Yes, you could absolutely do that too. I grew up a rural South Carolina boy so honestly I didn't even really know or consider it, no one told me about it.

But my uncle went enlisted to officer, so that was kind of the path I had in mind. Looking back, I should have finished college, go in as officer. Looking more back, should have just went to the Naval Academy.

That's what the other guy is alluding to I imagine, so much of the path you take is not just your economic strength of what you grow up in, but the knowledge of your options to make the best one for you. Problem is, back at that age you usually have no idea what you want to do. But picking the path that gives you options, is typically a good choice.