What advice would you give to enlisted soldiers interested in entering the officer ranks?

I have been both sides of the coin. Enlisted in the Navy and commissioned in the Air Force. I enjoyed my time as an enlisted more as there was less politics and backstabbing. As an officer I had to deal with other officers who felt that the only way to advance was to stab everyone around them in the back if you didn't suck up and kiss their butt. This may not be true of all officers, but it was the case with those that I had to deal with. I left as a Major after 16 years of working my butt off the earn my rank and seeing others brown nose to get their rank for no effort. Your choice.

My military career was more like a hobby to me than work. I really loved what I was doing. I was in the Army National Guard when I went to OCS, so at the time it was a second job to me. Once commissioned I found that the system works to eliminate you (up or out) but I became determined to stick with my career until the end. I had commanders and general officers tell me they did not have a position for me, but somehow I was able to overcome that. I loved serving our country and always felt it was the greatest honor to wear the uniform. After 36 total years of service, I was able to stick with it to earn an active duty retirement. I agree with the others who say don't do it for the money, and don't think you'll get over when it comes to work. The grass is definitely not green on the commissioned side.

As I went WO, I can certainly say, make sure, before you drop a packet, that you are truly technically and tactically competent. Get a Senior WO who knows you give you a no BS assessment. If you need something else to round you out, go after it. Better to wait and be the technical and tactical expert than to show up on day 1 and look ignorant when asked a question.

As for RLO, the biggest thing I noticed was that some folks can’t let go of the stripes. You are not the TL, SL, PSG anymore, they have a job to do and it does not involve you getting into their business because BTDT. Listen to the PSG (who has probably dealt with more than a few LT) and learn what you need to learn to be a leader.

Gain as much experience and knowledge as you can as an enlisted soldiers you can before you make the leap to the Officer Corps. E-5 and up is what I would say depending on your career projection and age.

I have been both enlisted and commissioned officer. I was a Buck Sgt. then got out and finished college and accepted into a scholarship program from the Army to attend Medical school. I was rested more respectfully as an officer but also more obligations. But I was able to do my job much better as an officer due to my experience as an NCO. I was able to care for my subordinates better because of my experience. And it was kind of satisfying seeing the look on a spec 5’s face in supply and who had tried giving me a hard time overseas, when he realized who the guy wearing Captain’s Bars was who was standing in front of him. Priceless

Don't!

Don't!

Have 10 years experience as enlisted first. Then understand that while you might have had some authority and were senior to some...you are starting at the bottom of the ranks again. It will require a shift in thinking. Remember to observe, and listen. Then after thought, when it's time to make a decision...make it.

If you are planning on staying in I would highly recommend becoming an officer. You will have a lot more responsibilities but in the long run you won't regret it.

11 years of 23 in command...prepare to be politically appeasing to superiors while gluing yourself to the Army values, you may loose control but never loose command and remember... "the more you climb up the flag pole...the more your ass hangs out!"