@@enzovico6882 if ur going to college try to get a bachelors and commission, better quality of life. If not yeah enlisting is always fine you get a higher rank.
I was born on a military base, grew up as a military brat and enlisted in the Navy right out of high school. Time must of flew by because 20 years went by fast. I retired at age 38 and never worked again, and that was 14 years ago.
My main concern is missing out on my youth? I'm 21 now and only feel as if I want to invest 4 years max, but even then I feel like i'll be missing out on so much... any advice?
@M Bane if you're second guessing yourself on whether what you're doing is what you really want, then sit down and take a deep breathe and let that fresh oxygen get to your brain, Now is the Marines really what you want? Or possibly the airforce with so much more potential after you've done your time in the military? Younger people like to rush into everything blindfolded, just take a second and do some soul searching cause if you're not 100 percent certain in your choice you might regret it later
The military is all about mindset, a lot of people join knowing of the commitment but then once they’re in they feel trapped. Your not trapped, you decided this because you believed in it. Don’t stop believing just because it’s harder than you realized
@@ChrisTopherBunnellI’m not sure what this has to do with my old comment but let me elaborate. I’m saying that it’s easy to forget what your fighting for whether you think you serving to protect your love ones or for a consistent pay check or even for work experience. When times get hard and you lose faith I’m saying to remember why you joined and keep that in your heart while you serve. Many people have horror stories from the military including me (ex navy) but for the majority it’s just long days and hard work. If you keep your mind right your service with fly. That’s what I mean when I said your not trapped you just feel trapped is because when you’ve been suffering time slows and you don’t realize how soon you’ll be out. I’m not saying people haven’t been assaulted or that if your depressed (or anything else wrong) that you shouldn’t seek help just that most should keep fighting.
@ArtyAnt amen it's a commitment you're da@# right, you signed the contract and took the oath NOW LIVE WITH IT, BE PROUD AND ACCEPT IT. It's an honor to be a veteran. I'm da@# proud of the 15 years I served (4 years Marine Corps and 11 years Army National Guard where I got shot at). I'm also grateful to God for the excellent, permanent compensation check I get from the VA. The losers that start whining or regretting that they joined once their in, get me sick to my stomach. Once again, it's a commitment and you should be proud of it.
"The military own you" legit! My aunt almost got in trouble for a really bad sunburn because she was 'damaging government property' lol if you can't work because of your sunburn that is no bueno
5 mistakes when joining the military: 1. Signing for 6 years. 2. Signing for 6 years. 3. Signing for 6 years. 4. Signing for 6 years. 5. Signing for 6 years!
Yep. I wish I did my year off at a community college busting stuff out so I could join as a 4yr E3. I'd also be done with my CCAF by now, I am three classes away currently at almost 3yrs in.
REview: 1-Go in with an open mind. You may serve longer than one term, or may just serve one. 2-Your job is not what you may think it is. Find someone who was in the job to talk to. Do not trust the commercials. 3-Follow the protocols. If its repairs, you are liable for someone's life if they loose it as a result of your lack of discipline in your job. 4-When you sign, the military owns you. You give up many rights and privileges. Where you travel, going on vacation etc. The 5th amendment doesn't apply as much. Double Jeopardy: If you get a ticket or get in trouble outside of the military, the military will double down on your punishment. You are representing the service as such, behave.
I've been retired now for 8 years after serving 24 yrs in the AF. This by far is one of the best, well spoken videos I have seen regarding the choices people make and the expectations they have when they join. I had spent many countless hours counseling young airmen on these exact issues he spoke of. One thing I always told my airmen was "you are an airman 24/7. unless you get out before retirement, you are always an airman, and always on duty." I'm very glad we have someone like Airman Vision to educate any future airmen/soldiers/sailors/marines. Thank you for your video and for your service!
💰 I’m the grandma of a 23 year old Air Man, now in her second week of tech school. I also have a 19 year old grandson in the Army in his second year of four enlisted years. I know what you’re sharing is golden. I’m sending this to both of them . Thank you for doing this!
I started planning for retirement before I ever joined. I watched my dad having spent only 10 years active get out, with no permanent income to fall back on. He has worked stupidly hard all of his life and I learned from watching that. At 16 I planned to retire by the time I was 55, and not a day later. I was actually able to retire at 40 thanks to meticulous planning. That did take great luck to achieve though. So many of my friends were hurt badly during training or killed in a helicopter crash. that could have easily been me. It definitely takes planning, AND a good amount of luck. TSP is a fantastic program. I lived smaller than I could, made contributions to it, and have been carefully managing it ever since I left at retirement. I am close now to having enough in there to drop some serious coin on the last house I will ever live in. Life is good when you plan for it.
V Star 1300 Adventures This is a great comment! If I could give a particular piece of vital information I’ve learned from life to any kid who’s 16 or 17 it’d be exactly what you said (adding in don’t smoke & if you want to use drugs, do so very sparingly). I was, unfortunately, a lot like your dad & have spent much of my life struggling to get by. It could’ve been so much easier. I don’t expect people to feel bad for me, I just want them to gain some information from my ignorance. 🙂
That's what I wanted for my son, but I couldn't verbalize it in a way for him to understand and he was not going to listen to good old mom without understanding. He'd be 18 years in now already, but got out after just 6. By the time he decided he wanted to stay in he'd let his PT fall enough to not qualify, shooting himself in the foot. He has HUGE regrets now that he knows he'll live with the rest of his life. He does still treasure his time in the military.
@@rosemarykriegel3226 you son sounds like me. Only made it 4...diagnosed with anxiety and ended up rushing into relationship. Been out since 03 and would've retired last year..im 40 and its about 50/50...part of me wonders what it woulve been like to retire and have that retirement but part of me likes freedom
@@Gunslinger_Disciple He was not diagnosed with anything detrimental and has not rushed into a relationship so is good there. He's been out since March 08. Would only have 19 months left, but is happy with the path he's on and is making good money. All's well that ends well. That life lesson gave him more respect for his mother than he had before and it was good before. In all of your learning get wisdom.
I enlisted the air force for six years. You are spot on! I went in expecting to stay in for 20 years. I went to Davis monthan, tinker, Osan then back to DM. I even tested and made E-5 first time testing. What I expected and what really happened were two different things. When I went back to DM the captain at the time that I pissed off was a major when I returned to DM he was the squadron commander. When It was time to reenlist he subjectively did not recommend me for reenlistment. So 6 years was all I got. I will say people in the military today have many more rights that I did when I joined.
Your point about preparing for two paths, one that remains Active Duty, and one that isn't is totally on point. EVERYONE leaves at some point. You have utterly failed yourself if you don't bother to prepare for when you have to leave.
When I joined the USAF, in July of 1965, I wasn't thinking about any of these things. I simply wanted to avoid mucking around in Vietnam, where the local guys and gals would be shooting at me or generally trying to take my life. I was 17 when I joined. I got my draft notice 2 days after turning 18. I was still in basic training. I was a medical technician and loved my job. I considered a career in the Air Force. But instead I separated in 1969 and used the GI Bill to get a college degree. I did not like the idea of being owned by my employer. I have a lot of respect for the people who join the military these days. They are all volunteers and there is still a lot of danger in this world. So whether you work in an office, motor pool, hospital or in harm's way, thank you for your service.
I’m literally going to basic in a few hours, thanks for another awesome video much love from AL. Edit: I didn’t expect so much attention on this a year later but im a Boom Operator at Fairchild AFB, basic was a great experience made great friends who I still keep in contact with til this you day
I’ll be 24 when I go . I was young and wanted to party but now I want to join and have a decent life . People tried talking me out but I don’t care how long I’ll serve I just want to serve my country !
Thank you so much. My dad was in the Navy. I'm 30 with a family and I'm stuck in a rut going nowhere. Ive been working at a hospital for 6 years now and i have nothing to show for it. I need to do something more to help me improve myself to be a better person for myself, other, and most of all for my family. I'm so depressed, stressed, and lost I dont know what to do. So for the next couple of months im getting into better shape and I've cold turkey on smokes, and I'm joining the military I was thinking Navy like my dad, or Army. But yeah sorry, thank you so much for this and everyone take care.✌
Usually how you should do it. Sign for 4 and just dip your toe in. Don't like it, get what you can and get out after your 4. Enjoy it, then just stay in 20 and set yourself up for retirement. I have a senior master sergeant in my shop who started out as 4 years and always said "I can't wait until I'm done so I can get out" now he's going on 22 years.
You’re right about the whole 20 year thing, I just graduated BMT and had a bunch of people in my flight say they wanted to do 20+ or were interested in commissioning as an E1. Imma keep to my four years and hop out
How I wish this existed when I was a teenager looking into the military. These videos are such a great resource for young kids. My choices may have been different had these resources been around.
Great information. I’m a Navy veteran and my son is about to go to boot camp for the Army. I forwarded your video to him. Another plus with TSP is it transfers with you if you take a job in the federal government after getting out of the military. 💰
Kyle, I would like to add something about the TSP. I lived in the dorms and had a beater car. No payments meant for me to put in 15% and the gov matched 5%. I put on SrA and raised it to 20%. I'm putting just under $500 into it a month and I save $1,000 into my savings. I also don't spend money on a lot of stuff. I've kept my beater car running and I live within my BAH/BAS. Leaves me about $200-$300 a check for play money. Lots of video games and hanging out with friends. I'm not suffering at all and I'm setting myself up. Also! Go to school kids! I'm almost done with my CCAF and I'll start the AU-ABC program to finish my Bachelor's hopefully before I get out. Set yourselves up guys. I'll have 0 worries wether I stay in or get out.
Everything he said was 100% true. For potential recruits and parents, theres one thing I'd like to press..... The military is just that...its a fighting force that is called upon when needed. Their needs come before yours. When i was in, so many peoples agenda was to go to school with the GI Bill. It doesnt always happen like that. A guy that knew was 1 week ahead of me in boot camp. We got stationed in the same place. When i arrived to our permanent station, he already had orders to ship out on a 6 month deployment to the middle east. When he came back, he was in the US for 6 months give or take, and was sent back to the middle east. And I've carried more dead bodies than I'd like to talk about. What im saying is, just know what you are really volunteering for.
As a female, I joined late 70’s and retired mid 2000’s after 30 years. I fully intend to only 4 years, because I was married, stay at home mum, and only want to attend school. Once in, I realized I enjoyed the way the service AF was like a family who took care of me and my family.
Because I've wanted to join for a while; people who don't know anything military have always asked me "how long do you wanna do that" but just me being naturally I'm always like 🤷♀️ "I dunno" and they give me crap for that saying stuff like "you must not be serious about it if you don't know"....😕 But having been raised by a Vietnam vet and an older bro in the corps; I have been given this kinda info in the video for a very long time. So it's hard to explain to civilians with no military interest or knowledge
@@rades920 Very few people had trouble passing the final PT test. 2 people had to retake it and both passed. Have u tested yourself yet? U need to do 33 push ups 42 sits in a minute each. And run 1.5 miles in under 13:30 and thats for the FINAL test after 6 weeks of PT every morning besides Sunday.
I have to say, serving in the Army was probably the best years of my life, at the time I enlisted, there was still a draft, Vietnam was winding down, I was out of High School about 2 years with no prospects. So I ended up signing up, though I had numerous mos, I ended up getting out 10 years later, Why ? because in my 30s I wanted my life back ! I got several jobs from companies that have government contracts, they have to hire a % of military veterans, later on, I worked in the nuclear power industry until I retired when I turned 54 years young ! living in S.Florida,still single, living La Doche Vita
💰 Great advice. I go to MEPS on 08/26/202 ,to hopefully pass everything and join at the age of 35. I have a TSP from the postal service. It really is foolish not to put at least 5% into your TSP . Like you said , they literally give you free money . No catch , all you have to do is put 5% in . Thanks for the tips and Thank you for your service
I am finally joining the military after waiting for 10 years due to life events. 10 years ago "I was going to join the coastguard and do my 20" I am now open-minded to the fact that I may not like it. So, that is why I chose a job with skills that can easily (at least I think) transition into a civilian job in case in 4 years I decide that the military isn't for me. I am now joining the Air Force because that is the branch that my husband is in and it is easier to be mil-to-mil if I join the same branch.
@@evilmistressofdarkness that's my mind set rn im doing my research im trying to serve 4 years to get money for college and also to see where my future takes me :D
"Money emogee" watched the whole video. Go Air Force. Did 4 years and out. No way I was doing 20. Worked out super great for me. great experience. I would definately do it again and recommend others to do it.
ssswrv so I will be honest with you, If you join the Marines you will have the most respect but along with that respect a lot of hard work and much harder to stay in after 4 years because they need 75 percent of the work force at E-3. If you go Army you have more job choices and is the easiest branch to make it to 20 but is still the second hardest. Air Force is the easiest physical wise but also the hardest to stick around because the quality of life is so good so promotions are slow. Navy is between Army and Air Force you will get to see the world but you are gone the most.
holy grail appreciate the feedback, talked to an army recruiter and seeing what’s available to me. Haven’t decided yet but plan to enlist after new years
A chronic preoccupation with home is a serious negative too. Believe it or not, when the failures of Vietnam were finally reviewed, a force overwhelmed with homesickness was cited as a secondary factor in the national defeat.
I'm German, 34, epileptic, overweight, know that I wouldn't be able to handle the stress of being in the military.... but I couldn't stop watching. Great vid! Also, I'd agrue that these a good pieces of general life advice, too.
Leave can be pretty brutal during holidays especially if you are in a mission critical space. Career field choice is SO important when signing up to the military. You covered a lot of great topics Kyle. Great video!😁👊
@@applelewins if you are applying to be in the military, WAIT for your career field to open a slot. Dont settle. Also, being in mission critical jobs, they will work with you on your leave (time off) but it one varies and can be difficult to take during holiday seasons.
I was AF also and stationed at Hurlburt Field, FL. Me and a couple buddies got bad sunburn once and we all received letters of counseling. Technically it's destruction of govt. property. He speaks the truth!💰
typical army schedule for me in a nutshell (Pre covid) M-F: 0630-0730 ish Physical Training 09/0930 - 1700/1800 etc Work Sat-Sun is your time (Unless you get recalled) You do get 4 day weekends tho, unless you are in the field or on CQ/Staff duty at least 24 hour duty or other details like that once a month or more etc Fields. Weeks at a time every single day in the' field' doing training. long hours typically during field days. Deployments, you are gone for like what 9-11 months at a time and depending on your optempo of the Unit. You can be deployed every single year
💰 thanks man ur one of those people who make the internet wat it should be about. Showing your experiences so others dont make the same mistake. Thats some humble shit 💯
💰That last reason Kyle is one of the reason pulling me to join. I ALMOST joined when you first started making videos. It’s been a journey ! Hoping to lose some weight and join
It took me 2 years but I finally got a ship date! One of the FIRST things I'm doing is setting up my TSP. Love the info you put out there for everyone Kyle! Thank you! 💰
Have to reschedule because my recruiter did not do run my credit report because I was 22 but when you married they have too. so they had to postpone my MEPS because some stuff came up I had to pay off, My stuff was not too major it’s taking care off she made a waiver packet send it for review by higher command, I am waiting for them to call me and reschedule 😒
Good advise man 👍 I'm still in... 28 years. 5 MOS skills, 2 marriages, and commissioned from Enlisted to Warrant Officer. Passing this video to my 18 son, soon enlisting.
💰💰I love your videos. I’m currently in the process of losing weight to join the Air Force and I watch your videos religiously because you’re really honest. I hope your doing well!
Im 18 years old, and I finished navy boot camp about a week and a half ago and I just started school for my job, kinda nervous for my career ( I’ll probably edit as much as possible until I leave the navy, might keep this as a journey entry through my navy career and perhaps what the navy has done for me afterwards) Edit 1 Currently 19 and I’m about to graduate C School and finna take transfer leave before I go to the fleet.
@@BluezStarz763 that’s great how long did the process take to enlist, cause I filled out the paperwork and stuff. I believe I have to take 2 test and then wait for my waiver for my neck tat. So I’m officially enlisted yet
@@vianeymoctezuma9931 it takes less than a week, but you have to take the picat test, or the asvab test in meps, then the next day you do some medical shit blah blah, for a few hours then if nothing is wrong with your medical records, then your good and when you pass your medical portion you will be allowed to choose a job and date and the day you ship out you do the same thing for a few hours and then you leave for boot camp and then rest is history, but it took me a few months since I was in school and I waited when I had spring break to hit so It doesn’t mess with my school work, and attendance, so when I did I shipped out 3 months after I enlisted which was june 16, which was 12 days after I graduated from high school and then rest is history
I'll probably be shipping to basic next year. Gotta remove the tattoos on my hands and slim my core. These tips are great to keep in mind and I'll probably rewatch this video at a later date to refresh the knowledge
💰 one thing he didn’t mention you can usually roll your TSP into another retirement plan at another career/job you take after you get out. So you’ll just keep adding to it.
Preach brother. I opted into the BRS the day enrollment opened. I knew I was getting out in about two years from the enrollment date and wasn’t about to leave money on the table. I think young servicemen also make the mistake of not using education benefits. TA and the G.l. Bill are incredible!
Started out as an 11D-Aero Rifleman. Vietnam drawdown happened, involuntary reclassed as 64C. Re-enlisted, the 2 year later reclassed again as 63H. Spent 2 years in that MOS, finished my degree and then applied for WO in MOS 630A. Received a direct appointment and then went on to retire with 21 years.
It’s kinda funny you left for BMT on my birthday and got out a day before 😮 you are a big reason, after watching hours and hours of your videos, I’ve joined the Air Force! Going through the recruiting process as we speak and I just wanted to say THANK YOU for everything you’ve done! From your service to this RU-vid channel. Just thank you!!
I was uncertain about joining for awhile and I realized, I'm 22 yes old I for sure want to join the army now and be a infantryman because both my parents were in the army an I just want to keep that going. Mom was an combat MP, dad was field field artillery. I love ur inspirational ways man thank you, keep it up🙏..... oh ya and 🤑this is the closest thing I could find to the moneybag lol.
My biggest advice is to make sure you know someone in the branch you're looking at to work with you through the recruiting process to ensure you pick the right job based on what you qualify for. The results of the test you take (used to be called the ASVAB), is what qualifies you for particular jobs. If you score well across the board as well as in certain areas, you might qualify for highly technical positions which are great if you want to turn that into a civilian career quickly. Make sure you pick a job that you think you'll enjoy and I would suggest picking one in a field that isn't going anywhere for either the military or the civilian sector. Sure you can be a truck driver, cook, artillery, etc but those jobs on the outside have competition. Jobs in networking, IT Security, Cyber, Medical, etc aren't doing anywhere and folks are always looking for trustworthy folks with experience to join their ranks. That way, if you decide the military isn't for you, you have access to entry level jobs in the civilian sector and you have real world experience, which folks coming from college don't have. So, get a free education, work experience in a field that is in high demand and get on with your life after the military. Also, the GI Bill will pay for college when you get out and the VA mortgage is a life saver for buying your first home without all the predatory BS banks like to slap on regular mortgages. It will save you 10's of thousands of dollars for nothing more than serving your time and getting out with an honorable discharge.
I’m pretty serious about joining The Army as a Cavalry Scout, I’m a junior in high school so I’ll enlist during my senior year and ship out after I graduate. I do training down at the recruiter office every week to get ready. I plan on doing 4 or 6 years then switching to reserves where I’ll get my 4 years in criminal justice and become a police officer. My ultimate goal is SWAT team
Guitar Chugs you’re joining the military, don’t waste your time getting a criminal justice degree if you wanna be a cop after lmao, you’ll be able to be one without one, especially after you get back from the army Try to get a better degree or don’t even waste time with it
And when I went into the military the AF was known for having to be the least physically fit. And I have checked all of the branches and found that to be True.
I agree from my experiences (all civilian full time positions). In college I worked one semester at the Naval Hospital in Bethesda, MD and another at the Naval Surface Warfare Center near College Park, MD. Decisions took me elsewhere, but now in early retirement - in order to make what is still allowed - I work part time at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. I could not be prouder than to be supporting The Brigade of MIdshipmen.
My grandpa and grandma both served 22 years. My grandpa in the air force and my grandma in the navy. Anyways they both wanted to do 4 years in the military but ended up staying in 😂. I’m only 12 years old and want to enlist into the air force just like my dad and my grandpa 🙂
I remember those days! My grandpa was the only one in the military and he joined the airforce, im talking to my recruiter and going to meps soon for the navy cause im finally 18 and about to graduate
Lieutenant Sinopa it definitely would if you joined army or marines and had to take a crap out in the field. be glad you're doing air force so you wouldn't have to worry about that crap.
@@waitwha4761 basic was pretty boring tbh. It wasn’t hard or anything, the biggest issue was that I missed home a lot more than I expected but that’s about it. I’m glad I did it though because now I’m in japan seeing places I could’ve only dreamed about before I joined .
Man every person that going to join the military needs to see this. When I joined the Marine Corps in 1992 they didn't have no kind of retirement, just save money on your own.
