Meaning of military enlistment

I'm trying to understand more about military enlistment. What exactly does it mean to enlist, and how does it differ from being commissioned as an officer?

Enlisting in the military essentially means joining the military as a regular member or soldier. When you enlist, you sign a contract committing yourself to serve for a set term, which is usually around four to six years. It's also important to remember that enlistees often begin as privates, the lowest rank, and can rise up through the ranks through demonstrated competence, commitment, and additional training or education.

On the other hand, being commissioned as an officer in the military is different. Officers serve in leadership roles within the military and are responsible for managing enlisted personnel and planning operations. To become an officer, one is often required to have earned a bachelor's degree and then complete a commissioning program such as Officer Candidate School (OCS), the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), or a service academy like West Point or the Naval Academy.

In essence, the main difference is that enlisted personnel execute plans and perform tasks, while officers manage, lead, and direct. Both offer unique challenges and responsibilities, and it's worth researching extensively to determine the best path if you're considering a military career.