Changing the officer system?
This question is more directed at those in the military or very familiar with the military.
What do you think about eliminating the system we have where people with no military experience can enter the service as officers?
I know that starting out as Lieutenant or Ensign gives you a chance to learn, but the fact is, some people have an aptitude for the job, and some don't. You can learn leadership, but I think it might be better if everyone came in as enlisted. Those with potential could be given a shot at OCS or even a shortened version of the service academies (I can't foresee eliminating those academies!) Israel has a system like this.
I have a degree. I enlisted, because I had college loans paid back. I also doubted I had the aptitude to be an Army officer. I think I could do it, but I don't think I'd be very good at it. I can manage tasks, and I get along very well with people in leadership positions. But I have trouble managing people. Some of it is a confidence problem, and some of it is an honest competence problem. I could be better at it than some of the officers I've served with... but that's not saying a lot, in the end.
I know. It would be next to impossible to dismantle the system as it is. Tradition rules in the military. (Else I probably wouldn't have joined - it's family tradition.)
I know you have to have a degree first. Plenty of people come into the enlisted ranks with a degree, at least in the Army.
I don't think most civilians can evaluate whether they have what it takes to be an officer. Or really any kind of a leader. A few years enlisted, and an honest evaluation, should tell you whether or not you are qualified to go to the next level. But how many of us ever honestly assess ourselves?? How could you even enforce that?
Mrs JVB, I hear what you are saying. Prior enlisted experience does no good if you don't cross over in you mind to officer.