How the military changed my life: Retired USAF MSgt (38 yrs old), 2 degrees (HR and CJ degree), retirement w/Tricare. Started my 2nd career in LEO. Retired LEO Sgt (SWAT, Patrol, Jail and Intel Unit) (56 yrs old) and now I am a Personnel Security Specialist GS12. LIFE if GREAT and I can still pass the USAF PT test with ease. AIRPOWER!
Fucked off a good portion of my life, now I'm in my 30s, and I think im gonna take the dive like i should have a long time ago. Cool video man. Puts shit into perspective for you.
Im 23 and ive only ever gotten random jobs here and there but im so tired of it, im thinking of talking to a air force recruiter soon to do 4 years! Thanks for the video! Really helped calm my nerves about joining
Do it bro. Just made my comment. I’m 25 and plan on going in soon. Start studying so you can get some good *ss jobs and avoid any MX job. I work on an AF base now, and they are some depressed mf 😂
I absolutlely hated going to meps without a doubt I would sit there at 4:30 in the morning until 11 just to talk to someone that was probably one of the most annoying things I've ever had to deal with
That’s just a taste of the meaning of “hurry up and wait”. Trust me, it’s even worse when you’re in-if you’re on time, you’re late and if you’re extremely early, only then you’re actually ON TIME.
DUDE! You are so honest, straightforward and you tell it like it is!!! I'm currently a semi-retired career counselor from a military family. Absolutely AIR FORCE all the way!!! Thanks for posting this video and for your Service. Kudos!!
Its funny you said if you stayed, not knowing what to do besides just going aimlessly going to school. Im 26 years old this past August and thats what happend to me lol. Currently enlisting into the marine corp. Going MCSG, just want to travel, serve the country with purpose. I was deterred from doing it after high school because of my parent's. But after many desk jobs, warehouse jobs, construction jobs. Sick of it all and just want to have a bigger meaning to my life. Great video, keep it up!
I feel you man in the same boat did several bullshit jobs met several assholes specially in construction was digging holes you name it . Currently in DEP I’m looking forward to this journey in the military
Marines is probably something best if you’re 17 yrs old, because the level of stupid things you will be doing your first 24 months is (esp for the marines) I don’t think it’s necessarily that physical, but if you have any critical thinking skills what-so-ever, forget all of them now, because you’ll NEVER use any of them in the marines… Marines is one of those places for either two types of people, 1) you came from a military upbringing (father, brother, uncles, grandparents…ect) and you plan on making it a career. 2) you grew up in a broken home, dirt poor, or abusive household or my friend (orphan) so ANYTHING that provides a roof over your head, and 3 meals a day is the best thing you ever had (my case, went in at 17). If you just want to find yourself, and discover what you really want to do in life, AF or Navy, even Army are good options, AF & Navy -> A lot LESS BS and you’ll be dealing with on average, more intelligent people, and LESS BS by orders of magnitude.
i love how you said study for the asvab.....2001 younger me walks into a recruiting office......*recruiter "lets get tacos while i sell the army to you, oh there is a little test you gotta take. by the way have you heard about the infantry?"
Thanks my man im seriously considering the AF hope i can find a decent opportunity to get out of the rut ive dug myself in since high school. Hope to see some of yall that got impacted by covid during our school years, we will prevail!
I'm 17, about to turn 18. I just graduated High School and I've been thinking about joining the AF as a Cryptologic Language Analyst for a while now, I just have to visit a recruiter, take the ASVAB and hope there's an opening lol. I've had my anxieties regarding the horror stories and shit I've heard about meps and other such things, but I currently live in the middle-of Nowhere south and really think it could be beneficial to me (I don't really know what I would do if I went to college). Even if some of this stuff definitely scares me a bit -- from what I've heard everyone kinda feels that way at first. Great video btw!
Good choice join air force they treat you 100 times better than the other branches don't be fooled by the coolness in the marines army or navy shits a trap
DUDE! this video is a blessing! I've always like working on cars, and knowing more about mechanical. I've been looking around trying to find the branch that will benefit and have what I'm looking for. Im leaning towards Air Force because of the technical and mechanical opportunities that it has compared to others. Although i do like the army as well because of the pt aspect + some handful mechanical jobs
If you play your cards right. You'll do college classes in high school. Come in as an E2 or Airmen wait the few months in Tech School to rank up to E3. Use the CCAF to get an Associates or use FTA to get a degree or most of a degree. Punch out of Active Duty using a Palace Program into the Reserves/National Guard then separate into IRR. Then you'll be free to live the life you like.
I highly advise against taking college classes in high school. High school kids are not mature enough to realize they can fuck their life up right then and there by slacking off and hurting their college GPA before they’ve ever set foot at a real university. Especially if you grew up poor in a crap neighborhood with a crap public high school, odds are you haven’t received the guidance you need to make it work. Education quality is not equal, gerrymandering and all that nonsense. There’s a reason prestigious universities are dominated by rich kids.
I wish I would've had the kind of ambition and Direction to do something like this in my life when I was a young man I can honestly say That you made the right decision
I was 19 when I went into the Army. I was like you, didn't want to waste money on college because I didn't know what I wanted. I became a motor wheeled driver, from jeeps to 18 wheelers. I loved it. Got to see a lot of stuff while I was in. This video was pretty much spot on.
My situation is different. I went to university, currently at 35 hours majoring in mechanical engineering, and I know what I want, but I simply cannot afford it. I'm going into the USAF to continue my education. I took a practice exam without studying walking into the office, and I got an 80 (80, 80, 80, 100). I also have some certs that go with my degree. Basically was told I was qualified for just about whatever, and aside from my PT, I was told I'm the recruit that's in demand. Also, hello as a Wichita Falls native.
I signed up for 6 years initially in the Navy. I'm glad I did. After boot camp I went to school for almost a year learning the power plant trade. Loved it I went to my first ship and E4 (petty officer 3rd class) Also was guaranteed 5k after school. Awesome. No regrets I still work as a civilian on the power plant industry. I've earned as high as 160k in a year at a city power plant. Amazing
as a recent graduate of USAF BMT its mixed feelings, but mostly proud of what I've accomplished so far. However, I joined at much later part of my life at 35. I'm in the reserves so I believe I made the right choice. Yes BMT was full of wide range of emotions from regret to rejoice when I received my coin.
As far as I know Airforce is just the better option in every say the QoL is just better in general and you're just treated more humanely ask any army or marine guy and they'll say they wished they chose airforce I'm considering joining but this is just how I see it
I recently graduated from college but I don’t know what to do with my degree and am considering joining the Air Force for some real world experience. Thanks for sharing your experience
1:15 NO WAYYYY YOU TOOK A PIC WITH MY DAD I CANT WAIT TO TELL HIM THIS, I ALSO HAVE PLANS ON JOINING THE MILITARY BEFORE I TOOK THE ASVAB GOT A 22 AND I GAVE UP.BUT MY DAD KEPT HINTING AROUND SAYING I SHOULD TRY AGAIN SO THAT'S WHAT IM TRYING TO DO NOW.
Great video!!! Straight to the point whilst also being very informative and not to mention the great overall video quality. Im in the same situation as you were when you first joined. Im a senior in high school but i don't really know what to do after graduating. I have don't good enough grades for a scholarship but i don't want just work either, figured Id kill two birds with one stone lol
To all the young guys in the 19-29 bracket I say Join bro. 😎 I’m 36 I’m a professional chef I fuck the kitchen up, no joke, I train young guys all the time I always tell em quit cooking your wasting your life, join the military the air force or something go to college, dont think your gonna put in the years of work and become a talented bad ass chef like me, it’s not gonna happen, 🙅 it’s a catch 22 situation because I’m not trying to be a dick, I’m being a honest person, and I want better for them. What I do is very competitive and requires a certain type of person, I also have mentored talented young guys right out of school that really wanted it I could tell and I took them under my wing 🪽 and trained them how to be a chef not a cook, and they mostly own businesses now. All in there 20s. I’m 36 and I’m considering joining the Air Force too, you think I care about people judging me or saying anything to me 😂 lol I don’t give two fucks what people think, and as a young man you should always focus on your growth not others perception or opinions about you, be a better you, and be honest with yourself.
You won't be behind your peers when your done serving. You learn more than any school can teach you. Honor , Duty and love of country. We aren't perfect but this is a great country to grow up in and live your life. And don't be like this guy and use the f word because you don't know what to say. My regret is leaving the Air Force.
I'm 31 and I'm joining in a week 😅 I have had a personal trainer since 2020 so I'm hoping that gives me some edge 😅 I'm strong but I'm not fast. And I would say it's my age but I've honestly never been fast so I think it's just my body lol
Weigh the pros and cons for yourself. Remember it will only be 4-6 years of your entire life as well and the benefits will last even after your service.
As a veteran myself, let me tell you how the military changes you: 1) If you're immature, simple, and naive, it will convince you that you're special when you aren't, that the military is professional when it isn't, and that not thinking is an admirable trait. 2) If you're mature and intelligent, it won't change you. You'll rightly say "f**** this," and get your ass discharged ASAP.
I'm 24 and considering as well. If you have a degree, go the officer route. Air Force OTS takes longer than most to get accepted (I've heard 12-18 months) so be prepared for that.
People join in their 30s and say it's the best decision they've ever made. Viewing the military as a waste of 4-6 years is nonsense and a poor perspective on life. A lot of opportunities become available to you that not many people get to experience. It's all about your attitude and what you're willing to do to move forward. Good luck man :)
I'm over in Vacaville, so not far from you. Both of my grandfathers served at Travis AFB, and I personally want to join the Navy so I don't end up at Travis in my hometown lol.
If you’re going Active Duty I’d say there’s a very low chance of being stationed in your hometown. We’re your grandfathers in the reserves? That may be why they were at a local base
I wish I saw your video 3 years earlier. I wouldn’t sign for 6 years. Thank god there’s Palace Chase program that allow me to go back home and serve as a Reservist or Guardsman. The only cons is I have to redo another 6 years with the component I choose
It's not only 4 years there is an 8 year obligation so if there is a war the military might call you back. Just so y'all know. Me I want to join the Air Force
Hey man, I’m going to MEPS soon for Air Force… love the content, is there anyway we could talk in zoom or something we are the around the same age but I would like to have a conversation about life and have your feedback.
When you go to MEPS remember if you don't like any of the jobs they offer you, you can leave. You can try with another branch, or after a waiting period (I forget how long it is) you can retake the ASFAB if you didn't score high enough to get the job you want. The first I went to MEPS was with the Army. The MEPS station was ran by the Marines and they were not happy when I told them I didn't want to sign. I later had my ASFAB scores transferred to the Air Force and got a job I wanted.
@@DemLepHey so I did the PiCAT and got approved for the job i wanted and I was wondering if my job isn’t available or open when I go up to MEPS can I just wait till it’s available or will i need to decide on a job when i’m there unless I don’t pick any?
@@perc30 Congrats! If your job is not available you do not have to sign any contract. They may try and pressure you to sign for a job that you do not want, but you don't have to sign. You can enter a Delay Enlistment Program and be notified when there is an opening for the position. DEP normally will meet once a week, ask your recruiter, and do simple PT. Your recruiter might be able to tell give you an idea on how often that job has an opening and what the wait time, if there is one, will be. Hope you get the job with no issues! Also, what job are you going for?
@@DemLep thank you so much! and fire protection 😭 every where online i look and it seems like it’s really hard to get but my recruiter gave me a list of 119 jobs and it was #13 and in the high need category
I would like to join to be a mechanic for planes n such so I can carry it over to working on cars in the civ life, but you still get deployed and I personally think that my life is more important than any benefits. I want a completely unbiased reason as to why I should/shouldn't join when I'm 18.
you're definitely swaying me into enlisting. what's your honest opinion on signing a contract for open general? i want to wait for a cyber job or one of my other choices but i also want to ship out as sooner rather than later. hopefully my waiver gets approved and i can start this process.
It just depends on you whether or not you want to ship out with the open general or wait for one of your choices. I went open mechanical, but the thing is you could end up with any one of those picks as well. If you really want that job you can wait for it.
If you go open general odds are you’re going to be security forces. I’d wait for anything cyber man. I booked client systems and leave July 18th. Don’t settle or do something you’d second guess - remember you’d be trapped for at least 3-4 years.
@@vendetta7012yes you are definitely able to wait for the job you want, if the recruiter tells you there are not slots open at the moment then just call back every week or two and see if it’s open yet.
All the recruiters in my area tells me open General is next impossible to get and all 3 I went to keep trying to push Security Forces and air conditioning maintenance job telling me I need to put them on my list cuz they need them.. pushing me towards jobs I have 0 interest in…. And advice in booking jobs that fit goals that one might have in mind? Not too much on South Carolina my guy but Shaw is ass tho lol
Don’t let them push you into a job you don’t want to do for the next 4-6 years. See what your options are with what you got and if you want to leave sooner or later. I assumed anything “Open” would be easy to get because it’s a wide range of choices, like I went in Open Mechanical and got to choose a list
I was wondering how you make 2.5k a month while going to school. Are you a reservist? I was told that servicememebers who can (or have time to) go to school are in reserve. And while being in reserve, you get paid very very little which means you would have to get a job in the civilian world to help pay bills.
I was active duty, served 4 years and left. Now I’m using the GI Bill which pays for your tuition and gives you a monthly allowance that you can use on basically whatever you want (rent, food, etc.). The amount you get will be different depending on where you live. I’m not familiar with reservists but they definitely don’t get paid very much and I’m not sure if they even receive the full benefits if the GI Bill either.
not sure if you're still interested. but this is what i know from my recruiter. fire protection is what i was going for but i've been depped for a few months and no spots opened up. so they put me in for SF and i ship out 3/5/24. availability can be tight because apparently it's a very popular job. but everything about it that i see says it's a fantastic job. good luck.
When I went it was every other day. One day is “strength” training, and the next is cardio days where they set a time for about 35+ mins and you just run around a track
You can swap orders????!!!!! WTF???? That must be an AF thing…. There’s NO service, perhaps anywhere on earth, where you can just swap orders with someone, just like that… Just another reason everyone wants to join AF!
Fake friends, as in a bunch of rats. Not everyone is a good person. To avoid it all, everyone is a co-worker, that is all. Dont share anything personal with others, keep your personal life/ideas/etc., private(privacy).
Taking leave is easy depending on how busy your squadron is. You just have to tell your folks like months in advance and let them know when you plan on taking it so it works with the work schedule
You can but probably not within 1 enlistment contract. You have to work in that job for a bit, and then “cross train” into a new job if you get the chance to. But that means you’ll have to go to that jobs technical school to learn it
If it weren’t for the wife and 2 semen demons I’d embrace my inner masochist and join the marines. However as a military brat I grew up in and around bases and know better. Especially since I’m in tech now and looking to leverage the af for Cyber. Just got N01 job and am stoked to make a career out of Intel and and get into Cyber..And ship out in Sept. I’ll be the oldest at bmt at 32. But I’m likely going to be one of most fit.
Might look cool but boring job. Standing at the gate scanning ID's all day and patrolling. Doesn't look like much happens for them but I could be wrong
