What does a US Army officer do?

I'm thinking about joining the military and possibly becoming an officer. Can anyone explain what the day-to-day responsibilities and tasks are for a US Army officer? I'm curious about both the strategic and hands-on aspects.

A U.S. Army officer has a range of responsibilities that vary based on their specific role and level of seniority, but generally the duties can be categorized into four main areas: leadership, planning, coordination, and training.

Leadership: As an officer, you are seen as a leader in the Army. Much of your day-to-day work will involve leading and managing enlisted soldiers, often called "troops." This entails assigning tasks, setting goals, and ensuring your troops are meeting Army standards.

Planning: Officers also play a key role in military operations and mission planning. This could involve creating strategies for military operations, analyzing mission objectives, assessing risks, and determining resource allocations.

Coordination: Officers often coordinate activities between different units, which requires strong communication and organizational skills. This could involve synchronizing plans with other officers, or liaising with allied forces or local civilian administration.

Training: Officers also play a vital role in the training of soldiers. This ranges from conducting drills and exercises, teaching tactical skills, or organizing professional development courses.

While these are typical general duties, the specific tasks you could be performing on a daily basis would depend much more on your exact role within the Army—for example, an Infantry Officer will have very different responsibilities and tasks than a Medical Service Officer or a Signal Officer. It's also worth noting that an Army career often includes time spent in education and development, so you may find yourself in periods of intensive study or training as well.