Holds a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. Holds a high school diploma or a GED but isn't required to have a post-secondary degree to enlist. Consider a few of the most important differences between these two types of military personnel: Related: Why Joining the Military After College Can Help Your Career Differences between enlisted and officer personnelĮnlisted service members and officers must meet different requirements to join their chosen military branch and then perform vastly different duties once they're a part of the organization. Provide military personnel with professional services, such as medical, legal or religious guidance. Operate and command military aircraft, ships or armored vehicles

Manage enlisted personnel and lower-ranking officers Plan, organize and lead federal government military operations Officer grades and ranks differ from branch to branch, but most have several promotion opportunities. As leaders, they plan missions, give orders and assign soldiers to tasks. armed forces who hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university and successfully completed their basic officer training. Some positions, like doctors and lawyers, immediately specialize in their chosen field, while others receive assignments with their branch or battalion with a particular military mission.Īn officer's assignment is dependent on their training and experience. Military officers are members of the U.S. Related: 25 Most Common Reasons for Joining the Military What is an officer? Participate in or support combat missions, military operations or efforts such as humanitarian or disaster relief Enlisted grades and ranks differ slightly from branch to branch, but most branches have promotion opportunities for enlisted members. military who meet specific requirements and perform jobs related to their specific training and designation. They serve as subject matter experts in their areas and are responsible for handling tasks and training others to perform those tasks proficiently. Typically, enlisted personnel joins the military at a younger age than officers, since those in the enlisted ranks are only required to have a high school diploma or GED.Įnlistees receive intensive and specific training for a particular role, which many veterans leverage into civilian jobs after completing their armed forces service contract. What is an enlisted member?Įnlisted personnel are members of the U.S. In this article, we explain what enlisted means the differences between the two groups and ways to enlist or become an officer in the military. Understanding how the roles differ can help you make an informed decision about how to join the military if you choose to do so. While some requirements for joining the United States armed forces are the same for both groups, there are significant differences between these types of military personnel. All branches of the military employ enlisted service members and commissioned officers.

Enlisted to officer air force