What are your thoughts on Veterans going from Enlisted to Officer ranks?

SGT Jamell Culbreath — Tue, 19 May 2015 13:50:55 -0400

I had an opportunity when I was in, but was discouraged by some of my leadership.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 1:55 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 13:55:12 -0400

I would love to commission. I am trying to get back in via the guard. I have my masters & it is in the career field I would ideally go back into (Criminal Justice/Security Forces). If I had the opportunity to get an age waiver to commission, you're darn right I would!!!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 1:55 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 13:55:33 -0400

Are you saying re-enter?

I think it can be great. I didn't exit, but, was commissioned form the enlisted ranks.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 1:56 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 13:56:36 -0400

We need officers who were prior enlisted and leadership should encourage the best of the best to cross over. Prior enlisted officers bring so much insight and experience to the table!

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 19 at 2015 2:00 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Tue, 19 May 2015 14:00:18 -0400

I was thinking about it, but I'm seeing where life takes me first.

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made May 19 at 2015 2:19 PM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Tue, 19 May 2015 14:19:03 -0400

I think that is good. Having an officer corp that is diversified, West Point, ROTC, OCS, Direct, and Green to Gold (through these programs) brings different viewpoints and experiences that strengthens our Army.

I remember at West Point I was right out of high school and we looked up to our prior service classmates. I learned a lot from them and they looked out for us that didn't have experience

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 2:43 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 14:43:10 -0400

If that is what they want to do, more power to them. Just not me. I am to Officer as Iraq is to premium vacation destination

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 3:29 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 15:29:38 -0400

I had a prior supervisor that I spoke in depth with this about, I had our CC exec ask me if I had considered it based on my performance and how he has seen me manage different projects. I spoke with my supervisor and his personal views is a lot of time some of the good enlisted leaders commission and the enlisted force loses some of their best and brightest. I personally align myself with the enlisted force being blue collar in my life prior to joining and like the enlisted life style. Sure I know I could go and be a great officer but I would prefer to advance my career with my stripes.

Response by PO3 Jeffrey Levy made May 19 at 2015 3:34 PM

PO3 Jeffrey Levy — Tue, 19 May 2015 15:34:55 -0400

Nothing makes for a better leader than one who has experienced it, learned humility and teamwork, then learned to lead. Sounds great...

Response by SGT David T. made May 20 at 2015 8:26 AM

SGT David T. — Wed, 20 May 2015 08:26:45 -0400

This is hit or miss. I have met some exceptional officers with prior enlisted experience and some that were horrible. It really depends on the person if they are doing it for the right reasons and if they have the ability to change how they think. As a NCO we in the mix working alongside our troops. As an officer they are the planners and overall responsible so they need to be more detached. Although the uniform is the same (more or less) for both, the worlds they operate in are very different. I held a few positions over the course of my career where I worked directly with the officers and I found that at the time I had no interest in that. If I went back in the Army now, I would probably go that route since the work dynamic is similar in many ways to that of a civilian employee.

Response by Capt Vickie Adams made May 21 at 2015 4:22 PM

Capt Vickie Adams — Thu, 21 May 2015 16:22:24 -0400

I went from the Enlisted to Officer ranks. I was an E-5. My time as an enlisted member made me a better officer, a better Commander. I wish I had done it earlier in my career.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2018 8:27 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 08:27:43 -0400

It has been my observation and opinion that Enlisted to Officer makes fine Officers. The thought the someone has walked a mile in my shoes gives a sense of comradeship not available otherwise.

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Jul 6 at 2018 9:58 AM

SSgt Holden M. — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 09:58:18 -0400

My thought is that the individuals that I came across that went from Enlisted to Officer were some of the best officers I had the privilege to serve with.