask - what's stopping you? Forget what all the responses here could be - if it's what you want, do it! I hope by asking the question here won't stop you from doing this! I posted a question on the prior enlisted officer thing and there were some great responses there - but it didn't change my opinion that officers who are prior enlisted have greater potential to be GREAT officers.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 18 at 2015 3:36 PM

2015-06-18T15:36:06-04:00

Rock on.

We regret opportunities we don't take far more than those we do. If you have the chance and the willingness, "Ever forward."

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 3:39 PM

2015-06-18T15:39:35-04:00

The best guidance that I can give you is "On what side of the salute do you wish to stand? :)

In other words, really know what motivates you to that lane of leadership versus NCO. If money is your motivator, no judgment, but REALLY know what you are taking on for that "extra moola". Whatever you choose, just be a great leader.

I was selected for Commission twice. I stayed Enlisted for innumerable reasons, but I now find that being an "old skool NCO" fits my incredibly sassy personality much better. :)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 3:43 PM

2015-06-18T15:43:50-04:00

GO FOR IT!! Stick with your goal, don't change your mind. Keep taking care of the steps you need to take to become an officer and it will eventually happen for you. I am dropping my Warrant packet in a little over a year. Being an NCO is awesome, but I don't feel as though it suits my personality traits and I want to become more proficient in my specialty and be that "go to guy."

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 3:52 PM

2015-06-18T15:52:03-04:00

If you are qualified go for it. You will certainly like paydays better.

If you do make it remember where you were.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 4:19 PM

2015-06-18T16:19:15-04:00

If that is what you want and you feel like you would do a good job, and you would BE A GOOD OFFICER, then go for it. Yes, you'll make more money, maybe achieve more prestige, but that ain't everything. I turned down two recommendations for a direct commissions, one Army and one USCG. It meant I could not perform the job that I loved. The job meant more to me. I did not enjoy the idea of riding a desk until retirement. Not my idea of career satisfaction. Think long and hard about any decision you may or may not make. Each one can have a dramatic effect on your life.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 4:38 PM

2015-06-18T16:38:20-04:00

I made the move pretty early in my career. I never regretted it. It took until I was a Major before it occurred to me that I ended up in a place to influence the some of the institutional problems I had griped about 15 years earlier. It should be closer to a vocation than a career decision. You need to have a strong desire to improve the organization and the will to make things happen. Good luck.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Jun 18 at 2015 5:08 PM

2015-06-18T17:08:31-04:00

I was enlisted for 8 years and applied for OCS at Fort Benning in 1970 and retired as a Major in 1982. Go for it. Your enlisted experiences will help you greatly, you are not green.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 5:09 PM

2015-06-18T17:09:44-04:00

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member,

If you do decide to make that jump, just don't forget where you came from. ;) :)

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 5:11 PM

2015-06-18T17:11:39-04:00

these are some great posts with great points. I am really early in the decision process and trying to get some more first hand knowledge. i am not sure i really understand for the most part what it means to be an officer. as for motivators i am not going to lie a better paycheck is one of them but by far not the most important. i really love being an NCO and taking care of troops. part of my motivation to look into being an officer is to help make things better as i always have that attitude that no matter what position you are in you are in a position to better things. again some great responses that i wholeheartedly agree with.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jun 18 at 2015 6:22 PM

2015-06-18T18:22:27-04:00

I've seen it from both sides of the fence. If you think you should get paid more and want to be an officer so that people salute you, you're probably better off considering other options. If you are blessed with excellent cognitive abilities and social skills, have a burning desire to lead, and can lead by your own example, you should go for it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 11:55 PM

2015-06-18T23:55:16-04:00

I was enlisted for almost eight years and loved it. However, there is a very specific formula for success in my former MOS (11B) such as going to drill, recruiter, etc., and a small window of opportunity for any opportunity outside the typical infantry scope. This is a great path for many, but I wanted to expand beyond that to larger influence and more educational opportunities. The officer side has many more choices for career progression and your responsibilities increase dramatically. I like having the ability to expand myself and have the influence to pass that on to the next generation of leaders. In the long run I think being an officer gives you more to choose from in your career and gives you a better opportunity upon retirement.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jun 19 at 2015 12:39 AM

2015-06-19T00:39:46-04:00

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member First, and foremost, you need to be able articulate why you want to be an Army Officer. That will drive everything else. Is it for you, or for the Army, or both? So, why do you want to be an Army Officer?

The Army needs great officers, but we also need great NCOs. There are pros and cons to each career path.

- Assuming you are a good leader, here is the most stark comparison. Compare current retirement pay for the enlisted rank you see yourself making before you retire, and the officer rank you see yourself making if you decide to try OCS. The difference will shock you, if you have not already looked. Not the best reason, or only reason, but it needs to be in your pros and cons list.

- Next would be job opportunities after you leave the Army. Again, in many/most cases, I think you find the differences to be significant.

OCS, and becoming an officer worked me, and at the same time in my career as yours. I too was young and promotable SGT, like you, who got promoted very fast but then I was looking at long wait (TIG/TIS) before any further promotions.... or opportunities, so I started looking at many options.

My leadership, at the time, recommended I consider becoming an officer. I was already married so USMA was not an option, and OCS worked better for me ROTC.

Good Luck!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2015 10:14 AM

2015-06-19T10:14:02-04:00

I say go for it if you have your degree. I did and have no regrets! The experience that you have as a NCO will pay big dividends to you as an officer and will make you a better officer and leader of Soldiers! Good Luck!

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Jun 20 at 2015 9:16 AM

2015-06-20T09:16:30-04:00

I waited until late in my career for this transition, in some cases too late, but that was another time and on my cadence. I shared the same ideas and thoughts as some of the enlisted members have mentioned here. My reasoning for changing sides boiled down to simple ... I finally decided I wanted to lead and mold, teach and encourage, be a knowledgeable example to those who would ask for guidance.
If your final decision is to change sides, go in with a clear head, be determined, and make a difference.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 29 at 2015 4:19 PM

2015-06-29T16:19:05-04:00

You leave a lot open. How old are you. Can you go OCS or ROTC. What branch do you want?