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Other than the pay, is there any worth in becoming a commissioned officer. I am almost finished with my degree and I plan to get out in order to attend medical school for physical therapy. After I graduate should I come back in as an officer or would that just hinder my progress professionally? How truly different is the officer side from the enlisted side?
Officers
Army
Military Life
2d Lt
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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Well, the first question is: do you want to be a Physical Therapist in the Army? You can have a fulfilling and successful career in that field in both the civilian and military worlds. It really comes down to who you want to take care of. Do you want to take care of Soldiers or civilians? Also, finishing out 20 will garner you a military retirement, which will allow you more options later in your life.
Now realize that being an AMEDD officer and a line officer are two entirely different experiences. As a PT, you are a clinician and the Army is hiring you to be a clinician. Yes, you will be expected to be a leader and take on leadership duties as you progress in rank, but that is not your primary raison d'etre within the military. You are there to take care of patients.
As for "worth", c'mon now SSG. You've been around the long enough to have a pretty reasonable idea of what officers do. They are the executive leaders and planners. Not to say that NCOs are not leaders (they are), but NCO's are more about direct supervision and are concerned about executing the plans. Officers are concerned about making the plans, policies and overall (executive) leadership. One is not better than the other. The decision to be an officer vs. an NCO really comes down to what level of leadership you want to be part of and work within.
Now realize that being an AMEDD officer and a line officer are two entirely different experiences. As a PT, you are a clinician and the Army is hiring you to be a clinician. Yes, you will be expected to be a leader and take on leadership duties as you progress in rank, but that is not your primary raison d'etre within the military. You are there to take care of patients.
As for "worth", c'mon now SSG. You've been around the long enough to have a pretty reasonable idea of what officers do. They are the executive leaders and planners. Not to say that NCOs are not leaders (they are), but NCO's are more about direct supervision and are concerned about executing the plans. Officers are concerned about making the plans, policies and overall (executive) leadership. One is not better than the other. The decision to be an officer vs. an NCO really comes down to what level of leadership you want to be part of and work within.
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SFC(P) (Join to see)
I appreciate the insight sir and thanks for your knowledge. One of my main issue's was whether or not I would still be able to make a meaningful impact on Soldier's if I were to cross over. When I said "worth" I wasn't trying to discredit officers, more like I was placing emphasis on what I have already accomplished and not knowing if I would have a similar level of success after I made the switch, be it with care of Soldiers or in my own career.
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LTC Paul Labrador
SFC(P) (Join to see) - You have to defined what "success" and "meaningful" means. As an Army PT, you'll have the ability to help Soldiers recover from serious injuries and either return to duty or have a good life after the Army. I'd say that is a pretty significant impact. As an officer you are not going to have the same amount of day to day supervision with soldiers as will as an NCO. As a medical officer you will not likely be in charge of anything until more senior rank. However, as an O, you will be able in a position to make a big impact on organizations to a greater degree than as an NCO.
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There is... especially if you are a good leader who cares about those you are charged to lead. We need all the good leaders we can get
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Of course there is. It just depends what you want your role to be in the military.
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