Is The 6 Year Air Force Contract Even Worth It
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- čas přidán 28. 06. 2024
- In this video, I will discuss why the 6 year contract is better than a 4 year enlistment. In the Air Force, there are several reasons why the 6 year contract is more beneficial. This video will discuss the pros and cons of 4 vs 6 year enlistments. It will also discuss some cross training tips, and how a 6 year contract increases your chances of being accepted for a cross training position. These tips are generic for normal airmen, but keep in mind sometimes there are special cases when you join, which these tips don't cover.
Intro - 0:00
Money and Rank - 0:30
Experience - 1:25
Travel and PCS - 2:45
Cross Training tips - 3:35
Hey everyone. If you’re interested in joining the Air Force, I created a “Joining the Air Force” Starter pack playlist. Hopefully this helps you in your decision making.
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JodywithaWhy already on it 💪🏽💪🏽🙌🏾
Quick question. Once enlisted what’s the process of going officer? I’ve been told it’s simple and not a hard process and also they look at applications from enlisted first versus if you rotc? I already have 51 credits before I’m joining but I wanna make sure officer isn’t ruled out joining enlisted. Thank you!
So it’s not that easy of process any path you take. It’s super competitive and not many spots available. I’ve actually made two videos discussing the officer path. One as a civilian and one as an enlisted member.
Both paths are challenging but the numbers show it’s easier to do it as an enlisted member. But if you were to take the ROTC route, that betters your chances as well.
@@Jodywithawhy what’s those videos called?
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Here's my 2 Cents:
As a 6 year Active Duty (AD) Air Force Vet, I can say this with CONFIDENCE - The four year contract is THE BEST option in any scenario. PLEASE hear me - If you desire to stay in after 4 you always have the option to extend, but if you really don't like what you do, you will save two years of your life to do something else you really want to do! You will still get your 9/11 GI Bill after 3 years (36 Months) and there is really no benefit to sign on for 6 other than being an A1C right after basic which is hardly anything if you already have JROTC experience or college this basically get you the A1C rank after basic without have to sign on the two additional years. Don't let these recruiters fool you, ITS YOUR LIFE - Try for four years - If you love it, stay in! If you don't save your time and don't stay two extra years feeling stuck! It's real but you have to do what is best for you! Blessings on your consideration on joining the worlds greatest Air Force!
I appreciate you for this though
@@darknebula7 Forsure, hope this helps you - Blessings!
Can I give my future kid the gi bill after 4 years active duty?
Thank you sir for this comment. I would really like to ask more questions.
Please how can I get in touch with you sir.
Thank you
thank you for your insight
As expected of an air force recruiter, you really make signing on for 6 instead of 4 sound really good 😭😭
😂
My thoughts too
6 is the move.. I spent more time in highschool.
Go for 4 years.... Here is why. 1. sign up for the job with the longest Tech School....By the time you finish BMT and Tech School, you only have 3 years or less left in the AF... Get your good experience in, start looking at jobs on the outside. WORST CASE, if you end up liking the AF and want to re-enlist... You're holding all the cards... The AF has a lot of training money in you, but only go 2 1/2 years back in real work... Play hardball for a big money $$$$ re-enlistment bonus.. 4 Year contract guys really do not payoff for the AF, in fact, some jobs, the AF wont even let you have unless you sign up for 6... Stick to 4 years, take the longest tech school you can find, and as soon as you're working in your job, start looking for your civilian job. I knew a guy coming back from Panama USAF base there, he had 3 solid offers from other South American military's to work on their aircraft. He went to Brazil... BIG MONEY... Australia also hire former USAF vets. You do the same job, making 3 times the money.
Currently 26 and seriously thinking about going and this video just help confirm my decision even more. Already had a sit down with a recruiter once going back soon
21 and in the same position taking my practice ASVAB on Wednesday. Wish you the best of luck bro!
I just turned 27 brother. I have my associates and getting my bachelors + masters is so damn expensive civilian side and you have to take loans. The military is the only way for most working class people and immigrants with no generational wealth. My goal is officer ASAP
Same age as you and considering it. Good luck!
@@RetroRos101 Good luck!
Almost 19 and I’m definitely joining Air Force
Don’t do it, folks, don’t contract for 6 years. You could end up in one of many blackhole bases (like Cannon or Altus) for 3+ years only to transfer to another blackhole base.
If you don’t plan on starting family or ever leaving active duty then, by all means, sign on for 6 years. But even then, you should really sign on for 4 years, use your GI bill, get a 4-year degree, and commission as an officer.
Exactly what i had planned
Back in 1975, I signed a six-year contract but the 5th and 6th years were called "inactive reserve". So, it was essentially a four year enlistment. I made rank fairly fast. I reached SSgt (E-5) by 3.5 years. I received an early promotion to E-4 by successfully competing in a "Below the Zone" contest. After my four years active duty I was able to land a great civilian job in the tech industry. I have no regrets. The Air Force was a great experience.
What do you do for work if u don't mind me asking?
I'll be 70 next month so I'm not working much anymore. When I left the Air Force in 1980 I got a job as a field service engineer working for a tech company that makes circuit board drilling machines. I worked my way up to applications engineer then technology director. Then I started my own business providing service and support for a Japanese $220,000 circuit board scanning machine (15 cameras and 24 processors).
@@GregSrThank you for your service man! Nothing but respect for the veterans 🫡
I already know that I’m going to sign a six year contract!
Awesome. 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽.
Another reason to consider a six-year contract vice a four-year contract: Air Force tuition assistance for off-duty education. The Air Force will subsidize college classes in the enlistee's off-duty time to the tune of US$250 per credit hour. Coincidentally, this is the in-state tuition rate that most community colleges and state universities will charge active-duty military - in other words, your part-time education will be free. But it's a part-time schedule, which means that for most airmen, the extra time is needed to get closer to degree completion (or to complete that degree). Don't feel shy about using that tuition assistance. An airman who is committed to off-duty education and working toward a degree is a better airman. Not only does the Air Force value the skills and knowledge you will acquire, there is also the basic fact that the serious student is not going to be out drinking and getting into fights. The education-focused airman is therefore a good airman, the one who supervisors and leaders admire, respect, and appreciate. It also speaks well to potential future employers.
Definitely great info. The tuition assistance benefits are awesome. I like your perspective on it. Taking classes will not only make you a better airmen and future civilian employee, but it will also remove any idle time where trouble usually lies. Couldn’t agree more. 🙌🏽🙌🏽
@@Jodywithawhy - I enlisted in the US Navy in January 1989 for five years having completed 12 credits at the University of Missouri, and got sent to the Defense Language Institute at the Presidio of Monterey, California for 47 weeks of Chinese Basic Course. Which, as it turns out, was accredited for 24 hours of college credit. Then I got sent to Osan Air Base in Korea, which at the time was a great assignment for drinking and whoring.
But there also was an outstanding Education Center which offered classes year-round. In my 3-1/2 years at Osan Air Base, instead of drinking and whoring, I finished a bachelor's degree which enabled me to proceed directly to law school at age 24. Enlisting in the service was an awesome leg up for me. I really appreciate the advice you're giving young people considering a career in the Air Force, and am glad that you're training the next generation of Air Force recruiters.
Any college-bound kid who reads this comment should seriously consider DLI. If you're qualified to attend, and succeed there, it's one of the most academically-challenging jobs available in the military.
When I was in 2002 - 2009 the education benefit was available to both 4 and 6 year contracts.
This video just give me more reasons why I should sign 6 years contract. Even though I know my parents won't like it.
I know how that goes. Hopefully, you don’t make anyone upset. Maybe by showing them this, it may ease some of their worries.
@@Jodywithawhy I definitely will show them! And hopefully they can see why I want to go with the 6 years. Thank you so much
I just found your videos and they are so helpful! You break everything down while also getting right to the point. I feel much more motivated. I plan on joining soon!
That’s so awesome. I’m glad I could help. 🙌🏽
Awesome video family! You put a perspective on bigger picture things that I didn't even think of 👏
Terell D ayeee. Thanks bro. That’s exactly what I was trying to show. Sometimes we just get caught up in the extra money, but that’s not enough for some people when thinking about them extra 2 years. So I just wanted to open peoples eyes on the benefits of a 6.
Very informative. Thank you for recommending this to me.
Thank you for this Jody, I've been doing lots of research and I've made up my mind to make a change in my life and join the air force. I will be subscribing and watching the rest of your videos. Thank you sir!
Thank you so much for the support. If you have any questions, don’t be shy. 💪🏽
Thank you for explaining the difference of 4 and 6 year contract in detail a big difference
No problem at all. Glad I could help. 💪🏽
JodywithaWhy very informative glad I’m a subscriber 💪🏽🙌🏾 when I’m join this year I’m already educated about this topic 👏🏽
Wow. Good video.
Thank you for your service.
Just Found your channel and I feel like recruited me already. Thanks for all the info I'm looking to join when my younglings are a bit older
No problem at all bro bum glad I could help. 🙌🏽
Thank you ever so much for your words of wisdom, it really helped a lot.
No problem. Glad I could help
@@Jodywithawhy I signed 4yrs, but can I increase it to 6yrs after my training?? I am leaving November 22nd
You would only be able to increase before you ship to basic. They don’t allow that once you’re in. You can reenlist when you get to the end of your contract though.
I spent 20 years in the navy I always stayed with a 4 year contract. You have a better chance of getting orders where you want if you reenlist after 4 years. Also 6 years is long time if you find out the military is no for you.
Well you just sold me on the 6year. Ik ow the money is not that big of a difference. And even rank could be the same after 4 years (4 vs 6 years) and if i remember right at the 4 year mark the 6 gear guy has about 6 months more experience at the current rank vs the 4 year guy.
What really got me is the crosstrain thing. That made so much sense. Thank you.
I’m glad I could help. 🙌🏽
Been thinking about going to air force. I'm glad I watched your video sir.
Glad I could help. Thanks for the support. 🙌🏽
Thank you for your videos, they are very helpful. I’m a 30 year old guy who has decided to join the Air Force. This decision came somewhat late in life for me but I feel like I can change my life. Plus I like the cater paths. I’m strongly considering a 6-year contract and possibly making a career out of my service. Any advice for the “old heads” who are looking to go this route? Appreciate your time my man and stay up!
I just tell all of my old heads to be prepared for a mentorship role. Those young airmen look to y’all for advice and guidance. Also, MTI’s and leadership kinda expect more outta y’all because you’ve lived a little. So just be prepared for a little more responsibility when coming in. Besides that, you got this. I’ve put in 39 year olds and they did great. 💪🏽💪🏽
That's great about the 45 units at college cause I have 52 so I can use that when I speak to my recruiter. Thanks for the info I did not know this!
Awesome content Jody! I’m a new subscriber and also thinking about joining. I have a family and infant son, I was leaning more towards the reserve side. Could you make a video of the reserve side contracts? If you haven’t already, thank you!
I think this might help. czcams.com/video/XsFP6ovRwCM/video.html
Thanks for confirming this
This was real useful! Tomorrow i take the asvab to see what jobs i can select, i now know i should go for one that's 6 years
Thanks for the helpful video! My husband is leaving in June for basic training and after watching this video he wants to sign for a 6 year contract.
That’s so dope. I’m glad I could help y’all. If y’all have any other questions, just lemme know. Thanks for watching and supporting. 🙌🏽
I’m just here to drop a like. 🙏🏾
I’m in another branch but the recruiter and the MEPS classifier for my branch have been pushing hard to get people to sign 6-year instead of 4-year contracts, especially for highly technical jobs due to the fact that they want people to be better prepared for what’s to come in their units and the highly progressing technology that the contractors have been churning out. I came into MEPS wanting to sign a 4-year iteration of this MOS but I was told they only had 6-year contracts available so I got that instead
We have a few jobs that require a 6 year too. That additional 2 years is nothing. Don’t sweat it. 🤙🏽
I should have signed up for six years vice four as I would have been eligible for rank earlier...Maybe I could have been promoted to SMSgt before retiring, but the AF was good to me and I am proud of the 21 years I wore the uniform.
Hey Jody,! First, thank you for the enthusiasm, humor, and knowledge that you put into your videos. Now, my question is: Can someone decide not to join unless they get the job that they want?
Im signing contract next week! And after watching this video i am 100% sure now that im going to do 6 year contract
Ayee. I’m glad I could help. Congratulations and good luck with everything next week. 🙌🏽🙌🏽
Another great video! I am officially a huge fan of your channel. I am currently in DEP and will be enlisting as an E3. I signed a 4 year contract because I'll be dual military (husband is Navy). I want to see what those first 4 years with collocation and kids will be like before extending a commitment of service. Any advice?
Thank you so much. Glad I could help you along this journey. Ok, if you’re already an E-3, you’re probably gonna be ok with just a 4 year. Seems like that may help with your situation more than it would help a young single airmen, with no additional stripes. Either way, I think you’d be fine, but that 4 year may be better for y’all. Good luck. 💪🏽💪🏽
@@Jodywithawhy thank you 😊. Your feedback was valuable.
Omg I think this is my situation too! So happy to read your experience, I can think better, because my husband is in the army and I have my baby too.
How was the first year when you joined ?
@@Jodywithawhyif you go in as an E-3 can you make E-5 in 4 years?
Hey Jody, I just wanna say I really find your videos informational and encouraging! I’m 17 and planning on doing a 6 year contract. I wanted to ask if I’ll be a E-3 throughout my time in tech school, but with no insignia or I have to wait after tech school in order to be an E-3.
So it’s a little weird. If you do 6 years, you won’t wear the rank and be paid for the rank until you graduate tech school or 20 weeks after basic training. Whichever comes first. However, they’ll date your date of rank for E-3 for when you graduate basic training. I hope that makes sense.
@@JodywithawhyWas wondering the same. I’m the same age right now and am wondering about how my ranking will work out. Thanks for this, made much more sense.
Hey Jody I love the channel I've been strongly considering getting into the Air Force. Only thing holding me back is the f fact that I just bought a house a year ago and I have a wife and a 3 year old son. I'm thinking about giving it a shot and if I like it thinking about making it a career. I have an Associates degree and am wanting to get my bachelor's so I can become an officer any thoughts/opinions would be great! Thanks Brandon
This was an awesome, informative video. I really appreciate your channel. However, I am a little confused regarding the cross training time mark eligiblity. Since a 4-year signee is eligible to cross-train at the 3 year mark, how would they be up against a 6-year signee that would've had to wait 5 years in order to be eligible to cross train? How did you and your fellow airman submit your packets at the same time? Also, if an airman is cross training does that automatically mean they're renewing their contract for active duty?
So I joined the Air Force 2 years before my friend. We were both eligible at the same time to input cross training packages. Because I had two more years time in service it helped a lot for me getting picked up.
I hope that makes sense. Also, in order to cross train and get orders to tech school, you’ll need a certain amount of retainability. Usually they want about 3 years retainability. When I got picked up, instead of re-enlisting I extended my contract to have the required retainability. Once I graduated tech school and officially changed jobs, I re-enlisted to get the bonus for my new career field.
If there wasn’t a reenlistment bonus for my new career field, I would’ve just re-enlisted before I left to tech school. But because there was, if I had of re-enlisted before I completed tech school, I wouldn’t have gotten my bonus. So the extension made more sense.
@@Jodywithawhy thank you!
No prob. Thanks for watching. 💪🏽
I just got sworn into DEP. I’m enlisting as an E4 and I’m going to sign a 6 year contract (provided I get the job that I want). I’m doing 6 for the additional leadership experience.
If I get a job that I don’t really like then I’ll sign a 4 year.
Awesome video friend ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for the insight, is it the same for the reserves?
Watching this while at meps
Leaving April 20th for basic signing 6 years!🤯 excited
Let’s goooo. Good luck with everything. 🙌🏽
I leave April 6th good luck
@@FrescTV niceeee you too!
I leave April 27th good luck !
you’ve been in for three years now!! how do you like it?
I personally recommend doing 4 years. I just hit my 4 year mark in the air force, don't particularly like my job and I'm ready to move on and do other things, but I've got 2 more years.
Are you a SSgt yet? I feel like after I made SSgt it changed my perspective on the Air Force.
@@Jodywithawhy Nope, I've only tested once, didn't make it. To be fair though I didn't study. Missed it by 16 points with a 3 on my epr.
PDG advisor is the best way to go. It costs a little bit, but if you use it right, you’re almost guaranteed to make rank even with a 3.
If you make SSgt next year, give that a go and see if that changes your perspective of the Air Force. Good luck. 🙌🏽
@@Jodywithawhy Thank you.
I would be going in as an E-3 because of my BA. If I signed for 6 years, how quickly could I move up to an E-4 by doing so?
Also, as an E-3 signing for 6 is there more money?
At what rank do you get to move out of the dorms? Are there ways around that/ways to expedite it?
Is there a break between BMT and tech school to go back home to get clothes and other belongings?
If you have a bachelors you’d immediately come in as an E-3. The 6 year won’t give you any more rank or money because you’d already have the rank from your education.
Since you’d come in as an E-3, you have to wear that rank for at least 28 months before you make E-4. There is something called airman below the zone, which can make you promote 6 months earlier. You can google that to learn more about how it works.
Once you make E-4 and and have been in for 36 months, you can move out of the dorms. Sometimes earlier depending on how crowded your dorms are, or if you get married or something.
There is no break in between tech school and basic, unless (and it doesn’t happen all the time) you’re in the guard. If you want clothes, you can have your loved ones mail them to you, or buy new clothes while in tech school. I hope this helsp
Jody the GOAT
Two days ago I swore into the DEP and looking to sign papers for security forces. Planning on doing the six. Looking to work with MWD’s lettttssss gooooo
Aye congrats. Good luck on getting the job. 🙌🏽
@@Jodywithawhy just signed papers. Security Forces look out haha
Ayeee. Congrats again bro. I’m glad it all worked out for you.
My son is 18 and would like to do military police or something in that line he goes to meps this week any advice
For the past 2 years I have been very interested in joining the Air Force but I have my heart set on Security Forces. what are the odds of landing this job, is it in demand, and what’s the required ASVAB score. If you could give any info on this it would help. Thank you and love the videos !
It’s actually one of the most common jobs available because it’s our biggest career field. You only need to score a 31 on the ASVAB for this job, have a valid drivers license, no major criminal or financial trouble, and no history of depression/anxiety/adhd. Good luck 💪🏽
@@Jodywithawhy You must also have color vision.
Did you join up? Security Forces is top 2 most available feilds right now.
Anytime I hear from people who've experienced the AF, a lot of the time, they state that the benefits are virtually the same and the 4 yr is much better due to the fact that there isn't much of a difference except being stuck in the AF for 2 more years
I used to think that too, but after being in I definitely believe the 6 year gives you more bang for your buck. It’s definitely my opinion though, I know other people disagree. This is just how I feel. I think honestly it comes down to your needs and wants. So the 6 year may have been good for me, but the 4 year could’ve been better for others.
Do 4 so you can run out after you get stationed at a sh'thole like Eglan AFB. That place is the worst.
I just signed my six year contract today and I leave for basic July 13 part of feels like I made a mistake but the other part is happy I did it
I felt the exact same way. Lol. But as time played out, I didn’t regret it. Hopefully you feel the same way in the future. Congrats and good luck. 🙌🏽
I’ve set my sights on joining the Air Force for about 2 years now. I’ll be a senior, in high school, in the fall and the following summer, will be earning my private pilots license. I’m planning on going to college for mechanical or aerospace engineering. Should I enlist or commission into officer school? And what would the chances be of becoming a pilot at that point? Thanks man for the videos!
Honestly if you have your plan mapped out like you say, i would recommend you look into ROTC and see if they can help you get your degree. Then after you complete school, apply to become an officer. They’re always looking for pilots.
@@Jodywithawhy thanks, I’ll look into it!
I’ve known people to make E5 in just under 3 years. There’s always an ETP somewhere.
I love the video but I would turn the music down like 2 dB
If i already have a bachelors, a paralegal cert and just scored an 82 on asvabs how do you think my prospects are as far as going career, 4 and 6 year? Im 29 and I am considering going career, which I would push for officer. Doing a 4-6 year I want to pick a field that will land me a very goos civilian job. Thanks J
Can you do a video on the different security clearances???
I can. Just give me some time. That’s actually a good topic. Thanks.
JodywithaWhy no, thank you 🙏🏽
Can you do a video about going in enlisted and then putting in a package in to be an officer. Also with this video, if you enlist as an E3 because you have credits, what’s the average of becoming an E4?
It will take anywhere from 22-28 months to make E-4. If you made it at 22 months, it’s because you made Senior Airmen (E-4) below the zone. That’s given to great airmen who displayed exceptional qualities as an E-3.
I’m actually making a video right now about how to become an officer. I’m working with someone who successfully made the transition. It’s gonna take some time to get it done, but it’s in the works.
Hey any videos about joining with mild hearing loss?
I might be e-2/e-3 when I enlist cause I have a STEM degree. So I think 4 years is better for me. I just want cyber work experience
Hey Jody, I'll be 31 next month and I plan on joining the Air Force before this year is over. If I sign for a 6-year contract, will I be able to join a police force after serving? I asked that because most police force won't take you after 35 or 36. Of course I'll be 37 when my contract is up.
Our age cutoff is 39, so as long as you’re under 40 before you join, you should be ok.
Do certificates from technical school count towards your rank to A1C after boot camp and tech school or is it just the associates and bachelor's
I hear if you decide to reenlist then you could be offered bonuses to entice you to stay. Wouldn't a 4 year contract give you more leverage when a renlistment bonus could be around the corner? (Im a Potential E3 due to bachelor's degree)
It’s possible. It all depends on timing. I did a 6 year, so by the time I was eligible to cross train, the Air Force had a huge demand for Imagery analyst and huge bonuses. If I hadve cross trained at the 4 year mark, I wouldn’t have been able to collect a bonus. So it all depends on timing.
What if you have 6 years prior service in another branch (Army) and you got out as an E-4? What grade would you come back in as, in the Air Force?
Considering joining for 6 years.
I would like to enter AF, but I have my doubts What salary do they start paying you with? What jobs in the AF would allow me to travel around the world? Is it better to be active or reserve? Is 6 years better than 4 years of contract? Can I choose a base in any country or do they choose it for you? Would you have medical insurance?
Good day sir sgt...I wanna know aftet 4 year contract is that what you receive? I mean a 60k usd is that what your satong that youll goin to make after being in there for 4 yrs?
Idk if I may have missed something but you said 45 hours but had 20 on the screen could you possibly clear that up for me please. Thank you 😊
Does a 6 yr contract do a better job at getting you your dream duty station? Aka somewhere in Europe ?
I Vonder if Air Farce does this? In 1978 a Navy Recruiter told moi, they have a hybrid 3 years regular y/et 3 year reserve.
I’m still not in yet, but if I have been thinking of doing civil service so would doing a 6 year and getting a higher promotion help me as a civilian receive more money or am I going to see no change in pay. Another thing is do ranks even matter at that point once I am doing civil service?
You wouldn’t see any change in pay with a civil service background.
Hey I’m currently going through the process what is the benefit of 4 or 6 if I’m joining as an e3?
Hey Jody, what about air national guard? Is it the same way?
Am i eligable with the E-3 after tech or 20 weeks if im just a green card holder?
I am glad I signed a four year contract. Being a bomb loader and being stationed at Cannon afb, it was a great choice just to do 4 years. Join the guard. It is the best way to go.
Lol. You going hard for the guard. 😂.
@@Jodywithawhy no doubt. 4 10 hour day work schedule, agr pay on a federal employee work schedule, master in 8 years, AND NO MINOT OR CANNON, guard is the best.
I actually have an interview with the guard this Friday. Wish me luck. 🤞🏽
@@Jodywithawhy smart move man
@Cody my recommendation is to join the guard from the start.
Never do a Six Year!! Always do a Four. You could always extend, but you could never shorten a contract. If you get a career you don’t like… a six year can only cross train at the 59th month (5 year mark) of their contract. Don’t make the mistake I did.
Going in as an E3. Are there any benefits to signing a 6 year contract?
I have bachelors degree with a permanent resident card in the US, if I join the AF does that put me in E4 automatically? The army recruiter told me I am eligible for E4 so I was wondering if it was the same for AF because you only mentioned E3.
You can’t come in the Air Force any more than a E-3. Even with a bachelor’s. The army does allow people to come in as an E-4 with certain education requirements. So you’d just wanna weigh benefits and see which one works better for you.
Well damn now I wanna do a 6 year contract. Those leadership skills could be the difference between making 6 figures and not, after the military. Also getting to E4 that early sounds awesome for getting out of the dorms.
I did the 6 years of course, and I got E3 for signing up lol
Hey Jody just did my background interview phone call how long do those take to go through?
They all range. It could be quick or long depending on how busy the investigator is and your background history.
If you enlist as an e3, are there any benefits from a 6 year over a 4 year?
If you plan to stay in 6 year if you plan to get out do 4 year the biggest benefit is the BI bill the benefits you get for the extra 2 years are not worth the cost.
Does this apply to reservists? Particularly the part about promotion? Thank you.
Unfortunately no. All reservists come in with a 6 year contract. If you don’t have the right credentials for extra rank, you’ll be an E-1.
I know you're in the AD side but was wondering if you can explain how promotions work in the Air Force Reserve if you have no-prior military experience.
This is gonna be lengthy. Lol.
Air Force Reserve promotions are handled in a different manner then active duty promotions.
The reserves have some time on grade/time in service requirements. However, largely reserve members are promoted by other means like unit vacancy.
Except for these ranks, reserve promotion requirements from the ranks of Airman (E-2) to Staff Sergeant (E-5) don’t depend on unit vacancy.
Initial ranks promoted by time in grade/time in service.
To Gain Airman Basic (E-1) - Starting rank in enlisted reserves.
To Gain Airman (E-2) - 6 months time in grade as Airman Basic.
To Gain Airman First Class (E-3) - 6 months time in grade as Airman.
To Gain Senior Airman (E-4) - 8 months TIG as Airman First Class, complete 3 skill level.
To Gain Staff Sergeant (E-5) - 12 months TIG as Senior Airman, complete 5 skill level.
Beyond initial ranks, the Air Force Reserve uses these means of promotion and requirements.
Unit Vacancy
Each Air Force Reserve base has a set number of people they can have for a given rank in a given job. When an airman in that rank leaves the base, then the rank slot becomes available for other airman to be promoted into if they meet requirements for that given rank.
Sometimes it can seem impossible to gain the next rank if no one rotates through a base.
Another way to make rank if you meet basic requirements, is to seek out another Air Force Reserve base where your next rank has an open slot in your Air Force job. Sometimes in order to make rank you have to move around or be willing to drive longer for weekend duty.
Other Means Of Reserve Promotion
The Reserves uses different forms of a promotion program know at STEP, Stripes for exceptional performer.
Air Force Reserve Stripes of Exceptional Performers has two levels.
STEP I is for promoting airman to the rank of Technical Sergeant (E-6). Current Staff Sergeants are considered for this rank promotion to Tech Sergeant.
STEP II is for promoting exceptional airmen one grade above their current rank. This promotion board is held once a year, and is used for reserve enlisted and officers. To be considered for the STEP II program an immediate supervisor has to nominate you and also have an endorsement from the unit commander.
One requirement of STEP I and STEP II, have zero unexcused absences in the previous 12 months.
@@Jodywithawhy Thank You Sir! This really helps!
I want to join ROTC in January. Is it possible for me to join DEP before ROTC?
Am going to BMT next week as 4year active duty with instant E3, can I hit E5 during the 4 ?
So I have a Bachelor's degree and my recruiter keeps trying to push me to go in enlisted instead of going in as a officer and taking the intial AFOQT test. My friend is also saying not to go in as an officer. I'm still pushing for it though, you think that's a good idea? My business degree has been pretty much worthless until this point. It'd be nice to actually get paid more for going into debt for a change
I’d say it comes down to how much time you have to wait. The officer side of the house is lengthy as far as recruiting goes. If you’re struggling to make ends meet, maybe the enlisted route would be the better option, and then commission later.
But if you have time, and all the necessary requirements to have success in becoming an officer, then pursue it. Either way, you’d be good, but that officer side of the house pays substantially better. I actually made a video, where I interviewed an officer recruiter. He explains a lot that will help you with your decision. Hopefully this helps. Good luck. 💪🏽💪🏽
czcams.com/video/MrvihY2AzTQ/video.html
@@Jodywithawhy ok perfect, I'll watch it now. I'm 31 years old, so I'm not trying to go in enlisted at my age. Seems pretty weird. I know people do it, but it's still strange to me
Jodywithawhy my son just took the asvad and scored a 40 his recruiter wanted him to get a 50 he is 18 just graduated hs in June and he wants to do military police what are the chances of him getting this he goes to meps this Thursday after finally clearing meds process due to past surgery as a child
He has a good chance of getting that job as long as his physical goes well. That’ll be the most important part.
Question. Is the E-3 rank only possible when signing a 6 year contract to go active duty? Or is this possible for reserves too?
I do believe so. I’m not 100% sure though. I think a reserve or guard recruiter will be able to explain it better.
If I were to be able to get a job as a 4J0X2, physical medicine, would I then be able to, during my enlistment, take the necessary college courses to become a certified physical therapist and cross-train over to that job over the course of a couple 6-year contracts?
You can try that approach and later try and commission as a physical therapist. You can also try this program.
THE AIRMAN SCHOLARSHIP AND COMMISSIONING PROGRAM (ASCP) Active duty, enlisted Airmen may apply for the Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP). This program offers Airmen the opportunity to earn a commission while completing their bachelor’s degree in a variety of fields, including technical, nontechnical, nursing, pre-health and foreign language areas. Those selected temporarily separate from active duty Air Force to join ROTC and become a full-time student at a participating college. Participants receive tuition and fees scholarships for up to $15,000 per year, and a textbook allowance of $600 per year.
@@Jodywithawhy awesome! I didn't know about that second option until now, and it definitely sounds like the more logical way to go about reaching my goals!
No guarantee you’d be selected, so you gotta be rockstar while serving to have a chance. But if selected, this would be an awesome way to get your education and later serve as an officer. Good luck. 💪🏽💪🏽
Any suggestions for someone with a terrible math phobia to over come that and study for the test. I see math skills as important in the mechanical and electrical parts of the test.
Hire a tutor. In general if you hate algebra, I had to take it 4 times before i passed, then you will like calculus.
It’s better because you get a huge amount of more money 1,000 per year
Jody if I’m married as a E3 and my husband has to stay back home in Miami due to his civilian job promotion, where would I live? Since I’m married and he won’t be with me, we still get BAH right? I’ve read online that if you live on base you don’t get BAH. Does that apply to living in the dorms as well?
Call a recruiter.
Eh... what am I gonna be doing for the next 6 years anyway? 🤷🏻♀️ job security too
Hey do you have to retake the ASVAB if you want to cross train? HELP
If you don’t have the necessary score for the new job you want, yes you’d have to retake the test.
Considering Joining.
How would it look like if you are in IT with
Comptia A+, security + and CCNA? Would they reflect proper education for a higher Rank?
They would get you bonuses when joining. Check this video out. czcams.com/video/_Y71r5CMVGo/video.html
What if you'll already be joining as an E3, does the 6year get you to E4-5 faster?
Nope. It won’t do anything to accelerate your rank if you’re already coming in as an E-3
Thank you sir!
What would you recommend in regards to OTS contract wise?
I honestly don’t know how their contracts work. I’ve never worked as an officer recruiter. I do believe their contracts are a bit different than enlisted though. Just not sure. An officer recruiter would be better fit to answer that.
They said with my job I’d get a 20k bonus if I join for 6 years.
I want that check but I also want to watch my little sister grow up so I... I’m conflicted.
I need money but I’m never gonna get the experience of watching her grow up again. :/
What can you do with the money that will help you look like the best big bro?
Also, 6 years reduces your reserve years to 2 instead of 4. I just signed a 6 year contract. Im planning on staying for as long as I am allowed and my capacity allows me to. Currently 31yo but damn its been a dream of mine to be a part of the military
Also 31 and plan on doing 6. Leave in 2 weeks
Hey, can anyone answer whether or not it is possible to apply to be enlisted full-time after already being enlisted as reserve. If so, how long does the process take to transition?
It’s super tough right now. The Air Force is only hiring prior linguist or special warfare interested prior service applicants. So unfortunately if you weren’t a prior linguist, or you aren’t interested in special warfare, there’s not much the Air Force can do. I hope this helps.
going in as an e-1 and tech school for 56 days would a 6 year contract benefit me more I honeslty have no military background or know if I wanna stay in the air force long cause I havent tried it .?
I think the 6 year is usually the better choice. But it really depends on the person. In most cases, I recommend the 6 year though, because of the extra benefits that come with it.
Hello I have a question... I am currently waiting on the surgeon general to approve my Re code waiver is that something you have experience with being approved ?
I honestly don’t. But I have dealt with the surgeon general. It’ll be the same process. Just gotta wait for the SG to look through all of your stuff. They’re basically trying to see if the reason why you were discharged had been fixed since the discharge. If they can see that, they should give you a chance. If the issue hasn’t been corrected, they’ll most like DQ you. I hope this helps. Good luck. 💪🏽💪🏽
@@Jodywithawhy ok so if I didn’t have any medical issues or behavior problems I should be good 🙏🏽 thank you
Yep. You should be good. Then get a good ASVAB and everything should be fine. Good luck.