Yeah the recruiter lied to me...told me my double major with a 3.5 GPA wasn’t competitive, I had to have at least a 3.9 and max a PT test before basic...fast forward a yeAr I walk into an office after 8 hours in the motor pool with a butter bar with his feet up on a desk watching Netflix and eating pizza and I gotta face the fact that he gets paid twice as much. FeelsBadMan
@Fallen G Get your make sure you have a 110, get your degree (if you dont already have one) and begin putting your OCS or Green to Gold packet together with the help of leadership.
Good Enlisted isn't generally all the way horrible there's just a lot of politics (buddy buddy club) your career progression can be in the hands of bad leaders, also u can be under ppl who aren't smart at all. On the officer side the ppl over u aren't dumb because a 110 gt is required.
As an enlisted vet ... it's important to know what it's like on "the bottom of the barrel." I met too many officers that screwed over enlisted, simply because they (1) were too inexperienced (2) were too arrogant (3) had absolutely no idea what they were doing. Before you get that power/title/authority/rank (as an officer), you need to know your enlisted life.
This. One thousand times this. I was full-time enlisted and saw this far too often in my commissioned brethren. This was in the Australian army though, where kids straight out of high school with no life experience, who have never had any responsibilities or a job and never lived away from mum and dad before, can go straight into the Royal Military College and become an officer before they're 20 and take command of troops who have been in the job for years. Hence the egos and arrogance. I think everyone should earn their stripes as an enlisted soldier/sailor/airman first, before they can be considered for commissioning. I am applying to go back to the army but as an officer this time in the reserves. I'm hoping my experience as a soldier will hold me in good stead and will make me a good officer.
Wow, this really hasn’t been my experience. I’m an O-1 and to be honest, It doesn’t really feel like I have power. Sure, Enlisted guys give me a salute and call me sir, but as an O-1 you don’t really know much and a lot of the time, its those senior enlisted that are helping us find our way. I have no need nor desire to heckle or “screw over” enlisted guys. DISCLAIMER: I’m in the navy, and I’m a student pilot so my experience with Enlisted sailors is...minimal. I don’t know how things work in the army, or how their officers like to act.
I've been out of the marines for a decade now, and I STILL have ptsd from watching how officers behave. They're stupid ass college kids. Officer life is frat life, except you get to decide who lives and who dies. It's sickening.
Try and give an order to a E7-9 that doesn't make sense....I'm a 20yr veteran and in my opinion is that the Army of today is full of backstabbing to get promoted or to look good. I'm glad to see you was enlisted prior to going to OCS. Most officers have no idea about the enlisted.
Pretty rough perspective to all those retired combat veteran officers out there in the world...the division between NCOs and officers is not sort a gaping chasm. "Mustangs" after reaching O-3 are equal in experience to any non-prior enlisted, and so is the respect earned between NCOs that execute orders in the US military, as the officers that operate/plan for military forces.
@@The_Black_Knight well it's obviously you wasnt at Fort Stewart. I spent 10 yrs in Germany and loved it. I then got pcs to Stewart and saw all sorts of the things I stated. Now Fort Hood was a good post. I guess we will agree to disagree
Great video as always! 💯 I plan on becoming an officer towards the end of my career. For now, I need to feel what it’s like to start from the bottom up. If I am ever going to lead soldiers, I first must understand them. Know what they have been through and earn that respect. I got to meet two amazing officers already who truly know leadership skills and how to motivate. Of course though, not all officers are wise. I go in for my second swear in on March 12th and then I leave for Georgia. 11x Airborne! Again, your videos have helped me tremendously. Keep it up brother!
Hey you should do more videos on how ROTC cadets or guys in OCS should improve themselves when they become officers officially. Like some kind of wisdom, or better ways to communicate better with lower ranks. Thanks :D
I want to have this improvement so I will be joininh army reserves and rotc program at the university I will attended to. I really hope I get to become a cadete.
Having been an NCO and an Officer, its been my experience that when an NCO is off, he's off. IE: "Don't bother me I'm off, find an NCO who cares." An Officer is like an actor who is always playing his role as long as someone is there, so they are never off. When a subordinate is there you are playing the role of leader, when a peer is there you are playing the role of colleague and when a superior is there you are playing the role of subordinate officer. It takes a lot of getting used to and if you don't have the commitment, you don't.
Hey Matt, I am a big fan of your channel, your videos helped me out during the application process to the Virginia Army National Guard. I swore in yesterday, and I'm looking forward to the road ahead! Keep doing what you're doing!
As enlisted , Officers will never really understand what it's like. I'm about to commission soon also as an enlisted for 8 years. This is why my unit now has Cadets do everything Enlisted soldiers do because they want them to know what it feels like in their perspective.
Im 17 going to boot camp this summer to join the guard. I am going to go to Marion Military Institute for 2 years with their ECP then I'm getting my degree after i earn my commission
At 22 years old with a 4-year college degree, I’ll enlist in the USAF as a 2nd Lieutenant. Admire my great uncle, a Vietnam War veteran and a Brigadier in the Vietnam Air Force.
I think it easy to talk about someone should come into the military as an officer without prior experience, but you have to realize that it’s not as simple as walking into an recruiter office and ask to be an officer, the process is long and difficult and it may take 12-18 months before you come an officer.
As a lower enlisted soldier, I've never been afraid to talk to higher up NCO or officers. I actually like talking to some of them. I'm interested in making switch from enlisted to officer.
Was denied enlistment because I needed to be off my medication for 2 years. They told me to come back in 2 years and try again. So I decided since I have to wait 2 years anyway, I might as well go to college and get my bachelor’s degree. The college I’m going to has an amazing rotc program so I know that is the best path for me.
MOS 67E. I never thought I'd be signing a military contract, even though I've had several family members serve, but after graduate school it made sense to do so for a multituide of reasons. Couple of which being able to direct commission as a CPT and having greater job security/stability along with career advancement. However, I don't start training until this Jun '19 so will see how it all goes with my new career.
Could you do a video explaining more in detail the difference between active or reserve officer and what process a civilian goes when joining the military as an officer for the first time?
Having been an enlisted man for 8 years and then an officer for 16 years, it was the best of both worlds. Many of my fellow officers were sandbagged and had their careers ruined without being able to retire. As an enlisted man, your ability to even make retirement is much higher.
@@veronica112234 A much larger percentage of personnel will reach retirement in the enlisted ranks. In the officer ranks a grater percentage of people will not be able to reach 20 years before being forced separated. Many will have 12 to 18 years in and will be forced out with nothing. By being enlisted first with at least 8 years, preferably 10, you will just about guarantee, like 98%, the ability to retire with 20 years service.
@@ks7575 98% promotion to 03 at 4-5 years, 72% of 98% or 70% to 04 at 9-11 years, 60% of 70% to O5 or 42% at 14-16 years. Need 20 to retire, 58% will be forced separated without retirement. If you have 10 years enlisted time then you have a 98% chance of retirement. Remember even O5’s will be retired between the ages of 39-43. Everyone will need to prepare for a second career.
2d Lieutenant to Captain. Gives mission statement. Issues any orders after mission statement. Platoon Sergeant/Squad leaders. Follows directives from mission statement to lead and guide elements to complete mission.
Kept applying for OCS, but kept getting rejected. They expect the brain of Einstein, the strength of superman, the leadership skills of a sensei, and certain SAT/ACT scores even after you have a bachelor's degree.
Watched your basic prep videos, got motivated and elisted HELL YEAH!... I instantly deployed and finally got cell service here, got on UA-cam and saw this video... Oof
I want to try and go to the Air Force OCS route after I get done with college. Have almost 1000 flight hours already. 4.0 GPA majoring in computer science. Figure that’s a great start.
Super Grizz my university doesn’t have it plus I’m almost a senior already because I finished 2 years during hs. Credits wouldn’t have transferred right if I had gone to a different university since I was already taking upper level classes.
9 classes from my bachelors and want to make the switch been in for four years in the air force e5 select hopefully i follow through and make selection your videos put me at ease and inspire me to try and take the leap.
I enjoyed Enlisting first and then going to OCS. When I got my first 0-1 leadership position my Enlisted had more respect for me than the average 90-day wonder.
I really appreciate this channel and you sharing your experience. I've been trying to workout/diet so I can join the Army and watching your videos a couple times a week really helps my motivation even if it's simple stuff like this. Keep up the great work! Love the videos!
You may have a different perspective in 10-18 years after you reach MAJ/LTC, already completed your KD-Q billets, and are relegated to BDE, DIV, or Corps Staff. As a company grade officer don't expect significant freedom of action, it is a time to learn and prepare for potential command.
Definitely things and perspectives will change. That’s actually one of the good reasons for me documenting my thoughts and having that to see my experiences change my expectations.
When I was in the 82nd Airborne Division, when all company was supposed to be doing a field exercise. I used to see officers leave for hours and go to McDonald's and Burger King and then go to the barracks and take showers when we all were supposed to be in the field eating MREs and sleeping in foxholes.
Interesting thing I noticed, that little tank made of fake bullet casing behind you on your shelf, I have the same one that my little sister got for me😂
Goodmorning sir, i graduated OSUT for 19D at Fort Benning 2 days ago and i am in processing at my new unit. I watched your videos for a long time and i just want to say thank you for all the information and motivation. The basic training videos did help me know what to expect. Have a good day sir. RECON!
In World War Two they gave IQ test to screen who becomes an officer vs enlisted. The cut of was something like 110 or 115. We did pretty well in that war. Now smart but jaded enlisted guys just go Warrant. When I was a platoon leader one of my fellow LTs was clearly less intelligent than his platoon sergeant by a lot. That was embarrassing as a fellow officer to see. And I am not talking about being arrogant or full of himself as a butter bar. No, I mean legit stupid. An IQ test would have fixed that. The NCO was really good and only had to join enlisted because he was broke and and had to drop out of school when he knocked up his girlfriend in college. He later finished his degree and went Warrant to fly helicopters. But he would have made a great officer if we used IQ test instead of degrees when he first signed up. The LT would have maybe scored 90 on an IQ test and would have actually been a good E3 or something. He could run fast and would show up on time. And would do what ever the platoon sergeant would tell him to.
I must add one final note, as I keep seeing the term "mustang" being thrown around here as some sort of "epic" military advantage. Although "mustangs" have an advantage in the beginning as platoon leaders and CO XOs (2LT, 1LT), by the time an officer reaches the rank of CPT, the advantages are completely gone and not relevant. No good NCO is going to give a care whether an officer was ROTC, "green to gold", OCS, academy, or direct accession, if they do their job and listen. If an officer wishes to rise above the rank of LTC prior to retirement, the odds become poor of success only due to age, service years, and potential injuries while enlisted especially if very senior. Just surviving 20+ years to retirement is an accomplishment. Just take a guess why I might know...
Most officers talk about it... enlisted does it. Few exceptions to that, but that was my overall experience. If you want to actually do the work of a soldier, enlist.
Jayjo Chey years of service when u commission is gonna be way better I’m doing the same thing I’m An E-3 going to E-4 and I just enrolled into the ROTC
Atom - Fire rotc literally the most boring thing you’ll do after basic n ait , ms1 and MS2 aren’t required but I took ms1 anyway most boring thing ever
@@jayjochey1396 Haha, i know i've heard it from several people, even for non enlisted ROTC cadets people find it boring. But i've heard specifically that after going to basic training ROTC is basically ruined for the first 1-3 years because you've already done it at basic.
Already signed on the dotted line just waiting for my ship day...wish it would come sooner because all of this waiting is gonna be worse then basic training
I love how he explains these topics so thorough. You should do a video explaining customs and courtesies, a 1SG walked in a room with a 2LT and got upset because we didnt call at ease. Do you agree with this or does the officer have the upper hand.
Go Army I still think being officer is the better route in the long run, especially if you want to lead. However, I do think you should enlist first and get some experience at the bottom of the food chain before you commission.
@@NinjaTrollzTV I have my bachelors degree already. But I hear that going for commission officer isn’t guaranteed. A board has to approve you. It could take up to a year apparently. What are your thoughts?
@@fjo9492 I would wait man. Trust me, it’s worth it. It’s a lot less painful as an officer. Enlisted are the bottom of the barrel, and get treated as such. You have to grind for years to earn rank and get treated with more respect. But as an officer, you commission ranking higher then any enlisted. Better quality of life. This is coming from an enlisted person with just under 3 years in.
@@NinjaTrollzTV thanks for responding, though I might go enlisted first and go in as an E-4 in the army. I know there is a way to try to go officer while enlisted with recommendations. You know if that process is harder or different?
Damn l have more pay than my elder sister she is a staff sergeant and lm 2nd lieutenant haha and you know what is crazy about it she was in my unit and l take orders from her because lm a junior and its my first day and she is my big sis lm scared of her you know but my 1st lieutenant told me that l should give orders not take orders
The MOS and unit has a lot to do with the differences between officers, enlisted, and (s)ncos. But officers will always direct. (S)NCOs will always lead and guide. The enlisted will always follow.
You see my friend im not the brightest as much as i would love the idea of me being an officer but ill just make 4 in 3 (really shitty i know), maybe re-up and be a e5 for a couple years and complain the whole time but its mostly to save money and try to get my life together. We'll see how this goes
If you live in the New York area just skip college, ROTC, OCS, and the military altogether and become a cop. Long Island cops make 130k-220k+ and take half of that with them when they retire after only 20 years. No college needed, just take a test similar to ASVAB. Cops don't clean the motorpool, they have actual time off, and dont get deployed.
Hey Matt, I recently spoke to a recruiter who told me if I join as an Officer I get a job assigned to me depending on the needs of the Army, whereas if I join as enlisted I get to choose my MOS. I'd be joining with a Bachelors degree and was wondering if you could clarify that for me, not that I think the recruiter was lying but he was a bit nebulous about it. Thanks in advance! If anyone else has first-hand experience I'd appreciate your input!
Recruiters can be weird I visited a Navy one and he recommended I go enlisted. I wanted to go officer and have a degree in computer science. He annoyed me so I just told him I'd come back later and never did. I felt he didn't want me to succeed lmao.
@@NcloudI’m about to get a degree in business management and healthcare admin, I feel like these degrees are no looked at as good degrees in the military but idk
@tristancastner3002 Wow, similar to me, I graduate in August with a degree in health care admin. Have you reached out to a recruiter? How has it been so far for you?
im 27, have a solid software engineering job, getting my bachelors next semester... want to serve in the air force /space force because ive been interested in cyber warfare and I want to join as an officer before i get older. Caveats are that im the only child and my mom is my dependent, plus I have a girlfriend (currently a long distance relationship). i think joining the air force would be a great way to boost my career in engineering and my resume, and I think i could take advantage of the great VA benefits the military offers utilizing my civilian engineering salary while being a reservist. Never had a mommy or daddy to hand me anything in life, and I feel like I could truly build an empire for myself after serving in the military given that I'd be learning discipline, networking with other engineers in the air force, gain experience in leading vets, gain experience in cyber/engineering, and earn the right to use VA benefits afterwards. Do you think I should join the military this late in life given this information? Thank you!
Thank you for the info. I'm currently enlisted as an 88M and don't care much for the job. I have a Master's in Health Science and I'm debating on either switching to 68F or going the officer route. If I'm going to stay in I want a job that I actually like and am a subject matter expert in. Thanks for the info. It really helps.
Bush Wookiee many jobs offered by Army are also in the Marines. They do many things similarly but the Marines is a culture on it own. Just depends what you’re trying to do
In 1 year I will be done with my bachelor's and plan on getting into the Air Force or Army, ideally Air Force, Army would be my second option. From what I was told I can go directly into Officer after passing their testing and so forth ( I'm still not sure much of how all of this works), any tips or something I can know of? I try to look up videos and stuff, but mostly end up with Officer Training School videos, and just Gov websites that mention applying with a bachelor gives the opportunity to start as Officer rather than Enlisted. Point in all, I'm trying to do this for my family and be able to give all I can.
If you see this, how did it go? I'm about to finish a bachelor's degree and am still super undecided on going enlisted or officer. I was told though, it is super hard to be directly commissioned in the Air Force and its best to go Enlisted first. Then again, I'm still new to how everything works.
What do you think about enlisting with a bachelor’s degree and then commissioning vs doing the commissioning process for a year or two and then becoming an officer? Thanks in advance for responding, to whoever that responds.
i feel you should have to be enlisted before being an officer. because you should have experience in the field before giving orders. as i enlisted as a 15B
Well I’m joining army enlisted cause I need help getting a college degree. Sure eventually I’ll become an officer, but I can’t afford to get the degree without making some type of money first.
Hey Matt I want to enlist first tho I did rotc and I saw Officer and Generals who enlisted first before going Officer I want to follow that foot step since I want to become a medical doctor in army. Thank u again for this video it is very helpful
If you want to become a practicing active duty medical doctor or medical specialist in the US military as soon as possible, you SHOULD NOT enlist! You WILL NOT go through ROTC either, unless you wish to be an RN only. Your pre-medical training will be conducted through college, and then you will do an internship. After you are certified and licensed, and you still want to be an officer in the the US military, you would request to be a DIRECT ACCESSION to military service via AMEDD. RESEARCH THIS ROUTE! Ensure you are qualified beforehand. Any other route will slow you down immensely, interfere with your medical career, as you are looking at between 6-8 years of medical training alone. The only potential advantage would be the post 9-11 education bill that would help you for your pre-medical training. Good luck!
The Black Knight thank you so much for the information is joining guard or reserve good option while I finish undergrad and applying to med school the gi bill can really help me with the future loans I’ll have to repay. And is HPSP optional to as a rotc or enlisting
@@SparksForces As far as enlisting in the NG or Reserves while you are in undergraduate studies, I cannot tell you if the monetary school benefits are worth the military time and effort in comparison to you while in college as I don't know your "juggling skills", but this is not completely unusual to do so for many. It may become more difficult to balance your life during an medical internship and still be in the NG/Reserves. Be conscience of potential obligations of your military contract very carefully in years, as they can "bleed" over beyond your time as an undergraduate. HPSP is an available option to definitely help you as a GRADUATE (this is NOT an undergraduate program), and MUCH better program than any form of enlisting to accelerate required additional medical training for specific disciplines, as I have no idea what your specific area of study may be. Please speak with an AMEDD recruiter to help with your long term planning! Remember what I said, if you do want to go down this route, ensure you will be qualified to be a commissioned officer BEFOREHAND, so you do not waste effort and time.
Every officer/former officer I've spoken to has stated how NCOs are the literal backbone of the army and provide direction/experience that officers would otherwise be lost without. However, I imagine it must be nice to be a 2LT in the reserves and relax at home while your active-enlisted counter parts bust their asses everyday gaining real experience to help out clueless lieutenants.
Yeah I'm getting back into the Army Reserves from IRR and the unit I'm in it's quite apparent that the enlisted run the show. They're the ones giving training presentations and making the day-to-day decisions that get the job done. The officers, they just tell the company what needs to get done or no one goes home.
I have a feeling that I grew up thinking, only the enlisted do the major fighting, not the officers, since I didn't hear much of anything from the military.
if i was in the US i would definetly enter as an officer, but where i'm from is really hard to enter as an officer since they will get only 50 or so Officers every year, so it's really difficult.
Be an officer if you want a bigger role. Took a beak in service 3 years ago as a SSG with 7 years under my belt. Came back and commissioned. Used my enlisted background and helped out how to cope and relate to my soldiers.
Great video. However, your next video is going to be why someone should go enlisted, I mean i can see why if that person does not have the requirements to become an officer and can go in just as an enlisted soldier. However, at the end of the day and you would agree with me becoming or going in as an officer would and is better than enlisted in all aspects of military life, starting with the salary and housing
The American government should man up and show its muscles to Russia and Putin instead of TARGETING me and ISIOLATING me when i am just a poor weak and unarmed Bosniak who was in a WAR at the age of 8. Btw it is NOT my fault that i am ugly to most and that many girls really hurt my feelings by calling me ugly and playing with me..........anger is here.
well id rather be an officer than enlisted, but I don't see the military as a career, I see it more as an extension of college with added benefits. so I want 12B training. is it possible to have enlisted mos training as an officer. id go through officer via rotc if it matters.
It varies by what you have accomplished. If you have a degree you will start as an E-4 and depending if you have mortages to pay they give an allowance. Also if you are married you go to basic and in ait ask your sergeant about it they can provide paperwork to start with and it can take a few weeks after you grduate Ait and also depending if their is space on base a home can be provided if not you can live outside of the base and they will provide rent money and extra allowances above your base pay.
I have a degree and I enlisted because I went to an enlistment recruiting office and didn’t know there was a separate recruiting process for officers. They told me the MoS of officer wasn’t ‘available’. What would be the best route for me to become an officer? Should I get another degree with G2G, or drop a packet for OCS? I dropped out of pharmacy school, so would I be able to apply for the HSPS scholarship and finish my pharmacy degree, and could I be able to apply for this degree while I’m enlisted?
This became insanely obvious as soon as I boarded the plane after MEPS
What was obvious? The training for the officer was just vastly better?
Lol... So true.
Yeah the recruiter lied to me...told me my double major with a 3.5 GPA wasn’t competitive, I had to have at least a 3.9 and max a PT test before basic...fast forward a yeAr I walk into an office after 8 hours in the motor pool with a butter bar with his feet up on a desk watching Netflix and eating pizza and I gotta face the fact that he gets paid twice as much. FeelsBadMan
Fallen G why wouldn’t you do a little more research? I guess a degree doesn’t really equate to intelligence and wisdom.
@@jacksoutofthebox F.. mate F...
@Fallen G Get your make sure you have a 110, get your degree (if you dont already have one) and begin putting your OCS or Green to Gold packet together with the help of leadership.
Could’ve been prevented with a google search...
Dude...
I was gonna enlist but I just got into a great college with an amazing rotc program so I’m gonna try that!
Army rotc?
jstoner Reserve Officer Training Corps
Probably army rotc
Jefferson Garcia he knows what ROTC is he just asked what branch
Good Enlisted isn't generally all the way horrible there's just a lot of politics (buddy buddy club) your career progression can be in the hands of bad leaders, also u can be under ppl who aren't smart at all. On the officer side the ppl over u aren't dumb because a 110 gt is required.
Too late goddangit! 😂 I’m shipping off as enlisted tomorrow
hahaha Good luck!
It’s a lot of fun, don’t worry.
Me too mate. I’m 19D
There’s still OCS ;)
Me too! E-4 mafia 😈
As an enlisted vet ... it's important to know what it's like on "the bottom of the barrel."
I met too many officers that screwed over enlisted, simply because they (1) were too inexperienced (2) were too arrogant (3) had absolutely no idea what they were doing.
Before you get that power/title/authority/rank (as an officer), you need to know your enlisted life.
This. One thousand times this. I was full-time enlisted and saw this far too often in my commissioned brethren. This was in the Australian army though, where kids straight out of high school with no life experience, who have never had any responsibilities or a job and never lived away from mum and dad before, can go straight into the Royal Military College and become an officer before they're 20 and take command of troops who have been in the job for years. Hence the egos and arrogance. I think everyone should earn their stripes as an enlisted soldier/sailor/airman first, before they can be considered for commissioning. I am applying to go back to the army but as an officer this time in the reserves. I'm hoping my experience as a soldier will hold me in good stead and will make me a good officer.
Wow, this really hasn’t been my experience. I’m an O-1 and to be honest, It doesn’t really feel like I have power. Sure, Enlisted guys give me a salute and call me sir, but as an O-1 you don’t really know much and a lot of the time, its those senior enlisted that are helping us find our way. I have no need nor desire to heckle or “screw over” enlisted guys.
DISCLAIMER: I’m in the navy, and I’m a student pilot so my experience with Enlisted sailors is...minimal. I don’t know how things work in the army, or how their officers like to act.
I've been out of the marines for a decade now, and I STILL have ptsd from watching how officers behave.
They're stupid ass college kids. Officer life is frat life, except you get to decide who lives and who dies. It's sickening.
@Iron59 possibly, but it is true. The caste system is archaic and is in desperate need of an overhaul.
I was thinking about that, I noticed that not every officer is a leader or also experienced in sociocultural norms in the military.
Try and give an order to a E7-9 that doesn't make sense....I'm a 20yr veteran and in my opinion is that the Army of today is full of backstabbing to get promoted or to look good. I'm glad to see you was enlisted prior to going to OCS. Most officers have no idea about the enlisted.
Pretty rough perspective to all those retired combat veteran officers out there in the world...the division between NCOs and officers is not sort a gaping chasm. "Mustangs" after reaching O-3 are equal in experience to any non-prior enlisted, and so is the respect earned between NCOs that execute orders in the US military, as the officers that operate/plan for military forces.
@@The_Black_Knight well it's obviously you wasnt at Fort Stewart. I spent 10 yrs in Germany and loved it. I then got pcs to Stewart and saw all sorts of the things I stated. Now Fort Hood was a good post. I guess we will agree to disagree
An 03 is not equal to an nco which is why they pair with a 1rst sgt to TEACH THEM..stop fooling yourself.
Just like most of enlisted soldiers have no idea about officer's life.
your time coincides with how long we been in middle east makes sense
Just graduated BCT (your 68W cousin was a friend in my platoon at fort Leonard Wood!!) and off to OCS! Thanks for the awesome video(s)!!
That’s awesome well congrats on graduation! Good luck at OCS 👌🏻
Great video as always! 💯
I plan on becoming an officer towards the end of my career. For now, I need to feel what it’s like to start from the bottom up. If I am ever going to lead soldiers, I first must understand them. Know what they have been through and earn that respect. I got to meet two amazing officers already who truly know leadership skills and how to motivate. Of course though, not all officers are wise.
I go in for my second swear in on March 12th and then I leave for Georgia. 11x Airborne! Again, your videos have helped me tremendously. Keep it up brother!
Hey you should do more videos on how ROTC cadets or guys in OCS should improve themselves when they become officers officially. Like some kind of wisdom, or better ways to communicate better with lower ranks.
Thanks :D
I want to have this improvement so I will be joininh army reserves and rotc program at the university I will attended to. I really hope I get to become a cadete.
Having been an NCO and an Officer, its been my experience that when an NCO is off, he's off. IE: "Don't bother me I'm off, find an NCO who cares."
An Officer is like an actor who is always playing his role as long as someone is there, so they are never off. When a subordinate is there you are playing the role of leader, when a peer is there you are playing the role of colleague and when a superior is there you are playing the role of subordinate officer.
It takes a lot of getting used to and if you don't have the commitment, you don't.
You have been a huge help to most of us making our decision to join the army. Thanks so much man!
Hey Matt, I am a big fan of your channel, your videos helped me out during the application process to the Virginia Army National Guard. I swore in yesterday, and I'm looking forward to the road ahead! Keep doing what you're doing!
Hey Matt! I’m actually going to do AFROTC after high school and I found this super helpful, keep it up 💪🏼🔥
As enlisted , Officers will never really understand what it's like. I'm about to commission soon also as an enlisted for 8 years. This is why my unit now has Cadets do everything Enlisted soldiers do because they want them to know what it feels like in their perspective.
Im 17 going to boot camp this summer to join the guard. I am going to go to Marion Military Institute for 2 years with their ECP then I'm getting my degree after i earn my commission
At 22 years old with a 4-year college degree, I’ll enlist in the USAF as a 2nd Lieutenant. Admire my great uncle, a Vietnam War veteran and a Brigadier in the Vietnam Air Force.
You dont enlist as officer.. you receive a comission
This goes hand in hand with the last video I made. I’m glad I decided to go OCS and not enlist like initially planned.
Glad to see another person making some videos about their experience! Keep it up, your perspective will help more people than you think.
Christine Sayago
What’s OCS
@@egyakesseyankson5696 Officer Candidate School
@@MattWard89not everyone can be an officer
I think it easy to talk about someone should come into the military as an officer without prior experience, but you have to realize that it’s not as simple as walking into an recruiter office and ask to be an officer, the process is long and difficult and it may take 12-18 months before you come an officer.
As a lower enlisted soldier, I've never been afraid to talk to higher up NCO or officers. I actually like talking to some of them. I'm interested in making switch from enlisted to officer.
Can’t wait to see the other video on why you would want to be enlisted, I’m enlisted myself but i have plans on going warrant
Smart man..
Was denied enlistment because I needed to be off my medication for 2 years. They told me to come back in 2 years and try again. So I decided since I have to wait 2 years anyway, I might as well go to college and get my bachelor’s degree. The college I’m going to has an amazing rotc program so I know that is the best path for me.
MOS 67E. I never thought I'd be signing a military contract, even though I've had several family members serve, but after graduate school it made sense to do so for a multituide of reasons. Couple of which being able to direct commission as a CPT and having greater job security/stability along with career advancement. However, I don't start training until this Jun '19 so will see how it all goes with my new career.
I ship June 18th where are u going
@@sethcarter3154 June 9th to Ft. Sill for DCC then BOLC in Ft. Sam Houston in July.
@Andrew Waite I’m going to fort Benning for 19kilo m1 abram what job is 67e
@@sethcarter3154 it's the MOS for a pharmacist.
I'm gonna finish up my masters next May and looking to make the jump too. Any advice for someone who is looking into taking the same route as you?
I was both. Officer has more responsibility but definitely better!
I joined as Reservist E-4 and once i finished my MBA in 2 years, i will jump to Officers route. That’s the plan 🙅🏽♂️
@russel paul Hey can we chat In a group me or something I’m interested in that route as well
Could you do a video explaining more in detail the difference between active or reserve officer and what process a civilian goes when joining the military as an officer for the first time?
Having been an enlisted man for 8 years and then an officer for 16 years, it was the best of both worlds. Many of my fellow officers were sandbagged and had their careers ruined without being able to retire. As an enlisted man, your ability to even make retirement is much higher.
Happy for you! What do you mean by Sandbagged? I am an 09S - Officer Candidate. No prior military experience.
@@veronica112234 A much larger percentage of personnel will reach retirement in the enlisted ranks. In the officer ranks a grater percentage of people will not be able to reach 20 years before being forced separated. Many will have 12 to 18 years in and will be forced out with nothing. By being enlisted first with at least 8 years, preferably 10, you will just about guarantee, like 98%, the ability to retire with 20 years service.
Unable to retire? Ruined? How so?
@@ks7575 98% promotion to 03 at 4-5 years, 72% of 98% or 70% to 04 at 9-11 years, 60% of 70% to O5 or 42% at 14-16 years. Need 20 to retire, 58% will be forced separated without retirement. If you have 10 years enlisted time then you have a 98% chance of retirement. Remember even O5’s will be retired between the ages of 39-43. Everyone will need to prepare for a second career.
Been watching for awhile man. Awesome to see your unit patch board full now!👌🏻
2d Lieutenant to Captain. Gives mission statement. Issues any orders after mission statement.
Platoon Sergeant/Squad leaders. Follows directives from mission statement to lead and guide elements to complete mission.
Kept applying for OCS, but kept getting rejected. They expect the brain of Einstein, the strength of superman, the leadership skills of a sensei, and certain SAT/ACT scores even after you have a bachelor's degree.
The average GPA for Marine OCS is like 3.2. Not exactly genius level
Watched your basic prep videos, got motivated and elisted HELL YEAH!... I instantly deployed and finally got cell service here, got on UA-cam and saw this video... Oof
Robert Peruzzini how is it?
How was it?
I want to try and go to the Air Force OCS route after I get done with college. Have almost 1000 flight hours already. 4.0 GPA majoring in computer science. Figure that’s a great start.
if youre in college now, why not do Air Force ROTC?
Super Grizz my university doesn’t have it plus I’m almost a senior already because I finished 2 years during hs. Credits wouldn’t have transferred right if I had gone to a different university since I was already taking upper level classes.
Kyle Garcia damn man , have you already talked to a recruiter ?
9 classes from my bachelors and want to make the switch been in for four years in the air force e5 select hopefully i follow through and make selection your videos put me at ease and inspire me to try and take the leap.
Did you do it?
@@Cash4Fruitim wondering that too
Officer in the Air Force the best way to go.
No, coast guard is best.
@Archer with all limbs in place and PTSD free
I enjoyed Enlisting first and then going to OCS. When I got my first 0-1 leadership position my Enlisted had more respect for me than the average 90-day wonder.
I heard from everybody I talked to including officers that it is a lot cooler to be an enlisted ranger
If my packet is approved I'll technically be an officer but the technical is the key point. Go Warrant Officers! 09W for the win!
Kommandant Duncan 153A!! Getting ready for my board! Good luck man! 🤙🏻
I really appreciate this channel and you sharing your experience. I've been trying to workout/diet so I can join the Army and watching your videos a couple times a week really helps my motivation even if it's simple stuff like this. Keep up the great work! Love the videos!
You talked about that an officer always have things to do. Can you give examples of these tasks and responsibilities?
Things and stuff.
From what little i know, replace all the normal enlisted busywork with anywhere from a bit more to a lot more paperwork.
Tons of paperwork upwards of LtCol if you are not in a war zone, which we currently are not.
7:25 ''your gonna kinda be stuck out in the rain on that. and that could sometimes be literal'' 😭 lol sheesh
I’m going to become an officer through ROTC at my college. I graduate AIT next month!
update?
Update??
Too late. Im enlisting anyway lol
So how’d it go lol? I need an update
@@FULLtiltSENDER its alright. Got my BS and want that money so gonna try to become an officer
@@thechillmaster5836 good luck with that 👊 green to gold baby
Love ur videos they give great information and knowledge about the military
You may have a different perspective in 10-18 years after you reach MAJ/LTC, already completed your KD-Q billets, and are relegated to BDE, DIV, or Corps Staff. As a company grade officer don't expect significant freedom of action, it is a time to learn and prepare for potential command.
Definitely things and perspectives will change. That’s actually one of the good reasons for me documenting my thoughts and having that to see my experiences change my expectations.
Bus picked us up at St.Louis Missouri airport. Currently on our way to Ft. Leonard Wood 👊
* Thanks for all your advice.
How did it go, I’m thinking about enlisting, and how did your skills turns over to civilian life
Currently enlisted but, I am submitting an OCS packet whenever I finish my degree. I am hoping that I can stay Signal though.
When I was in the 82nd Airborne Division, when all company was supposed to be doing a field exercise. I used to see officers leave for hours and go to McDonald's and Burger King and then go to the barracks and take showers when we all were supposed to be in the field eating MREs and sleeping in foxholes.
Interesting thing I noticed, that little tank made of fake bullet casing behind you on your shelf, I have the same one that my little sister got for me😂
I actually planned on going 25A Officer instead of 25b enlisted. Thanks!
Heck yeah, 25 is a great series, I'm a 25Q right now, love bieng in the Signal Corps!
I planned to go 70b to lead 68w combat medic sadly I’m not currently in college but I will attend university to enroll in two years Rotc program.
Goodmorning sir, i graduated OSUT for 19D at Fort Benning 2 days ago and i am in processing at my new unit. I watched your videos for a long time and i just want to say thank you for all the information and motivation. The basic training videos did help me know what to expect. Have a good day sir. RECON!
In World War Two they gave IQ test to screen who becomes an officer vs enlisted. The cut of was something like 110 or 115. We did pretty well in that war. Now smart but jaded enlisted guys just go Warrant.
When I was a platoon leader one of my fellow LTs was clearly less intelligent than his platoon sergeant by a lot. That was embarrassing as a fellow officer to see. And I am not talking about being arrogant or full of himself as a butter bar. No, I mean legit stupid. An IQ test would have fixed that.
The NCO was really good and only had to join enlisted because he was broke and and had to drop out of school when he knocked up his girlfriend in college. He later finished his degree and went Warrant to fly helicopters. But he would have made a great officer if we used IQ test instead of degrees when he first signed up. The LT would have maybe scored 90 on an IQ test and would have actually been a good E3 or something. He could run fast and would show up on time. And would do what ever the platoon sergeant would tell him to.
I must add one final note, as I keep seeing the term "mustang" being thrown around here as some sort of "epic" military advantage. Although "mustangs" have an advantage in the beginning as platoon leaders and CO XOs (2LT, 1LT), by the time an officer reaches the rank of CPT, the advantages are completely gone and not relevant. No good NCO is going to give a care whether an officer was ROTC, "green to gold", OCS, academy, or direct accession, if they do their job and listen. If an officer wishes to rise above the rank of LTC prior to retirement, the odds become poor of success only due to age, service years, and potential injuries while enlisted especially if very senior. Just surviving 20+ years to retirement is an accomplishment. Just take a guess why I might know...
Its creates a serious friendly fire issue as they try and call me pledge and im fep doing silent protection
I want to be commissioned in the United States Army as a officer: 2nd Lieutenant.
Just weird, I was thinking of this just yesterday, whether ROTC or the Green to Gold Program would be better for my military experience. LoL
Hi Sir, could you splil how you personally came to the decision to enlist? Then why personaly to become an officer?
Good thing I thought ahead and am already going to college
I’m gonna enlist. The college debt isn’t worth it. Also I want the military mindset before I go to college.
Green to Gold
the military will pay for the college
Most officers talk about it... enlisted does it. Few exceptions to that, but that was my overall experience. If you want to actually do the work of a soldier, enlist.
I’m enlisting in the reserves then doing Rotc, just being known as a mustang is worth it
Jayjo Chey years of service when u commission is gonna be way better I’m doing the same thing I’m An E-3 going to E-4 and I just enrolled into the ROTC
Exact same plan as you man. Just enlisted, i ship out in July. I'll be back January 2021 and i'll start ROTC then.
Atom - Fire rotc literally the most boring thing you’ll do after basic n ait , ms1 and MS2 aren’t required but I took ms1 anyway most boring thing ever
@@jayjochey1396 Haha, i know i've heard it from several people, even for non enlisted ROTC cadets people find it boring. But i've heard specifically that after going to basic training ROTC is basically ruined for the first 1-3 years because you've already done it at basic.
Atom - Fire yeah it’s a drag good luck tho bro, basic gets real fun after the first three weeks
I'm having troubles passing the asvab anyways. I might transfer and enroll in army rotc
My guy a sixth grader could pass the asvab with his eyes closed. What exactly are you having trouble with?
Yeah the Asvab is the easiest test dude, if you can’t pass that then good luck in life
This is like saying I suck at learning how to be a cashier so I'll just go to med school
Already signed on the dotted line just waiting for my ship day...wish it would come sooner because all of this waiting is gonna be worse then basic training
I love how he explains these topics so thorough. You should do a video explaining customs and courtesies, a 1SG walked in a room with a 2LT and got upset because we didnt call at ease. Do you agree with this or does the officer have the upper hand.
Odd, seeing as there was a higher ranking officer already in the room. Was this at BCT?
SCE2AUX AIT
Officer is a career, it’s higher up the food chain.. plain and simple
Please listen to Matt. I’ve been in for not even a year, but I do wish I commissioned. Just get a degree and commission. Don’t enlist.
You are in for now 2 years opinions now?
Go Army I still think being officer is the better route in the long run, especially if you want to lead. However, I do think you should enlist first and get some experience at the bottom of the food chain before you commission.
@@NinjaTrollzTV I have my bachelors degree already. But I hear that going for commission officer isn’t guaranteed. A board has to approve you. It could take up to a year apparently. What are your thoughts?
@@fjo9492 I would wait man. Trust me, it’s worth it. It’s a lot less painful as an officer. Enlisted are the bottom of the barrel, and get treated as such. You have to grind for years to earn rank and get treated with more respect. But as an officer, you commission ranking higher then any enlisted. Better quality of life. This is coming from an enlisted person with just under 3 years in.
@@NinjaTrollzTV thanks for responding, though I might go enlisted first and go in as an E-4 in the army. I know there is a way to try to go officer while enlisted with recommendations. You know if that process is harder or different?
You also risk getting kicked out, if they don’t promote you as an office.
Damn l have more pay than my elder sister she is a staff sergeant and lm 2nd lieutenant haha and you know what is crazy about it she was in my unit and l take orders from her because lm a junior and its my first day and she is my big sis lm scared of her you know but my 1st lieutenant told me that l should give orders not take orders
The MOS and unit has a lot to do with the differences between officers, enlisted, and (s)ncos. But officers will always direct. (S)NCOs will always lead and guide. The enlisted will always follow.
Nice video and thanks for the info
I’m enlisted and honestly I’m planning on putting in a warrant officer packet
You see my friend im not the brightest as much as i would love the idea of me being an officer but ill just make 4 in 3 (really shitty i know), maybe re-up and be a e5 for a couple years and complain the whole time but its mostly to save money and try to get my life together. We'll see how this goes
Don't sell yourself short man. You can achieve most things you want with a growth mindset. Give it a shot first!
Could you do a video vice versa on why you should enlist instead
Yepp about 2 minutes in I said I was going to do a why you should enlist and NOT be an officer. Coming soon.. lol
Be Enlisted and then an Officer.
How does this process work
If you live in the New York area just skip college, ROTC, OCS, and the military altogether and become a cop. Long Island cops make 130k-220k+ and take half of that with them when they retire after only 20 years. No college needed, just take a test similar to ASVAB. Cops don't clean the motorpool, they have actual time off, and dont get deployed.
Hey Matt, I recently spoke to a recruiter who told me if I join as an Officer I get a job assigned to me depending on the needs of the Army, whereas if I join as enlisted I get to choose my MOS. I'd be joining with a Bachelors degree and was wondering if you could clarify that for me, not that I think the recruiter was lying but he was a bit nebulous about it. Thanks in advance! If anyone else has first-hand experience I'd appreciate your input!
I wouldn't take career advice from a recruiter.
Recruiters can be weird I visited a Navy one and he recommended I go enlisted. I wanted to go officer and have a degree in computer science. He annoyed me so I just told him I'd come back later and never did. I felt he didn't want me to succeed lmao.
@@NcloudI’m about to get a degree in business management and healthcare admin, I feel like these degrees are no looked at as good degrees in the military but idk
@tristancastner3002 Wow, similar to me, I graduate in August with a degree in health care admin. Have you reached out to a recruiter? How has it been so far for you?
im 27, have a solid software engineering job, getting my bachelors next semester... want to serve in the air force /space force because ive been interested in cyber warfare and I want to join as an officer before i get older. Caveats are that im the only child and my mom is my dependent, plus I have a girlfriend (currently a long distance relationship). i think joining the air force would be a great way to boost my career in engineering and my resume, and I think i could take advantage of the great VA benefits the military offers utilizing my civilian engineering salary while being a reservist. Never had a mommy or daddy to hand me anything in life, and I feel like I could truly build an empire for myself after serving in the military given that I'd be learning discipline, networking with other engineers in the air force, gain experience in leading vets, gain experience in cyber/engineering, and earn the right to use VA benefits afterwards. Do you think I should join the military this late in life given this information? Thank you!
@Matt Ward could you make a video explaining ROTC's?
Thank you for the info. I'm currently enlisted as an 88M and don't care much for the job. I have a Master's in Health Science and I'm debating on either switching to 68F or going the officer route. If I'm going to stay in I want a job that I actually like and am a subject matter expert in. Thanks for the info. It really helps.
Did you come in as an E7;E8 level because of your masters.
Congrats on 105k!!! And does anything the Army do similar to the Marines?
Bush Wookiee many jobs offered by Army are also in the Marines. They do many things similarly but the Marines is a culture on it own. Just depends what you’re trying to do
In 1 year I will be done with my bachelor's and plan on getting into the Air Force or Army, ideally Air Force, Army would be my second option. From what I was told I can go directly into Officer after passing their testing and so forth ( I'm still not sure much of how all of this works), any tips or something I can know of? I try to look up videos and stuff, but mostly end up with Officer Training School videos, and just Gov websites that mention applying with a bachelor gives the opportunity to start as Officer rather than Enlisted. Point in all, I'm trying to do this for my family and be able to give all I can.
If you see this, how did it go? I'm about to finish a bachelor's degree and am still super undecided on going enlisted or officer. I was told though, it is super hard to be directly commissioned in the Air Force and its best to go Enlisted first. Then again, I'm still new to how everything works.
@@suppork2458 if u don’t mind me asking, how’s it going for you now a few months later
What do you think about enlisting with a bachelor’s degree and then commissioning vs doing the commissioning process for a year or two and then becoming an officer?
Thanks in advance for responding, to whoever that responds.
i feel you should have to be enlisted before being an officer. because you should have experience in the field before giving orders. as i enlisted as a 15B
I like how Matt made another video why you shouldn’t want to be an officer
Well I’m joining army enlisted cause I need help getting a college degree. Sure eventually I’ll become an officer, but I can’t afford to get the degree without making some type of money first.
Hey Matt I want to enlist first tho I did rotc and I saw Officer and Generals who enlisted first before going Officer I want to follow that foot step since I want to become a medical doctor in army. Thank u again for this video it is very helpful
If you want to become a practicing active duty medical doctor or medical specialist in the US military as soon as possible, you SHOULD NOT enlist! You WILL NOT go through ROTC either, unless you wish to be an RN only. Your pre-medical training will be conducted through college, and then you will do an internship. After you are certified and licensed, and you still want to be an officer in the the US military, you would request to be a DIRECT ACCESSION to military service via AMEDD. RESEARCH THIS ROUTE! Ensure you are qualified beforehand. Any other route will slow you down immensely, interfere with your medical career, as you are looking at between 6-8 years of medical training alone. The only potential advantage would be the post 9-11 education bill that would help you for your pre-medical training. Good luck!
The Black Knight thank you so much for the information is joining guard or reserve good option while I finish undergrad and applying to med school the gi bill can really help me with the future loans I’ll have to repay. And is HPSP optional to as a rotc or enlisting
@@SparksForces As far as enlisting in the NG or Reserves while you are in undergraduate studies, I cannot tell you if the monetary school benefits are worth the military time and effort in comparison to you while in college as I don't know your "juggling skills", but this is not completely unusual to do so for many. It may become more difficult to balance your life during an medical internship and still be in the NG/Reserves. Be conscience of potential obligations of your military contract very carefully in years, as they can "bleed" over beyond your time as an undergraduate. HPSP is an available option to definitely help you as a GRADUATE (this is NOT an undergraduate program), and MUCH better program than any form of enlisting to accelerate required additional medical training for specific disciplines, as I have no idea what your specific area of study may be. Please speak with an AMEDD recruiter to help with your long term planning! Remember what I said, if you do want to go down this route, ensure you will be qualified to be a commissioned officer BEFOREHAND, so you do not waste effort and time.
The Black Knight thank you so much I’m going talk to a Recuiter and get more information and take your advice on this.
Every officer/former officer I've spoken to has stated how NCOs are the literal backbone of the army and provide direction/experience that officers would otherwise be lost without. However, I imagine it must be nice to be a 2LT in the reserves and relax at home while your active-enlisted counter parts bust their asses everyday gaining real experience to help out clueless lieutenants.
Yeah I'm getting back into the Army Reserves from IRR and the unit I'm in it's quite apparent that the enlisted run the show. They're the ones giving training presentations and making the day-to-day decisions that get the job done. The officers, they just tell the company what needs to get done or no one goes home.
I have a feeling that I grew up thinking, only the enlisted do the major fighting, not the officers, since I didn't hear much of anything from the military.
Yeah don’t enlist. DO NOT ENLIST. No part about it is fun, no nobody respects you for going enlisted, no it is not a fun time.
Go officer
if i was in the US i would definetly enter as an officer, but where i'm from is really hard to enter as an officer since they will get only 50 or so Officers every year, so it's really difficult.
Be an officer if you want a bigger role. Took a beak in service 3 years ago as a SSG with 7 years under my belt. Came back and commissioned. Used my enlisted background and helped out how to cope and relate to my soldiers.
I'm trying to go for 255N Warrent Officer. Signal Corps leads the way!!!
Great video. However, your next video is going to be why someone should go enlisted, I mean i can see why if that person does not have the requirements to become an officer and can go in just as an enlisted soldier. However, at the end of the day and you would agree with me becoming or going in as an officer would and is better than enlisted in all aspects of military life, starting with the salary and housing
The American government should man up and show its muscles to Russia and Putin instead of TARGETING me and ISIOLATING me when i am just a poor weak and unarmed Bosniak who was in a WAR at the age of 8. Btw it is NOT my fault that i am ugly to most and that many girls really hurt my feelings by calling me ugly and playing with me..........anger is here.
I’m a pv2 11B and if you want to hate your life, do what I did and enlist
Well enlisting officers a 20k bonus and the slrp and officer only offers slrp
Idk I see so many average people going into the military. It can’t be that hard 😂
I'm gonna be an officer in the future because what i'm wanting to do is an enlisted MOS. 19 Kilo
Could you do a video on warrant officers
Too late.
Well I'm enlisting in the air Force in the next 3 years - ugh idek
well id rather be an officer than enlisted, but I don't see the military as a career, I see it more as an extension of college with added benefits.
so I want 12B training.
is it possible to have enlisted mos training as an officer.
id go through officer via rotc if it matters.
My and my wife are going to enlist, and we don’t know how much time is going to take to us live together. And how much our paycheck is going to be?
It varies by what you have accomplished. If you have a degree you will start as an E-4 and depending if you have mortages to pay they give an allowance. Also if you are married you go to basic and in ait ask your sergeant about it they can provide paperwork to start with and it can take a few weeks after you grduate Ait and also depending if their is space on base a home can be provided if not you can live outside of the base and they will provide rent money and extra allowances above your base pay.
Nice video but this is my last year to inlist I am 34 and going in as 68M
I have a degree and I enlisted because I went to an enlistment recruiting office and didn’t know there was a separate recruiting process for officers. They told me the MoS of officer wasn’t ‘available’. What would be the best route for me to become an officer? Should I get another degree with G2G, or drop a packet for OCS? I dropped out of pharmacy school, so would I be able to apply for the HSPS scholarship and finish my pharmacy degree, and could I be able to apply for this degree while I’m enlisted?