I just retired as a 20 year enlisted AF Linguist. This is a good video and covered all the major points. People who are trying to decide what path they want to take need to pay attention to this!
I am looking into being an AF linguist enlisted, but already have a degree and many people are telling me to try to commission. Are you glad you were enlisted or would you have rather been an officer?
I do want to join as an Officer...however, I don't have the luxury of waiting over a year for the application process. It kinda sucks to think I'll be a "worker bee" when I KNOW I'd make a good leader, but hey I'm not above doing the grunt work. Proving myself as an enlisted would just make me that much better when I do become an Officer.
@@ballislife2121 biiig facts! NCO`s manage 20-50 ppl individually on the daily and oversea almost everything. Im only a SrA but thank god i have great NCO`s who 100% make sure everything is gravy everyday.
@usvaldo foulcone Actually I was speaking with my crew chief and it all depends on the interview and what you have to offer, If you're interviewing for a financial position but you have a biology degree it doesn't really make sense. It's also a plus if you're currently enlisted you have more to offer and you know what to expect compared to someone who's fresh out of college
Byron KOuris I don’t know why you thought I knocked it, I simply said that a degree was the only thing that separates them. Also, I do go to college and I’m enlisted. But 👌🏽
It is NOT the only thing. You must submit a package and they evaluate the "whole person" including leadership experience, volunteer experience, and what separates you from the rest. A Bachelors degree is the MINIMUM requirement.
Grew up as an Air Force brat and my dad was Enlisted. Knowing what I knew, I wanted to go in as an Officer. However, failed the test both times and on the second try, missed it by two points. I was in my 20s and thought it was the end of the world. But, due to my dad working for the govt as a civ, he suggested I should go that route. A decade later or so, I went that route and that was the best decision ever. I will say that, I wanted it for the wrong reason. I came across this video and this is informative. I moved around a lot so I know that world very well. When I think about it, I would not like that part too much. Everything happens for a reason and like you mentioned, the military is not for everyone as well! Thanks for your service!!
My son works in the AF hospital. He joined as enlisted, went to Kandahar Afghanistan in 2012, tested for SSgt when he got back. He applied for Officer was promoted to 2nd lieutenant in Apr 2016. Mar 2020 he was promoted to Capt. He just moved from Vance OK to Edwards AFB, CA. He's doing well.
Thank You for Your Service & Congratulations on His Promotion!! Believe after the promotion to Captain or 0-3, They wait 3 Years before Promotion to Qualified to the next level of Major, this is when it gets competitive! So thank for Your Service & having a Wonderful career 🙏🇺🇸
Great insight. I'm sort of torn on what to do. I'm 32 with a bachelor's, eager to restart my life, gain more skills & become financially set. So officer sounds like it would be the way to go, however I know myself; I'm an introvert and thrive out of the spotlight in more of an assistant role. So enlisted sounds like a better fit but having looked at the pay, my god is it low. Comparable pay for an O1 is E7, which would take maybe 6 years from an E3 (starting rank with bachelors). Like I said I'm torn
I'm not current or prior military, but have done my analysis. At your age, think about the time of service you'll be able to spend on a 20 year career, after which you can retire with a pension and health benefits. Enlisted personnel typically are going to have a shorter career due to the physical demands of their jobs. Officers, especially those who are in the higher echelons, can have careers into their early 60's. Just think about your timeline.
I’m in the same boat, 29 with a degree and want to get in relatively soon. Considering enlisted, but in wondering if you can then apply for OTS, or have to wait to make rank.
E7 takes a lot longer than 6 years. E3 is guaranteed if enlisted for 6 years. The average time in 14 years. It’s almost a whole career. I don’t know where you heard 6 years. Source: I’m an E7 who made it ahead of average time. Air Force releases statistics with every promotion
@@ambroselee2001 He said 6 years from E3, not from E1. So that's 6 years of E1-E3, and then he was saying "maybe" 6 years from then on. So that's 12 years in total. I don't think that's far off from 14 years. It seems like he actually made a good guess, esp considering he said "maybe."
Josef Baumann don’t know much about the deployment schedule but if you fail you’ll get washed out and have to do a deferent career field. (Don’t know if this is late)
I was a Staff Sergeant in Security Police from 1981 to 1982, I was blessed with Officers over my unit that were awesome. That is to include a First Sergeant that took a personal interest in my position with-in the Air Force. I was able to also work with a mustang, this is a person that was enlisted prior to promoting to a commissioned grade, he was super good commander. I was also recognized by senior officers for my military bearing and knowledge with-in my career field. This ended up with me being placed on the reception line for President Jimmy Carter. I am proud of my career for the Air Force. I know some commissioned officers that were wonderful people. Seems this lady is a great commissioned officer.
I’m so thankful that I came across your channel. I just received my Masters in Healthcare Administration and definitely leaning towards going into the AF as an Officer. However I feel weird about going in at 33 years old 😫 lol.
I hope you took the leap and did it!! I plan to apply in January '25 and I'll be 34yrs. I know your comment was 5 yrs ago, but I hope you went through with it! I have a degree in Public Health.
Great respect and honor to your dad being a Security Police just like I was. Loved it. I am glad he also took an interest in helping his children be successful too. I believe I have done my best having 2 sons in the military now working on my daughter and last will be my baby son. Thanks for the information in informing those who never been in the military.
Thank you for your advice and straight-forward explanations. I've been struggling to decide between enlisted and officer already having a degree and your video really helped.
Hello! Thank you for your info! I am prior enlisted, became a nurse and returned as a 1Lt. I enjoyed both sides :) Would you please do a military approved makeup video? Simple and quick? Thanks!!! Your so pretty!
Correction for the priors/AD enlisted going officer. Many programs like OTS, SLECP, and much more allow enlisted a commission opportunity. Once accepted, it is up to AFPC or bad behavior to take that opp away from you not so much a commander or manning crisis :) Good Vid.
Just some things to add: Officer and Enlisted mix all the time in an Operations group you have to work closely together, really depends what kind of work you’re doing in the Air Force. I don’t want people to think that officers and enlisted are separated because the camaraderie is strong with both. SrNCOs will groom and show young officers the ropes most of the time. Most of the time young officers are not in charge, SrNCOs do most of the management, young officers are learning from the individuals with experience. Airmen don’t need to start as airman basics, if they have some college experience or special certs such as Eagle Scouts. Don’t forget, that many squadrons have flights that are not run by officers at all, in OPS and maintenance. Overall great video, just some small inaccuracies that are experience based due to being an MSC. Lol (mostly sad captains).
Officers and Enlisted mix all the time in a work environment, Diego. I don't think that's what she means because there ARE SERIOUS consequences for Officer & Enlisted fraternization and the consequences are more serious for Officers including possible loss of your commission. You can not have romantic relationships or very close friendships while you are both serving. As an officer you can not be 'buddy, buddy' with your enlisted soldiers/airmen, etc. What she's saying is that often on a base the enlisted far outnumber the officers and after work if you want to hang out, in some instances you have difficulty because there are fewer fellow officers to hang out with than enlisted people and you can't go hanging out or out to clubs and bars with your enlisted folks as an officer
True to an extent, but in the OG, and especially during TDYs rank doesn't matter. If there was a frat house in the Air Force, the ops group and maintenance are two peas in a pod compared to the other groups.
I retired as a Senior Master Sergeant/Security Police LE Superintendent in 1987. I have both a Bachelors (two) and a Masters degrees. The only Officer grade I ever really wanted, was Warrant Officer. I was not happy when the AF discontinued the Grade back in the late 1950s-early 60s. I did hold the appointed position of Squadron First Sergeant during my last 4 years of Active Duty, which meant dealing both with Officers and Enlisted in the Squadron as needed or required. Sorry, but the rank shown on the sleeves are NOT Patterns; they are called CHEVRONS.
I just wanna say im nineteen years old and have started my process of enlistment in the marines and my recruiters had not told me anything about the officer route and now im stuck in the middle. I have built a bond with my recruiters which is the only reason i would enlist but i also forget that it's my life not theirs and they just want me to gain their points for enlistees. "What if I dont make OCS because im not built for it" "You cant do a pull up or 50 push ups u cant go", them saying this makes me want to prove them wrong but I also know that this video and you have helped me make my decision on which route to take for my own benefit. I hope three years from now I can find this video and this comment and see how this biggest decision of my life was made and decided thanks to you, the officer route I shall go!
Melanie Sanchez I’m in a similar situation. I’m still a senior in highschool but I don’t know if I want to go to school to become an officer or go enlisted. My recruiter didn’t tell me anything about Ocs, only about enlistment. Recently I spoke to a couple marine vets in my family and they really pushed to maybe step back from going to meps and really consider Ocs . I’ve literally spent hours researching which would be best for me but I really have no idea what to do yet.
keillabear yeah girl I feel you, the marine vets and my friends enlisted all have said go for officer route. Even my own boyfriend is an enlisted and although we can’t get married until my time is over, that’s how much beneficial it is. I think we should both go for it, the only thing holding me back is the physical qualifications but I’m working on it
Melanie Sanchez physical qualification is also something I rllly have to work on. I’ve never really been physically active but I’ve already gotten so much stronger compare from when I first started. It’s definitely something that I’m concerned with but I’m also concerned with being able to lead all these marines. Naturally I have leadership skills but it feel uncomfortable that I would be leading so many marines without actually have gone through what they’re going through. Makes me question if I will be able to understand them. I truthfully just want to be a marine officer or not.
So glad I found your channel! I am currently working towards my BSN and hope to finish by 2023 to begin OTS. I am nervous but determined to move on from my corporate job. Thank you for sharing your tips!!!
Thanks for these videos! I have a bachelors and masters degree but had to put my career on hold because my husband is a Marine. Now that our son is in school I’ve been considering joining the Air Force as an officer. Your videos have been super helpful and informative.
You're description is pretty spot on for the most part. However, I will say that when you hit the NCO tier of enlisted, it's not care free. And many NCOs work on more than one job/projects. Therefore, I think you're description of the enlisted is more accurate of the junior enlisted (E1-E4).
I’m graduating next year from college with my bachelors in early childhood education and I am waiting to join the military as an officer and get my master’s.
I made an entry two years ago, and want to expound on my experiences. I was an 811X0 Security Police, weapons systems security. We worked a shift in one of several restricted areas. Bomber, Tanker, Weapons, or the "C" & "D" areas. All of these with exception of Tanker could involve special weapons. Because of special weapons we as Security Police had authorization to use deadly force should it have become necessary. We did not have to consult with supervisors or commanders. I was at my base for about 5.5 years and promoted from Airman First Class to Staff Sergeant prior to discharge at the end of my 6 year enlistment. As soon as I promoted to Senior Airman I was expected to supervise younger airmen and study to promote to higher grades. Senior Airman was a one year promotion in which you were required to also complete the Airman Leadership Course and of course pass it. Next was Sergeant, now I was a Non Commissioned Officer in the Air Force and was given greater responsibilities. Also being assigned at a SAC base included rigorous training both for you and the airmen you supervise. We were tested with written tests, and practical exercises to prove you had the knowledge and ability to do the job. Remember we were securing special weapons with the power to destroy an entire city. We had to qualify with the various firearms carried and remember Air Force Regulation125-26 when asked. Then I was promoted to Staff Sergeant and again greater responsibilities. I was also a Dorm Chief, I was the senior ranking NCO with-in the building, if things were not passing inspection I was summoned to the First Sergeant's Office to explain why. I took it upon myself to start a paid bay orderly program that continued after I discharged. One thing an NCO is expected to do is support his or her airmen they lead. I did that as well and in one case it was a turning point in that airman's career. By the time I was discharging he had his line number for his promotion to Staff Sergeant. Lots of work, but I had a wonderful time. I had good leadership examples with NCO's and Officers over me and passed that to the airmen I supervised. Make no mistake, three airmen were refused NCO status or denied re-enlistment because I upheld the standard set forth by my commanders. This taught me I could be friends with the airmen, but when it came to working, I was their supervisor first and foremost. Long winded, but I feel I had a great 6 year career that developed me into a better man. Of course God is responsible, but the Air Force sure set me on the path to succeed. I later joined the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and because of my military experience was able to retire after 20 years service with not so much as even one write up. Either enlisted or officer is a great choice!!! God Bless!!! And, Thank You Veronica for your insight as a Commissioned Officer in our Air Force!!!
Why gamble your entry when you're not 100% sure you will be approved by the board thereby wasting almost 18months just to go in as an officer..the best bet is to go in as an enlisted and switch over..my take
You can always enlist at any time. Take the chance on the Officer Opportunity it is totally worth it more $$$$ more respect. (Former enlisted speaking)
I finished college at 20, too. My degree is in English with emphases in Modern Lit and Creative Writing. Now at 23, I'm trying to reroute my career into the tech side. I've been taking pre-requisites for computer science grad programs. I want to join the USAF or USN to gain experience in software development or DevOps. (I get that they will provide job choices base on my exam score.) Upon watching this video, I'm leaning more toward enlistment because I want hands-on experience and perhaps the ability to have different jobs (like Jonathan Sullivan here on RUclips where he says he started as a DevOps person and now works as a programmer).
Rather good presentation. Whether you come in as an enlisted or officer, you can use those skills, experiences, and training when you transition to civilian life. Prior enlisted are as successful when they transition to civilian as prior officers. It all depends on how you market yourself and use your skills and experiences. Being in the military doesn't last forever. Most people, especially, enlisted are in their teens and are still young when they retire. This is when the plain levels since most enlisted, especially those in the AF will have degrees, including advanced degrees when they retire. As a retired AF SNCO, I was still in my 30s when I transitioned and was able to get a very high paying job as a Government Official, top level contractor, and consultant. The duties were like a walk in the park given my extensive knowledge, training, education, and experience. Bottom line, it may appear those commissioned have an upper hand while in the military, but after the military it's a whole new ballgame. So, embrace whichever path you take as an enlisted or commissioned, to obtain your goals. Remember, most people don't get an opportunity to serve or make the military a career due to failing to qualify, fulfill requirements, or adapt to that way of life, whether enlisted or officer. Good luck in whatever you do in life🙏
I would only add: 1) if you want to do the actual day-to-day work of whatever MOS you choose, go enlisted. Officers are managers. They typically push paper and develop overall strategies and tactics. All of those strategies and tactics are implemented by enlisted personnel. So, let’s say that you want to be a PJ or part of the security forces, the actual work is done by the enlisted ranks. Even in spec ops units, officers basically become managers and only really plan missions by the time they hit Major (Captain in some cases). Pilots are a notable exception to that rule of thumb. 2) Officers get pushed out around Major or Lt. Col. if they don’t play the political game.
Hi thank you for making this video usually when you see this kind of video you don't get the personal point of view but knowing this is good. I am only a freshman but at the same timeI want to go into journalism but I'm not sure if I want to go to school and then get a job or go into the air force as a public affairs officer this video helped me tremendousley and hope you doing well thank you. :)
Thanks for the video! Very good insight from your experience as an officer. I’m currently working with a recruiter to become an MSC Officer and I would like to know if you could post a video in regards to your step by step process in regards to becoming an MSC officer. There’s not a lot of information about being that specific kind of officer, so a video would be great!
Great video. Thanks so much for sharing. Im 30 and have my bachelors degree and want to go in as an officer. Ive worked in the corporate world for over 6 years and want a new experience in life. Something bigger than me and something I can be proud of. I hope joining the military will do that for me.
Recruiters need to be held more accountable for leading potential recruits down the wrong path instead of just supplying people regardless of their interests
I'm 2 years away from my bach and I want to be an officer. Told the recruiter if I could go reserve first till I finish my degree and then go officer and she said yes(marines) but navy said that I would enter as e3 and would still need to work my way up and not like jump from e3 to take the officer test or something something. With that said, I'm still uncertain where to go
What if, let's say I have never been a leader-type of person, you know just because I'm not good at leading, managing etc, but I have a college degree. I could just go for enlisted? Or am I or am I not qualified for officer training?
The air force considers us the forgotten officers. The USAF does not have this classification officer. I am referring to the warrant officer, Warrant officers are commissioned officers just like you. They are the subject matter experts for the 4 branches that have them.
Thanks for ur video very helpful! Im 26 y.o and still in college but have not yet gotten a degree. I was thinking of quitting and enlisting but I might just continue on getting my bachelors and then go in as officer. Also, how does benefits work as an officer? Do they get a higher housing allowances? Do they also get a GI bill if u want to pursue a masters degree? Thanks!
In my group, you decided to go enlisted if you needed to fund their college by joining the reserves. If you had a scholarship or graduated Uni, you went to OCS.
Like your videos, I was enlisted. And I always say I would only go Officer for the pay, because we played harder. You all play best because you have the money to. I traveled by HOP. Stayed on base lodging, and had a wonderful time. Ive been iut the Military longer than you have been alive, so I say ANY military time is better than no military time. There are so many jobs that want that military discipline in their companies ranks. I became a Police Officer in civilian life, I heard you say that was your dad's military job. I was an Aircraft Electrician in the Air Force. C-5's, C-141's, C-130's, and B-52 Bomber. I just wish I had retired from the AF. But I got out because my then military husband decided to get out. That relationship didn't last much longer. But God allowed me to retire from the Washington DC Police Dept. So I'm good. Keep making the video's young lady, and I'll keep sharing them. Be blessed Sis
It’s not just a bachelors degree that separates the two. ROTC as well. OTS as well. Neither are bad. Enlisted and officer are great. It all depends on your life long plan, what you want to do in the military, and where you are currently in life. If you are married and want to start a family then for sure go officer. Or someone who wants more leadership and responsibility. Officers get egotistic. Don’t be those officers that just join and think they are the “shit”. Be friendly, kind and understanding as an admin. You’ll want the respect of your platoon. Instead of just being a butterbar with a huge ego. That’s my point of view. But I think both are good.
Alex Gabriel your comment is BEAUTIFUL! I work retail management now. I’m completing my masters and will be done in 2020. I plan to join as an officer not long after that and trust me when I say their respect for you will push them to want to succeed. I couldn’t or wouldn’t get anything done without the respect and love that comes from my team members at my store.
I had college first but I wanted to have hands on experience on my satellite gear. Also I loved being a little crazy, I pulled the stupid airman card many times to get out of trouble. LOC’s and LOR’s I could live with and didn’t leave the squadron. Got to say I had a rip roaring 4 years and got out and went on to uplink super bowls and every event from Weather, Sports, News and Politics and more. Worked with Presidents and so on. Air Force was the best thing that happened to me. I would of charmed you into one dance before you told me we couldn’t be together cause of rank😁😁😁.
Great video! I enlisted years ago for the GI Bill $ & hated it!!!! I hated being supervised & controlled by power tripping, rank hungry individuals that treated their solders like they were children instead of treating them like grown men which we all were! The Ranking/ Ego trip is the biggest hurdle to get over when being enlisted! I'm sure its BS on both sides but I think id rather deal with the Commissioned Officer's side of the BS vs the childish enlisted side side of things!!!!!
Great video! TY for your service. In 73, when I enlisted, my family or I could not afford college. I probably wouldn't qualify anyway. Lol My family! Dad Army Air Corps/USAF, Older Bro Jack, USN 2nd Oldest Wil, USMC, (Nam Vet), PA Natl Guard, Regular Army. Me, SSgt, USMC Retired. Younger Bro Jim PA Natl Guard. We all were enlisted. I use to tell the Butter Bar, 2nd Lt's. Sir, I don't know whether to Salute you or Burp you, you're so young. & you have all the book knowledge on how things are supposed to go, but please listen to your Staff NCO's & NCO's They will tell you how it really is! OOHRAH!!!
Like your dad, I was enlisted in the USMC over 30 years ago. I steered my sons towards the officer route because being an enlisted Marine/Sailor SUCKS. It’s not for everyone, BUT you will get out what you put in. The most important thing is have a plan, regardless of whether you are an officer or enlisted.
i’m only 16 but i am really leaning towards becoming an officer because if you are going to do something you should go all the way, and i feel like being an officer is going to benefit me way more in the future and long term
Yeah, but most don't want to do years of service just to get to the same place of where they could have been if they had went in as an officer. Expecially when you already put in years of school just to skip the years of starting off at lower rank enlisted.
Super helpful, also money is not that big of a deal because you could budget like crazy if you do it correctly. Also you could go in and then go back as an officer after your enlisted term
I’m gonna do the Washington Army National Guard for a few years while also doing the SMP and ROTC for the Army. Right now, though, I’m in community college, so, that’s a few years out still
The pay aspect always makes me laugh. The military is not the road to riches for either side when you compare it to their civilian counterparts. If you choose the officer route for the extra money you shouldn’t join at all.
So let’s say I enlist with an associate’s degree then as I go through my contract I’m able to finish up and get my bachelors degree, would there be a way for me to commission? Because it seems to me that enlisted is a good job but officer is a good career and that’s what I’m honestly looking for a career.
Yes! This is definitely an option. You would just have to make sure your time in service commitment matched. They will tell you exact dates when you apply.
USAF retired prior-enlisted Capt (regular) and Vietnam vet. Eleven years enlisted (TSgt when commissioned), ten years commissioned - no break in service. (I'm also retired from my civilian job for good so I'm: "get off my grass" old - LOL). IMHO and experience, unless you crave the action e.g., combat controller, PJ., etc. and can't get into one of the few slots that are open to officers, or some other special field for which there is no actual officer counterpart, and especially if you want to fly - being an officer was a MUCH better life: pay, "treatment," accommodations and perks - not to mention, usually, much better ($$$) post-retirement civilian job opportunities. BUT get a STEM degree before applying do not waste your time or money or effort on crap like post-modern basket weaving, you get the point.
I have often wondered what happened to Ms. Luke I hope she is doing well. She did a good job on this video. I hope she had people watching out for her.
Quick question. I’m currently looking into joining the Air Force as an Officer after I graduate. I’m supposed to graduate with my bachelors degree at the end of next summer and I’ll be 19 years old. I went and got my GED at 16 and started college at 16. I know the air force has specific requirements for people with GED’s and I was wondering if I’d still qualify to become an officer? Thank you so much for making the videos by the way I just came across this video today and it was great!
Im joining the AFROTC to become an officer! Because I heard getting into OTS is a long and competitive process. AFROTC is very competitive but I think it’s a better decision for me.
Hello,apart from the ASVAB test is there any tests to take before you become any Air Force officer or healthcare administration. I have Two master degrees and a good score on the ASVAB.
Are you not going in as an officer? If you have two master's degree why are you taking the asvab. Officers don't have to take the asvab. They take another test depending on what branch you're going into.
My recruiters said to be an officer the process would take a long time and it would probably not be approved since I'm not competitive enough. Do you know anything about this. ?
Hey Veronica. You mentioned that very rarely those who don’t feel they were fit for the officer position in the Air Force, would rather be enlisted. Is there a way to go from officer to enlisted? I would think maybe finish your officer contract, get out and then re-enlist as enlisted? If that is how it goes, do those prior military officers go through bmt? How likely would it be for a prior officer to be able to get in as enlisted? I’ve read that recruiters would much rather take non-prior vs prior. Would you happen to know if that’s true? Thanks!
I have the option of going in as an officer when I finish my degree (75% done!) and I've had a lot of people supporting that route and that includes a lot of people that have retired from the Air Force. What do I do then, when I have a lot of self-doubts when it comes to managing people? I've never been in a leading position before...
Hi Veronica! I have a question if u don't mind! I'm considering joining the Air Force as an officer but don't know what exactly I'll do in it. I have two options: 1: Go straight to pharmacy school after I finish these last 4 classes and then join as a captain 4 yrs later ...or 2: Get my Bachelors degree, join as an officer and later on go to pharmacy school. I prefer option 2 because it would look great on my resume before I go to pharmacy school (plus other little benefits) Sooo my question is.. what jobs are available for those who graduate with a degree in pre-pharmacy/biology? (I know you aren't a recruiter but I hope you can help even a little bit) Thank you 😊
hi jasmine! actually my good friend did option 2... sort of! She did this program where they paid for her pharmacy degree but she owes time in service. Because of that, she came in as a Capt after completing the degree the air force paid for. I would talk to a recruiter because I am not sure how the process works!
Make sure you talk specifically to an Officer Health/Medical Recruiter because often I find that the regular enlisted recruiters don't know much about these specific Medical/Health Officer options
My son isn't sure if he should go AFROTC or enlist and take college courses. Can you explain the difference. Also can you elaborate on the medical jobs in the AF. I haven't seen any videos on the best medical jobs and why. Thanks!
As an Air Force vet, I would recommend your son go to college immediately and do AFROTC while in college in which case he'll be an officer upon graduation. Alternatively, he can join the AF Reserves or Air National Guard immediately which would require him to go to Basic Training and Tech School before he joins college (though these can be split up in alternating summers if one is a full-time student). He would then join ROTC in college and be simultaneously enrolled in both (reserves and ROTC). The advantage is he will be getting a monthly paycheck for his once/month and 2 weeks/year drill all the while being able to attend college full-time. The Air Force doesn't have an official Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) though the Army does and in the Army program SMP students (enrolled in Army Reserves or National Guard and ROTC) get paid E-5 (Sargent) pay for their reserve service while in college! My daughter is doing this thru the Army National Guard & doing ROTC in college...She just finished Army Basic Training and is going to AIT (army tech school) all while being paid. So if he wants Air Force specifically, he'd have to do this on his own; i.e. join the AF Reserves and go to Basic Training and Tech school for his chosen profession and then when he starts college, he would enroll for ROTC. In some cases, if he's already done Basic and Tech school before college, they can even exempt him from the first 2 years of ROTC and he can join ROTC in his Jnr year in college (joining the AF Reserves first it can also improve his chances to get an ROTC scholarship). The advantage of being enrolled in both AF Reserves & ROTC simultaneously is that once he graduates, he will automatically be commissioned as an Air Force Officer but his time spent in the Reserves as an enlisted Airman while college will count towards his military retirement when he commissions, not to mention that enlisted soldiers/sailors/airmen/Marines tend to respect prior enlisted officers more because they know you wen through the same Basic Training they did which is 'tougher' than ROTC. Hope this helps but in all cases have him get his degree and become a Commissioned Officer. Both enlisted and officers make valuable contributions but the The Officer lifestyle is VERY different.
Edward Kibirige. Thanks for the great information. I had no idea about joining the reserves and going to college simultaneously. We will definitely look into it asap.
In medical, there is usually an equivalent position you see in the civilian side on the military side. Best is very subjective. Best would be what your son wants to do and create that opportunity to happen in the military. Also this is another route into the medical officer military services. www.usuhs.edu
Does doing AFROTC in college count as a replacement for OTS? As officers upon graduation, I take it that AFROTC means opting out of the 12 week program.
Is it correct that you have got to be an Officer to be a fighter Pilot? Do we get to choose which type of fighter jet work we desire to do and what jet or just give a suggestion?
Victor Canfield II you do have to be an Officer to be any kind of pilot in the AF. I believe you can express a preference for the aircraft you want to fly but I wouldn’t count too heavily on having a choice in the matter.
I was an Air Force O-1. However, honestly, I do admire the NCOs. Always have. Every person is important and plays a needed role. My father was an Army E7. He did 35 years. also an MP. Hahaha
Great video, can you talk more about the living situations and pay situations:? And are you reserve or active duty? Also any specialty pay, that officers might get?
hi! can you work while waiting for the selection when going for an officer? if it takes up to 18 months, it would be rough not to work😅 maybe it’s a silly question, but I figured I’d ask anyway. Thank you!!
This is really helpful. I'm actually trying to talk to a recruiter about the officer program, just waiting for the call. In the meantime I'm preparing a for the ASVAB for start and I also (just for fun study the AFOQT), I already have my BFA. Your videos have been helpful. :)
Thanks here I am today 11/19/22 at 29 thinking about trying to go in as an officer I have my bachelors degree in sociology and an associates degree in small engine repair. I used to do juvenile corrections for years but now working and ATV dealership and just want to change for my life. Hopefully I can find tents for my house and go in
Very informative/professional video. I’m looking into the AF reserve. I have my bachelors, but the particular line of work I enjoy is only open to enlisted they told me. I also don’t think management is right for me or care to deal with politics..What rank would someone go in as with a bachelors, but chose the enlisted route?
Officer is always better. The work is less hands on and more managerial, but as an enlisted, in the Navy, they treat enlisted like felons on work fur-low. You get treated like garbage regardless of your job, your performance, your background until you make e-7
I have a degree and I want to join enlisted. While I have manager experience... I feel more at home doing the grunt work . The only bad thing i see is the pay. Is this a bad decision in your eyes??
No! I believe some people are better enlisted than officer. It is totally up to you. I will say some times I have had to grunt work but it made me better. Totally your choice!
There's way more difference ! You are the lowest form of life, and at the whim of EVERY OTHER PERSON, above your rank . Enlist Is totally wrong for you. Trust someone who has been both .
That's a very bad decision. If you have your degree, you should absolutely become an officer. Besides the quality of life improvements, the financial gains over a 20 years career are staggering. This is coming from a 7 and a half year Marine Corps Staff Sergeant.
Lord Zephyros don’t ever say you’re doing “grunt” work if you’re not in the infantry. Grunt is a term of endearment among infantrymen. Not the support roles. No matter what your job.
I saw a few people ask this question on several videos, but haven't seen an answer. Maybe you'd be able to answer it. If you are active duty, stationed in the US, and you live off base.... are you allowed to travel on weekends, as long as you are back at work on time monday morning? Example: if someone is stationed at MacDill in Tampa and they want to go to NYC from friday night to sunday night, is that permitted since it's your own time? Or do you always need permission to leave the area, even if it is not counted as leave?
I was going to guess pay and benefits would be a big difference. My uncle retired as a captain in the navy and he got a lot of benefits. They have a pretty good retirement package after 20 years in. Even better if you stay longer. Not that enlisted don't but officers are much better.
Oh I forgot to mention that my uncle was in for 4 years as an enlisted man then he was honorably discharged with some medals on his chest. He went to school and got his degree then went back to the navy and was commissioned a Lt. Jg. rather than an ensign.
I am finishing my last class for my degree. Dad always told me to go in as an officer. I’m doing it!
I hope that ur will end really good Mike, may God blesss you...
Mike Floyd smart kid. Your gonna do big things. I wish I had the sense you have at your age.
How’s it going? Are you still thinking of becoming an officer?
@@BrookeBerghuis the country has been taken over by the communists. No, I quit the military. The country is fucked.
Did you do it?
Graduated college at the age of 20. Damm 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾😂
23 year old college student 😪
@@Mr.11_Oracle 23 yr old graduate
shaquallep dam how
I graduated at 20 also now I’m trying to figure out what to do with my life.
@@SubUwUtreks join as an officer. Don't go enlisted. You are at your prime go for it.
I just retired as a 20 year enlisted AF Linguist. This is a good video and covered all the major points. People who are trying to decide what path they want to take need to pay attention to this!
My desired job … let me go study so I can make it reality👩🏽💻
I am looking into being an AF linguist enlisted, but already have a degree and many people are telling me to try to commission. Are you glad you were enlisted or would you have rather been an officer?
I do want to join as an Officer...however, I don't have the luxury of waiting over a year for the application process. It kinda sucks to think I'll be a "worker bee" when I KNOW I'd make a good leader, but hey I'm not above doing the grunt work. Proving myself as an enlisted would just make me that much better when I do become an Officer.
Exactly! And you will have so many people vouching for you! Being enlisted is great as well! I learned the best from my dad :)
Enlisted are definitely leaders too. Trust me. NCO are often the backbone of well.. The military in general.
@@ballislife2121 biiig facts! NCO`s manage 20-50 ppl individually on the daily and oversea almost everything. Im only a SrA but thank god i have great NCO`s who 100% make sure everything is gravy everyday.
NCOs are the ones that train officers to become leaders
@@R456jen Facts
Your father is literally every dad concerning this question.
Though if you want to “do the job” and do all the adventures, you have to enlist.
Just crazy to think about... a bachelors degree is the only thing that separates officer from an enlisted.
@usvaldo foulcone Actually I was speaking with my crew chief and it all depends on the interview and what you have to offer, If you're interviewing for a financial position but you have a biology degree it doesn't really make sense. It's also a plus if you're currently enlisted you have more to offer and you know what to expect compared to someone who's fresh out of college
Not the only thing..different expectations and trainings once your in. In the beginning age too.
College isn’t easy man don’t knock it until you try it.
Byron KOuris I don’t know why you thought I knocked it, I simply said that a degree was the only thing that separates them. Also, I do go to college and I’m enlisted. But 👌🏽
It is NOT the only thing. You must submit a package and they evaluate the "whole person" including leadership experience, volunteer experience, and what separates you from the rest. A Bachelors degree is the MINIMUM requirement.
Grew up as an Air Force brat and my dad was Enlisted. Knowing what I knew, I wanted to go in as an Officer. However, failed the test both times and on the second try, missed it by two points. I was in my 20s and thought it was the end of the world. But, due to my dad working for the govt as a civ, he suggested I should go that route. A decade later or so, I went that route and that was the best decision ever. I will say that, I wanted it for the wrong reason. I came across this video and this is informative.
I moved around a lot so I know that world very well. When I think about it, I would not like that part too much. Everything happens for a reason and like you mentioned, the military is not for everyone as well!
Thanks for your service!!
My son works in the AF hospital. He joined as enlisted, went to Kandahar Afghanistan in 2012, tested for SSgt when he got back. He applied for Officer was promoted to 2nd lieutenant in Apr 2016. Mar 2020 he was promoted to Capt. He just moved from Vance OK to Edwards AFB, CA. He's doing well.
Thank You for Your Service & Congratulations on His Promotion!! Believe after the promotion to Captain or 0-3, They wait 3 Years before Promotion to Qualified to the next level of Major, this is when it gets competitive! So thank for Your Service & having a Wonderful career 🙏🇺🇸
Great insight. I'm sort of torn on what to do. I'm 32 with a bachelor's, eager to restart my life, gain more skills & become financially set. So officer sounds like it would be the way to go, however I know myself; I'm an introvert and thrive out of the spotlight in more of an assistant role. So enlisted sounds like a better fit but having looked at the pay, my god is it low. Comparable pay for an O1 is E7, which would take maybe 6 years from an E3 (starting rank with bachelors). Like I said I'm torn
I'm not current or prior military, but have done my analysis. At your age, think about the time of service you'll be able to spend on a 20 year career, after which you can retire with a pension and health benefits. Enlisted personnel typically are going to have a shorter career due to the physical demands of their jobs. Officers, especially those who are in the higher echelons, can have careers into their early 60's. Just think about your timeline.
I’m in the same boat, 29 with a degree and want to get in relatively soon. Considering enlisted, but in wondering if you can then apply for OTS, or have to wait to make rank.
Same
E7 takes a lot longer than 6 years. E3 is guaranteed if enlisted for 6 years. The average time in 14 years. It’s almost a whole career. I don’t know where you heard 6 years.
Source: I’m an E7 who made it ahead of average time. Air Force releases statistics with every promotion
@@ambroselee2001 He said 6 years from E3, not from E1. So that's 6 years of E1-E3, and then he was saying "maybe" 6 years from then on. So that's 12 years in total. I don't think that's far off from 14 years. It seems like he actually made a good guess, esp considering he said "maybe."
Thank you for this video ! You clearly explained the differences between enlisted/officers ☺️
thanks for the feedback!
Josef Baumann don’t know much about the deployment schedule but if you fail you’ll get washed out and have to do a deferent career field. (Don’t know if this is late)
I did enlisted in the Navy it sucked lol but besides the politics the friendships & experiences are unforgettable.
I was a Staff Sergeant in Security Police from 1981 to 1982, I was blessed with Officers over my unit that were awesome. That is to include a First Sergeant that took a personal interest in my position with-in the Air Force. I was able to also work with a mustang, this is a person that was enlisted prior to promoting to a commissioned grade, he was super good commander. I was also recognized by senior officers for my military bearing and knowledge with-in my career field. This ended up with me being placed on the reception line for President Jimmy Carter. I am proud of my career for the Air Force. I know some commissioned officers that were wonderful people. Seems this lady is a great commissioned officer.
I’m so thankful that I came across your channel. I just received my Masters in Healthcare Administration and definitely leaning towards going into the AF as an Officer. However I feel weird about going in at 33 years old 😫 lol.
Did you end up going though with it ?
I hope you took the leap and did it!! I plan to apply in January '25 and I'll be 34yrs. I know your comment was 5 yrs ago, but I hope you went through with it! I have a degree in Public Health.
Great respect and honor to your dad being a Security Police just like I was. Loved it. I am glad he also took an interest in helping his children be successful too. I believe I have done my best having 2 sons in the military now working on my daughter and last will be my baby son. Thanks for the information in informing those who never been in the military.
Your makeup is 🔥🔥🔥 Thank you for the video! I’m getting my degree in mechanical engineering and I want to be an officer
Thank you for your advice and straight-forward explanations. I've been struggling to decide between enlisted and officer already having a degree and your video really helped.
I'm so excited about hearing more about you military life.
Keep up the good work.
I love your makeup color on your skintone! Looks beautiful babe!
Hello! Thank you for your info! I am prior enlisted, became a nurse and returned as a 1Lt. I enjoyed both sides :) Would you please do a military approved makeup video? Simple and quick? Thanks!!! Your so pretty!
yes i will!!!
being a 2LT make me feel bad ass!! cauz a rookie officer has a higher rank than the highest enlisted!!
but im gonna go as enlisted lol, cauz i aint a leader
@akendra12 did you go to nursing school in the military or city school?
Leaders are made/trained not born. Anyone can learn leadership skills
Correction for the priors/AD enlisted going officer. Many programs like OTS, SLECP, and much more allow enlisted a commission opportunity. Once accepted, it is up to AFPC or bad behavior to take that opp away from you not so much a commander or manning crisis :) Good Vid.
Just some things to add: Officer and Enlisted mix all the time in an Operations group you have to work closely together, really depends what kind of work you’re doing in the Air Force. I don’t want people to think that officers and enlisted are separated because the camaraderie is strong with both. SrNCOs will groom and show young officers the ropes most of the time. Most of the time young officers are not in charge, SrNCOs do most of the management, young officers are learning from the individuals with experience. Airmen don’t need to start as airman basics, if they have some college experience or special certs such as Eagle Scouts. Don’t forget, that many squadrons have flights that are not run by officers at all, in OPS and maintenance. Overall great video, just some small inaccuracies that are experience based due to being an MSC. Lol (mostly sad captains).
Officers and Enlisted mix all the time in a work environment, Diego. I don't think that's what she means because there ARE SERIOUS consequences for Officer & Enlisted fraternization and the consequences are more serious for Officers including possible loss of your commission. You can not have romantic relationships or very close friendships while you are both serving. As an officer you can not be 'buddy, buddy' with your enlisted soldiers/airmen, etc. What she's saying is that often on a base the enlisted far outnumber the officers and after work if you want to hang out, in some instances you have difficulty because there are fewer fellow officers to hang out with than enlisted people and you can't go hanging out or out to clubs and bars with your enlisted folks as an officer
True to an extent, but in the OG, and especially during TDYs rank doesn't matter. If there was a frat house in the Air Force, the ops group and maintenance are two peas in a pod compared to the other groups.
Dang I need to hide behind the sun for shade from the brightness of your teeth! So sparkly.
I retired as a Senior Master Sergeant/Security Police LE Superintendent in 1987. I have both a Bachelors (two) and a Masters degrees.
The only Officer grade I ever really wanted, was Warrant Officer. I was not happy when the AF discontinued the Grade back in the late 1950s-early 60s.
I did hold the appointed position of Squadron First Sergeant during my last 4 years of Active Duty, which meant dealing both with Officers and Enlisted in the Squadron as needed or required.
Sorry, but the rank shown on the sleeves are NOT Patterns; they are called CHEVRONS.
I respect you and all others who put their life on the line for this country. ! Respect
Thank you for this! I am going the enlisted route. I could lead but I still like following....
I just wanna say im nineteen years old and have started my process of enlistment in the marines and my recruiters had not told me anything about the officer route and now im stuck in the middle. I have built a bond with my recruiters which is the only reason i would enlist but i also forget that it's my life not theirs and they just want me to gain their points for enlistees. "What if I dont make OCS because im not built for it" "You cant do a pull up or 50 push ups u cant go", them saying this makes me want to prove them wrong but I also know that this video and you have helped me make my decision on which route to take for my own benefit. I hope three years from now I can find this video and this comment and see how this biggest decision of my life was made and decided thanks to you, the officer route I shall go!
Melanie Sanchez I’m in a similar situation. I’m still a senior in highschool but I don’t know if I want to go to school to become an officer or go enlisted. My recruiter didn’t tell me anything about Ocs, only about enlistment. Recently I spoke to a couple marine vets in my family and they really pushed to maybe step back from going to meps and really consider Ocs . I’ve literally spent hours researching which would be best for me but I really have no idea what to do yet.
keillabear yeah girl I feel you, the marine vets and my friends enlisted all have said go for officer route. Even my own boyfriend is an enlisted and although we can’t get married until my time is over, that’s how much beneficial it is. I think we should both go for it, the only thing holding me back is the physical qualifications but I’m working on it
Melanie Sanchez physical qualification is also something I rllly have to work on. I’ve never really been physically active but I’ve already gotten so much stronger compare from when I first started. It’s definitely something that I’m concerned with but I’m also concerned with being able to lead all these marines. Naturally I have leadership skills but it feel uncomfortable that I would be leading so many marines without actually have gone through what they’re going through. Makes me question if I will be able to understand them. I truthfully just want to be a marine officer or not.
So glad I found your channel! I am currently working towards my BSN and hope to finish by 2023 to begin OTS. I am nervous but determined to move on from my corporate job. Thank you for sharing your tips!!!
Obviously, being an officer is a better move.
Thanks for these videos! I have a bachelors and masters degree but had to put my career on hold because my husband is a Marine. Now that our son is in school I’ve been considering joining the Air Force as an officer. Your videos have been super helpful and informative.
This was EXTREMELY informative !!
You're description is pretty spot on for the most part. However, I will say that when you hit the NCO tier of enlisted, it's not care free. And many NCOs work on more than one job/projects. Therefore, I think you're description of the enlisted is more accurate of the junior enlisted (E1-E4).
I’m graduating next year from college with my bachelors in early childhood education and I am waiting to join the military as an officer and get my master’s.
Daily Adulthood what would be your job?
I made an entry two years ago, and want to expound on my experiences. I was an 811X0 Security Police, weapons systems security. We worked a shift in one of several restricted areas. Bomber, Tanker, Weapons, or the "C" & "D" areas. All of these with exception of Tanker could involve special weapons. Because of special weapons we as Security Police had authorization to use deadly force should it have become necessary. We did not have to consult with supervisors or commanders. I was at my base for about 5.5 years and promoted from Airman First Class to Staff Sergeant prior to discharge at the end of my 6 year enlistment. As soon as I promoted to Senior Airman I was expected to supervise younger airmen and study to promote to higher grades. Senior Airman was a one year promotion in which you were required to also complete the Airman Leadership Course and of course pass it. Next was Sergeant, now I was a Non Commissioned Officer in the Air Force and was given greater responsibilities. Also being assigned at a SAC base included rigorous training both for you and the airmen you supervise. We were tested with written tests, and practical exercises to prove you had the knowledge and ability to do the job. Remember we were securing special weapons with the power to destroy an entire city. We had to qualify with the various firearms carried and remember Air Force Regulation125-26 when asked. Then I was promoted to Staff Sergeant and again greater responsibilities. I was also a Dorm Chief, I was the senior ranking NCO with-in the building, if things were not passing inspection I was summoned to the First Sergeant's Office to explain why. I took it upon myself to start a paid bay orderly program that continued after I discharged. One thing an NCO is expected to do is support his or her airmen they lead. I did that as well and in one case it was a turning point in that airman's career. By the time I was discharging he had his line number for his promotion to Staff Sergeant. Lots of work, but I had a wonderful time. I had good leadership examples with NCO's and Officers over me and passed that to the airmen I supervised. Make no mistake, three airmen were refused NCO status or denied re-enlistment because I upheld the standard set forth by my commanders. This taught me I could be friends with the airmen, but when it came to working, I was their supervisor first and foremost. Long winded, but I feel I had a great 6 year career that developed me into a better man. Of course God is responsible, but the Air Force sure set me on the path to succeed. I later joined the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and because of my military experience was able to retire after 20 years service with not so much as even one write up. Either enlisted or officer is a great choice!!! God Bless!!! And, Thank You Veronica for your insight as a Commissioned Officer in our Air Force!!!
Why gamble your entry when you're not 100% sure you will be approved by the board thereby wasting almost 18months just to go in as an officer..the best bet is to go in as an enlisted and switch over..my take
You can always enlist at any time. Take the chance on the Officer Opportunity it is totally worth it more $$$$ more respect. (Former enlisted speaking)
I finished college at 20, too. My degree is in English with emphases in Modern Lit and Creative Writing. Now at 23, I'm trying to reroute my career into the tech side. I've been taking pre-requisites for computer science grad programs. I want to join the USAF or USN to gain experience in software development or DevOps. (I get that they will provide job choices base on my exam score.) Upon watching this video, I'm leaning more toward enlistment because I want hands-on experience and perhaps the ability to have different jobs (like Jonathan Sullivan here on RUclips where he says he started as a DevOps person and now works as a programmer).
Rather good presentation. Whether you come in as an enlisted or officer, you can use those skills, experiences, and training when you transition to civilian life. Prior enlisted are as successful when they transition to civilian as prior officers. It all depends on how you market yourself and use your skills and experiences. Being in the military doesn't last forever. Most people, especially, enlisted are in their teens and are still young when they retire. This is when the plain levels since most enlisted, especially those in the AF will have degrees, including advanced degrees when they retire. As a retired AF SNCO, I was still in my 30s when I transitioned and was able to get a very high paying job as a Government Official, top level contractor, and consultant. The duties were like a walk in the park given my extensive knowledge, training, education, and experience. Bottom line, it may appear those commissioned have an upper hand while in the military, but after the military it's a whole new ballgame. So, embrace whichever path you take as an enlisted or commissioned, to obtain your goals. Remember, most people don't get an opportunity to serve or make the military a career due to failing to qualify, fulfill requirements, or adapt to that way of life, whether enlisted or officer. Good luck in whatever you do in life🙏
You are well spoken and the way you explain makes me want to enlist for 20 years
I would only add: 1) if you want to do the actual day-to-day work of whatever MOS you choose, go enlisted. Officers are managers. They typically push paper and develop overall strategies and tactics. All of those strategies and tactics are implemented by enlisted personnel. So, let’s say that you want to be a PJ or part of the security forces, the actual work is done by the enlisted ranks. Even in spec ops units, officers basically become managers and only really plan missions by the time they hit Major (Captain in some cases). Pilots are a notable exception to that rule of thumb. 2) Officers get pushed out around Major or Lt. Col. if they don’t play the political game.
Theres a charm to enlisted life but I think if i could go back I would have just waited and gone officer haha
I have a bachelors degree in nursing and no prior history of service. I want start the process of application in 2020.
TheillogicalParadox so how’s it going
Hi thank you for making this video usually when you see this kind of video you don't get the personal point of view but knowing this is good. I am only a freshman but at the same timeI want to go into journalism but I'm not sure if I want to go to school and then get a job or go into the air force as a public affairs officer this video helped me tremendousley and hope you doing well thank you. :)
Thanks for the video! Very good insight from your experience as an officer. I’m currently working with a recruiter to become an MSC Officer and I would like to know if you could post a video in regards to your step by step process in regards to becoming an MSC officer. There’s not a lot of information about being that specific kind of officer, so a video would be great!
Great video. Thanks so much for sharing. Im 30 and have my bachelors degree and want to go in as an officer. Ive worked in the corporate world for over 6 years and want a new experience in life. Something bigger than me and something I can be proud of. I hope joining the military will do that for me.
Did you join ?
Excellent video. She broke down all the major issues.
That is what I wished that I went to college instead of straight into the military. I felt I needed discipline. I was straying way left of center.
Can you explain some of the politics of being an officer
Joeseph Adama It’s like office politics, who you know, how well you play the game.
Recruiters need to be held more accountable for leading potential recruits down the wrong path instead of just supplying people regardless of their interests
I'm 2 years away from my bach and I want to be an officer. Told the recruiter if I could go reserve first till I finish my degree and then go officer and she said yes(marines) but navy said that I would enter as e3 and would still need to work my way up and not like jump from e3 to take the officer test or something something. With that said, I'm still uncertain where to go
What if, let's say I have never been a leader-type of person, you know just because I'm not good at leading, managing etc, but I have a college degree. I could just go for enlisted? Or am I or am I not qualified for officer training?
I have the same question
Yes I would like to know..
You can learn management and some leadership But, Officers must be leaders and NCO's also must be leaders...
The air force considers us the forgotten officers. The USAF does not have this classification officer. I am referring to the warrant officer, Warrant officers are commissioned officers just like you. They are the subject matter experts for the 4 branches that have them.
Thanks for ur video very helpful! Im 26 y.o and still in college but have not yet gotten a degree. I was thinking of quitting and enlisting but I might just continue on getting my bachelors and then go in as officer.
Also, how does benefits work as an officer? Do they get a higher housing allowances? Do they also get a GI bill if u want to pursue a masters degree?
Thanks!
Can you be an officer and be a reservist?
YES! :)
Yes
Yes.
something i am considering..
This is a great video! Very helpful information. I appreciate you and I look forward to applying!
Thank you for watching!
Thank you for this. You covered every question I had.
In my group, you decided to go enlisted if you needed to fund their college by joining the reserves. If you had a scholarship or graduated Uni, you went to OCS.
Like your videos, I was enlisted. And I always say I would only go Officer for the pay, because we played harder. You all play best because you have the money to. I traveled by HOP. Stayed on base lodging, and had a wonderful time. Ive been iut the Military longer than you have been alive, so I say ANY military time is better than no military time. There are so many jobs that want that military discipline in their companies ranks. I became a Police Officer in civilian life, I heard you say that was your dad's military job. I was an Aircraft Electrician in the Air Force. C-5's, C-141's, C-130's, and B-52 Bomber. I just wish I had retired from the AF. But I got out because my then military husband decided to get out. That relationship didn't last much longer. But God allowed me to retire from the Washington DC Police Dept. So I'm good. Keep making the video's young lady, and I'll keep sharing them. Be blessed Sis
It’s not just a bachelors degree that separates the two. ROTC as well. OTS as well. Neither are bad. Enlisted and officer are great. It all depends on your life long plan, what you want to do in the military, and where you are currently in life. If you are married and want to start a family then for sure go officer. Or someone who wants more leadership and responsibility. Officers get egotistic. Don’t be those officers that just join and think they are the “shit”. Be friendly, kind and understanding as an admin. You’ll want the respect of your platoon. Instead of just being a butterbar with a huge ego. That’s my point of view. But I think both are good.
Alex Gabriel your comment is BEAUTIFUL! I work retail management now. I’m completing my masters and will be done in 2020. I plan to join as an officer not long after that and trust me when I say their respect for you will push them to want to succeed. I couldn’t or wouldn’t get anything done without the respect and love that comes from my team members at my store.
I had college first but I wanted to have hands on experience on my satellite gear. Also I loved being a little crazy, I pulled the stupid airman card many times to get out of trouble. LOC’s and LOR’s I could live with and didn’t leave the squadron. Got to say I had a rip roaring 4 years and got out and went on to uplink super bowls and every event from Weather, Sports, News and Politics and more. Worked with Presidents and so on. Air Force was the best thing that happened to me. I would of charmed you into one dance before you told me we couldn’t be together cause of rank😁😁😁.
Great video! I enlisted years ago for the GI Bill $ & hated it!!!! I hated being supervised & controlled by power tripping, rank hungry individuals that treated their solders like they were children instead of treating them like grown men which we all were! The Ranking/ Ego trip is the biggest hurdle to get over when being enlisted! I'm sure its BS on both sides but I think id rather deal with the Commissioned Officer's side of the BS vs the childish enlisted side side of things!!!!!
Great video! TY for your service.
In 73, when I enlisted, my family or I could not afford college. I probably wouldn't qualify anyway. Lol My family! Dad Army Air Corps/USAF, Older Bro Jack, USN
2nd Oldest Wil, USMC, (Nam Vet), PA Natl Guard, Regular Army.
Me, SSgt, USMC Retired.
Younger Bro Jim
PA Natl Guard.
We all were enlisted.
I use to tell the Butter Bar, 2nd Lt's. Sir, I don't know whether to Salute you or Burp you, you're so young. & you have all the book knowledge on how things are supposed to go, but please listen to your Staff NCO's & NCO's They will tell you how it really is!
OOHRAH!!!
Like your dad, I was enlisted in the USMC over 30 years ago. I steered my sons towards the officer route because being an enlisted Marine/Sailor SUCKS. It’s not for everyone, BUT you will get out what you put in. The most important thing is have a plan, regardless of whether you are an officer or enlisted.
So basically this is a great video.
i’m only 16 but i am really leaning towards becoming an officer because if you are going to do something you should go all the way, and i feel like being an officer is going to benefit me way more in the future and long term
Holy shit I seriously couldn’t tell if you were an animation like on a video game or something
Enlisted, it's easy to ranked just stay motivated. Office rank be a leader. What's makes a difference as I've learn is years of service.
Yeah, but most don't want to do years of service just to get to the same place of where they could have been if they had went in as an officer. Expecially when you already put in years of school just to skip the years of starting off at lower rank enlisted.
Super helpful, also money is not that big of a deal because you could budget like crazy if you do it correctly. Also you could go in and then go back as an officer after your enlisted term
I’m gonna do the Washington Army National Guard for a few years while also doing the SMP and ROTC for the Army. Right now, though, I’m in community college, so, that’s a few years out still
The pay aspect always makes me laugh. The military is not the road to riches for either side when you compare it to their civilian counterparts. If you choose the officer route for the extra money you shouldn’t join at all.
So let’s say I enlist with an associate’s degree then as I go through my contract I’m able to finish up and get my bachelors degree, would there be a way for me to commission? Because it seems to me that enlisted is a good job but officer is a good career and that’s what I’m honestly looking for a career.
Yes! This is definitely an option. You would just have to make sure your time in service commitment matched. They will tell you exact dates when you apply.
USAF retired prior-enlisted Capt (regular) and Vietnam vet. Eleven years enlisted (TSgt when commissioned), ten years commissioned - no break in service. (I'm also retired from my civilian job for good so I'm: "get off my grass" old - LOL). IMHO and experience, unless you crave the action e.g., combat controller, PJ., etc. and can't get into one of the few slots that are open to officers, or some other special field for which there is no actual officer counterpart, and especially if you want to fly - being an officer was a MUCH better life: pay, "treatment," accommodations and perks - not to mention, usually, much better ($$$) post-retirement civilian job opportunities. BUT get a STEM degree before applying do not waste your time or money or effort on crap like post-modern basket weaving, you get the point.
This vid just helped me make my decision thanks so much!
I have often wondered what happened to Ms. Luke I hope she is doing well. She did a good job on this video. I hope she had people watching out for her.
Quick question. I’m currently looking into joining the Air Force as an Officer after I graduate. I’m supposed to graduate with my bachelors degree at the end of next summer and I’ll be 19 years old. I went and got my GED at 16 and started college at 16. I know the air force has specific requirements for people with GED’s and I was wondering if I’d still qualify to become an officer? Thank you so much for making the videos by the way I just came across this video today and it was great!
Im joining the AFROTC to become an officer! Because I heard getting into OTS is a long and competitive process. AFROTC is very competitive but I think it’s a better decision for me.
I respect every branch but who are my marines or future marines in here😎💯
SSgt Retired! OOHRAH!
Hello,apart from the ASVAB test is there any tests to take before you become any Air Force officer or healthcare administration. I have Two master degrees and a good score on the ASVAB.
Are you not going in as an officer? If you have two master's degree why are you taking the asvab. Officers don't have to take the asvab. They take another test depending on what branch you're going into.
If I join enlisted with a degree, will they pay for my student loans?
Tyler McGee depends on your contract
You're so pretty 😍
The Aquarius You make the best comedian.
Cristiano Ronaldo that was rude
Cristiano Ronaldo you are pussy
My recruiters said to be an officer the process would take a long time and it would probably not be approved since I'm not competitive enough. Do you know anything about this. ?
Hey Veronica. You mentioned that very rarely those who don’t feel they were fit for the officer position in the Air Force, would rather be enlisted. Is there a way to go from officer to enlisted? I would think maybe finish your officer contract, get out and then re-enlist as enlisted? If that is how it goes, do those prior military officers go through bmt? How likely would it be for a prior officer to be able to get in as enlisted? I’ve read that recruiters would much rather take non-prior vs prior. Would you happen to know if that’s true? Thanks!
I have the option of going in as an officer when I finish my degree (75% done!) and I've had a lot of people supporting that route and that includes a lot of people that have retired from the Air Force. What do I do then, when I have a lot of self-doubts when it comes to managing people? I've never been in a leading position before...
Hi Veronica! I have a question if u don't mind! I'm considering joining the Air Force as an officer but don't know what exactly I'll do in it. I have two options:
1: Go straight to pharmacy school after I finish these last 4 classes and then join as a captain 4 yrs later ...or
2: Get my Bachelors degree, join as an officer and later on go to pharmacy school. I prefer option 2 because it would look great on my resume before I go to pharmacy school (plus other little benefits)
Sooo my question is.. what jobs are available for those who graduate with a degree in pre-pharmacy/biology?
(I know you aren't a recruiter but I hope you can help even a little bit)
Thank you 😊
hi jasmine! actually my good friend did option 2... sort of! She did this program where they paid for her pharmacy degree but she owes time in service. Because of that, she came in as a Capt after completing the degree the air force paid for. I would talk to a recruiter because I am not sure how the process works!
hmm...that sounds like the HPSP scholarship thingy some of the branches offer. I'm not too sure either ! lol But thanks for trying to help
That's what I am doing now as a CRNA!
Make sure you talk specifically to an Officer Health/Medical Recruiter because often I find that the regular enlisted recruiters don't know much about these specific Medical/Health Officer options
That's exactly it. AF will pay for your last 2 years of Pharmacy School (PharmD) and you will be commissioned as a captain when you finish.
Extremely helpful
Thanks a bunch
I’m most definitely going in as an OFFICER😊😊😊😊
My son isn't sure if he should go AFROTC or enlist and take college courses. Can you explain the difference. Also can you elaborate on the medical jobs in the AF. I haven't seen any videos on the best medical jobs and why. Thanks!
As an Air Force vet, I would recommend your son go to college immediately and do AFROTC while in college in which case he'll be an officer upon graduation. Alternatively, he can join the AF Reserves or Air National Guard immediately which would require him to go to Basic Training and Tech School before he joins college (though these can be split up in alternating summers if one is a full-time student). He would then join ROTC in college and be simultaneously enrolled in both (reserves and ROTC). The advantage is he will be getting a monthly paycheck for his once/month and 2 weeks/year drill all the while being able to attend college full-time. The Air Force doesn't have an official Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) though the Army does and in the Army program SMP students (enrolled in Army Reserves or National Guard and ROTC) get paid E-5 (Sargent) pay for their reserve service while in college! My daughter is doing this thru the Army National Guard & doing ROTC in college...She just finished Army Basic Training and is going to AIT (army tech school) all while being paid. So if he wants Air Force specifically, he'd have to do this on his own; i.e. join the AF Reserves and go to Basic Training and Tech school for his chosen profession and then when he starts college, he would enroll for ROTC. In some cases, if he's already done Basic and Tech school before college, they can even exempt him from the first 2 years of ROTC and he can join ROTC in his Jnr year in college (joining the AF Reserves first it can also improve his chances to get an ROTC scholarship). The advantage of being enrolled in both AF Reserves & ROTC simultaneously is that once he graduates, he will automatically be commissioned as an Air Force Officer but his time spent in the Reserves as an enlisted Airman while college will count towards his military retirement when he commissions, not to mention that enlisted soldiers/sailors/airmen/Marines tend to respect prior enlisted officers more because they know you wen through the same Basic Training they did which is 'tougher' than ROTC. Hope this helps but in all cases have him get his degree and become a Commissioned Officer. Both enlisted and officers make valuable contributions but the The Officer lifestyle is VERY different.
Edward Kibirige. Thanks for the great information. I had no idea about joining the reserves and going to college simultaneously. We will definitely look into it asap.
In medical, there is usually an equivalent position you see in the civilian side on the military side.
Best is very subjective. Best would be what your son wants to do and create that opportunity to happen in the military.
Also this is another route into the medical officer
military services.
www.usuhs.edu
Kyle Massey . Thanks for the link! Very helpful
Does doing AFROTC in college count as a replacement for OTS? As officers upon graduation, I take it that AFROTC means opting out of the 12 week program.
Is it correct that you have got to be an Officer to be a fighter Pilot? Do we get to choose which type of fighter jet work we desire to do and what jet or just give a suggestion?
Victor Canfield II you do have to be an Officer to be any kind of pilot in the AF. I believe you can express a preference for the aircraft you want to fly but I wouldn’t count too heavily on having a choice in the matter.
I was an Air Force O-1. However, honestly, I do admire the NCOs. Always have. Every person is important and plays a needed role. My father was an Army E7. He did 35 years. also an MP. Hahaha
Great video, can you talk more about the living situations and pay situations:? And are you reserve or active duty? Also any specialty pay, that officers might get?
yes!!!!!!
Veronica Luke have you received a lot of discrimination or grief due to having a RUclips channel in addition to your duty assignment?
hi! can you work while waiting for the selection when going for an officer? if it takes up to 18 months, it would be rough not to work😅 maybe it’s a silly question, but I figured I’d ask anyway.
Thank you!!
This is really helpful. I'm actually trying to talk to a recruiter about the officer program, just waiting for the call. In the meantime I'm preparing a for the ASVAB for start and I also (just for fun study the AFOQT), I already have my BFA. Your videos have been helpful. :)
Thanks here I am today 11/19/22 at 29 thinking about trying to go in as an officer I have my bachelors degree in sociology and an associates degree in small engine repair. I used to do juvenile corrections for years but now working and ATV dealership and just want to change for my life. Hopefully I can find tents for my house and go in
Very informative/professional video. I’m looking into the AF reserve. I have my bachelors, but the particular line of work I enjoy is only open to enlisted they told me. I also don’t think management is right for me or care to deal with politics..What rank would someone go in as with a bachelors, but chose the enlisted route?
e3/ Airman first class. I'm in the same exact boat
Looking to do AFROTC starting next fall yay
yay! good luck!
Officer is always better. The work is less hands on and more managerial, but as an enlisted, in the Navy, they treat enlisted like felons on work fur-low. You get treated like garbage regardless of your job, your performance, your background until you make e-7
With all that background in supervision you definitely made the right choice in officer and branch.
It didn’t take much for me to make my decision. They offered me a scholarship and I took it.
I have a degree and I want to join enlisted. While I have manager experience... I feel more at home doing the grunt work . The only bad thing i see is the pay.
Is this a bad decision in your eyes??
No! I believe some people are better enlisted than officer. It is totally up to you. I will say some times I have had to grunt work but it made me better. Totally your choice!
There's way more difference ! You are the lowest form of life, and at the whim of EVERY OTHER
PERSON, above your rank . Enlist
Is totally wrong for you. Trust someone who has been both .
That's a very bad decision. If you have your degree, you should absolutely become an officer. Besides the quality of life improvements, the financial gains over a 20 years career are staggering. This is coming from a 7 and a half year Marine Corps Staff Sergeant.
Lord Zephyros don’t ever say you’re doing “grunt” work if you’re not in the infantry. Grunt is a term of endearment among infantrymen. Not the support roles. No matter what your job.
I saw a few people ask this question on several videos, but haven't seen an answer. Maybe you'd be able to answer it. If you are active duty, stationed in the US, and you live off base.... are you allowed to travel on weekends, as long as you are back at work on time monday morning? Example: if someone is stationed at MacDill in Tampa and they want to go to NYC from friday night to sunday night, is that permitted since it's your own time? Or do you always need permission to leave the area, even if it is not counted as leave?
I can’t believe the non rated hasn’t been open in 2 years that’s crazy
Do you have any videos on what you do day to day? I am curious about your job as a healthcare admin.... Thanks!
I was going to guess pay and benefits would be a big difference. My uncle retired as a captain in the navy and he got a lot of benefits. They have a pretty good retirement package after 20 years in. Even better if you stay longer. Not that enlisted don't but officers are much better.
Oh I forgot to mention that my uncle was in for 4 years as an enlisted man then he was honorably discharged with some medals on his chest. He went to school and got his degree then went back to the navy and was commissioned a Lt. Jg. rather than an ensign.