Prior enlisted Officers, how was your transition from E to O?

2015-08-29T16:39:31-04:00

Do you regret leaving the enlisted side, and if so why?

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2015 4:46 PM

2015-08-29T16:46:48-04:00

It was just what is was. It was entering a new job.

No, I never regretted getting a commission.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 29 at 2015 4:48 PM

2015-08-29T16:48:14-04:00

I had two promotion papers in my hands. One was to E-5 and the other to O-1. I signed the later as that was the future I wanted. I never looked back. That said, being a Mustang sure gave me a leg up as a JO Department Head.

Response by CPT(P) David Thorp made Sep 2 at 2015 11:11 PM

2015-09-02T23:11:06-04:00

Hell no, why would anyone regret their own advancement?

Response by PO1 John Miller made Sep 19 at 2015 4:51 AM

2015-09-19T04:51:42-04:00

While I was not an Officer myself, the best advice I can give to any officer, regardless if they're prior enlisted or not, is to always listen to your Petty Officers/NCO's. Sure they'll tease you a bit but at the end of the day their purpose is to train you to be the best Officer you can be.
Most importantly, stick up for and take care of your people. They will make or break your career!

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 5:31 AM

2015-09-19T05:31:13-04:00

Maj Private RallyPoint Member First, I would ask them why they wanted to earn their commission, let them know that the job is not as easy as they probably have heard, and that they really need to be working towards rounding themselves out as an individual (earn their degree, read up on AF history, talk to as many officers as they can and have an officer review their current Selection Record).

I separated as an E-4 and did not commission until 10 years after I got out. So, not only was I 2d Lt, I was an older one at that. Here are some of the challenges I faced as a brand new officer. FGOs, SrNCOs and NCOs (pretty much everyone) automatically treating me as if I knew nothing before getting to know me because of what was on my lapels as opposed to what I was actually saying. This is really difficult for priors because the same rules don't apply and you just don't get as much credit as you think you should for having that prior experience. In my case, the fact that my husband was a SMSgt was seen as more of a positive than my prior enlisted experience.

Another thing I missed about being enlisted, I also was no longer the "doer". I was now the "manager". I think this is one of the most difficult things, for me, as an officer. I like working with customers, solving problems, helping folks out but now, I just manage those that do what I liked to do. I have more paperwork and have to read/comprehend much more but sometimes I just want to go help customers with their personnel record.

While I did and still do listen to anyone who has an opinion/recommendation I have to remember that it's my career that's on the line so I have the final decision after gathering data from a variety of sources (personnel, AFIs, etc.) and make an informed decision. Another challenge, was trying to figure out how to keep up to date with everything going on in my section without being seen as a micro manager.

Definitely seek advice from solid SrNCOs if you have questions about policy, administrative issues, etc. Kick ideas around with them before you make a big decision.

Yes, stick up for your folks but not to the detriment of other Amn. In other words, you need to be fair and consistent because 1) it's the right thing to do and 2) people will make sure you are doing the right thing and will take note when you aren't.

As an O, I work a lot more hours, there is a lot more stress, I have a lot more responsibility and I have to know more w/out the benefit of additionally formal training. Also, one screw up (LOR + worthy) and it's a career killer.

Once you commission you have to remember that you are no longer Enlisted. Fraternization is one of the big issues Lts have because they are so close in age to E-4s and E-5s. I've seen a lot of careers tank due to Lts and junior enlisted being too friendly and/or dating. It's a morale killer in squadrons and creates a lot of havoc and jealousy. So just say 'no'.

With all that being said, I wouldn't change it if I could. I have had the opportunity to lead and learn from some outstanding individuals.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 7:27 AM

2015-09-19T07:27:34-04:00

Run before the MDMP gods get you....because the night is dark and full of terror.

Seriously, I would say prepare for a bumpy road. I think it is a much lonelier road and they have to be prepared to make unpopular correct decisions and have the courage of their convictions. It takes time to not "feel enlisted" anymore. I would ask that they shadow someone in the role they seek to really see it as it is.

My best is advice is be honest. First, with yourself, and know your strengths and weaknesses. Second, always tell the truth...even if it mean your death.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Sep 19 at 2015 7:51 AM

2015-09-19T07:51:16-04:00

Going from 'E' to "O" is different for each individual who undertakes that path. I crossed over late in my time which gave me both positives and negatives. Experience, patience, vision, insight, and knowledge were positives that helped me navigate the course I chose. Age, independence, and adaptability were not always kind along the way. Understanding the differences will help bring the best out in both. Realize that although you may have vast amounts of knowledge, the ability to apply it in a specific situation is the challenge.
Comparing life is apples to oranges, while there may be some similarities they are different.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 19 at 2015 11:32 AM

2015-09-19T11:32:42-04:00

I had two promotions in hand and had to sign one. E-5 or O-1. Since commissioning was my goal as an engineer with a degree, I signed the later. Thinking back to the dark ages, I don't recall much help out there about the process other than see an "accessions officer". It worked out. I think there are a few critical items related to the transition.
1. It's far better to PCS, change units, etc. right away to avoid awkward moments. It's easier on the old crew as well as they can feel it too. I had to spend a brief time underway on my tin can where everybody knew everybody. I wasn't clean enough to put up in O Country so the Chiefs took me in.
2. An O-1 is a klutz by definition so deal with it cheerfully. The reason we're klutzes is you're dumped into a new world order and there's a different priority list that you need to come up to speed. You have to unload some baggage a newbie wouldn't have. However you are expected to have fewer brain farts than a non Mustang.
3. Don't fix things that you know how to if that is a junior enlisted supervised by an NCO or an NCO thing to do. That sandpapers the NCO community. If the NCO didn't see it and you did, a quiet sidebar is advised. It shows you're supporting them.
4. Your O-1 peers who aren't prior enlisted can get a jealous streak fast. Help them be better too. Nothing like rubbing their noses in it and years later they're your boss with a long memory.
5. Your primary job is to get the mission done while taking care of your people. I'd argue to focus on the second so the first can be done. You can't carry it all on your back. The enlisted mentality is how many can I do in an hour. Your mentality needs to be how can I ramp up the crew to perform best and safely while keeping the morale up.
6. You'll be much more visible to your Skipper right away. There should be an O-4 who has an informal job of mentoring the JOs. Positive response to mentoring filters back up. More eyes are on you now than you think. That includes the senior NCOs who are trying to figure out quick if you're a help or a hindrance.
7. Work harder at the BS stops right here skill set. That goes for both directions. Your crew will cover your six if they see a few arrows from above in your butt.
8. Your are now responsible for "problem childs" in your section. Make sure you get into the mode of the child makes the decisions, not you. There is a consequence for every bad behavior and you need to know what the Command policy and process is for dealing with it. You don't want to be hung out to dry by miscuing on discipline. It's the fastest way to the Idiot label.

Response by 1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 11:47 AM

2015-09-19T11:47:19-04:00

Depends on the AFSC. I went from 3D to 17D so I knew what I was getting myself into. I also was 11 years prior. The convo has to be centered around where their passions and reasons for commissioning are. What they feel they can contribute to the officer corps and the branch of service as a whole.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 11:56 AM

2015-09-19T11:56:25-04:00

Serve! Serve and work to the best of your ability. Work hard for your goals and you'll meet them. I am a bit biased and believe some of the best officers come from the enlisted ranks. Many nations follow this route. I made it to E-5 before jumping the fence. I was a wiser "Butterbar" so I was ready to lead from the get go. Still, I found a sharp Senior NCO, worked with him and LISTENED to him on how best to lead our Airmen. He took the time to tell me about each and everyone of our troops; their goals, desires, strengths and weaknesses. The biggest difference is the scope of responsibility between E and O and the legal repercussions if you fail to do your job. An officer is less sheltered by the law for bad leadership and a career can end real quick. You hear about it all time. There are exceptions and some bad apples slip through in both cases. In either case you are expected to be a professional warrior. I wholeheartingly believe we are the best military in the world because of our professional NCO Corps. No nation in the world can match what the US has. Every nation has officers but no nation can compare to our NCOs/Petty Officers.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 3:32 PM

2015-09-19T15:32:21-04:00

No regrets, meets my one less idiot rule

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 19 at 2015 3:59 PM

2015-09-19T15:59:26-04:00

I was busy learning the technical, tactical skills and hoping I don't give the impression to the platoon that I was not a nerd.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Sep 20 at 2015 10:26 AM

2015-09-20T10:26:36-04:00

I found the transition fairly easy, but I wasn't enlisted for that long, and I went NROTC so I had a transition period. I imagine it's much more challenging for those who go OCS or are LDO/Warrants, who are E one day and O the next...

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 6:17 AM

2015-09-21T06:17:42-04:00

No regrets. Took the scenic route: E-1 - E-7, CWO2 - CWO3, O2E - O3E. Still around at 20 and don't see the end of the road yet. If it's something you want to do, set your goals and do it. You may not be selected first time around, but with hard work and good mentors, you can do most anything you set out to do. If I can, anyone can.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Aug 24 at 2016 12:59 AM

2016-08-24T00:59:12-04:00

It was difficult for me in that I expected enlisted to work hard and respect me as I did as a young enlisted soldier. I remember as an E2 @ 17 I thought 2LT were gods and expected the same when a 2LT myself. Ten years from E2 to 2LT and the new E2s were different than when I was one. It has been complained about me that I over delegate and when the complaint was levied, I just delegated what I expected to be delegated to me as a young medic. I had to learn to be gentle and realized just because I expected to do a task when I was enlisted, not all enlisted expect the same today,