So you are interested in the military, now what? One of the first questions you will need to answer is, Do I want to enlist or become an officer? There are some distinct differences between these two career paths.
Pay
- The contrast in pay between officers and enlisted is probably one of the most noticeable differences you will find.
- A 2nd Lieutenant (Officer) with less than two years of military experience will receive around $2300 per month base pay, plus possible a housing and subsistence allowances.
- An enlisted Airman 1st Class with less than two years military experience will receive around $1450.
- This $850 monthly difference between the pay of a 2nd Lieutenant officer member and an Airman 1st Class enlisted member increases with each rank.
Benefits
Other benefits of officership include:
- Military commission
commissionBestowed upon an AFROTC graduate by the President of the United States recognizing them as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. (requires college degree). - Appointed by the President of the United States.
- Greater level of responsibility.
- Only officers can be pilots.
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