Enlisted and Officer Paths

When it comes to joining the Military, there are two main pathways: enlisted service member and commissioned officer, each offering unique experiences and opportunities for growth. If you’re not exactly sure what these roles involve, or you’ve only heard about them in passing, this is your chance to get the real story. Read on.

Enlisted to Officer

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Ofori Barnaby Jr. breaks down the difference between enlisted members and officers.

Who Are Enlisted Service Members?

Enlisted service members make up almost 82% of the Military and are the backbone of every branch. From construction and transportation to technical jobs in fields like IT, aviation, mechanics, healthcare and logistics, they tackle a wide range of critical responsibilities—solving the world’s problems with their own two hands and developing specialized skills in their chosen role.

If you have a high school diploma, a GED or plan to get one of the two soon, enlisting in the Military can be a great way to kick-start your career, get hands-on training in a specific field or step out of your comfort zone and explore the world.

Enlisted Rank and Specialty

When you become an enlisted service member, you will begin as a private in the Army or Marine Corps, airman basic in the Air Force, seaman recruit in the Navy and Coast Guard, and specialist 1 in the Space Force. As you can tell, titles and ranks vary by Service, but pay grades are standardized throughout.

Navigate the Path to Enlisted Roles

Gain a deeper understanding of the distinct path to becoming an enlisted service member and how it offers unique opportunities for advancement.

Learn More About Enlisted Member Journey

Who Are Military Officers?

Officers in the Military make up around 18% of the workforce, and focus on the “big picture.” Their roles often include leading teams, making high-level decisions, and coordinating with fellow service members to accomplish missions.

While officers generally take on broader responsibilities, similar to a manager in a civilian company, they work alongside other officers and enlisted personnel who also play key roles in planning and execution. For those with a college degree or planning on earning one, the officer path provides opportunities to lead and develop broad expertise.

Officer Rank and Specialty

Most newly commissioned officers start at the rank of second lieutenant in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Space Force, and as ensign in the Navy and Coast Guard. You will begin by leading small units under the guidance of more senior officers and enlisted advisors. Based on your training, education and the needs of your branch, you will then proceed into a specialty field like aviation, cybersecurity, engineering, logistics, and more.

Explore the Different Ways To Become an Officer

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Path

ROTC prepares full-time college students for opportunities as officers in the Military and can offer generous scholarships in exchange for future service.

The Service Academy Path

If you attend one of the Service academies, you'll receive a prestigious, tuition-free college education in a structured and immersive military environment that provides advanced leadership training to prepare you for life as an officer in the Military.

The Officer Candidate School (OCS) Path

OCS helps college graduates and qualified enlisted personnel become officers in the Military — developing key competencies like leadership and decision-making that can translate to roles beyond the Service.

Joining the Military via Direct Commission

Direct commissioning into the Military as an officer is an option available to highly skilled civilian professionals, like doctors, lawyers, engineers and chaplains, bypassing traditional military training routes like ROTC, Service academies or Officer Candidate School (OCS).

While such candidates do attend a shorter officer training course to learn leadership, military customs and the basics of service, they skip a lot of the longer training thanks to their expertise.

A Word on Warrant Officers

Warrant officers are highly specialized technical experts, ranking above enlisted personnel but below commissioned officers. They’re usually experts in a specific field, like aviation, intelligence or engineering, and are often responsible for leading and training others. Many warrant officers start their careers as enlisted personnel and are selected based on their experience.

Explore Potential Roles in the Military

Engineering, medicine, baking (yes, you read that right) and more — the Military is filled with unique roles where you can hone real-world skills, and some of the options might surprise you.

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Compare Flexible Options for Military Service

While the Military is known for its clear structure, it also offers the flexibility to help you find a commitment that fits your goals. Whether you're interested in full- or part-time roles, you don't have to compromise to discover your full potential.

Learn About Full- and Part-Time Options