I served 6 years in the Air Force. Love/hate relationship at the time. Looking back, it was the best decision I ever made for my future. 2 degrees, learned a trade (electrician), saved money, bought cars, traveled the world, lived in japan, now have VA benefits for life!
Say you got 10 plus years as an electrician but want to join in late 20s if u join with that experience will it be considered if u join the air force electrician group will they pay more or is it by rank
I served for 35 years in the Royal AIr Force and its not for everyone, You know when the time is right to leave and I'm really enjoying life outside in the 5 years I've been out. Well done for serving and good luck with your new life outside the military :)
Right when I got in I could tell it wasn’t for me. What I mean is the job itself. Wasn’t for me. Someone told me that I need to give it a chance. Sure. But when you know you know. So I’ll be retraining. Ultimately I did give it a chance learned the job it’s been 2 years and hate it just as much as I do now. Ultimately respect for those that do SF, but it’s def not for me.
I enlisted because I needed technical training that I could apply to the civilian world. I was not the 4 year college type. I signed up for 6 years in the AF with the 5th and 6th years being inactive reserves. Being married from California, I put all 7 bases of preference on my dream sheet for the southwest US. So, apparently, somebody thought it was funny and sent me to northern Maine - almost 3,000 miles away. Besides tech school, I did my entire tour in Maine. I wanted to re-enlist if the AF could guarantee my Base of Preference and allow me to cross-train into digital flight simulators (from analog). They said they could guarantee cross training but not the Base of Preference. They said they would "try" to send me to a Base of Preference. NO DEAL. I said go ahead and start my separation paper work. I am glad I enlisted and have no regrets. The AF was the right thing for me at the right time.
The funniest thing I read today - Being married from California, I put all 7 bases of preference on my dream sheet for the southwest US. So, apparently, somebody thought it was funny and sent me to northern Maine - almost 3,000 miles away
Very interesting and thoughtful process. I did one term at 4 years old but had to extend a year and 7 months to get my follow on after Korea. It's all good, great time and I'm doing great. Cheers!
Retired USAF Major here. Who loved serving at Lakenheath (1980s) - well, El Dorado Canyon made things a bit tweaky... Your content is excellent and well-explained. You tell all of the story in a truly balanced manner, which is definitely helpful to young people. Well done.
Ma'am, great points! I work in the 3D career field and a lot of my wingmen aren't reenlisting for the exact same reasons. Someone from my class at tech school got Lakenheath as well! Fortunately, I have liked it thus far and I am ok with reenlisting! Good luck with your education and starting a family!
if you REALLY get sick of active duty you can apply to get out early on the Palace Chase program like I did. My case simply required that I transfer to the nearest base close to my hometown and serve in the ANG or reserves for twice the amount of remaining term on my active duty contract. I had one year left, so I served 2 years in the ANG one weekend and month and 2 weeks in the summer. Easy enough
Thanks Mikayla, I'm sure this will be reassuring for some who are thinking of embarking on a good foundation and reap the many positives laid out. For other viewers, one would guess that you have an option to continue if you change your mind at contract end? One never knows what the future holds? "A Happy New Year To You!" Thanks for uploading - Liked.
Oh man i didn’t know you made RU-vid content glad i got a notification about this. Yo you’re right about the control factor of the big AF i feel like you have NONE when it comes to it lol, i think that your first base really matters, you got lucky for where you wanted to go, they sent me somewhere that wasn’t even on my list at all, which was Wyoming COULD YOU BELIEVE THAT?! Anyway, been quite some time since we have caught up at all! Hope to get in touch Rose, Stay Great Stay Golden
Great series of videos! I entered USAF in '73 on a 6 year contract just 3 days out of HS. Grew up in a small central IL town, under achieved in HS, didn't prepare myself of college. My initial job was Radio Relay. Got to first assignment after Keesler AFB was at Robins AFB, GA in the 5th Mob (Now CCG) and they stuffed too many in my career so within a couple months I was given the "opportunity" to cross train or go to a mountain top in Turkey. I had been part of the tactical air base contingent and saw the workings of air traffic control so I crossed trained into that. Back to Keesler and after graduation spent the next 4 years as active duty ATC (RAPCON) at Selfridge ANGB, MI. Left USAF for the FAA and retired as an air traffic controller 9 years ago. My life would never have been as full had I not joined the USAF. My farm town life didn't show me the possibilities "out there". The USAF broadened my world view and in the process I found the best job in the world for me. ATC was (pardon the pun) not on my radar scope but that strange twist of fate changed my life. When my granddaughter was thinking about joining the Army right out of HS I told her much of what I learned about military life and many of your points were things I told her. I told her she could stand on her head for 4 years if it gave her the opportunities it gave me and especially about the education benefits. She is now in her 3rd year, has completed AIT in the intelligence field, made it through jump school and now stationed in Italy. Like you, she does NOT intend to reenlist but has gained the respect of her peers and the officers she serves under. The bottom line is that, like you, young men and women can make the military work to meet their goals if they work hard at what ever it throws at them. It doesn't have to be a career but it can be a life changing choice!
Great videos! Have you thought about going from full time active duty to part-time in the reserves? I am in the process of joining the reserves right now. I'll be able to live a civilian life while reaching my goals, and still serving the country while getting their benefits. You wouldn't have to move anywhere, just commute to whatever base is closest to where you live.
Glad you've enjoyed your service career, as someone else that joined straight from school (RAF) I agree it was a nerve wracking decision but i wouldn't change it for any reason! Big shout out to you at Lakenheath; I live in a village nearby (when I'm home) and I do enjoy the regular fly-bys from you and Mildenhall... particularly as my base has no aircraft 🤣 I hope you managed to treat yourself to the hot sweaty stereotype fest that is the Weeting Steam Rally while you've been in the area for the full traditional British experience!
damn this crazy bc basic training is the only that stopped me when i was 18 but for the navy but i heard about the air force and decided that’s what i wanted to do so. at 20 i’ll finally be joining i thought it was a bit late but i forget i’m still young
dope videos i want to go into the airforce this year, want to know everything there is to prepared my mind & body New subscriber here keep up the great work!
Love your videos thanks for all the info you put out in 25 & I scored a 70 on my asvab hoping i can work on computers or with the communications while i serve
@@lamonica6730 i read the whole asvab for dummies book but it took me a month to finish & i created notes for them on iPhone I’d be willing to share if you wanted them, but being completely honest most of the stuff i focused on in my notes wasn’t on the test but atleast the format was correct so it kept it fresh & i did well enough to qualify for most jobs
@@juanpelegrino1245 Awesome, completely understandable. And yes I would love the notes you have taken if possible, considering the format kept everything fresh for you to take the ASVAB.
Thank you for sharing! I enlisted this year for a 6 year contract in the Air National Guard for TA:) Glad I can have someone to relate to that’s currently going to school like I am !
I def got up sold from 4 to 6 lol. Your experience is all context. Some bases people love while others LOATHE it. Same for jobs and a lot of that depends on your leadership. Not everyone needs to be a lifer. Even if you only do 4 yrs, that 4 yrs is more impactful than a lot of other ppls 4 yrs
You can always study abroad in College, if you want to travel. You can also work your way up in retail, sales, or any other entry level jobs without a degree, while studying. Save some money that you earn from work and travel for a week or two.
Totally agree with you the only thing that was really stopping me is the basic training lmfaoo I don't like getting yelled at 🤣 but I guess I gotta keep in mind that they do that so everyone can hear them.
Don’t sign a 6 year contract, sign a 4 year initial enlistment contract. Utilize TA to work toward your degree. Overseas bases are way better than stateside bases.
Mikayla, really like your videos I also grew up in both military and law enforcement. 2001-2002 I was going to the Army because my father did 40 year as E9 SGM I was stand in the recruit office n my dad turn around give me order in front of staff Sgt saying he will just will do his draft that's it he didn't want me go thru but he me go to St Petersburg College time pass in both my parents pass away 2010 n now I'm almost age 40 wish i didn't listen to my dad in join now its to late but my question would u have listen to your member telling u don't go down that road
Good video. I thought you weren't allowed to just leave the military or at least not before doing a certain amount of years. Stationed abroad when you're not long out of bmt. Pretty impressive. 2021 is then your 3rd of 6 years?
Once you sign a contract whether it’s 4 or 6 (from my understanding it’s technically 8 years per enlistment) you can’t be “out” till the contact is complete. She said she won’t reenlist so when she’s done with her contract she will do the things necessary to transition back to civilian life.
Wow, 50k a year? I worked for Postal Service 37 years and was making only 55k when I retired. Back in the late 60's, early 70's the Air Force pay was meager! Two people could hardly make it. I would like to add though, that those 4 years in Airforce were some of the best times in my life.
When you are in the military you get a monthly salary depending on your rank and how many years you have been in. They also give you tax free money for housing. This amount is determined based on zip code. Live in Los Angeles, huge amount. Live in middle of nowhere, then smaller amount. They also give you a monthly food allowance which isn't a lot but everything counts.
The funny part is if you only do 3 years of Active duty, you are still committed to doing the reserves. That's why it's best to just stay in for about 6 to 8 years. Then get out and not have to go to the IRR and if a war breaks out they can call you back into Active duty. It happened to me right after 9/11/2001. I said FUCK YOU MARINES!! And joined the Army.
Going into the military out of desperation with no entry and exit strategy is a big mistake many recruits make. Look deeply into MOS's. They are very hard to change once you get in.
what is (or will be) your degree ? Since you did a 6 yr contract - does that tuition program allow for some masters work or MD/JD/NP - esp if you came in with college credits (like an AA) already ? I guess what I am asking what is the highest degrees can one get in 6 years.
I'm a political science major. And the TA program does allow for master's work, I'm not sure what the highest degree one can get is, you could try googling the specifics.
Damn 50k a year and you're 20 years old. Some people with a bachelor's degree don't even make that much starting off. Great fucking job, I'm 19 years old enlisting in the reserves with absolutely no debt. I didn't want to relay on my parents to pay for my school nor did I want their financial assistance. I plan on becoming a federal officer in the civilian side once I come back from tech school. My one of goals is to go on hella deployments overseas if possible so I don't have to pay taxes on the money that will be made lol.😈 In all seriousness though, do you recommend attending the airforce community college would it be cheaper or reasonable for someone who is not wanting to have little or to no debt at all ?
Thank you so much! And I'm not 100% sure how the reserves does it but when you're active duty the Air Force pays for the community college of the Air Force degree and if you wanted to attend a different college they'd pay for that too.
@@kathy0698 my base pay is $2378 a month beofre taxes. I get an additional $1300 a month for rent (bah) and extra $372 a month for food (bas) and an extra $400 a month for cola (living over seas supplement.
Well done for showing the pros and cons of military life. I am English and joined the Royal Air Force, originally on a 3 year enlistment and ended up completing 15 years. I will say it was the best thing that I did , but as you said it isn`t for everyone.
@@deewill8915 Everybody will get some form of pension payout as long as they have completed at least 2 years recognisable service. But the retirement age is 55 years of age or 34 years service as an officer.
I got to move off base Ito my own place after living in the dorms for a year. I was still an A1C, normally you move off base as a Senior Airman but the dorms were at full capacity. The dorms weren't bad; I had my own room and my own bathroom. The bed was a queen and there was a walk in closet. There were 4 rooms and we shared a kitchen, living room and balcony.
Firstly, I appreciate the content. Secondly I’d like to ask if Females were allowed to take over the counter pain medication during their period for cramps. No one has talked about it so I’m assuming you can’t.
ASVAB for dummies app really helped me!! Get really good at doing long division a multiplication, fractions and decimals. I tried memorizing all the formulas and I ended up not needing it. Word problems and solving a ton of inequalities including factorials, is what you’ll see! I took it in September so it was recent. But ASVAB for dummies will help you will tools, mechanics and electronics. RU-vid videos also helped a lot. Good luck! I was definitely stressing over it because I’ve been out of high school for a couple years but I studied everyday up until the test and scored really well all around and qualified for some awesome jobs.
@@Iluvyou123abc wow this was very helpful I took mine two days ago and didn’t score well I’m trying to figure out what study methods others are doing so I could score well also I’m not giving up ⬆️
What most dont realize is all military service incurs an 8 year obligation consisting of active and inactive reserve. The pay is great, but as you said, you dont have full control of your life...that can be bad if you have a horrible boss, which is the main reason I retired 3 years early. I am very appreciative of my pensions and health care benefits. I had a great career, but a 20 plus year career is not for everyone.
Stay in you'll regret it if you get out. Unless things have changed a lot moving every 2-3 years don't happen. I spent 10 years at Nellis and only left because I volunteered for a short to Korea. You moved because your tour in the UK ended so of course to PCS'ed after 2 or 3 years. Sure, you'll most likely pull 1 short to Korea if you stay for 20, but you get a mid-tour leave. Best of luck to you.
My newphew received $80,000 for college after a 4 year enlistment. But the AF has the community college of the Air Force their website might tell you how that works? Best wishes.
Did four years enlisted. Didn't like being enlisted, got out, went back to school, became an officer, ended up doing 21 and change. My enlisted time made me a much better officer. Had some great jobs as an officer, didn't have the standard career for someone in my career field.
I think you have the same issue that I have. I would be thankful for the benefits but moving every 2-3 years and switching bases is not for me. I’m someone who wants to stay somewhere close to home or at least the most important things with me like my car. I’m somewhat of a car person so I can’t leave without it.
There's nothing wrong with not staying in. Most enlistees don't choose to "stay for twenty." As you state, it all depends on one's personal desires and situation. There are trade-offs and sacrifices to be made regardless of which way you go. When I enlisted, I was positive it would be "four and out" for me but I wound up staying in for 21 years and don't regret it. Saw some places and things I would never have seen in civilian life. Got two colleges degrees while in service (one courtesy of the Air Force and one through my GI Bill benefits) and now have the advantage of receiving military retired pay (pension) and TRICARE health insurance.
Yeah even in the Air Force which supposedly (unless you're a mechanic) easier to tolerate than Army and Marines is, I don't know how people do 20 years. Really don't know how people stay in the Marines and Army for 20. Thanks for your service.
does anyone else have any cons to the military? 😅 I'm not a huge family person and love to be independent, don't plan on starting a family ever or atleast anytime soon. My one reserve I have that's stopping me is if i'm going to enjoy it as much as I think I am. But you never know until you try right!
Just think if your grades were top notch in AP Courses in H.S. you would have had a good chance to attend a military academy. Free tuition and getting paid a salary. Studying is the way to a great future📖 life lesson to y'all.
Would you recommend someone enlisting for 6 years over 4 years if they’re joining specifically for job experience and to earn a Bachelors degree while in?
Depends on what kind of job experience you are wanting and if you actually get the job you request. My husband is active duty Air Force and he plans to make a career of it. He enjoys it, but joining the military is something that he had wanted to do at least for the duration of his high school career. He is a crew chief and works on the C130s. It is hard, laborious work. In the summer you can be on the flight line and the temps in the plane can exceed way past 100 degrees Fahrenheit. My husband never joined with the intent of serving to pay for school though. If you can land the job, and you know it is a job you will like, I would do the 6 years. 6 years gives you enough time to get a degree and build job experience. You may even decide to stay in. :) Benefits for the military are almost unbeatable! If you don't think military life would be your cup of tea, call it good at 4. Hopefully this helps.
@@aliciapurkey3590 I got lucky and ended up landing my #1 job and I plan on doing it when I get out. I think the 6 year route is the way to go, considering I’ll be able to complete a bachelors and hopefully earn a few certifications related to my career. Also, 5.5 years of experience (because of training time) will help with landing a job compared to a 4 year enlistment. I think I’ll go with the 6. Thank you and your husband for serving!
@@Nick-cd4vj Thank you for your future service! I hope that you enjoy your time. You develop such a comradery with everyone. Glad you got your first pick job! Also, inquire about a bonus. Often, the military will offer a bonus for a 6 year enlistment contract versus a 4 year contract.
You know, you should have go to afrotc that the air force pay student loans while you attend college as a civilian enlisting as an officer rather than go directly to the air force after graduating high school and that you can become an officer after completing ots (officer training school) and they treat you much better than the enlisted airman, no offense!😶.
The 50k is including my salary which is based on rank, I’m an E4 or Senior Airman, money for rent which is $1300 here, $372 for food, $265 for COLA, and $400 for utilities. I get paid $2200 every 2 weeks.
@@MikaylaRoseDaly Wow that's amazing! I really appreciate you answering all my questions. Sorry that it was so long lol XD. Best of luck to you in the future!
Why don’t you look into bringing other AF folks onto your channel? Your PA so you should be able to work around the restrictions. I’m ADAF in MD about ready to retire. I’d do it.
@@MikaylaRoseDaly is that allowed? Will you join the reserves? I’m thinking of joining the reserves until I get my RADTECH degree to enlist on active duty as an officer.
@@TheRealViviahow did that go for you ? I’m planning on enlisting for reserves to finish my AA in psych then switching to Active - I’m just trying to figure out how long the transfer is ?
Service before self? Service towards? Who's overseeing the service ? I have not ever had control in life but i don't think that I have enough family if any to hold me back and whos your boss
The selfishness of the enlistment eligible generation is shocking to me. In this era of "look at me" videos and social media, it is a rare young person able to put the interests of others in front of their own for the common good. God help us if we have to institute a draft to compensate for the lack of volunteers to maintain our national security readiness through appropriate staffing levels of the armed forces.
