What does 'enlisted in the military' mean exactly?

I often hear about different military paths like enlisting or becoming an officer. Can someone explain what exactly it means to be 'enlisted' in the military? How does it differ from being an officer, and what are the implications?

When someone says they are 'enlisted' in the military, it basically means that they have signed a contract and taken an oath to serve in the military for a specified period of time. These individuals make up the bulk of the military manpower and perform a broad range of duties under the guidance of commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers (sergeant, petty officer, etc). Enlisted personnel carry out the fundamental operations of the military, ranging from combat to humanitarian relief.

On the other hand, officers are the military's leadership. They are responsible for planning missions, making strategic decisions, and leading troops. Officers are usually college-educated and complete an officer training course, such as the Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs. In contrast, enlistment only requires a high school diploma or GED (though many enlisted members have college degrees too).

The implications of enlisting versus becoming an officer essentially lie in the responsibilities, career opportunities, and pay differences. Enlisted personnel's responsibilities pertain more to the technical and tactical aspects of military operations, whereas officers function at a managerial or executive level.

Career growth for enlisted personnel typically progresses along the enlisted ranks, from private (Army/Marine Corps) or seaman recruits (Navy), with opportunities for advancement based on merit, skills, and length of service. In contrast, officers progress through the commissioned officer ranks, starting from second lieutenant (Army/Marine Corp/Air Force) or ensign (Navy).

When considering pay, officers tend to earn more than enlisted personnel. However, this varies based on rank, time in service, and whether one has received any special qualifications or duty pay.

Not everyone in the military takes the same path. Some enlist directly after high school, some enlist after college, some go through officer training immediately after high school or college, and some enlist and later become officers. It's a decision that should be made with due consideration, taking into account personal goals, capabilities, and the commitment required in either direction.