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

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!"

It is a grave responsibility You must have leadership skills and know what they are. Remember the personell you are in charge of come first. That is your strength. A good leader doesn't have to be loved but he must be respected and fair. Listen to your NCO.s Sometimes they are wiser and have more experience than you might have. I spent 4yrs in the Marine Corp. (59-63) I made the rank of Cpl. I joined the Army (63-66) as a PFC. In 13 months I was a SP/5. I also went to a leadership academy at Ft, Knox. In Vietnam I was offered a battlefield commission as a 2nd. Lt. I only had 3 months left before I come home to see my wife of 8 months. If I had chosen to be an officer I would have had to stay in Vietnam another year. I chose my wife. Semper Fi.

You will be on the bottom of a long line of Officers and you will have to start all over again and being an Officer isn't like being an Enlisted as over time when it come's time to be promoted they can pass you over for the least bullshit . Plus the Enlisted does all the work and the Officer's take all the credit . But if you do and your at your first duty station make sure you find your high ranking NCO and ask him how does thing's work and what can make it better cause if you go and start making waves then you will be on everyone's shit list .