I want to say a big thank you for doing this. As a female it’s sooooo hard to find videos about females in the navy let alone as MA. It’s really refreshing to see and hear a females perspective of the Navy and what it’s like.
As a female who served in the Army, I never felt looked down upon or disrespected because of my gender. However, there is no dispute that us females were held to lower standards due to the lower physical fitness requirements. But many of us countered this by performing as well as the guys (you gain a lot of respect when you can do the same amount of pushups and run as fast or faster.) Is it harder being a female in the military? The only thing I found that was harder was bathroom issues. It definitely is trickier to pee out in the woods when you are a girl and don't even get me started about sitting a long shift in a foxhole when it's that time of the month.
How big are you? In a front line combat role do you honestly think you or other female soldiers could carry an injured squad member on your back if it came to it?? On top of the physical aspect, having a female in the platoon can actually cause division in the group for various reasons. And men can’t bond in the same manner when women are around, which affect morale. Our enemies, China, Russia, Iran don’t have women in their fighting forces. Women don’t actually improve our military they weaken it. There’s no debate about that. Inclusion puts lives at risk and gives our enemy an unnecessary advantage.
@@javiersilva1577 i dont think you have seen a female navy seal and it shows. You and your "females are ruining the military" ideals should back to the early 1900s where they belong😊
@@javiersilva1577i don't even train that much, 125lbs 5'7 19yo woman and i can lift and carry 180lbs men, that's not an actual issue cmon. war is more a matter of weapons.
I did 17 years in the Marine Corps and I knew many fine outstanding women Sailors and Marines and luckily I never ever ONCE saw ANY abuse or misconduct towards women by men. In fact what I recall the military was a VERY safe and VERY positive working environment for women probably a lot safer than most civilian work places. In fact the only misconduct I ever saw towards women was by nasty ass civilians in the civilian work environment.
Hi Nonya, really like and agree with your comment even though I've never had experience in the armed services. It's so refreshing to know that women are treated more equally now and they feel safe. Women like to do a good job and improve themselves too but sometimes people dont see it that way. I concur re civvie life though..that's not so safe, there are some bad people around but you can't be a prisoner, it's good to be positive😊 you sound like a decent bloke. Greetings gs from Manchester England.
@@Ps-tc9ko with that said all are created equal to me in the US military so the women that sand bagged it and took advantage of the situation because of there sex i punked there ass out too! i give no fucks about sex! either you pay the fucking piper to play like everyone else or GTFO of the military!
I've known 2 females in my life who went into the Navy, and they LOVED it!! One is still in, one left to get married and start a family and once she was out, she missed it so much that she grew to really regret leaving because she loved the structured life of being in the military!! I personally think that military training does wonderful things for the betterment of people!!
Great! It isn't just me who thought that! I'm a big comic book fan and as soon as I saw Austen Alexander, I thought that he looks like Captain America! All he's missing is just the star-spangled costume and the shield! Ha! Ha!
Ive been trying to do my research on what navy life would be like for a female. I love this insight from a bad ass female in the navy it just make me more excited to serve my country!
Went to MEPS a month ago to swear in and I was overwhelmed of how many males there were, but then I felt empowered to be apart of the 20 % (don’t quote me on that #) of women in the navy!!! Glad you made this video! Very encouraging and amazing how we all can be apart of something great.
Thank you so much for this video. I don’t know if you have covered this before but I’d be interested to hear a female in the military talk about sexual assault and harassment. There have been reports that almost a quarter of women experience unwanted sexual contact from groping to rape in the military. I am very interested in joining but this aspect is the one thing keeping me from actually doing it.
I know that you mentioned the patch thing earlier in the video. In my opinion, ALL sailors should wear both patches because the exposed velcro just looks weird against the digital camouflage pattern but if it comes down to being a matter of cost then I find it more reasonable to go without the patches.
This goes for men or women. I was in the army. 20% depends on your job skill and 80% depends on how well you're able to get along with people. That goes for everyone, regardless of race, creed etc. If you have trouble in that area, you might consider reading certain books or looking at certain videos on the subject on RUclips. If you press "Reply" you can can read a situation that I observed that could have been avoided with finesse, but was not.
I knew one girl who worked in the mess hall and she kept on mouthing off to young buck sergeants. I was a driver for the Mess Hall. I had to drive the Head E8 Sergeant every morning to personally pick out the food from the warehouse, because he himself wanted to make sure that everything was right. I asked him about the female who was a problem and he said, "That sh it she doesn't do with me." He was right, she never did it with him. To this day I have no idea why was she was respectful with him. Finally it got so bad, that she had to report to the Sergeant Major and she had to personally go his office for a "sit down" so to speak. I warned her not to do anything because in this situation the consequences will be serious. She had to report to him in full dress uniform and he gave her a lecture about respect and being a good soldier. She asked him if he was finished and he said, "Yes" and she told him, "Kiss my as s!" He wasn't amused to say the least. He got her on insubordination. She locked up for that, -and a lot of other things. She got sent to the American military prison in Mannheim. She was put there on hold until her trial came up. What happened with her there was a little strange. She found the experience of prison as recuperation. I visited her about one week after she was there. She told me she was real happy there and how she made a lot of friends. She was learning how to dance from another inmate. She told me that there are virtually no male guards, only female guards in the women's quadrant and I was the first male she talked to since she was there. I asked her what happens if there's a problem and she told me that if something happens than the male guards will come and clean it up. But she said there wasn't need for that because if anyone messes up there, before the trial, they would be sent off to Leavenworth in the US. Leavenworth was no joke. So everyone was on their best behavior. All she had to do was say "Yes Ma'am and No Ma'am" to the female guards and they're were ok with that. She took up reading. She had to start off with light reading, because she was never into it. So the female counselor had her start off with, "How to win Friends and influence People," and "How to stop worrying and and start living." The only problem she had there was she couldn't eat the meat that was served. So she traded it off for vegetables or fruit. That worked out to be a bonus for her because she was overweight. Finally after 6 weeks she was brought to trial and appeared before a judge. I was there. She looked good because she lost a lot of weight. She got a military lawyer and the guy took sympathy for her situation. I think also it was because the lawyer found out about her background which was none too great. He had access to her life history. The lawyer spoke up for her at the trial. The judge agreed with the lawyer that it was excessive for her to have been locked up because she wasn't a threat and she should have been confined. The judge was older and was like a fatherly type and he asked her about her situation and what she plans to do after she got out of the army. She told him she wanted go to school to learn gourmet cooking and work in a restaurant. He told her "You've got a year to go, so behave yourself for a year, get out, go to trade school on the GI Bill and afterwards have a good life." He would let the whole thing go but gave her a stern warning that this was her "last chance." She thanked him and said she would do what he told her to do. I found out later that the Judge and the lawyer had called the Head E8 Sergeant of the Mess Hall and they discussed what would be best for everybody (to include the Army). The Master Sergeant in the Mess Hall said she wasn't a bad person. She was lucky that all three of them took concern but I'm not so sure it works out like that all the time. After she was sent back to the Mess Hall the Master Sergeant (who was gruff but basically a nice guy), under the advice of her lawyer, told the e5 sergeants to take it easy on her and try to leave her to do things independently with limited supervision, which did work. She did get out and did go to gourmet school. She didn't work in a restaurant, like she had planned, but she got a great offer. She got hired to work in a canteen for a company. She got the head position and she loved the job. She even got a couple of the inmates she was in prison with jobs there in the canteen. I'm in touch with her by chance because I found her on Facebook. She told me if I ever needed a job, she could get me one in the company. Nothing special, as a janitor. It was nice she offered it to me.
Thank you MA2, Bingham. Very well said. I’m showing this to my daughters so they will keep all options on the table. Super inspiring. Thank you for your service!
I'm from Argentina and never even considered going into the military or any kind of police force; still, I find this entire interview so powerful... She is simply amazing! Thanks for this video Austen xox
Reading the comments, there appears to be a lot of people asking about motherhood in the navy, daycare, being able to look after the kids, who looks after the kids being a single parent or not, how being stationed abroad as a single mother affects the kids and family life. The lady in the video says that how she has answered the questions will be totally different to how other females in the navy would answer. I wonder then, based on the amount of people wanting to know more about how a female, especially a mother deals with life in the navy, it might be possible to have more than one female from the navy in the video, maybe 3 or 4, in a more social environment. At least that way you get a varied response from multiple backgrounds and personal life experiences from each lady on the same question, rather than just one lady. Also, it might be worth reaching out to current and ex-navy females to help put a list of questions together, based on their own experiences and hardships, especially those who are mothers, questions that can be put to a group of other females when you get them potentially together for another video. Also, in your channels, it might be worth saying to viewers that if they want to put forward a relevant and on topic question, that in their message, the first thing they type is 'Question:'. That way when you look through the comments, you'll be able to quickly distinguish who is asking a question and who isn't
She's very pretty! Thank you both for your service! Seeing a womans perspective in the Navy is always a plus to see what it might be like if i go in. The ending piece she said was absolute gold! Great words of wisdom!
Nice collaboration!! I’ve been torn between wanting to be a female barber & enlisting into the Navy. My hearts holds strongly for both. SH is the closest rate as a barber but I want to make sure I’m able to rank based off my performance. Q: Could you PLEASE do a collaboration with a Ship Serviceman daily life looks like? I would greatly appreciate Austen
Hoahh!! Keep It Up Austen!! Thanks for your service 🇺🇸⚓️and to the Informative and helpful videos!!. Wish you the best ! Future Sailor here from Puerto Rico🇵🇷
Thanks for this video! I’m a female and considering joining the Navy as a commissioned officer. This was informative as it provides a female perspective that I’ve been searching for. Just gained a sub!
I’m 15 and have been considering Navy for when I graduate, this is something I really seriously am considering and was wondering what the Navy was like from a female perspective. This video opens up my views. I was worried maybe woman would be looked down upon, and I am all about equality within military. I’m happy to hear her experience is equal and not set to low standards. No one in my family has been within Navy but definitely part of the Military. I don’t know what draws me so much towards the Navy especially but I really wanna join. I feel like this would be a great experience and I would gain alot from being in this service. Thanks for the video its great to hear from a woman in this service :)
@Srijit Surendranath I am not yet 18, I will be in December though, and am still considering the Navy, but leaning towards the Army, a lot of my family has been in the Army, so I’m probably gonna choose that one :) (also wow i forgot i made this comment can’t believe this was two years ago)
@Srijit Surendranath well I first off wanna say that “life is what happens to you” quote is from one of my favorite songs, anyways continuing on to answer your questions, what intrigues me most is the structure and the benefits, I think the army would bring a good structure to my life, along with being able to provide me with a GI bill (which I hope to give to my child) honestly though as much as I may be considering the army, that doesn’t mean it is my first choice, yes I am considering it, but it isn’t my number one way I want to go, I like having options though. To your second question, two decades down the line, I hope to be more stable, to have a better control on my health (both physical and mental) along with me breaking the cycle my family has been stuck in, I’m currently in a relationship with someone who (funny enough joined the Army) we have been together for 5 years believe it or not, i hope maybe in two decades to be living a life that includes him. However life is funny and changed unexpectedly, these are just my wants and my hopes for that time. Lastly, I don’t know exactly what way I want to go, but I know whatever I choose will be well thought through and on my terms, and i hope it will help pave a good path for my adult life, I am hopeful, and I also have doubts, but life will bring what is best for me, and I will follow :)
Though im happy she does not feel looked down on or treated any differently but the truth is her training was not the same and there are Men who do not like being grouped up with women. You can't suger the fact that women get the piss a bit more then the guys but if you can learn to take a joke and refuse to be babied then you will go far. We live in a world where Men take care of women so it can be hard for them to break free of that and do things for them selves. No one is going to let you pass because you cried or said it was too hard in the militarily. Thats just a fact. Good on her for staying strong.
Me and one of my best friends in the universe, (we're both girls- 18yr old)- weve been thinking of joining the military- ive been thinking about the Navy alot, and she's been thinking about the Army National Guard (for our state we live in, i think)- i think your videos have been incredebly helpful... im thinking, if i get a high enough asvab score, i will go in as a Culinary Specialist, as i love cooking... i will be sending her this video for her to watch.... (and some of your other videos)... thank you.
Lily O'Connor as for someone that is in the army, for your friend wanting to join the national guard go for it! Active duty is great but not what everyone expects. Being a culinary specialist is hard work, long hours and the leadership in both active and guard may vary. You will have bad leadership and you will have good leadership so please be aware of that. However with that in mind the military is a great career and you will make memories and friends that will last you a life time army or navy. Good luck on your future endeavors!
Are you sure you wanna be a CS? CS in the navy work 18 hrs a day on a ship. If you study hard and get at least a 70, you need to pick one of the CT rates .
I remember people of all walk of life who classify things either easy or hard. Life is not black or white and when a person is doing something meaningful and defines purposes for her/him, it is then joy and success will follow in other area of life beyond the professional constrains.
Have you heard of the naval sea cadet core? It's a youth naval program and if interested in the navy or any other military brach, I would recommend it.
Great video! It’s great to hear from a female’s perspective of being in the military..🇺🇸⚓️🇺🇸..My nephew is in his 4 th week of boot camp! I’m so proud..🇺🇸⚓️🇺🇸..
Thank you for this! I’m going into the Airforce BMT this summer/fall whenever I get my date and I’ve been so nervous overall being a female and being so vulnerable/alone in the military after hearing horror stories. She is so lovely and an amazing person to interview being able to give so much detail and realness about the Navy! Thank you both:)
Now interview a Female Engineer because we are always having to prove ourselves and constantly told “women don’t belong in the engine rooms” But I applaud her! She’s one of the lucky ones!
Thank you for your service! Id love to do either engineering or IT cybersec in the Navy, id expected the experience might be how you describe. U can do anything!
walked into my POE class and was one of 4 females. never got shit for it but it definitely put me off. i think that more women should be encouraged to follow whatever they want to do regardless of the gender associated with the field
Hey Austen! I'm back from bootcamp (Graduated Nov. 16th!) I just want to again, say thank you for your videos! I knew you'd get more subs from the time I left till now, but not as much as you deserve still! I am currently at MA A school and being a female this video is so helpful. I wouldn't say I was worried, but this definetly makes me more confident than I already was about my rate choice! Thank you again! I hope to start making my channel here soon or at least posting small documentaries about my experience as you have as well!
@@AustenAlexander Got my orders today! HPU Mayport, FL! I am so excited and want to know more about HPU and everything that I will be doing! Have you heard anything about Mayport? From what they've told me so far, it sounds like a great duty station! I am working on my first video now, I'll shoot you a message when it gets uploaded, I would love to collab!
I fell in love with this woman! She is so gorgeous and prideful! Keep up the great work! :) A female friend of mine is considering joining the US military, but unfortunately, we are not from USA. Can she still do that if she'll move there and spend the rest of her life there?
Hey Alex, if you know anyone that joined the Navy well into their 30s that would be awesome for an interview. I'm 36 in DEP and will be shipping out soon. A lot of people out here don't know that the military has risen the age limit to 40 for 1st time enlistments for Airforce and Navy, and Army is giving waivers all the way up to 42. I think the Marines are the only strict ones about not accepting anyone after 32. My shipout date is Nov 8th so I'm leaving soon for basic. Since I put in my two week notice at work, someone found out at work, and started telling a bunch of people in the office. And a few of them called me an out right liar cause they believe once you turn 35 military is no longer an option. I think the best advice for anyone who desires to join any branch and you're in your upper 30s is to go speak to a real recruiter at a real recruits station and not rely on hear say. There is a lot of information out there people just flat out don't know.
hmmm this definitely sounds like a good video to make. I know at least 4-5 people that have gone in way over 30 so don't feel left out. IT really is just a number. A know a guy that went in at 45!! I will try to find someone who has gone a little older and share their experience
Hey Austen, I love your videos. My biggest dream is to be the first female SARC, however, I have had multiple people tell me I won't make it including my former Marine father. Hearing y'all talk about this really gave me to confidence to just try it out. Thank you:)
hi Hannah. Thank you! There are lots of AIRR females and I'm confident you definitely can become a SARC with a lot of intense training and mental fortitude. You got this!
they probably mean your relationships as female in military; e.g. as a mother, and pregnancy vs physical tests & requirements, children-raising with time & risk of not coming back, etc..
I'm trying to join the navy but worried that I won't be able to join bcuz of me particularly hard of hearing, but I heard they have a hearing test waiver
I served 10 years in the Army as an Infantryman and I made E-6. I made E-5 in 3yrs and E-6 in 5 yrs. Could have made it sooner but during my time in the late 80s and 90s you had to attend a leadership course before being promoted along with your score. Is it hard to get promoted in the navy as you guest said she's been in for 12 yrs and she's only a E-5. No pun intended. Go Army beat Navy......lol Wooah
Like there experiences. Like living in the barracks, having roommates, if they like it. How is it for them with making friends, maybe dating whether it be on their opinions in dating someone in the service or a civilian. Like advice on females joining in general a little more in depth of what it’s like for females from there point of view. Please do another interview with another female in the Navy 😎😎😎😎
How about ask her "why with almost 12 years in, she is still a MA2 ?... how many times have you PNA'ed ?... there will come a time when you PNA'ed enough times you will be forced out.....how about show THAT video.
ratings (jobs) are sometimes top heavy. hard to get advanced. the multiples are nearly impossible. back in my day when i was a ct, i got to E5 in less than 4. now my friend my high school who was 2 hrs older than me was an E6 at the 20 yr mark and retired an E8 at around 25 yrs. the point being there wasn't alot of upward mobility in his particular job.
I just came across one of your videos, and I’m so glad I did. I have grown up where I have always known that I wanted to go into the military. I as of right now am about to graduate high school and I have mentioned to my parents for years about me wanting to join the Navy. At first it was a harsh no that I couldn’t do it and that they weren’t supportive. Knowing that I just shoved it down and didn’t mention it anymore until now. I have been talking with recruiters behind my parents back and starting the process. Finally I told my mom what I was doing and she surprisingly was supportive because she saw that I was serious about it and she knew by how much I had done it’s what I wanted to do. I have a question I hope you could answer for me. I was thinking about putting the process on hold to get a college degree first and then go Into the Navy instead of going in right after my high school graduation. What is your thoughts on this and I’d be very great if you could give me some advice. Thanks again for all your videos it makes me sooo ready to start my career in the navy!!💞
Another woman for other young women to aspire to-great example!I hope my daughter is as impressive a person as Master at Arms Bigham in her adult life.
My personal advice, as a former Marine, that I give to females asking me what branch to join: If you still want to be a "girl" join the Air Force; if you can hang with the guys go Army/Navy; if you can be one of the guys you can go Marine Corps, because the military is male dominated and the Marine Corps even more so.
I served on active duty for more than 20 years. Seven years was at a technical training center..a combined services school. What I saw there was ... awful. The marine and navy instructors treated the enlisted women terribly. I have MANY Air Force sergeants come to me, and say... and I will quote here ... "get this guy OFF of me." I have never, before or since, seen the level of sexual harassment that I saw in seven years of instructor duty. The navy just. did. not. care. I am STILL pissed at what I saw, 25 years later. It hasn't changed.
I am planning on getting married next year but my partner is worried if I join the Navy we will basically never have any time together kind of thing. How long and how often are you at work vs. Not being at work? I had spoke to a navy representative and he said that he was able to still live a normal life while serving. I just find being with my spouse more important but I could understand deployment and such but in general what's it like?
Is your rate as an MA difficult to make rank at the twelve-year point wouldn't you be a first class petty officer or soon-to-be. Did you change rates at any time during your 12 years.
I’m going to MEPs next week but I don’t know what job I want PLEASE HELPPPP what jobs would anyone recommend for females just so I don’t choose something I hate forever
I really want to join . i am young and i have been looked down becasue i am femal and i want to be like this beautiful women , My reson to joining is if i die i would love and dying for people that i love ! :)
I want to say a big thank you for doing this. As a female it’s sooooo hard to find videos about females in the navy let alone as MA. It’s really refreshing to see and hear a females perspective of the Navy and what it’s like.
I appreciate the kind words. I hope it helped!
Forever.nicole24 Amen. Don’t be intimidated. It’s like all of life
I agree, this was very informative and I am so grateful to have come across this video! :)
Hello Austin I still love you and watching you makes me love you even I wish we had a chance ❤️❤️💗❤️❤️
@@AustenAlexander I Will always Love you
As a female who served in the Army, I never felt looked down upon or disrespected because of my gender. However, there is no dispute that us females were held to lower standards due to the lower physical fitness requirements. But many of us countered this by performing as well as the guys (you gain a lot of respect when you can do the same amount of pushups and run as fast or faster.) Is it harder being a female in the military? The only thing I found that was harder was bathroom issues. It definitely is trickier to pee out in the woods when you are a girl and don't even get me started about sitting a long shift in a foxhole when it's that time of the month.
Wow so u actually met the same standards set for men like u were on the same level congrats
How big are you? In a front line combat role do you honestly think you or other female soldiers could carry an injured squad member on your back if it came to it??
On top of the physical aspect, having a female in the platoon can actually cause division in the group for various reasons. And men can’t bond in the same manner when women are around, which affect morale.
Our enemies, China, Russia, Iran don’t have women in their fighting forces. Women don’t actually improve our military they weaken it. There’s no debate about that. Inclusion puts lives at risk and gives our enemy an unnecessary advantage.
@@javiersilva1577 i dont think you have seen a female navy seal and it shows. You and your "females are ruining the military" ideals should back to the early 1900s where they belong😊
@@javiersilva1577oh my god bro shutup💀
@@javiersilva1577i don't even train that much, 125lbs 5'7 19yo woman and i can lift and carry 180lbs men, that's not an actual issue cmon.
war is more a matter of weapons.
Damn she’s so cool, calm, and collected. Goals.
I did 17 years in the Marine Corps and I knew many fine outstanding women Sailors and Marines and luckily I never ever ONCE saw ANY abuse or misconduct towards women by men. In fact what I recall the military was a VERY safe and VERY positive working environment for women probably a lot safer than most civilian work places. In fact the only misconduct I ever saw towards women was by nasty ass civilians in the civilian work environment.
nonya biz Amen. Men in company had my back. Protective.
Sadly, it was more the women likely to be caddy
Hi Nonya, really like and agree with your comment even though I've never had experience in the armed services. It's so refreshing to know that women are treated more equally now and they feel safe. Women like to do a good job and improve themselves too but sometimes people dont see it that way. I concur re civvie life though..that's not so safe, there are some bad people around but you can't be a prisoner, it's good to be positive😊 you sound like a decent bloke. Greetings gs from Manchester England.
@@Ps-tc9ko with that said all are created equal to me in the US military so the women that sand bagged it and took advantage of the situation because of there sex i punked there ass out too! i give no fucks about sex! either you pay the fucking piper to play like everyone else or GTFO of the military!
Aww... this is really nice to hear! I wish I had joined when I was 18. Apparently, I'm still young enough but the body isn't quite the same 😱
DelicateFynn you should do it tho!
I've known 2 females in my life who went into the Navy, and they LOVED it!! One is still in, one left to get married and start a family and once she was out, she missed it so much that she grew to really regret leaving because she loved the structured life of being in the military!! I personally think that military training does wonderful things for the betterment of people!!
Cool I’m probably going to join the navy 😁
Steve Rodgers, is that you?
😂well thank you
Great! It isn't just me who thought that! I'm a big comic book fan and as soon as I saw Austen Alexander, I thought that he looks like Captain America! All he's missing is just the star-spangled costume and the shield! Ha! Ha!
Steve Rodgers low-key cute😂
@@AustenAlexander Man, this was a year ago but I love your work brother. "You can do this all-day" as the man says
Most Underrated Military Channel!!!
thank you!
What is your combat mos.
Facts love the videos Austen!!
Ive been trying to do my research on what navy life would be like for a female. I love this insight from a bad ass female in the navy it just make me more excited to serve my country!
Madi Wall any more questions feel free to ask! I’m an MM3 in the navy
yes! so many, is there a way I could get in contact with you?
Madi Wall ilivetomotivate on Twitter is a good way
This really helps I go to Meps on Thurs
Don't do it, unless you can come in as an officer. You WILL be harassed. Guaranteed.
Went to MEPS a month ago to swear in and I was overwhelmed of how many males there were, but then I felt empowered to be apart of the 20 % (don’t quote me on that #) of women in the navy!!! Glad you made this video! Very encouraging and amazing how we all can be apart of something great.
Yes very outnumbered but that just means you are more rare haha i appreciate it!
She is so REAL! Love her for this. And I appreciate this interview.
Thank you so much for this video. I don’t know if you have covered this before but I’d be interested to hear a female in the military talk about sexual assault and harassment. There have been reports that almost a quarter of women experience unwanted sexual contact from groping to rape in the military. I am very interested in joining but this aspect is the one thing keeping me from actually doing it.
She is inspirational. Thank you!
I will tell her!
I know that you mentioned the patch thing earlier in the video. In my opinion, ALL sailors should wear both patches because the exposed velcro just looks weird against the digital camouflage pattern but if it comes down to being a matter of cost then I find it more reasonable to go without the patches.
This goes for men or women. I was in the army.
20% depends on your job skill and 80% depends on how well you're able to get along with people.
That goes for everyone, regardless of race, creed etc.
If you have trouble in that area, you might consider reading certain books or looking at certain videos on the subject on RUclips.
If you press "Reply" you can can read a situation that I observed that could have been avoided with finesse, but was not.
I knew one girl who worked in the mess hall and she kept on mouthing off to young buck sergeants.
I was a driver for the Mess Hall. I had to drive the Head E8 Sergeant every morning to personally pick out the food from the warehouse,
because he himself wanted to make sure that everything was right.
I asked him about the female who was a problem and he said, "That sh it she doesn't do with me."
He was right, she never did it with him. To this day I have no idea why was she was respectful with him.
Finally it got so bad, that she had to report to the Sergeant Major and she had to personally go his office for a "sit down" so to speak.
I warned her not to do anything because in this situation the consequences will be serious.
She had to report to him in full dress uniform and he gave her a lecture about respect and being a good soldier.
She asked him if he was finished and he said, "Yes" and she told him, "Kiss my as s!"
He wasn't amused to say the least. He got her on insubordination.
She locked up for that, -and a lot of other things.
She got sent to the American military prison in Mannheim.
She was put there on hold until her trial came up.
What happened with her there was a little strange.
She found the experience of prison as recuperation.
I visited her about one week after she was there. She told me she was real happy there and how she made a lot of friends.
She was learning how to dance from another inmate.
She told me that there are virtually no male guards, only female guards in the women's quadrant and I was the first male she talked to since she was there.
I asked her what happens if there's a problem and she told me that if something happens than the male guards will come and clean it up.
But she said there wasn't need for that because if anyone messes up there, before the trial, they would be sent off to Leavenworth in the US.
Leavenworth was no joke.
So everyone was on their best behavior. All she had to do was say "Yes Ma'am and No Ma'am" to the female guards and they're were ok with that.
She took up reading. She had to start off with light reading, because she was never into it.
So the female counselor had her start off with,
"How to win Friends and influence People," and "How to stop worrying and and start living."
The only problem she had there was she couldn't eat the meat that was served. So she traded it off for vegetables or fruit.
That worked out to be a bonus for her because she was overweight.
Finally after 6 weeks she was brought to trial and appeared before a judge. I was there.
She looked good because she lost a lot of weight.
She got a military lawyer and the guy took sympathy for her situation.
I think also it was because the lawyer found out about her background which was none too great. He had access to her life history.
The lawyer spoke up for her at the trial.
The judge agreed with the lawyer that it was excessive for her to have been locked up because she wasn't a threat and she should have been confined.
The judge was older and was like a fatherly type and he asked her about her situation and what she plans to do after she got out of the army.
She told him she wanted go to school to learn gourmet cooking and work in a restaurant.
He told her "You've got a year to go,
so behave yourself for a year, get out, go to trade school on the GI Bill and afterwards have a good life."
He would let the whole thing go but gave her a stern warning that this was her "last chance."
She thanked him and said she would do what he told her to do.
I found out later that the Judge and the lawyer had called the Head E8 Sergeant of the Mess Hall
and they discussed what would be best for everybody (to include the Army).
The Master Sergeant in the Mess Hall said she wasn't a bad person.
She was lucky that all three of them took concern but I'm not so sure it works out like that all the time.
After she was sent back to the Mess Hall the Master Sergeant (who was gruff but basically a nice guy), under the advice of her lawyer,
told the e5 sergeants to take it easy on her and try to leave her to do things independently with limited supervision, which did work.
She did get out and did go to gourmet school. She didn't work in a restaurant, like she had planned, but she got a great offer.
She got hired to work in a canteen for a company. She got the head position and she loved the job.
She even got a couple of the inmates she was in prison with jobs there in the canteen.
I'm in touch with her by chance because I found her on Facebook.
She told me if I ever needed a job, she could get me one in the company. Nothing special, as a janitor. It was nice she offered it to me.
Thank you MA2, Bingham. Very well said. I’m showing this to my daughters so they will keep all options on the table. Super inspiring. Thank you for your service!
I'm from Argentina and never even considered going into the military or any kind of police force; still, I find this entire interview so powerful... She is simply amazing! Thanks for this video Austen xox
All I can say is MA2 Bigham has a winning attitude and she succeeds because of that and old-fashioned competence. Great interview Austen.
i agree. Thank you!
Reading the comments, there appears to be a lot of people asking about motherhood in the navy, daycare, being able to look after the kids, who looks after the kids being a single parent or not, how being stationed abroad as a single mother affects the kids and family life.
The lady in the video says that how she has answered the questions will be totally different to how other females in the navy would answer. I wonder then, based on the amount of people wanting to know more about how a female, especially a mother deals with life in the navy, it might be possible to have more than one female from the navy in the video, maybe 3 or 4, in a more social environment. At least that way you get a varied response from multiple backgrounds and personal life experiences from each lady on the same question, rather than just one lady.
Also, it might be worth reaching out to current and ex-navy females to help put a list of questions together, based on their own experiences and hardships, especially those who are mothers, questions that can be put to a group of other females when you get them potentially together for another video.
Also, in your channels, it might be worth saying to viewers that if they want to put forward a relevant and on topic question, that in their message, the first thing they type is 'Question:'. That way when you look through the comments, you'll be able to quickly distinguish who is asking a question and who isn't
She's very pretty! Thank you both for your service! Seeing a womans perspective in the Navy is always a plus to see what it might be like if i go in. The ending piece she said was absolute gold! Great words of wisdom!
thank you so much! i will pass these words on to her
Nice collaboration!! I’ve been torn between wanting to be a female barber & enlisting into the Navy. My hearts holds strongly for both. SH is the closest rate as a barber but I want to make sure I’m able to rank based off my performance. Q: Could you PLEASE do a collaboration with a Ship Serviceman daily life looks like? I would greatly appreciate Austen
SH's on the ship would cut hair all day (and still make cash under the table) lol There aren't any here but I will try to find one!
Hoahh!! Keep It Up Austen!! Thanks for your service 🇺🇸⚓️and to the Informative and helpful videos!!. Wish you the best ! Future Sailor here from Puerto Rico🇵🇷
Ayye Whatsup Peter! I appreciate the support. I'm excited for you and I have lots of friends from PR in the Navy!
Thanks for this video! I’m a female and considering joining the Navy as a commissioned officer. This was informative as it provides a female perspective that I’ve been searching for. Just gained a sub!
I appreciate it! Hopefully it helped a little bit
I’m 15 and have been considering Navy for when I graduate, this is something I really seriously am considering and was wondering what the Navy was like from a female perspective. This video opens up my views. I was worried maybe woman would be looked down upon, and I am all about equality within military. I’m happy to hear her experience is equal and not set to low standards. No one in my family has been within Navy but definitely part of the Military. I don’t know what draws me so much towards the Navy especially but I really wanna join. I feel like this would be a great experience and I would gain alot from being in this service. Thanks for the video its great to hear from a woman in this service :)
@Srijit Surendranath I am not yet 18, I will be in December though, and am still considering the Navy, but leaning towards the Army, a lot of my family has been in the Army, so I’m probably gonna choose that one :) (also wow i forgot i made this comment can’t believe this was two years ago)
@Srijit Surendranath well I first off wanna say that “life is what happens to you” quote is from one of my favorite songs, anyways continuing on to answer your questions, what intrigues me most is the structure and the benefits, I think the army would bring a good structure to my life, along with being able to provide me with a GI bill (which I hope to give to my child) honestly though as much as I may be considering the army, that doesn’t mean it is my first choice, yes I am considering it, but it isn’t my number one way I want to go, I like having options though.
To your second question, two decades down the line, I hope to be more stable, to have a better control on my health (both physical and mental) along with me breaking the cycle my family has been stuck in, I’m currently in a relationship with someone who (funny enough joined the Army) we have been together for 5 years believe it or not, i hope maybe in two decades to be living a life that includes him. However life is funny and changed unexpectedly, these are just my wants and my hopes for that time.
Lastly, I don’t know exactly what way I want to go, but I know whatever I choose will be well thought through and on my terms, and i hope it will help pave a good path for my adult life, I am hopeful, and I also have doubts, but life will bring what is best for me, and I will follow :)
@Srijit Surendranath ruclips.net/video/Lt3IOdDE5iA/видео.html
The song in question
it’s been 3 years are you still considering joining or have your thoughts changed ?
Though im happy she does not feel looked down on or treated any differently but the truth is her training was not the same and there are Men who do not like being grouped up with women.
You can't suger the fact that women get the piss a bit more then the guys but if you can learn to take a joke and refuse to be babied then you will go far.
We live in a world where Men take care of women so it can be hard for them to break free of that and do things for them selves. No one is going to let you pass because you cried or said it was too hard in the militarily. Thats just a fact. Good on her for staying strong.
Me and one of my best friends in the universe, (we're both girls- 18yr old)- weve been thinking of joining the military- ive been thinking about the Navy alot, and she's been thinking about the Army National Guard (for our state we live in, i think)- i think your videos have been incredebly helpful... im thinking, if i get a high enough asvab score, i will go in as a Culinary Specialist, as i love cooking... i will be sending her this video for her to watch.... (and some of your other videos)... thank you.
Lily O'Connor as for someone that is in the army, for your friend wanting to join the national guard go for it! Active duty is great but not what everyone expects. Being a culinary specialist is hard work, long hours and the leadership in both active and guard may vary. You will have bad leadership and you will have good leadership so please be aware of that. However with that in mind the military is a great career and you will make memories and friends that will last you a life time army or navy. Good luck on your future endeavors!
Are you sure you wanna be a CS? CS in the navy work 18 hrs a day on a ship. If you study hard and get at least a 70, you need to pick one of the CT rates .
Wow 12 years in the Navy! Thats quite an accomplishment!
Would love to hear more about her experience with pregnancy during the military!
@Don Eldridge I really do wonder why women put up with men like you.
Both of you are a credit to your service. Well done from an old British Army staff sergeant.
I remember people of all walk of life who classify things either easy or hard. Life is not black or white and when a person is doing something meaningful and defines purposes for her/him, it is then joy and success will follow in other area of life beyond the professional constrains.
Thank you for showing this perspective, and all the best for the new arrival.
I'll tell her! I appreciate it
I am 14 nearly 15 I am so excited to be an MA in the navy I’m glad to be able to listen to a female in the navy especially in the rate that I want
Have you heard of the naval sea cadet core? It's a youth naval program and if interested in the navy or any other military brach, I would recommend it.
Great video! It’s great to hear from a female’s perspective of being in the military..🇺🇸⚓️🇺🇸..My nephew is in his 4 th week of boot camp! I’m so proud..🇺🇸⚓️🇺🇸..
I'm sure things have settled down a little in boot camp by now! Thanks for the support 🙏
Good video. Would of liked more questions about being stationed in another country with kids. Daycare?
Anna Kitchen I agree!
I will try to interview another single female with kids
Yes please! Because I'm a mom and this is the path I'm interested in. Need to know how the family balance is with Navy. I know Army.
Thank you for this! I’m going into the Airforce BMT this summer/fall whenever I get my date and I’ve been so nervous overall being a female and being so vulnerable/alone in the military after hearing horror stories. She is so lovely and an amazing person to interview being able to give so much detail and realness about the Navy! Thank you both:)
Now interview a Female Engineer because we are always having to prove ourselves and constantly told “women don’t belong in the engine rooms”
But I applaud her! She’s one of the lucky ones!
You're in the navy?
TheBlackKnight yes I am. MM3
Thank you for your service! Id love to do either engineering or IT cybersec in the Navy, id expected the experience might be how you describe. U can do anything!
EM here, hooyah snipes!
walked into my POE class and was one of 4 females. never got shit for it but it definitely put me off. i think that more women should be encouraged to follow whatever they want to do regardless of the gender associated with the field
That dude in the background in white just chilling walking past
Hey Austen! I'm back from bootcamp (Graduated Nov. 16th!) I just want to again, say thank you for your videos! I knew you'd get more subs from the time I left till now, but not as much as you deserve still!
I am currently at MA A school and being a female this video is so helpful. I wouldn't say I was worried, but this definetly makes me more confident than I already was about my rate choice!
Thank you again!
I hope to start making my channel here soon or at least posting small documentaries about my experience as you have as well!
Thank you, Brooklyn! Hurry up and start putting out videos so we can collab sometime! haha let me know where you get orders to.
@@AustenAlexander Got my orders today! HPU Mayport, FL!
I am so excited and want to know more about HPU and everything that I will be doing!
Have you heard anything about Mayport? From what they've told me so far, it sounds like a great duty station!
I am working on my first video now, I'll shoot you a message when it gets uploaded, I would love to collab!
Its nice to hear from sailors that have been in for different amounts of time
Female power ❤️
Yesss gotta love the females 😊
She seems like the kind of girl who was raised with a few brothers
I fell in love with this woman! She is so gorgeous and prideful! Keep up the great work! :)
A female friend of mine is considering joining the US military, but unfortunately, we are not from USA. Can she still do that if she'll move there and spend the rest of her life there?
Violet Gray yes, it’s a quicker way to get citizenship too
Yes. Joining the military is a way to what we call “Go through the naturalization” process. Being non military can take several years.
Female and considering joining, I thank you for doing this video!
I've never seen the ocean before. I would love to see new places and the night sky.
Hey Alex, if you know anyone that joined the Navy well into their 30s that would be awesome for an interview. I'm 36 in DEP and will be shipping out soon. A lot of people out here don't know that the military has risen the age limit to 40 for 1st time enlistments for Airforce and Navy, and Army is giving waivers all the way up to 42. I think the Marines are the only strict ones about not accepting anyone after 32. My shipout date is Nov 8th so I'm leaving soon for basic. Since I put in my two week notice at work, someone found out at work, and started telling a bunch of people in the office. And a few of them called me an out right liar cause they believe once you turn 35 military is no longer an option.
I think the best advice for anyone who desires to join any branch and you're in your upper 30s is to go speak to a real recruiter at a real recruits station and not rely on hear say. There is a lot of information out there people just flat out don't know.
hmmm this definitely sounds like a good video to make. I know at least 4-5 people that have gone in way over 30 so don't feel left out. IT really is just a number. A know a guy that went in at 45!! I will try to find someone who has gone a little older and share their experience
Why you sign up so late?
The shaving scene kills me 😂🇺🇸🗽🇺🇸😍😍
i tried to make it as dramatic as I could 😂
Awesome! She seems like a really nice lady!
thanks! she is very nice
Thank you so much for doing this. I prefer the female vids as I learn a lot more. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this
Hey Austen, I love your videos. My biggest dream is to be the first female SARC, however, I have had multiple people tell me I won't make it including my former Marine father. Hearing y'all talk about this really gave me to confidence to just try it out. Thank you:)
hi Hannah. Thank you! There are lots of AIRR females and I'm confident you definitely can become a SARC with a lot of intense training and mental fortitude. You got this!
they probably mean your relationships as female in military; e.g. as a mother, and pregnancy vs physical tests & requirements, children-raising with time & risk of not coming back, etc..
I'm trying to join the navy but worried that I won't be able to join bcuz of me particularly hard of hearing, but I heard they have a hearing test waiver
I was waiting for a video like this! Thank you so much, I’m in the process to enlisted in the navy. This video help me a lot!
ayeeee no problem! keep me updated
Good luck, God speed and thank you
This video was very beneficial. Thank you both for your service. Much respect & love to the both of you! ✊🏼❤️
I can’t wait to get in omg thanks so much it’s so hard to find good content and I want to be a MA you guys are so awesome!!!!
Thank you both for your service! Love seeing a strong confident female living and loving the navy!!
i appreciate it!
I served 10 years in the Army as an Infantryman and I made E-6. I made E-5 in 3yrs and E-6 in 5 yrs. Could have made it sooner but during my time in the late 80s and 90s you had to attend a leadership course before being promoted along with your score. Is it hard to get promoted in the navy as you guest said she's been in for 12 yrs and she's only a E-5. No pun intended. Go Army beat Navy......lol Wooah
I was waiting for something like this. Especially a female in the Navy. You should make another one with a female with other types of questions 🤪
Like what types of questions?
Like there experiences. Like living in the barracks, having roommates, if they like it. How is it for them with making friends, maybe dating whether it be on their opinions in dating someone in the service or a civilian. Like advice on females joining in general a little more in depth of what it’s like for females from there point of view. Please do another interview with another female in the Navy 😎😎😎😎
How about ask her "why with almost 12 years in, she is still a MA2 ?... how many times have you PNA'ed ?... there will come a time when you PNA'ed enough times you will be forced out.....how about show THAT video.
Dang bro those light green cammies looking FRESH
Chrispy How can you tell? I can’t even see it, it’s invisible!!
I’m loving all the interviewing videos! Great job! ^_^
thank you 😀😀
I am female and I am gonna go into the marines and I hope I’ll make it by the time I am of age
you go!!
Thank you so much for this video! This truly gave me the confidence I needed.
Thank so much, now I can't wait to join the military
ratings (jobs) are sometimes top heavy. hard to get advanced. the multiples are nearly impossible. back in my day when i was a ct, i got to E5 in less than 4. now my friend my high school who was 2 hrs older than me was an E6 at the 20 yr mark and retired an E8 at around 25 yrs. the point being there wasn't alot of upward mobility in his particular job.
I just came across one of your videos, and I’m so glad I did. I have grown up where I have always known that I wanted to go into the military. I as of right now am about to graduate high school and I have mentioned to my parents for years about me wanting to join the Navy. At first it was a harsh no that I couldn’t do it and that they weren’t supportive. Knowing that I just shoved it down and didn’t mention it anymore until now. I have been talking with recruiters behind my parents back and starting the process. Finally I told my mom what I was doing and she surprisingly was supportive because she saw that I was serious about it and she knew by how much I had done it’s what I wanted to do. I have a question I hope you could answer for me. I was thinking about putting the process on hold to get a college degree first and then go Into the Navy instead of going in right after my high school graduation. What is your thoughts on this and I’d be very great if you could give me some advice. Thanks again for all your videos it makes me sooo ready to start my career in the navy!!💞
Another woman for other young women to aspire to-great example!I hope my daughter is as impressive a person as Master at Arms Bigham in her adult life.
Yahhhh!!! HOOSIERS!!! My husband and I are Dual Miltary, both born and raised in Fort Wayne, IN
Selena Granados Go IU!!!!!
@@ella-eb1ew Go Crimson!
Wow what she said at the end was very inspiring 💗 ty
How come only MA2 at 12 years? Figured she would have advanced higher by this time. Confident, beautiful woman!
My personal advice, as a former Marine, that I give to females asking me what branch to join: If you still want to be a "girl" join the Air Force; if you can hang with the guys go Army/Navy; if you can be one of the guys you can go Marine Corps, because the military is male dominated and the Marine Corps even more so.
LOVE YOUR INTROS !!!
ayyyee thanks! 🙏
Best interview yet!
💚💚💚
I served on active duty for more than 20 years. Seven years was at a technical training center..a combined services school. What I saw there was ... awful. The marine and navy instructors treated the enlisted women terribly. I have MANY Air Force sergeants come to me, and say... and I will quote here ... "get this guy OFF of me." I have never, before or since, seen the level of sexual harassment that I saw in seven years of instructor duty. The navy just. did. not. care. I am STILL pissed at what I saw, 25 years later. It hasn't changed.
Loved this video. Thank you !
Good video!
I appreciate it!
I’m not even joining the military but somehow I’m binge watching these videos
😂😂 glad to have you here!
This channel is awesome
ayyeee thanks again Hassan
No way old BH battle !!
I was really excited for this video because l want to be a corpmans Navy diver. She is awesome.
I am planning on getting married next year but my partner is worried if I join the Navy we will basically never have any time together kind of thing. How long and how often are you at work vs. Not being at work? I had spoke to a navy representative and he said that he was able to still live a normal life while serving. I just find being with my spouse more important but I could understand deployment and such but in general what's it like?
Just a question out of curiosity if the patches are not mandatory, why you wear them and why people that choose to wear them, wear them?
Loved this video ! She is a huge inspiration to me.
Another fellow MA! Hooyah!
Hey Austen great video could you please interview a non american(born) navy personnel,would really like their incite
Im leaving for RTC nov. 19.. just curious does anything change since she is pregnant?
Getting close!! Good luck. She is put in a temporary admin position until she is able to do physical labor again!
Thanks for this MA2 Bigham and Alexander! Hooyah
ayeeee whatsup! I appreciate it
I’m glad to see this I keep going back from Air Force and navy ❤️❤️❤️. What would you say the navy is better in regards to other branches
My brother was in the army
I'm sorry, he's lives in Flager, recruiter Daytona Beach
Hey Alexander, why don't you make your daily routine video like when you wake up till you sleep with exact time.
I am creating that very soon!
I subscribed because I genuinely think you’re a good person keep up the good work
Hey thanks, Kenneth. I appreciate it
That was a cool perspective. Please pass on to your colleague how chilled & informative she was.
I will definitely tell her
Is your rate as an MA difficult to make rank at the twelve-year point wouldn't you be a first class petty officer or soon-to-be. Did you change rates at any time during your 12 years.
it is sometimes hard to rank per every cycle. I picked up 2nd on 6% advance rate. I believe 1st class PO is even less than that
Do you think you could do a video on how to save money in the military?
say no more fam! ruclips.net/video/Xw1uZkoz65o/видео.html
I’m going to MEPs next week but I don’t know what job I want PLEASE HELPPPP what jobs would anyone recommend for females just so I don’t choose something I hate forever
Thanks for this video!
My son is in Navy stationed in Flagler Beach Florida, just made 1st class petty officer, Navy recruiter, Datona Beach God bless all of u!!
Thanks Kenny! Congrats to your son
My favorite color is orange too ☺
Captain America is that you?? Also great interview made me feel confident about myself to join the military
When I went to MEPS, there were 25 males and 5 females. Us 5 females were like “sausage fest”
Lol, when I was there, there were only 2 females, myself included, and about 20 males
I really want to join . i am young and i have been looked down becasue i am femal and i want to be like this beautiful women , My reson to joining is if i die i would love and dying for people that i love ! :)