What does a military officer do?

I'm curious about what it means to be a military officer. What are their main responsibilities, and how do they differ from enlisted personnel? I'm considering the military as an option after high school.

A military officer is a member of the armed forces who holds a position of responsibility, authority, and duty. While each branch of the military has different roles for its officers, in general, they can be seen as the managers and directors of the military. Their roles can range from leading a platoon of soldiers in the Army to commanding a ship in the Navy, or devising strategic plans and operations.

Officers are often responsible for planning missions, training enlisted personnel, and making critical decisions during operations. They also have obligations to ensure the well-being of those under their command, including dealing with personnel issues, maintaining morale, and recognizing the achievements of their soldiers, sailors, airmen, or marines.

One of the key differences between officers and enlisted personnel lies in the nature of their duties. Enlisted personnel typically specialize in a specific job skill or trade, and their duties are usually hands-on and practical. They might be infantrymen, mechanics, culinary specialists, or medics. Officers, on the other hand, are generally responsible for overseeing these enlisted personnel and ensuring these tasks are carried out effectively and efficiently.

Furthermore, the process of becoming an officer is generally more extensive than that of becoming an enlisted member. Many officers have a college education and gone through a commissioning program such as the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), Officer Candidate School (OCS), or a military service academy like West Point or the Naval Academy. Others ascend to officer ranks through promotion from the enlisted ranks.

Remember, the roles and responsibilities of officers can vary greatly depending on the branch of the military and their specific job, as well as their rank. So, it's recommended to research more into the specific area you might be interested in.