You can become an officer in the Army a few different ways. You can come in as an officer 0-1(2nd lt aka 2nd lieutenant). You can also come in as enlisted and then go through the Green to Gold program. Or one of the best officers are Warrant Officers. WO's are a class of their own, not really enlisted and not really commissioned. WO's start off as enlisted and then go through the steps to becoming a WO.


http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jo...n-officer.html

http://www.todaysmilitary.com/military-careers/entering-the-military/becoming-a-military-officer


Also the retirement for the military has changed. You no longer start receiving your retirement pay as soon as you retire. You still get all of the other benefits but your pay wont start until you turn 62.