Explore the differences between enlisted and officer roles in the military. Learn about education, pay and job opportunities so you can make an informed decision.
Article: 6 minutes
Updated: July 2, 2026 Published: January 13, 2023
By: USAA Reviewed by: Editorial contributors
Joining the military as an enlisted member typically allows you to start your career immediately after high school, while becoming an officer requires a bachelor's degree. Officers hold ultimate leadership responsibility and higher pay, whereas enlisted members quickly gain valuable on-the-job training and can pursue their education goals while serving and often with military assistance.
Have you ever wondered what it's like to join the military? Generally, you have two options: joining as an enlisted service member or as a commissioned officer. Not sure you understand the differences? Here’s what you need to know.
While this article focuses on officer versus enlisted, we don’t want to forget about the valuable warrant officers. But, since most military members are either enlisted or officer, we’ll focus on them.
To say commissioned officers are the leaders of the branches of the military and enlisted are the followers isn’t always accurate. Officers maintain legal authority over their subordinates and have the ultimate leadership responsibility over enlisted service members. And, while officers rely on the wisdom and expertise of enlisted leadership, the responsibility is ultimately theirs.
Enlisting doesn’t require a four-year degree, but becoming an officer does. That’s why many 18-year-olds join as enlisted right after high school, but officers begin their service in their early to mid-20s after they graduate from college.
Whether you’re enlisted or an officer, one of the benefits of joining the military is that you can get leadership experience at a young age. It’s not uncommon to see a 22-year-old enlisted member who’s been serving for four years leading a group of other enlisted members who’ve just joined. However, you don’t see an enlisted member leading an officer because that goes against the chain of command.
Officers are paid more than enlisted service members for equivalent years of service. As with most careers, more education garners more responsibility and more pay. Learn more about different pay scales and determine how much you could earn in the military with a military pay calculator. Other benefits like health care, dental and vision are the same for all service members.
Some jobs aren’t available to officers, and some aren’t available to enlisted. For example, command positions are only available to officers. The leaders of a squadron, platoon or battalion will always be an officer. That’s part of the command structure.
If you want to be a fighter or cargo pilot in the military, you’ll need to be an officer. Only officers, or warrant officers based on branch of service, can be qualified to fly helicopters, planes or jets. Enlisted service members can be part of the plane’s crew, but officers are at the controls. But keep in mind that times are changing: The Air Force now trains enlisted airmen to fly many of its remotely piloted aircraft.
There are many reasons to choose the enlisted path. It’s often a personal decision, but many factors can help you pick the right option for you.
If you’re ready to kick-start your military career and don’t want to wait four years while going to college, the enlisted route might be right for you.
Not having money or a scholarship for college can also lead to the enlisted path. But just because an enlisted member doesn’t go to college right away, it doesn’t mean they won’t. Military service comes with education benefits as each branch of service values an educated military force.
Enlisting in a particular branch of service can be a family tradition, and many people want to continue to honor their family’s legacy.
But just because an important person in your life went one path doesn’t mean you have to — or should. Remember, you’ll be the one going through basic training or deploying. Listen to their advice, do your own research, but make this your decision.
Requirements and procedures to enlist can vary between the branches of the military. But it all starts with the recruiter who will help you through the process. You’ll also need to consider if you want to join active duty, National Guard or Reserves. Review each option carefully to determine which is right for you.
In general, most people will follow the same steps: Fill out an application and then take the Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery or ASVAB, test to determine which military jobs might be right for you. You’ll also need to pass a physical and complete a few more steps, but then you’re off to basic training.
The biggest benefit: You get to serve your country. That’s not something to take lightly.
But there also are financial benefits. If you join at age 18 right after high school, you’ll have a regular paycheck coming in, plus health care, dental and vision benefits. You’ll also have access to a retirement plan through the military’s Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). And, when eligible, the military provides both automatic and matching contributions to the TSP as part of your retirement benefit. How many 18-year-olds do you know who can say that?
You’ll also immediately begin on-the-job skills training that you can take with you into your civilian career. And when you’re ready, you’ll receive leadership training and experience.
Thinking about a career in the military? USAA’s Joining the Military experience provides resources to help guide you, including a personalized timeline. And once you decide to join, these 10 tips can help set you up for success.
Explore tips and resources to help you prepare for military life.