I couldn ' t say myself , since I ' m in the same situation as you , in the application process . I ' ve had similar concerns regarding respect , but I have been told there is in general little difference between the way prior enlisted officers and civilian to OCS officers are treated . My impression is it is more about how you act for example , respecting the Chief Petty Officer under your command for his skills and his experience , regardless of the fact that he salutes you in accordance with your rank . I have also been told by everyone I ' ve asked , emphatically and without exception , that if I want to become an officer , commission as an officer . Most even say that if you have a degree , commission as an officer , since the quality of life for their position is so much better within the military , but I cannot comment on that myself .