You will get a mixed bag of responses here, some biased, some objective. You've got all ranks represented here from E-grade, O-grade, and Warrant Officer, parents too....all of which are of great value to our nation. I would recommend telling everyone (to the extent you are comfortable on the web) a little bit about your goals, interests, or motivating factors regarding onboarding.

If you want to know about flying helicopters either as an Officer or Warrant Officer, or you might be interested in crewing them as a crewchief (aka helicopter gunner outside the military)...there are plenty of us here.

Good luck.

As '97 said, what do you want to do?

I enlisted, and my time as a medic was incredibly fulfilling. It didn't pay as much as the O route, but it was worth it.

Im class of 07 and just hit 9 years enlisted Air Force here, life is good.

But as others have said, what do you want? Experiences vary wildly by branch and job not just officer vs. enlisted.

Personally, I'm asked at least 10 times a year if I want to put an officer packet in, and I always say hell no. I have a great job that no officer can do with skills very few Americans have.

My initial plan was to get these skills and bail back to the civilian world, but as this coronavirus thing is reminding me again, our benefits are killer.

I'll have to agree with OP that it depends on the service that you want to join. I'm a 36 year Navy retired Mustang (Officer who is formerly enlisted). I initially enlisted after receiving draft notice...became a Radioman (later, this rate was combined with Data Processing Tech to become IT)...at the rank of RM1 (E-6), I received a direct commission as an Ensign (O-1) specializing in Intelligence.
With regard to the Navy, I tell folks that the difference between being an enlisted member and an officer in the USN is similar to the difference of being black and white in Selma AL in 1960's...no racism intended, just a radical simile of the situation.
For instance, food and quarters are better as an officer. Promotion is easier and less political as enlisted thanks officer. Respect and "honors" tend to come more to officers than enlisted by others. In fact, as you go up the ranks, either as enlisted or officer, these last to increase at certain plateaus...I.e. E-6, E-7 and up while officers increase at O-5, O-6, and up. In other services, the officer plateau starts at O-4 but the Navy considers O-1 thru O-4 as junior officers. The biggest jump in esteem occurs for enlisted at E-7 when they cross over from the dungaree sailor ranks to the khaki leadership ranks of Chief Petty Officers. For officers, although the first senior officer rank of O-5 (Commander) gets a good amount of increase, it pales in comparison to when you get promoted to O-6 (Captain). I remember the two days when I went from Commander to Captain. The day I walked in with my eagles on my uniform, it was like being Moses and the Red Sea parting as I walked into the room...sailors and junior officers suddenly saw fit to give way to"the Captain" coming through. Likewise, it seems that my IQ has soared overnight! I suddenly knew what I was talking about...LOL!
But, whichever route you choose, make the most of it. Take on challenges as opportunities to prove yourself in the eyes of others. As you go up in ranks, especially as you pass any of the plateaus mentioned before, recall how you felt at those lower ranks and treat your subordinates like you would have wanted back then. Not to say that you should pamper them, just let them know that you're the leader and you've got their backs. If they screw up, the first time is your fault because you didn't ensure they were taught correctly. The next time, since you've retrained them,then it's their fault and time for discipline. Keep a two way line of communications with your junior leadership, whether it be enlisted types or officers. If you can work as a team, you will be successful.
Good luck in whatever your choice may be.
Lee72
CAPT USN (Ret)

Navy - enlisted - poor pay - scullery, manual labor before you get promoted .

Air Force officer non flying - good pay, lousy bosses

Take officer ANY day !

I have done both, I enlisted out of HS and served a 5 year tour. Had broken service and came in as an officer when we back to war.

There are pro's and cons to both sides as a whole I enjoyed the officer side a little more, reason being is it gave me an immediate opportunity to lead, from the enlisted side, it takes a while.

Both are great paths, the other decision you need to make is weather or not you plan on making this is career.

One avenue I would highly recommend is doing a 4 year enlisted tour then transfer to the officer ranks, you will be far more respected by your troops! Having an O that's been in the mud and the blood goes a long way.