This was a great and informative video! I appreciate your positive attitude and honesty. I also have my degree, and worked a little bit, before deciding to pursue the air force. I'm studying for the ASVAB right now, and am glad to know my situation isn't as isolated as i thought. With being on the later side of 20 (currently 27) everyone i asked told me to go the officer route, but it didn't coincide with the path I'm trying to take. Your story has definitely been a positive reinforcement. You've got a sub from me, and keep doing what you're doing!
Glad I came up with with this video and comment. I mean seeing this gave me like the relief that i've been trying to find because all the other people I asked also told me to go officer with a degree. How's it going for you Michael? Do you plan on commissioning at some point in your career as an enlisted?
This is really helping with my decision-making. I wanted to go down the officer route but wasn't feeling too confident about it. Now I'm starting my process of being enlisted.
You all probably dont give a shit but does someone know a trick to log back into an Instagram account?? I somehow forgot my password. I would love any help you can offer me
Brother, I'm doing the same thing with the Navy. I wanted my specific job, got it, and REFUSED to stay doing what I was doing with my career any longer. I'm 28 with a degree, and it's nice to see someone following their own enlisted plan, as I am, myself. Be easy, and keep doing great things!
It is not easy to get good content that regards particular subjects on social media, you have helped me so much in remaining informed. You know a content is good when you can't help but hit subscribe. I enjoy listening to you and how passionate you are while informing us. I look forward to joining.
Wow, thank you for sharing your story. I enlisted in the Navy at 29 years old with a Bachelors Degree. I was also told by the Officer recruiter that I would have to wait a year and my degree, Marine Biology, was a dime a dozen. He was probably lying, but I knew my low G.P.A was not competitive. So I chose to begin my time and enlisted as an Air Traffic Controller and it has been very rewarding. I'm submitting my OCS package next month after finishing my Masters Degree and serving for 9 years. I don't regret it at all!
You got ATC experience on your first enlistment and decided to go officer? You can be making a 6 figure with your experience as a ATC in the private sector if you wanted. Almost 2x as much money than you could make as a junior officer without having to deal with military bs.
@@Fucev for me I’m 22 and about to get my bachelors in Marketing, I took my AFOQT and failed the English section but passed everything else fine. I have no ROTC experience and now in this bubble of thinking to join the military maybe in an enlister route or try to be an officer in another branch or use my marketing degree and find a job.
for me I’m 22 and about to get my bachelors in Marketing, I took my AFOQT and failed the English section but passed everything else fine. I have no ROTC experience and now in this bubble of thinking to join the military maybe in an enlister route or try to be an officer in another branch or use my marketing degree and find a job.
The other thing to add about loneliness with officers is not just the fact there aren't a lot of them but then add the fact that some are academy grads, prior service, and ones that came from the enlisted core. I heard the academy officers can be clique-ish.
As an Air Force officer myself I can tell you that it really depends on the AFSC. I work with an academy grad, but he works in a medical clinic with me. Most academy grads I know are pilots or in other "operational" jobs. It just comes down to the culture of your work place.
great story and advice👍 i’m about to turn 26 and am going to begin my journey as enlisted and hopefully pursue being an officer down the line if all goes well!
Im currently enlisted in the navy if i had the chance between either option i would pick four years becasue you can always extend or re enlist as opposed to signing for 6. It leaves the option to get out if you want.
Who to ask always stumps everyone! Don't be discouraged and start by asking professors / teachers / mentors / supervisors if they are even willing to do so and then just go from there! :)
I'm 31 and trying to decide on enlisted vs officer. I hear you on having to wait so long just to have a chance to get in. I feel with my skills and personality I would best serve as an officer but I still have about a year of school left for my bachelor's and don't want to wait another 18 months after that. Plus then they pay me to finish up my bachelor's.
Hmmm based on the general information provided (thank you for the context btw), I'd say if you're leaning towards doing more than one contract anyways... I'd go commissioned. If you're not sure and slightly leaning against that then I'd say go enlisted to save yourself time AS LONG AS there is an enlisted job which you're really interested in pursuing and or a job you want that's seemingly only available enlisted side. If job selection is not a huge point for you and if as of now, you're open to the idea of staying in more than one contract, then commissioning seems like the way to go! Best of luck on your decision though!
@@michaelainman Thank you so much for taking the time to respond! I am going to talk to the recruiter on Monday to see what the time frame would look like for CYBER jobs. I have a wife and child and my current mindset is to get the shortest contract possible so my wife and I can use education benefits and then get out. I could potentially see myself serving for 20 and becoming an officer but I really have no idea if that is what I will want once I actually have experience. So at this time leaning enlisted.
@@TheGrizzlyKnight Going the officer route right now is a complete waste of time. Started application process last sept. Only for all the boards to get canceled except space force. Then when they finally post the board selection (after it had been posTponed three times), turns out only 9 got selected worldwide and 5 of them were prior enlisted. Only 4 were civilian. The available officer jobs right now is slim due to people not leaving. So you could wait a year or two only find out not only were the chances slim, they were nearly impossible. You could also find out the boards get canceled again which is another kick in the jaw.
@@SourStrawberrys it depends on the branch, because in the Navy we selected about 80% of people who applied for some officer programs. Not all are wide open like that but a good chunk of them are
If enlist as an Officer I would feel bad for the men and women who enlisted before college. Definitely would have respect for them and would understand them not respecting me. Eventually I would earn their respect.
I know this is an old vid but it’s timeless advice :) i’ve definitely had friends and extended family question or criticize why I wanna go enlisted for Air Force reserves, and I don’t care to explain or feel like I need to defend myself to them unless they want to take the time to hear me out. Honestly, 1) the specific job I want isn’t offered for commissioned officers, 2) i’m joining Air Force reserves for the long-term benefits, not for that high & quick officer pay, 3) I don’t care to have that responsibility role as an officer, and like the idea of just being a worker bee during my one weekend a month when I’m not doing my other job the rest of the time (which I love and is also lifelong/worth it ❤). 4) there’s always an opportunity to be officer later as an enlisted (bonus points for having that enlisted experience). Overall, don’t let others dictate your career choices! My decision was solid and there’s no wrong way or path to success. Those that disagree have their own route or way but the end goal is always there! Sorry for this essay but hope it helps whoever is making that enlisted vs officer decision 🫶
I really appreciate you posting this, and I hope some viewers take the time to listen to your thoughts and make the most informed decision they can once they're ready to do so! Have an awesome 2025!
In the Guard we aren't as strict with the fraternization issue because we are with each other for decades a lot of the times. Especially with flyers. A flight crew is tight whether you are enlisted or officer. What's your AFSC bruh? Career field?
@@blank1505 It means the year and a half is just the application process (it is along process) and then a bunch of waiting. They only have boards once or twice a year. Based on the current state right now, there isn't many officer jobs available plus it is really competitive so the chance of getting in is very low after all that time and energy.
Hello Michael, I subscribed your channel, I think it’s fun and informative, I’m about to graduate college with a degree in health science and planning to enlist afterward, my question is what pay grade I will start ? and can you recommend a health science job in the air force , thank you and keep these informative videos coming👍😁
Hi Michael, the timing of this was everything. I too have a B.S. in marketing (grad 2016) and am about to turn 30. So it was nice to see this representation. Your videos answered some questions I had been asking myself and has helped affirm that enlisting is the right choice for me! FFWDing to now, so are you still enlisted status or are you an officer?
Do you know how you go enlisted to officer? My plan is to go to college, enlist then try to become an officer because of the retirement and more of the responsibility. And thanks for the video!
Once you're in your career field, you would get an email about how the Air Force is accepting Officer Packages (aka application submissions) and you would work with your command to submit all the required forms. If you aren't trying to join soon (and still have to complete college) I would highly encourage you to just join up as an officer instead of coming in enlisted. Going in enlisted with a degree makes more sense for those trying to join sooner rather than later.
@@michaelainman well I plan on joining after I finish college. Right now I’m a senior in high school and I was planning on Becoming a officer after a few years in enlisted because I don’t think I would be ready for the responsibility right away and I don’t want to take the AFOQT right I finish college because I know it’s not an easy test and I would probably need like 6 months to study for it.
Absolutely. You can spend 1 year on application process only to find that they canceled all the boards once again or they only selected 9 people worldwide. 1 year wasted I could have spent just getting time in service.
Hello! Thank you so much for producing these videos. It’s been so helpful to gain more insight about the AF. I am actually in the process of applying for OTS and taking my AFOQT in January. Just want to get some advice and help. I am a little nervous if I don’t pass the test after all my attempts. Can I enlist instead? Thanks again for your time! I appreciate it!
Hey Nicole! I'm confident you are allowed to take a stab (as the saying goes) at the ASVAB (for enlisting) if the AFOQT turns out not to be your Jam but... we're not going to manifest that! Keep studying hard and I'm confident you'll do great!!
@@michaelainman You sir, are inspiring and have a big heart!! You are the first video I saw about the Air Force and have not stopped watching since. I will keep working hard! Thank you for your encouragement! Blessings!
Thank you for these thoughts about becoming an officer. I’m wondering, do you automatically start at higher rank/salary just because you have a college degree compared to someone with no degree and no prior service? Does having a masters put you even further ahead in ranking?
Hi Samuel, so I believe everyone with about two years of collegiate credits comes in at A1C/E-3, but other than that, there are no additional, staggered starting points above that rank/grade.
Different branches have different policies. Army and Navy have the best policies and depending on what job you are going in as and contract length you can get up to $65,000 off although that only goes to principle, not interest, and using it can exempt you from one of the G.I bills. (From what I have read at least, you would be best served to speak to a recruiter). Marines do not currently have an SLPR (Student Tuition Releaf Plan). The air force only offers UP to $10,000 and by using the Air Force SLPR program you forfeit the annual education money they give you (about $4,500 I believe is the current number). I personally decided against using SLPR for the Air Force and am instead just working to pay off my loans faster by living frugally but I also do not have a complete bachelors so for me the money to finish that out is more useful or to put it to a masters in the future. Depending on your situation though it may be worth it.
Haha luckily that ceases following bootcamp and tech school! From then on out, your wake time after tech school graduation is most likely going to be based around what time you start work!
@@michaelainman ok because I graduated from OSU in fall 2016 and you just looked very familiar. Great content. Keep them coming. Gathering as much info as possible because I am ready to join.
I'm debating on going in as an officer or enlist as well! My biggest thing is, I want to be in Security Forces and HOPEFULLY, get rhe chance to apply as a Dagre or Raven, is that possible?
Hmm well if you already have your degree, you could aim to support/lead the mission of DAGRE or Ravens by being an Officer in Charge... if you don't yet have a degree, feel free to consider being a Guardian however do your research so you can stand confidently by your decision
Thank you for your encouraging videos!I Will have a B.S. in Biochem and Biology soon.I want to join the USAF. Are there jobs I should definitely aim for?
I'm not overly versed in those specialties but definitely peruse the AF website and reach out to a recruiter to see if there's any jobs which get you excited!
@@basicbakedbread Definitely before if it's within your means or you can responsibly manage any loans taken out to pay for school. Yes, go to school first, if able, and pursue a military career after if you are still interested when you're nearing completion of your degree. Good luck!
I think it is best to go to college firsr as well. You might get destracted like my friend did who went to military straight out of high school and end up never going.
I'm not too sure actually! I don't think it would play a factor in job assignments and once assigned, the Air Force will teach people anything they need to know (including how to operate large vehicles). But if assigned to such a career field, you would have more familiarity with the skill than your peers would
I ended up enlisting with a college degree and immediately came to regret it. I do wish I went Officer instead, but I appreciate your positive outlook on the matter.
Thank you for your service, sir. Can you be in reserves as an officer and continue your education as an officer? I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology and my next step will be dental school. I am unsure if I am able to be an officer and go to school full time with scholarships and college paid for or not; I know that if I speak to recruiters, they will tell me yes and that may not happen. I’ve found the most beneficial way to find out information is to ask the airmen!
Hey Reese! Since I am neither an officer nor serving in the reserves whilst pursuing my education I am unable to answer this question intelligently... So sadly I do have to say, refer to a recruiter haha but thank you for reaching out and maybe, just maybe, someone in the comments section will be able to shed some light on it! Good luck, Ma'am!
Reese, I’m in the same boat and you can be an officer in the reserve. I watched @Jodywithawhy videos and they included chats with recruiters. I love Michael’s channel as well! Very helpful and insightful!
So initially you wanted to be an Officer? Recruiters lie like hell, you could have got the job you wanted as an Officer just have to work hard at OTS. You worked hard to complete a degree from a good University go the O route.
Yes, I did initially want to become an officer but unfortunately is was true that there was a backlog of over a year before once could depart for OTS. Additionally, yes some jobs are similar to mine Officer Side but they're not as plentiful you could say. Thanks for the feedback though! :D
@@michaelainman Quick question for you. In the marines (or army), if you want to become an officer, they cannot guarantee that you will get the mos or job you want, only that you can make a wishlist. The needs of the branch and your performance ultimately determine what you will end up getting if you graduate. Is the air force officer application the same way where what you get is dependent on needs and performance, rather than what you choose? Thanks.
Officers didn't lie about what jobs he could get. The issue was the TIME it takes to become and officer and the CHANCE of becoming one. It is competitive. And selection rate is so low now that they end up just canceling all the boards. You can wait over a year trying to get in only to find out the boards have been canceled or you weren't selected. That is over a year wasted. I am a mechanical engineer and still didn't get in. All the boards were canceled again except for space force and only 9 people total selected for space force officer and 5 of them were prior enlisted. That means only 4 civilians were selected. Don't apply thinking you will be guaranteed to selected after a year. The chances are slim to none right now due to the job market and the fact that there is no officers leaving so there aren't many jobs available.
@@michaelainman Backlog? Does that mean you were selected and waiting. Or you were just waiting the year to see if you will be selected after they review your application?
Can you pursue a second bachelors degree through the air force? Like could you take advantage of tuition assistance (TA) while on active duty and use the GI bill when your contract ends if you got a bachelors degree before enlisting in the air force?
I think so... but I'm not overly confident! Your permanent duty station should have an education office which will be able to answer those questions and get you signed up for TA. If it's a major factor in your decision, ask a recruiter and they should be able to get a solid answer on education allowances and the such haha Great question!
This was a great and informative video! I appreciate your positive attitude and honesty. I also have my degree, and worked a little bit, before deciding to pursue the air force. I'm studying for the ASVAB right now, and am glad to know my situation isn't as isolated as i thought. With being on the later side of 20 (currently 27) everyone i asked told me to go the officer route, but it didn't coincide with the path I'm trying to take. Your story has definitely been a positive reinforcement. You've got a sub from me, and keep doing what you're doing!
Happy to have helped even if just a bit, Lamarr!
Just finishing up my undergrad degree right now and going enlisted. You do you Lamarr; Mr. Inman is dope
So is it better to go to college straight out of highschool or to the Air Force?
Glad I came up with with this video and comment. I mean seeing this gave me like the relief that i've been trying to find because all the other people I asked also told me to go officer with a degree. How's it going for you Michael? Do you plan on commissioning at some point in your career as an enlisted?
This is really helping with my decision-making. I wanted to go down the officer route but wasn't feeling too confident about it. Now I'm starting my process of being enlisted.
Happy some of my thoughts on the matter helped you in your own decision-making process!
So well organized. It sounded like an essay, beautifully spoken.
Thank you!!!
You all probably dont give a shit but does someone know a trick to log back into an Instagram account??
I somehow forgot my password. I would love any help you can offer me
@Enoch Patrick instablaster :)
Brother, I'm doing the same thing with the Navy. I wanted my specific job, got it, and REFUSED to stay doing what I was doing with my career any longer. I'm 28 with a degree, and it's nice to see someone following their own enlisted plan, as I am, myself. Be easy, and keep doing great things!
Thank you for this note! Also, wishing you best of luck and lots of success in the Navy!
Same here! Leave next month. 💪
It is not easy to get good content that regards particular subjects on social media, you have helped me so much in remaining informed.
You know a content is good when you can't help but hit subscribe.
I enjoy listening to you and how passionate you are while informing us.
I look forward to joining.
Wow, thank you for sharing your story. I enlisted in the Navy at 29 years old with a Bachelors Degree. I was also told by the Officer recruiter that I would have to wait a year and my degree, Marine Biology, was a dime a dozen. He was probably lying, but I knew my low G.P.A was not competitive. So I chose to begin my time and enlisted as an Air Traffic Controller and it has been very rewarding. I'm submitting my OCS package next month after finishing my Masters Degree and serving for 9 years. I don't regret it at all!
Wishing you the best on your package submission !!
You got ATC experience on your first enlistment and decided to go officer? You can be making a 6 figure with your experience as a ATC in the private sector if you wanted. Almost 2x as much money than you could make as a junior officer without having to deal with military bs.
@@Fucev for me I’m 22 and about to get my bachelors in Marketing, I took my AFOQT and failed the English section but passed everything else fine. I have no ROTC experience and now in this bubble of thinking to join the military maybe in an enlister route or try to be an officer in another branch or use my marketing degree and find a job.
for me I’m 22 and about to get my bachelors in Marketing, I took my AFOQT and failed the English section but passed everything else fine. I have no ROTC experience and now in this bubble of thinking to join the military maybe in an enlister route or try to be an officer in another branch or use my marketing degree and find a job.
I needed to see this video from you. I have been battling this issue. Very helpful.
Happy to have helped, Krissy!
Trying to decide between marine/army officer or enlisted air force/ coast guard. This video helped!
You’re awesome. Thanks for posting!
My daughter enlisted with a degree just started BMT. She enlisted as the job she wanted wasn’t offered to commissioned officer.
Then she made the system work for her! :) Best of luck to her on her new fledging career!
The other thing to add about loneliness with officers is not just the fact there aren't a lot of them but then add the fact that some are academy grads, prior service, and ones that came from the enlisted core. I heard the academy officers can be clique-ish.
As an Air Force officer myself I can tell you that it really depends on the AFSC. I work with an academy grad, but he works in a medical clinic with me. Most academy grads I know are pilots or in other "operational" jobs. It just comes down to the culture of your work place.
Thank you so much for this video! So informative :)
great story and advice👍 i’m about to turn 26 and am going to begin my journey as enlisted and hopefully pursue being an officer down the line if all goes well!
😂😂😂 thanks for this video 🙏🏼
So if you enlist with a degree you have to serve FOUR YEARS enlisted before you can become an officer?
Question, what are your options if you join the air force and became an officer? What paths could you go into? ( already have a college degree)
Can you do a video on 4 yr contract verses a 6 yr contract? Pros and cons if you have not done so? Im new to your channel.
Im currently enlisted in the navy if i had the chance between either option i would pick four years becasue you can always extend or re enlist as opposed to signing for 6. It leaves the option to get out if you want.
I did fuels on the flight line. It was pretty laid back.
Very well put. I want to commission as an officer however non rated jobs seem very limited at the moment
Yeah, regardless of what you decide, it definitely calls for a good amount of contemplation!
What holds me back about joining as an officer is that I heard you need letters of recommendation and I literally have nobody to write me one 😭
Who to ask always stumps everyone! Don't be discouraged and start by asking professors / teachers / mentors / supervisors if they are even willing to do so and then just go from there! :)
I'm 31 and trying to decide on enlisted vs officer. I hear you on having to wait so long just to have a chance to get in. I feel with my skills and personality I would best serve as an officer but I still have about a year of school left for my bachelor's and don't want to wait another 18 months after that. Plus then they pay me to finish up my bachelor's.
Hmmm based on the general information provided (thank you for the context btw), I'd say if you're leaning towards doing more than one contract anyways... I'd go commissioned. If you're not sure and slightly leaning against that then I'd say go enlisted to save yourself time AS LONG AS there is an enlisted job which you're really interested in pursuing and or a job you want that's seemingly only available enlisted side. If job selection is not a huge point for you and if as of now, you're open to the idea of staying in more than one contract, then commissioning seems like the way to go! Best of luck on your decision though!
@@michaelainman Thank you so much for taking the time to respond! I am going to talk to the recruiter on Monday to see what the time frame would look like for CYBER jobs. I have a wife and child and my current mindset is to get the shortest contract possible so my wife and I can use education benefits and then get out. I could potentially see myself serving for 20 and becoming an officer but I really have no idea if that is what I will want once I actually have experience. So at this time leaning enlisted.
@@TheGrizzlyKnight Going the officer route right now is a complete waste of time. Started application process last sept. Only for all the boards to get canceled except space force. Then when they finally post the board selection (after it had been posTponed three times), turns out only 9 got selected worldwide and 5 of them were prior enlisted. Only 4 were civilian. The available officer jobs right now is slim due to people not leaving. So you could wait a year or two only find out not only were the chances slim, they were nearly impossible. You could also find out the boards get canceled again which is another kick in the jaw.
@@SourStrawberrys it depends on the branch, because in the Navy we selected about 80% of people who applied for some officer programs. Not all are wide open like that but a good chunk of them are
If enlist as an Officer I would feel bad for the men and women who enlisted before college. Definitely would have respect for them and would understand them not respecting me. Eventually I would earn their respect.
Good points...I rather do enlisted first Then go to Officer
I know this is an old vid but it’s timeless advice :) i’ve definitely had friends and extended family question or criticize why I wanna go enlisted for Air Force reserves, and I don’t care to explain or feel like I need to defend myself to them unless they want to take the time to hear me out. Honestly, 1) the specific job I want isn’t offered for commissioned officers, 2) i’m joining Air Force reserves for the long-term benefits, not for that high & quick officer pay, 3) I don’t care to have that responsibility role as an officer, and like the idea of just being a worker bee during my one weekend a month when I’m not doing my other job the rest of the time (which I love and is also lifelong/worth it ❤). 4) there’s always an opportunity to be officer later as an enlisted (bonus points for having that enlisted experience). Overall, don’t let others dictate your career choices! My decision was solid and there’s no wrong way or path to success. Those that disagree have their own route or way but the end goal is always there! Sorry for this essay but hope it helps whoever is making that enlisted vs officer decision 🫶
I really appreciate you posting this, and I hope some viewers take the time to listen to your thoughts and make the most informed decision they can once they're ready to do so! Have an awesome 2025!
In the Guard we aren't as strict with the fraternization issue because we are with each other for decades a lot of the times. Especially with flyers. A flight crew is tight whether you are enlisted or officer. What's your AFSC bruh? Career field?
I'm graduating in June with my Bachelors, I'm thinking about enlisting thanks for the info.
My pleasure, Austin!
if you enlist after college will they still pay that college debt off? also if you enlist after college, can you skip bootcamp?
year and half by the recruiter is not guaranteed.
what do you mean?
@@blank1505 It means the year and a half is just the application process (it is along process) and then a bunch of waiting. They only have boards once or twice a year. Based on the current state right now, there isn't many officer jobs available plus it is really competitive so the chance of getting in is very low after all that time and energy.
When you enlist with a bachelors degree do you start off as a E3 or E4 ?
E3! :)
Hello Michael, I subscribed your channel, I think it’s fun and informative, I’m about to graduate college with a degree in health science and planning to enlist afterward, my question is what pay grade I will start ? and can you recommend a health science job in the air force , thank you and keep these informative videos coming👍😁
What jobs did u work in the Air Force
Bro let’s gooo tOSU class of 2022!!
Ahhhhhh!!!!!! Go Buckeyes!
Hi Michael, the timing of this was everything. I too have a B.S. in marketing (grad 2016) and am about to turn 30. So it was nice to see this representation. Your videos answered some questions I had been asking myself and has helped affirm that enlisting is the right choice for me! FFWDing to now, so are you still enlisted status or are you an officer?
Hi, Aaron! Thank you for the note! I am still enlisted but who knows what the futures holds haha
Hey @ Aaron did you enlist as E3/E4?
@@michaelainman How many years of service as an enlist?
Hi
Did you become an officer eventually?
Wouldn't that be rad!
Do you know how you go enlisted to officer? My plan is to go to college, enlist then try to become an officer because of the retirement and more of the responsibility. And thanks for the video!
Once you're in your career field, you would get an email about how the Air Force is accepting Officer Packages (aka application submissions) and you would work with your command to submit all the required forms. If you aren't trying to join soon (and still have to complete college) I would highly encourage you to just join up as an officer instead of coming in enlisted. Going in enlisted with a degree makes more sense for those trying to join sooner rather than later.
@@michaelainman well I plan on joining after I finish college. Right now I’m a senior in high school and I was planning on Becoming a officer after a few years in enlisted because I don’t think I would be ready for the responsibility right away and I don’t want to take the AFOQT right I finish college because I know it’s not an easy test and I would probably need like 6 months to study for it.
Whats the pay difference between a enlisted and officer? Is it significant?
It's pretty darn significant, yes haha, but just give it a quick google to get up-to-date rates and the difference between the two
Michael,
Does it really take around 1 1/2 years to pick up as an officer if you decide to go through with it?
At least that's what the wait time was when I was looking into it! Hopefully its not as bad this year and next!
Absolutely. You can spend 1 year on application process only to find that they canceled all the boards once again or they only selected 9 people worldwide. 1 year wasted I could have spent just getting time in service.
Hello! Thank you so much for producing these videos. It’s been so helpful to gain more insight about the AF. I am actually in the process of applying for OTS and taking my AFOQT in January. Just want to get some advice and help. I am a little nervous if I don’t pass the test after all my attempts. Can I enlist instead? Thanks again for your time! I appreciate it!
Hey Nicole! I'm confident you are allowed to take a stab (as the saying goes) at the ASVAB (for enlisting) if the AFOQT turns out not to be your Jam but... we're not going to manifest that! Keep studying hard and I'm confident you'll do great!!
@@michaelainman You sir, are inspiring and have a big heart!! You are the first video I saw about the Air Force and have not stopped watching since. I will keep working hard! Thank you for your encouragement! Blessings!
Thank you for these thoughts about becoming an officer. I’m wondering, do you automatically start at higher rank/salary just because you have a college degree compared to someone with no degree and no prior service? Does having a masters put you even further ahead in ranking?
Hi Samuel, so I believe everyone with about two years of collegiate credits comes in at A1C/E-3, but other than that, there are no additional, staggered starting points above that rank/grade.
How many years did you complete on the enlisted side before you became an officer Sir?
I am not an officer, as discussed in detail in the video haha (:
@@michaelainman Oh my bad Sir!
Do you know if the military will forgive your student loans?
That unfortunately doesn't sound too familiar to me but I could be out of the loop on that one!
Different branches have different policies. Army and Navy have the best policies and depending on what job you are going in as and contract length you can get up to $65,000 off although that only goes to principle, not interest, and using it can exempt you from one of the G.I bills. (From what I have read at least, you would be best served to speak to a recruiter). Marines do not currently have an SLPR (Student Tuition Releaf Plan). The air force only offers UP to $10,000 and by using the Air Force SLPR program you forfeit the annual education money they give you (about $4,500 I believe is the current number). I personally decided against using SLPR for the Air Force and am instead just working to pay off my loans faster by living frugally but I also do not have a complete bachelors so for me the money to finish that out is more useful or to put it to a masters in the future.
Depending on your situation though it may be worth it.
do they make you wake up at 5:00am only in bootcamp or basic training or also once you are actually working?
Haha luckily that ceases following bootcamp and tech school! From then on out, your wake time after tech school graduation is most likely going to be based around what time you start work!
Hey did you take African politics class with professor Amanda?
I don't believe that was me lol but I hope you enjoyed the class; it sounds interesting!
@@michaelainman ok because I graduated from OSU in fall 2016 and you just looked very familiar. Great content. Keep them coming. Gathering as much info as possible because I am ready to join.
I'm debating on going in as an officer or enlist as well! My biggest thing is, I want to be in Security Forces and HOPEFULLY, get rhe chance to apply as a Dagre or Raven, is that possible?
Hmm well if you already have your degree, you could aim to support/lead the mission of DAGRE or Ravens by being an Officer in Charge... if you don't yet have a degree, feel free to consider being a Guardian however do your research so you can stand confidently by your decision
@@michaelainman thank you so much for your feedback! I have 1 final summer class to take next month and then I will have my degree!
I was wondering if you started off as an E1 rank or a higher rank with your college degree?
I started off as E-3 due to the meeting the required amount of college credits to do so (which I believe is or was about 4 semesters' worth)
@@michaelainman Really? That means I can enlist and still start off as an e3? That's good news.
Thank you for your encouraging videos!I Will have a B.S. in Biochem and Biology soon.I want to join the USAF. Are there jobs I should definitely aim for?
I'm not overly versed in those specialties but definitely peruse the AF website and reach out to a recruiter to see if there's any jobs which get you excited!
what do you recommend, to get a degree before joining the airforce or after?
I've been thinking it over and I might go to college first and then join the air force
@@basicbakedbread Definitely before if it's within your means or you can responsibly manage any loans taken out to pay for school. Yes, go to school first, if able, and pursue a military career after if you are still interested when you're nearing completion of your degree. Good luck!
I think it is best to go to college firsr as well. You might get destracted like my friend did who went to military straight out of high school and end up never going.
Does joining with a cdl mean anything?
I'm not too sure actually! I don't think it would play a factor in job assignments and once assigned, the Air Force will teach people anything they need to know (including how to operate large vehicles). But if assigned to such a career field, you would have more familiarity with the skill than your peers would
I ended up enlisting with a college degree and immediately came to regret it. I do wish I went Officer instead, but I appreciate your positive outlook on the matter.
We all have our own journey and I definitely respect you sharing your perspective as well!
why ?
Why did you regret it? Please share more! Thank you!!
Did you go in as a Senior Airman because of your degree?
Not senior airman, but my credits did allow me to get A1C earlier than others!
What is A1C? @@michaelainman
Thank you for your service, sir. Can you be in reserves as an officer and continue your education as an officer? I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology and my next step will be dental school. I am unsure if I am able to be an officer and go to school full time with scholarships and college paid for or not; I know that if I speak to recruiters, they will tell me yes and that may not happen. I’ve found the most beneficial way to find out information is to ask the airmen!
Hey Reese! Since I am neither an officer nor serving in the reserves whilst pursuing my education I am unable to answer this question intelligently... So sadly I do have to say, refer to a recruiter haha but thank you for reaching out and maybe, just maybe, someone in the comments section will be able to shed some light on it! Good luck, Ma'am!
Reese, I’m in the same boat and you can be an officer in the reserve. I watched @Jodywithawhy videos and they included chats with recruiters. I love Michael’s channel as well! Very helpful and insightful!
So initially you wanted to be an Officer? Recruiters lie like hell, you could have got the job you wanted as an Officer just have to work hard at OTS. You worked hard to complete a degree from a good University go the O route.
Yes, I did initially want to become an officer but unfortunately is was true that there was a backlog of over a year before once could depart for OTS. Additionally, yes some jobs are similar to mine Officer Side but they're not as plentiful you could say. Thanks for the feedback though! :D
@@michaelainman Quick question for you. In the marines (or army), if you want to become an officer, they cannot guarantee that you will get the mos or job you want, only that you can make a wishlist. The needs of the branch and your performance ultimately determine what you will end up getting if you graduate. Is the air force officer application the same way where what you get is dependent on needs and performance, rather than what you choose? Thanks.
Officers didn't lie about what jobs he could get. The issue was the TIME it takes to become and officer and the CHANCE of becoming one. It is competitive. And selection rate is so low now that they end up just canceling all the boards. You can wait over a year trying to get in only to find out the boards have been canceled or you weren't selected. That is over a year wasted. I am a mechanical engineer and still didn't get in. All the boards were canceled again except for space force and only 9 people total selected for space force officer and 5 of them were prior enlisted. That means only 4 civilians were selected. Don't apply thinking you will be guaranteed to selected after a year. The chances are slim to none right now due to the job market and the fact that there is no officers leaving so there aren't many jobs available.
@@michaelainman Backlog? Does that mean you were selected and waiting. Or you were just waiting the year to see if you will be selected after they review your application?
That’s a very general statement about recruiters🧐
Can you pursue a second bachelors degree through the air force? Like could you take advantage of tuition assistance (TA) while on active duty and use the GI bill when your contract ends if you got a bachelors degree before enlisting in the air force?
I think so... but I'm not overly confident! Your permanent duty station should have an education office which will be able to answer those questions and get you signed up for TA. If it's a major factor in your decision, ask a recruiter and they should be able to get a solid answer on education allowances and the such haha Great question!
You should list those 3 points and keep it succinct.