Thinking about joining the US army

[Redleg]

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.

Seen all types of officers, Divinus Arma, both that were prior enlisted, straight out of the academy, or straight out of college, all have thier postive types, and all have thier negative types.

A good officer knows that respect and hard work is a two way communication between the officer and the enlisted soldier. A good officer listens to his NCO's to reach a decision, and accepts responsiblity for his decision verus passing the buck. A good officer does not ride on the shoulders of his men, but is helping them in the trenches of the job.

If an officer is unwilling to listen to his soldiers - how can he expect them to listen to him.

Leading men in the military is a tough job, but one that I cherish to my dying day. I learned more in my first year in the military then I did in 16 years of schooling.

Edit: A good officer transitions into management or supervision without to much difficultity because they have learned how to communicate and lead, verus other management scenerios. This is why most successful junior military officers have no problem finding civilian employment once they leave the military. I can personally vouch that a successful military career will often enable one to find the civilian job that they want with ease.

Done it twice now.