I enjoy the enlisted life. I feel like it allows me to move more freely. Is it worth becoming an officer if I intend to stay in?

Ultimately it is going to be solely up to you to decide what is going to be the best path for you, based on your goals and objectives PO2 (Join to see) .

To expand on this topic, I do not intend on staying in the Navy. Ideally, I want to pursue going infantry, but I am keeping my mind open. I am curious as to what would happen if I decide to pursue the commission. Would I be allowed to enter a completely different field (as an IT, would I be allowed to go infantry instead, etc.)? How could I cross-branch, should I decide that's what I want? All information is appreciated. Even if your experience isn't 100% related to this topic, I still want to educate myself on all future possibilities, including the more seclusive fields.

You have to decide what your career goals are. IF you want to stay in, and are in an NEC where promotions are reasonable, your career as an enlisted sailor can be quite fruitful. But if you're in a small rating where people tend to not get out, and they only promote one Chief a year, it could be a drag for you.

There are also LDO and Warrant Officer fields to consider, as well as the various paths to a commission. I went NROTC and never regretted it, however... I am very grateful that I didn't have command (I know that's heresy) but the fact is that three classmates of mine had horrible tragedies with losses of life while in command, and I'm really grateful I didn't have that happen. Consider the USS FITZGERALD for a minute. The CO, XO, Navigator, TAO, CICWO, OOD, JOOD and possibly OPS are all done for after this tragedy. They will carry the weight of the loss of 7 shipmates on their consciences for the rest of their life, as well as facing Courts Martial.

So consider things very carefully. It may seem like officers have it easier, but I can assure you we face far more stress, it's just different.