How's everyone doing? First off I am new to these forums but have read sooooo many topics already, I love the ST community. I have searched for this question but could not find quite what I've been looking for..maybe you guys can help me out.

My question is: CCT or STO? What are the pros and cons to each? I know CCT is enlisted and STO is officer. I've talked to Maj Loughran with the 21st STS and he's helped me out as well. But I am in AFROTC now at Fayetteville State Univ and I am a sophomore (going on Junior). I've researched this job for countless hours and know that ST is what I would love to do. I've been training and everything (still have a lot more to do!).

My biggest question from the get go is that if I want to be a part of the missions and with the team doing everything, which side is better? I know STO's are generally decision-makers and yes they do field time with as a young officer but eventually get behind the desk doing admin work. I've been told this by many different people. I am a leader, but I find that I would prefer the hands on work rather than the office setting. Please correct me if I'm wrong but do you get more experience and "mission-time" as enlisted?

I want to contribute the most I can because I can't imagine doing any other job in the AF but this...I know as an enlisted CCT I would be fulfilling my dream of giving my all. I just don't want to commission and regret the decision because I could've enlisted and enjoyed it more. Money is no concern to me in this choice..but thank you to anyone that can help me!

A LtCol STO was talking to my friend about the differences between CCT and STO and said that yes STO's get field time but as soon as they hit Major, no more field time. CCT's on the other hand will be working in the field their whole career. You could always go CCT and then switch to STO. I don't know if anyone has ever gone STO and then switched to CCT, or even if it is possible.

This question has been asked a lot and answered a lot. Do a search and you will find better answers than what I can give you today.
Bottom line, if you want to operate, deploy and train and get maximum hands on experience then become a CCT.

Yes, it is possible to go STO to CCT; two guys have done it. You have to leave Active Duty and join the Guard to do it. One went to KYANG, the other to ORANG. It isn't common nor should it be. The ANG looks very carefully at each case and there is no guarantee that a STO wanting to go ANG would be a good candidate to do so or that the ANG would even have a slot for him.

Very few people go to all the trouble of becoming a STO and then realize that they would rather operate and lead at the NCO level fill the responsibilities of leadership as an Officer. But it does happen.

I have searched Guard MC, but I can't seem to find anything...maybe you could point me in the right direction..?

Go to the search function at top of page. Type in "STO". Over 200 posts will show up. Click on those that say anything about "CCT vs STO", "Enlisted CCT to STO", etc. You will find about one hit per page. Read each one and see what you find. I found a lot.

Thanks GuardMC! I'm also going on Pope AFB today to shadow a couple CCT/STO's! Hopefully I figure out exactly what I want to do so I can get going!

Hey everyone,

After a few hours talking to some guys at the 24th STS on Ft. Bragg, I got a lot of insight. I learned a lot about both sides of the career, enlisted and officer. Of course officers will get field time but eventually they do what all officers do, manage people and situations. The CCTs however will stay doing the field work while teaching junior CCTs. A few STOs said that they have all thought about enlisting and just doing missions and field time. One even told me if he could go back he would have enlisted. It's a big decision and it won't be taken lightly. Thank you guys for these forums and your help!

Also remember that many Senior NCO's also move into staff and management positions...but you can surely do the tactical mission for a longer period than most officers.