Quote Originally Posted by Redleg
There is some good advice alreadly given by others. The only thing I would add, is that if you want the military service on your resume - officer ranks tend to have more recognition in the civilan sector then enlisted. It really isn't fair to the men and women who serve as enlisted, its just the way it is though.
That is true depending on what you want to do. The officer ranks groom some of america's top notch management and provides an excellent foundation for this. I would only recommend that you go enlisted FIRST, even after having earned your bachelors.

Too many officers have contempt for the men without knowing the first thing about soldiering, leadership be example, or mutual respect. Being enlisted first- and make it to sergeant before moving up- really gives you the foundation for direct leadership that you need to work with the troops in the future.

The best officers I have ever worked for were Sergeants first. The worst officer I have ever known was a PFC with a bachelor's degree who applied and earned a ticket into OCS. That bastard hated NCOs as a private, and never learned the importance of directive leadership. As a result, he treated his NCOs like crap and babied the non-rates. He was a Major in the Marine Corps and the biggest douche I have ever met. Hated by all and respected by none.

Second worst are all the staright out of college officers. Bunch of pansy 22 yr old kids trying to direct 10 year NCOs like they were punk kids. What a crock.

You know, our services should REQUIRE enlisted service first. How can one lead without knowing how to follow?

Either way, for the most part Redleg is totally correct.