Comparing Military vs. Enlisted Pathways

I'm a high school junior considering the military after graduation, but I'm confused about the differences between military vs. enlisted options. Can someone break down what each entails and how they differ in terms of roles and responsibilities?

The terms "military" and "enlisted" are often used in discussions about post-high school options and, understandably, they can get a bit confusing.

The term "military" represents all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, which includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and the more recent branch, the Space Force. Each branch of the military has specialized roles and missions, varying from land-based operations (Army) to maritime and air defense (Navy), from aerial combat and support (Air Force) to amphibious and expeditionary missions (Marine Corps), from domestic maritime security (Coast Guard) to space-based operations (Space Force).

When you refer to "enlisted," you're actually referring to a designation within the military structure. The military hierarchy generally consists of officers and enlisted members. Officers are military personnel who have a degree and have gone through officer training. They hold positions of leadership and authority, including tactical command of combat units and administrative roles.

On the other hand, enlisted personnel are the backbone of the military and carry out the primary operations. Enlisted members sign up for a certain period of service, receive training in a specific job or Military Occupation Specialty (MOS), and then carry out the duties of that job. Enlisted roles could range from infantry and equipment maintenance to medical support and logistics.

So, when considering "military vs. enlisted," it helps to understand that 'enlisted' falls within the military. It's not a choice between one or the other, but rather a decision on what pathway to take within the military structure - either as an enlisted member after basic training, or pursuing further education and training to become an officer.

Finally, remember that serving in the military, whether as an officer or an enlisted member, comes with a significant commitment. Be sure to thoroughly research your options and consider seeking advice from military recruiters, career counselors, or individuals who are currently serving or have served in the military.