Watch This BEFORE You Talk To An Army Recruiter 

I spent 26-years in the Army. Enjoyed every day of my service.

What happened if you laugh in the middle of being yell at

Hi...I'm on recruiting duty right now. I appreciate your video. You bring up some good points, first and foremost that if you're joining the Army, you definitely need to do your own research. I want all my recruits to be happy with their decision, but like the video says, not all recruiters are the same. Most recruiters are going to be honest with applicants, but there are some bad apples out there, which is sad. If you're still reading, awesome...I want to clarify some things. Make sure whatever your recruiter says you're getting is ON PAPER. Not all jobs come with airborne or other options attached. If you don't have it in writing, it's not a guarantee. You MIGHT get to go to a high-speed school down the road, but that's obviously not the same as getting it with your contract. Next, we dont control what jobs are available. Once you take the test we show you a list generated by what you qualify for and what has training seats open. I don't beat around the bush, if an applicant doesn't qualify for a job, I'll say as much and that applicant has to decide what to do at that point. We can call higher and request jobs, but again, there's no guarantee a specific job will be there. Of course, if you're dead set, you can wait and maybe it will come up, but if you don't maintain contact with us and show dedication, it's not likely we're going to keep you "in the system" and check every week, etc. That said, with my recruits, it's their ball game. Of course I will push them to get through the process so they can start their career and move on, but I'm not going to try to make them do something they don't want to do, and if they want to wait for a certain job or they're not ready to make a decision...the ball's in their court. I will state the likelihood of some jobs coming in the near future, as the Army decides what it needs for the most part each year and once the jobs are taken, they're gone. There won't magically be a new air traffic controller class just because you want there to be one, and I've got applicants who are ready to rock that need my time as well, so that can factor in. At the end of the day, we're not telling you you can't have something just to be assholes. If I can make it happen for somebody, I will. If I can't, I can't. I hope that answers some questions about the process of job selection. All in all the Army is the most straightforward branch in that regard because once you select a job and we reserve it, it's guaranteed with whatever options come with it. If you get a bad vibe from your recruiter, you should know that you HAVE to be present when reserving a job. That way you see all your options and can make a decision. (Unless you're a special case like prior service where you have to go over jobs with the guidance counselors at MEPS, but that's complicated...) My final point is that I think recruiters get a bad wrap from the few out there being willfully dishonest. Most of us are out here genuinely working to do right by our recruits. For me joining was one of the best decisions I ever made and my hope is that that can be the same for everyone I help through the process. Edit: There's a current message out where recruits don't need to be present for a job reservation due to COVID (it's been the case a few months now) but I just wear a mask and have my recruits there, so no change, really. I'll be done with recruiting in about a month. Can't wait to scuff up all you suckers that joined 😂 (This is a joke. The fact I had to point this out means I've been recruiting too long). I stand by everything I've said here. I am/was in New England (not NYC) but it holds true for all recruiters from the time I said it 'til now. Best of luck. Also...big thing you pointed out before...recruiters don't know jack about MOSs outside their MOS. We ask other recruiters, or friends in other MOSs what it's like, but other than that...we're watching the same cheesy RU-vid video from the 80s that you're watching, and making an educated guess. Just be aware of this fact. Do you baby, and remember...ball's in your court.

I walked into the army recruiting office, it was depressing, they saw my priors and walked me to the Marine office. Was a much nicer setting imo

Best advice.. Do your own research outside of recruitment... Have specific questions for recruiters, record answers. And double check.... Then repeat.. Take your time.. Regardless of branch..

Also- give this a thumbs up. He is really helping people and didn't have to do this.

Thank youuuuuuu!!!! i'm super nervous about talking to a recruiter in person.

In want to be in the Marines and I looked up recruiter stations and this one review said the recruiter took him to the park and made him run and do pull ups and stuff, seems like a good recruiter.

When my niece went t the recruiter and I went along. I was active duty, O-4, and boy what he pissed, especially when he had to salute me .

Very appreciative of the advice of you and others. If I hadn't listened to much advice I might have settled for something like 25S, which is a damn fine job I'm sure. But I got what my heart was set on not even a week after being told it could be up to a year or more till slots open up. I got 17C and shipping out 9/11 to Benning. Keep up the great work with the vids bro.

I talked to some Navy recruiters and I had *one* question. They tried to get me to sign over my soul, and I'm like, uh.... No. I don't want to join the Navy. I want to join the Army. Then they just ganged up on me. "Are you scared of the water?" "Just sign this paper and you get a free ball and frisbee." "The Navy doesn't go to war. The Army has guns and shooting." "When do you turn 17?" And I was like, really man??? I *DON'T WANT TO JOIN THE NAVY!!! I JUST HAD A QUESTION!!!*

You have a wonderful channel helping new potential recruits, please keep it up! America needs more of this.

I'll say your videos have helped me make a big decision. I've talked to a recruiter as well as a lot of friends and family in the military and I should be shipping in August. Just gotta finish this college semester and get some loose ends tied up over summer.

My recruiter was telling me that all of basic training and AIT will take place in my home state (Arizona) and I told him that I wasn’t interested in staying in state so them he turned around and said something along the lines of “oh well it’s very unlikely that you’ll actually remain in state anyway” wtf

Great video, and some great advice for anyone thinking about enlisting in the military. I can speak from experience… always make sure that you and your recruiter are 100% in sync with *you* expect to get out of your military service. In addition, be sure to check your enlistment contract *before signing it* to make sure it calls everything out correctly… especially (but not limited to) your AIT station (which can affect your MOS), permanent party station, and any other critical enlistment options that need to be called out.

My recruiter told me that 68G is a “unicorn job” She basically said I won’t be able to get that job ever.

I told my recruiter what I wanted to do he said "cmon man. You need to help me out." I thought his job was to help people not get helped lol

I told my Army recruiter I was thinking about changing to the Air Force to get a better chance at aviation. He immediately responded with I can reserve you a 15E MOS if you join the Army. There were 2 spots open according their website and he printed me out my reservation paper.

My recruiters didn't have patience with me and I really wanted to join, so I ended up going with 12B. Now I leave in the first week of October and I just realized it's going to be hell to switch my mos.

I’m working with a recruiter now I’m shooting for a 25B if not an 11X and going for Air Assault not Airborne and he’s been Super helpful along the way fed me a lot of information and sent me home with a decent amount of resources I’m currently finishing my last 3 credits to get my actual high school diploma so I’m looking to finish all my paper work and go off to MEPS around mid fall early winter. But I plan on doing a full 30 and honestly can’t wait to get it all started I’ve wanted to join the Army since I can remember. just wanted to give mad respect to everyone who’s went and who’s on the way to BCT

i really appreciate all youve been doing to help educate people! these videos make it seem a lot less scary and even though its something that should be taken seriously it's nice to know a little bit about what should be happening.

TO ALL FUTURE SOLDIERS! make sure your recruiter gives you the OPAT! My recruiter was lazy and passed me. The OPAT is easy except for the shuttle runs. You take it again at reception you don't want to fail it there.

Former Marine here, looking at Army, they seem to have more variety when it comes to MOS

I hope you dont stop answering to comments as you get bigger :_) Can you make a couple of more fitness videos such as eating or workouts? Also can you make a couple of videos on SFAS?

Man you and two other army RU-vidrs are my biggest help through this process

I’m about to go in a couple minutes 😂

Yup recruiters will definitely try to pressure you to go active rather than reserves lol I don’t know why but they do.

My recruiter has been in for 25 years, I trust him and the whole office he commands. They have even made me their copy boy, and taught me how to do some paper work just because I’m in the office so often. I literally can’t wait to swear in. MEPS on Thursday. Thanks for your input Matt, you’ve been a life saver. I respect your service in the army, and most definitely respect you went an extra mile on RU-vid. You deserve some type of award!

My recruiter is awesome we get along so well !! Im going to see him tommorow afterschool to talk about the army!! Hes really cool and funny

I passed my asvab and i start on my packet monday can't wait i love all the knowledge on your videos and thanks for all the tips and motivation

True.. only with proper permission you can drill at other units .. "Chain of Command" approval... Thanks for tips

I’m planning on going into the marines in 2-3 years. Pretty excited! I’m not going to let my recruiter change my mind. My dad went into the army and his recruiter got him to do a job that he thought sounded cool because the recruiter explained it in a way that it sounded like a blast. But he ended up leaving very early. He still regrets it.

Thank you for making these videos im a junior in high school and im joining the army these vids are super helpful

Thanks for your concern bro! Really appreciate it!

I should've never talked to that Army Recruiter, life would've been better for me, rather than a crucible from abuse experiences while in the service. Army service year: 2001. A lot has changed though I hear.

I'm not even American, and no plans on joining up...yet I still watch this just in case

USAREC and MEPCOM both have sites where you can get up to date and accurate regulations. Also google army manning strength you can find critcal fill mos's for the time you are enlisting.

Thank you for everything ❤️

Thank you this was very helpful!

I'm looking to join the Navy... I'm 34 and didn't expect to have the recruiters try to push the undermanned jobs on me... nonetheless, the moment I went to speak to a recruiter in person, that's exactly what they (two of them) did. I voiced that I wanted a Mass Comm job (I'm about to complete a degreein Graphic Design)... I mentioned that I'm motivated to work hard and rank up... they used that against me to say that other jobs would be easier to progress in quickly, that I should consider jobs that women don't normally go into... like gunners mate... that they knew a girl who enlisted in that rating and loved it... that I could always have my rating changed "later". I'm humble, but I was put off by that experience. I know the military has ITS needs... but so do I. It's frustrating being pressured to go in a different direction than what I want (at my age!), being told nobody ever gets the job I want (he literally called it a unicorn), that it could take forever for that job to become available, etc. I started with an interest in becoming an Officer, then figured I wasn't ready or a good enough (competitive enough) candidate as a civilian and I opted to pursue enlistment first with the intent to apply for OCS a few years down the line. The Officer recruiter I worked with was so genuine and helpful. The enlistment recruiter was not; he encouraged me to lie about various things that "some jobs might disqualify you for." I'm like man... if I qualify as an OFFICER candidate with my honesty, I'm not gonna lie elsewhere about anything. How you gonna set me up on our very first meeting? Being told the job I want is impossible to get really was discouraging. If I make a career of my service to the military, I don't want to be miserable the entire time.

Before going to a recruiter get evaluated by a phsychiatrist first. You need to make sure you are not running away from life, academics, bad relationships. Settle your busines then join. You must be 100% present to get through basic and AIT.

Back when he was "SHOOTEMUP89"

Any branch recruiter's primary job is to recruit for what the military needs at that time.

I had adhd and my recuriter told me to just lie to meps hes pushing me very hard get in im scared they will find out im 20 now and been off them for 2 years

I keep reading articles on google about how their seriously struggling to fill slots so their becoming significantly more lenient with restrictions that before. Their much more open to tattoos now and their opening up a prep course for basic training for people who just barely missed the mark as well as having hefty sign on bonuses.

Pretty much qualified for: Chef Patient administration specialist Combat engineer I let them pressure me into choosing one so i chose 12b im starting to think i made a huge mistake, I wanted to be an MP. But I let them fucking get to me. After I was recruited (sworn in) they don't even bother to talk to me anymore or even text/call me.

A good video to make as a follow up is how you should go about talking to your recruiter with these issues. For instance, my recruiter says "you don't need airborne in your contract, you can just ask and they let you." I feel like a lot of people would be scared to even think about saying "no sir, I don't feel comfortable without it in my contract and I would like it redone to state airborne school." or however. The big fear I think is that no one wants to piss off the person who they think is in charge of what is about to happen to them. You want to feel like you are being taken care of, and not, like the person taking care of you is not interested in doing so. Hope I made the point I was trying to. I got lucky my recruiter is amazing, my wife is active and we have a child, he was very up front about colocation not being a guaranteed thing and everything else that I feel some would have lied about. I pick next week for my MOS, hoping for 15T or 15U. Keep up the videos!

I’m definitely fact checking my recruiter! Because I want to make sure my husband & kids are good when going to BCT.

Me and a friend are both joining the army and are taking advantage of the buddy system "11 xray ", the recruiter said we will definitely have our first duty station together wich im kind of skeptical about, we are both joining regardless but it would be cool to have a friend i grew up with on my side through this process, usually if something sounds too good to be true it isn't, so just wondering your input on this.

Talked to a army national guard recruiter and he promised $20,000 signing bonus but I've heard that they don't give it to you that you will pay that back with payments out of your pay over time

I am a University student going into my second year, I've been talking with an Army recruiter but he hasn't been completely clear about a couple things regarding the reserve. He told me about drill once a month and what compensation would be like. But He never mentioned the possibility of being deployed and he's been vague about how I would keep my scholarship. How often do you get deployed and how do you factor that in with school?

I spent several years as a Recruiter (Gold Ring), you have given out some very good advise. The Recruiters in the command, when I was recruiting, were under a tremendous amount of pressure from the officer corps, that would include the company officer to the commanding general. They believe that every body wants to join, and that there is a line at the door. They have a military mind set, they need a civilian bearing, and an understanding of how a market analysis works (probably don't use one). When I was recruiting, I found it easier to lay out all options, that an applicant was qualified for. I informed the applicant it was like buying a car, if I have the product you want then buy, if not, I will help you find the Branch of Service that had the type of training he/she was looking for. It's better to have a happy service member in another branch, than a disgruntled Army Soldier. It also helps when your enlistee returns home and tells everyone you are a straight shooter and will not BS you, but will tell you the truth.

I am a Recruiter I agree, do you research first, we have a website and open net sources to check out before you even come to our offices. www.goarmy.com. I use open sources to verify what you will get for benefits why because I can know those are guaranteed by the DOD as long as you are in good standing with whatever service you join. Trust me the Army, Airforce, Marines, and Navy all have tuition assistance, G.I. Bill and retirement plans. The difference is that the Army can reserve your specific job here at the office based on the four factors of is it available, do your ASVAB scores support that career, are you morally qualified for that career, and can you pass the physical at MEPS for that career. Finally can you pass the OPAT in the rating identified for that career. If we can answer yes to all of those factors, then you can select that specific career. There is no smoke and mirrors. I show all my applicants all the jobs on the system that they qualify for and is currently open. So if you want to know how much you will be paid go on the DFAS page and look up military pay tables, all services get paid the same base pay based on rank, go to the VA website to verify the GI Bill and benefits you receive. Go to the Army schools site, most being at FT Benning, GA and find out the requirements for those schools. I am an Army Recruiter, you can ask me and I will tell you the Facts. I'm only temporarily on this assignment. It benefits me none to put you in the Army if you don't want to really 110% join. My job is to show you the Army and its benefits, its your decision to join. Good luck on your future endeavors. Plus shootmeup89, if you want real answers to whats going on in recruiting these days just ask.

This really actually helped me because i'm in my sophomore year o high school and I know I want to go either army or navy so now I know what to expect from recruiters.

I had no idea what to ask the recruiter when i joined the Army in 89. We had no computers or search engines. I would have looked at all the Mos's i qualified for and not just jumped at Artillery.

first, love you channel, and love your content.. when I talked with my Recruiter, he was very new, and I ended up talking with a few Recruiters.. I would never say that I was lied to, because I trust that the Army would never flat out lie to anyone, however.. I feel they were a little misleading, and something that wasn't a big deal stiff and poppy joints, is becoming a big deal, after a few RSP Drill weekends, and heavy training.. I would agree, I love the Army, and would definitely say that it is an amazing opportunity for anyone ready for a challenge.. but, like buying a car, do your research.. and, know that you are being sold, not to put my Recruiter or any Recruiter down, they have a hard job, to make the Army look good, and better then a different Branch, so.. sometimes, things get polished, and "features" get talked up.. again, as always, love your stuff man..

My recruiter is picking me up in an hour, Boise Idaho. Been keeping up with videos but yeah pretty nervous and hope I am to get combat medic and if not tank mechanic is my 2nd most choice

In regards to another video. Thanks. My Army recruiter showed me a list a MOS’s available. 31Bravo is my main goal, but it wasn’t on the list. He tried selling me on 14c or something. Because I watch your videos, I told him I’d come back and check next week for 31Bravo again.

Thanks for the info! Would love more info on certain specific jobs.

You have to put in a request for transfer to switch units and need approval from current commander at least. The transfer unit commander may help as well. Also, the slot needs to be available in requested unit as well.

glad you still post often thanks bro.. I'm actually curious about what stores are at the px? and I've heard there's a gun store there? or am I wrong? please reply or make a video about those topics. thanks a lot bro!

Can my wife live on base with me when I go in full time

Thanks for this information. You are such a life saver. I have tons of qustions for you which I think it will better asking on the life stream. When is the next life stream coming up?

I talk to my recruiter face to face tomorrow. Wish me luck MATT!

hey i'm just about turn 19 and i really want be come food specials in the army national grad and my recruiter told me he can make that happen if the passed the test should i believe him?

Headed to Ft. Jackson on the 22nd (reception). 15 Romeo. :)))

Literally parked outside the recruiters debating which branch to talk to first.

Get it right. Changing an MOS is not easy. My son is a pilot, fireman, and EMT and a college grad. He wants to do CID or Fed Agent. He is in 12B. In NO WAY does this help him or is a good fit. All the bad stuff happened at MEPS, after the hotel stay it all went belly up. He said he wanted adventure. Now, I'm calling the recruiter 5x a day, raising hell, threatening my kid, and everyone says no wait till after basic change his MOS then. He is active duty. Jan 2 ship. I am not joking when I say the stress from this will give me my 4th heart attack. Once you sign, that is IT. Do your homework. Watch this guy, he is amazing.

I'm glad I had a squared away recruiter that didn't try to bend the truth and lie.

Kidthndr2 is a pretty good guy to watch when it comes to OCS.

Thanks for the video man. I just became a subscriber.

Man I love your videos. It's hard to find someone who actually tells it how it IS. Keep 'em coming. Talking to a recruiter today. I'm very interested in 12B. Any advice on this MOS or how to get into Sapper School (even though you're supposed to be an E4 or above) can I get this in my contract?

There is no reason to get scared talking to a recruiter. The recruiter lied to me about base pay and said that was after tax only for me to find out it is before tax. That is a massive pay cut from my civilian job. And my asvab was so high but I was given a list on infantry jobs only. Safe to say I refused to sign any contract till they find a better MOS.

Is there a time of the year where the new members are an older age group I imagine the summer would be a bunch of high school aged people, I ask causr i'm probably going to basic within the next 2 months and I'm mid 20s, also do we active duty enlistees do basic training together with reserves?

DD Form 368 allows you to switch to Active duty. Its one form signed by the command. You must understand airborne is not always available for contract. The Truth is the majority of of airborne qualified Soldiers did not have it in contract. At the end of the day you must want the Army. Its a great choice and your recruiter will show you all of the jobs you qualify for airborne or not.

I joined the air force with the promise from the recruiter that no matter what job I choose ill be able to do in the civilian life. Well... I am out of the air force after 8 years and I have not been able to do anything close to what I did in the air force like my recruiter promised me.

I am join U.S. marine corps. I don't trust army recruiter officer. My last army recruiter officer try to fool me. It really piss me off when people lie to another person just get a bigger paycheck.

I'm doing PT with my recruiter starting next week. Do they give any Army shirts to you? what is PT with a recruiter like?

No 1. Jobs are based on scores and availability. No 2. Reservist can switch units, especially if they move. But no they cannot just pick and choose. No 3. Airborne, ranger, and specialty schools are also based on many factors. Don't be a person with a 31 asvab and expect to be a special forces. Recruiters can be misleading but also applicants can be a bit of a dreamer. My suggestion is to ask for pamphlets, use the asvab challenge app for your phone.

The greater your options, then the less likely that you'd ever sign up.

The Airborne comment isn’t really a lie though. I’ve had Soldiers drop 4187s to go to Airborne school and they got approved, but they also received PCS orders to go to an Airborne unit.

In 1981a walked into the Army recruiting station and said give me the biggest sign up bonus she got let's go and I was a combat engineer and went to Fort Leonard Wood Missouri and yeah we kicked ass

I don’t know what to choose Air Force or Army

I’m going to army recruiters today after school so he can talk to my mom about a plan that I can do once I’m 17. And pick my mos and such. I’ll keep you updated

I did talk to a recruiter the other day, he had me do a practice test and said I scored high, I wish I could post the picture on here, but he said I could get any job I wanted based off the score on the practice and then continued with what are you thinking cook or infantry? I was like isnt like like the lowest jobs you can have? And then he was like I’m infantry and based off what you’ve told me it sounds like infantry would be a good fit for you. I felt hella bad when he said that 😂 I just agreed with him that it did sound like a good idea. He told me to look at all the jobs on the army website and to think about it, and he setup a meeting to take the picat on the 4th. I’m pretty excited to see what that score is gonna be.

If it's not in the contract, it does not matter what they say.

I’m 9 years old and my recruiter said I can become a navy seal right now if I got in the back of his truck and make a million dollars per year I’m so excited !!!!!

One question that I have. Im in the future soldier program and my recruiter keeps telling me that Im "required" to refer someone each week to the army which I think is complete bs because Im basically doing his job.

I was talking to a recruiter and he said that If i get a friend to join the army while I'm enlisting I'll start as a Private First Class instead of private.. is that true?

My sons recruiter signed him for 6 years and didn't offer no bonuses. Zero, Zilch, nada. He signed for chinook helicopter mechanic. No bonus at all for my poor boy

Great Video !! I'm older. I'm 35.. The Airforce is my only option to go in as active duty because of my age. I've lost 112 lbs in 11 months. It's been pure motivation to drop the weight for me to join the military. I never wanted something as bad as this. I finally sit down with my first appointment tomorrow with the Airforce recruiter. I'm nervous because it's a HUGE decision but also excited because I know this is what I want. A bit nervous because of my age but I also think it will be to my advantage as well... any red flags with a recruiter ?? any specific questions I should ask ? any advice would be much appreciated :)

Heyy man the air borne part is very true I did it when I was in I didn’t want to add extra time on my contract so I did airborne when I finished basic and I had a guy in my squad that we sent to airborne school from my unit there is a but to it though it depends on your unit lol some units will say no to a certain school

whatever you do people. MAKE SURE and I mean MAKE SURE whatever you want to do and then some. IS ON PAPER. most important key word (paper)

The OCS comment really isn’t a stretch either. You can apply while you’re on active duty, provided you have a degree.

My recruiter (Army) told me that they can guarantee me whatever job I want as long as I qualify for it and no other branch can do that.

Hey Matt, I'm looking into the army and getting ready to start talking to recruiters. How can I be sure that what I'm being "promised" is what ends up in my contract? I'd love to do airborne but I've read about how difficult that can be to get into, I'm joining for myself and my family and I just want to make sure I get everything I possibly can out of the experience.

My dad was a recruiter a long time ago he tells everybody get it in writing if it's not in writing and they're not willing to put it in writing then there bullshiting you back in the day they were like car sales and they're just trying to get you in the door so they can get you signed up because they have a quota just like a lot of salesman do

I just took the asvab today and literally have no clue anything about the military

I’m about to see a navy recruiter soon hopefully they’re good

why do most recruiters ask for social when i go talking to them? I'm not even ready yet, but just wanted to learn more about each branch.