If everyone is an officer, then who is there to defend the
country?
During a war, all the Major and above are all well hidden in the
command post. They see the "big picture" but none of them will be
carrying a rifle. I wonder if they know what is their rifle
number!
During peacetime, officers are under tremendous pressure all the
time to ensure their company or unit to be the best. That is not
simple. Sometimes, the decision to charge or not to charge a
soldier is not as simple as it seem. They are given that pay to
endure that pressure and also the reason why they must retire
early.
If you calculate properly, being a specialist or WO does not mean
you earn lesser in the long run. That extra 13 years (from 42 to
55) makes a big difference.
Once they retire at 42, are you very sure they will end up with a
second career? Only high flyer officers will be given a 2nd career.
Most of them end up as a taxi driver.
When you retire at 42, your first kid may just have completed his
primary school. Changing a career with a pay cut may not be
something your family can live with. Please note that working in
army is equal to zero work experience in many industry.
That chocloate bar or crab on the shoulder is a pride but do
consider the negative factors before deciding to convert to an
officer.
