Why do some discourage enlisted personnel from pursuing a commission?

Each person is different in thier reasoning for this.  Some are very proud of thier roll in the enlisted side and that is why they would make comments like this.  Others just don't want to get out of their comfort or knowledge zone so they badmouth the other side.  They may have had poor officer leadership.  Whatever the is reason that a person has for downgrading or badmouthing your decision,  is not important.  I have know quite a few enlisted with Masters Degrees and they love what they do. They would make great officers but have chosen the career path that they feel best suites them.  Don't fuel the fire by arguing but turn the questions back on them for facts.  What do they see are the reasons that the enlisted side is better?  Why would it be a poor decision to become an officer?  Don't let someone elses negativity persuade you from pursuing your career goals.

While not popular stud, I will say what others will not. In my 23 years of service I have NEVER heard any green to gold or direct commission Soldier say they were doing it for anything other than active duty or retirement pay. That being said, someone needs to be that guy that plans mission, sits through meetings, and has little contact with the Soldiers in their charge. When approached as a young E-6 as to why I didn't drop my packet it was because I didn't want to lose my ability to be both. <br><br>NCOs have a unique ability to throw off their ACU top, throw in a dip (if they partake), curse a blue-streak, and dig a fighting position with the Soldiers. Five minutes after the position is dug, they throw the dip aside, don their ACU top, dust themselves off, and brief in the command and staff on a level commensurate with their officer counterparts. We have to be able to relate (really relate) to our Soldiers on both sides. Officers don't often have that luxury as their schedule and requirements often do not permit them to do so. <br><br>Bottom line is: If you are happy with your decision and want to go officer, go...worry not about those that say things that may be construed as not politically correct because I can assure you as a 2LT you'll certainly hear it from seniors.<br><br>I have the utmost respect for the officer corps and what they endure on a daily basis...as a CSM I too endure their pain often - but in my opinion (and we know what those are worth), the profession of arms should NEVER take pay into consideration. There are those that can bring the "knuckle-dragger" basal leadership to the table and those that cannot. You pick your direction, stick with it, and endeavor to be the best, whichever side that may be.<br><br><br>

If you feel your skill set is better utilized in the officer corps, then don't let anything derail you. We all want to make the Army a better place than we found it.&nbsp;<div>I keep my SGT rank under my collar as a symbol that I will never forget where I came from. My 7 enlisted years and deployment shaped my views and made me better prepared to meet the challenges I face as an officer. I don't think everyone needs to take the same path. Some of the best officers I have worked for never did any enlisted time, just as the best NCOs I know are better left in the enlisted ranks. Sometimes you get a great NCO who becomes a better officer. Sometimes there's someone who struggled in the enlisted ranks because they were better suited to being an officer. It all depends - just listen to your gut and go with what feels right.</div><div>I don't regret my decision, sometimes I miss being an NCO, but that's always going to be the case. I am happy where I am and look forward to the future.&nbsp;</div>