Enlisted Marines make up the backbone of the Marine Corps, performing the essential, hands-on work that keeps the force mission-ready. They receive intensive training for a wide range of roles, including infantry, aviation support, intelligence, communications, logistics and administration. As a Marine moves up the ladder, their responsibility and contribution to the mission increases. This also means that those who have earned a higher rank have a special responsibility to look out for the welfare of their subordinates. As they rise through the ranks, enlisted Marines become noncommissioned officers (NCOs) and eventually staff NCOs, taking on greater responsibilities in leadership, mentorship and daily operations. Commissioned officers are the Marine Corps' strategic leaders and decision-makers. They command units, plan missions and manage personnel and resources. Officers typically enter through Officer Candidate School (OCS), the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC), or the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Their leadership begins at the platoon or company level and can rise to general officer ranks, overseeing large-scale operations and shaping the future of the Corps.