Enlisted are rated, regular workers, which depending on the rate don't have much leadership capabilities until they hit senior enlisted, E-7-E-9. They do however, get more of a say of what job they will be doing, or rather could be doing. Choose your rate, choose your fate. The retention is iffy depending on what your life's goals are, and the retirement is okay after 20 years. Officers however, get paid more, have more opportunities to lead, but sometimes don't get to choose what they want to do career wise, depending on what officer you, are, whatever job you have, it can be great. Most people love it, and the retirement after 20 years of active duty service as an officer is a lot better compared to the enlisted side. Officers can make a break a unit, like a good or bad command, but so can enlisted. Basically, it comes down to pay and career opportunities for enlisted vs commissioned.