4 vs 6 year contracts - Which is better?

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Should you sign a 4 or 6 year contract when joining the Air Force? This is one of the biggest choices you'll make when joining the Air Force behind choosing a job. Which we have a video on how to choose your job in the Air Force which I've linked below. But choosing a 4 or 6 year contract is a big deal. It's several years of your life that you are committing to the military. This video is my personal opinion on 4 vs 6 year contracts. Each individual will have a different experience. At the end of the day, you have to pick what you feel is truly best for your own personal situation. We wish you nothing but the best on your future journey!
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Airman Vision is run by Kyle Gott. Kyle is an Air Force Veteran who served 6 years and honorably separated as an E-5 Staff Sergeant. He started making videos on this channel to document his journey joining the United States Air Force back in 2013 and continues to help set future Airmen up for success.
The videos on this channel represent the individual opinions of those speaking and do not reflect thoughts of the Air Force, DOD, or US Government.

[@jacobcash6067]

The 6 year kinda makes more sense to me. But, usually everyone I've talked to that chose the 6 year said they hated it and wished they would've went 4 years so I'm still in the same position as before, I have epilepsy so rn I haven't been able to join, but I'm 7 months in seizure free and medicine free and the Sargent down here in Montgomery, Alabama said if I was 1 year seizure free and 2 years without medicine I could join so I'm working extremely hard to get to my goals, I just wish more people would be supportive towards me instead of saying its not worth it, or ill never make it. At least the guy in the office said that as long as I met those requirements, and was cleared medically I would most likely be able to pass MEPS!!! So hopefully I will continue to keep reaching for my goals!!

[@youngs8133]

Good luck! Anyone whose dream is to join the service deserves to be supported, hope you achieve your goals

[@jacobcash6067]

@@youngs8133 Thankyou sooo muchhh!!!!

[@isaacmatthews8033]

He striving towards you’re goals no matter what anyone says 💪🏼

[@jacobcash6067]

@@isaacmatthews8033 Thanks bro!!

[@daustinrichards]

Good luck. I'm I'm the process of losing weight and getting my hypothyroid under control

[@Original_jataro]

This was a great breakdown I appreciate you creating this content. Signed my 4-year contract this month.

[@tpeezy9769]

ive been watching you channel for years man ever since i was about 15, happy to say im 19 now and leave for bmt in 4 days. crazy how time flies and want to say thanks for the all of the info youve taught me.

[@dfgzae7456]

Let us know how bmt goes

[@tpeezy9769]

@@dfgzae7456 just graduated a few hours ago, not hard just boring!

[@benhansen1050]

That's crazy man. I saw you said you graduated two months ago, what job did you get in the USAF now?

[@tpeezy9769]

@@benhansen1050 I’m an F-15 crew chief in training. 2 months from now I’ll be living in Okinawa Japan at Kadena AB!

[@masterisan6707]

That’s awesome! I’m leaving for BMT Nov 29th. My soon to be AFSC is 2A3X3 tactical aircraft maintenance.

[@edwinrivera5009]

I'll be joining the Air Force this year and sign a 4 year contract entering as an A1C. 4 years makes more sense to me. I can re-enlist quickly or get out two years earlier.

[@captaineric5276]

On the same boat as you! Let’s get it!

[@edwinrivera5009]

@@captaineric5276 let's do it brother!

[@restupmoe]

same

[@MannyVegaNieves]

This is incredible and so helpful. Thank you for what you're doing for everyone

[@TJN7484]

I enlisted with a 4 year contract and when I finished Boot Camp I came out as a A1C due to the fact I had 4 years of Air Force JrROTC from High School which helped not only with Boot Camp but a jump in Pay as well. Also, the skill sets I learned help land a great career in the civilian world once I completed by 4 year contract. Pick wisely!!!

[@adrian21o]

Skill set eh , what job did you do then ?

[@Cristian-us1rn]

Thank u for the information !! i was thinking of changing my contract from 4 to 6 but I don’t think I will anymore 😅🙏🏼 I have BMT nov 22

[@ordinaryopinion4081]

You May say it doesn’t make sense to enlist with a bachelors degree but I completely disagree. I have a BA and I’m 24 and I’ll be enlisting. Free housing in a crazy market, I’ll take it. Benefits? Great. Travel? Amazing. New experiences? Fantastic. A stable job for 4 years? Hard to come by.

[@exacalibRo]

signed 6. Currently in 2A which is the crap end of the stick in the AF, but I do not regret signing 6. The military is what you make out of it, if you keep complaining and looking for the end you will never enjoy your enlistment. Personally, the only good thing about a 6 year is getting "more" pay earlier, and if you choose to stay in you can remain a first term Airmen longer than if you signed a 4.

[@sjmarsing6738]

bottom line you can always reenlist after 4 if you love the AF.

[@chiimp]

good video!

[@GregSr]

Back when I enlisted in '75, I signed up for 4 years active plus 2 years inactive. Total enlistment was 6 years. I had a guaranteed job. To work out the timing of my 8 month tech school, I went with the Delayed Enlistment Program for 90 days. It all worked out exactly as advertised. For me, it was the right decision at the right time. Go Air Force!!

[@kanyongale705]

I think that for 90% of people the 4 year is better. For people doing the 6 you will get A1C faster but that Also means you will be kicked out of the dorms sooner and have to do ALS sooner. It is nice to have A1C but you lock yourself in for 2 more years and have to work at an accelerated pace in the beginning. If you are planning on doing 20 anyway getting promoted a out a year faster won't matter in the long run anyway. Hard work and a good packet will matter much more.

[@trevorpickrell7483]

I was literally just thinking of talking to my recruiter today to switch from 6 to 4 since I originally put 6 at meps

[@sparingpickle4918]

Do it bro. You’ll be happy you did.

[@MeKnotChu6651]

It happened alot in the early years of the GWOT. IRR recalls that is.

[@SeanVhre]

i did 4 and overall imo it’s the better choice, 1 think you didn’t mention is that 6 year youre technically e3 since the day you graduate bmt and will get out of the dorms sooner because of that

[@mcbins1993]

i'm not joining the air force but this info is needed for me , thanks

[@captaineric5276]

Why not join the Air Force tho?

[@mcbins1993]

@@captaineric5276 oh it's only because i wanna be a marine , i did look into the PJs are one time tho

[@BelkirisTorres]

Im planning on doing a 6yr for school. I thought it’d be better for me if when I got in I let myself get used to the flow of things then when I start school im not as overwhelmed. Then using GI bill for PA school.

[@johnmichaeladelman]

Nice, do you happen to know if the 4 year contract also gives financial assistance with college courses or does that only come with the 6 year contract?

[@pariswilliams658]

Signed a 6-year in cyber operations, had I not gotten the job I wouldve chosen 4 year. I'll need the 6 for the civilian world job.

[@gunnsteif677]

8:16 JROTC's the high school version of ROTC

[@andyfn3051]

I was told that if I signed for 6 years I would automatically get paid as a e3

[@metalrus9972]

4 years is better than 6 you can stay in if you want after 4 or get out 2 years earlier than 6 also you still get the gi bill and va home loan at 4 years you get A1C faster but that equates to about 400$ over the course of 6 years LOL

[@notchillbarry]

you should make a video on 2 and 3 yr contracts

[@AirmanVision]

Air Force only has 4 or 6. Other branches offer different. But we cover Air Force information.

[@rozendow1780]

I’m interested in joining the Air Force reserve, does anyone know what’s the minimum contract length for the reserves ?

[@calebleibold7644]

So I did two 4 years contracts with the army lol.

[@chloroxbleach8561]

Just signed a 6 year contract 🥴 job security would be the only upside i foresee i guess and looks like it would be easier for school and getting settled in

[@xerohr]

what job security and how is it easier to get settled into school when you're older?

[@BinRobinsonCabrera]

Maybe next year, after I graduate

[@daphnepolanco5755]

Are the contracts the same for the reserve component?

[@ThatOneKut]

I chose 6 and left in 3

[@SympatheticNightmare]

@J Winters you can get out early if you choose to pursue certain education courses

[@joeyzuniga5802]

How?

[@reptilesgamers00]

He tried suicide

[@VoodooActual]

Just graduated the SF academy today, and I did the 6 year. It was nice going from E-1 to E-3 overnight 😂

[@devongilbert2739]

Good luck man, hopefully you enjoy it and can make changes to the career field.. remember your goals

[@sparingpickle4918]

6 years and security forces? God bless your souls lol

[@jerrod9009]

How are you liking it I wanna do the same thing

[@kutthroatbob8983]

How is it

[@firestarya]

I’m 4 years through my 6 year contract. SIGN A 4 YEAR, 6 IS NOT WORTH IT.

[@jacobcash6067]

Thats what AAALLLLLOOOOTTTTTTT of people who signed 6 year says, can you explain why? except you technically get out 2 years sooner, but at the same time you have longer in reserves if you had only signed 4 years

[@firestarya]

@@jacobcash6067 earlier crosstrain window, earlier Base of Preference window (although they just got rid of the BOP program and are replacing it with something “better.”) The 2 years vs 4 years of IRR don’t really matter, unless WW3 kicks off and they need to start drafting people. Even if you’re planning on making the military a career, I would still suggest going with 4 over 6, gives you more options and flexibility.

[@jacobcash6067]

@@firestarya alright, thanks bud I appreciate the information!! almost everyone but like 2 people out of like 35 have said go with a 4 year contract over a 6 year and most of those guys had a 6 year contract and if they done away with the BOP program, how would anything be "better" as a replacement to Base Of Preference??

[@firestarya]

@@jacobcash6067 I’ve heard it’s more of a job listing type thing, where you can see openings at a specific base and apply for them. The current/old system was basically a dream sheet with an approval or disapproval.

[@jacobcash6067]

@@firestarya Alright, I see how that might be simpler, don't know about necessarily "better" lol, but thanks for the information and for taking the time to talk to me about it as well!!! I really appreciate it my guy!!! 🇺🇲🤙🇺🇲💪🇺🇲

[@sportsbettingstar]

What about sign on bonuses? I read that if go in for SERE they are now offering $40k sign on bonus after training is completed for 6 year contracts. Is this true?

[@rexnas8150]

Hey did you ever find out?

[@craytozadventurez6751]

The website tells you what jobs offer bonuses

[@tydarriusmorgan8163]

I don’t know if he’s talking from an Active duty standpoint or a Reserves/Guard standpoint but I should be able to sign a 4 or 6 year contract while still living my civilian life right?

[@jacobcash6067]

Yes, and he's talking from a Civilian standpoint. "Most" of us are "here" because we're interested in joining the Air Force. I've been here since 2017 when I was a senior fixing to graduate and I haven't been able to Join yet bc of medical reasons but I'm working on that and hopefully within a year and a half I'll be able to finally join but its still not a guarantee for me either

[@br22915]

Guard and Reserves are 6 Drilling minium and 2 IRR. 4 years part time wouldn't be enough to get a return on investment for the cost of training.

[@jacobthereceiver3975]

Do these vary for different versions

[@OmegaNovious]

6-year contracts would make much more sense if there an incentive that gives an automatic +2 to starting rank (regardless of what that is). For example: if you have 45+ credit hours from school and start out as an E3 regardless of 4-year or 6-year, you would now start out as an E5 if you have 45+ credit hours from school on a 6-year contract. Otherwise, you legitimately have MUCH more incentive across the board to a sign a 4-year contract over a 6-year contract starting out as an E3 (due to credit hours).

[@origin8374]

Something tells me it would be a horrible idea to have somebody straight out of basic start as an NCO

[@kutthroatbob8983]

@@origin8374very horrible😂

[@mr.ninjawarrior4516]

I signed 6 years before BMT and wish I stood with 4

[@Scalesti]

Same dude 26 months left and I’m out

[@CaptainFatfuk]

Curious why did you guys chose 6 years and wanted to do 4 years instead?

[@cesarmilgard4734]

I need help I signed 6 yrs I’m feeling down

[@reptilesgamers00]

You'll be okay

[@Evocati-Augusti]

um. yeah in 1990 I got E-2 coming in a 10k bonus at an AFSOC base...

[@Evocati-Augusti]

score a 76 GEN

[@Alex3f4]

Wow 10k in 1990. What was your job?

[@Evocati-Augusti]

@@Alex3f4 Computers, When it was still called Audio/Video, my school got an award from President Reagan in 84 because we had 34 Macs, 5 other schools did , but they had 6 or 8 , and we had 30 kids per grade, and during that time my dad opened 4 lending offices as a banker and I was setting up his software and PCs in the 80s too, so bring that many years right out of HS when a GS of 82 was a big deal I guess, I was Cyber before Cyber...which it ended up being the second time I enlisted.

[@Evocati-Augusti]

@@Alex3f4 it was supposed to be a 8 year Guard contract, but we became a Operations Group under AFSOC, (The Clintons had us on their top 10 base closers at the time aswell) and once I had installed the systems , its hard to shut down a base that retains TS/SCI material, so it was a race against the clock at one point, and after installing the first systems, a year straight, in 93 the Mosaic browser came out that would be WIN95, so I needed a TS/SCI because now I was handling and working in Operations and all the paperwork and data I had to move was all kinds of TS. I ended up doing 2 and a half years active service just installing and teaching airmen and women how to use them, and we had a card system for our computers to restrict unauthorized access...I went back in after 9/11, and went straight to Cyber.I mean while on the side we were the backup SARS for NASA's Shuddle mission. 106th Operations Group C/SARS Wing.

[@rikansu]

The Army did IRR recall in 1990

[@AirmanVision]

Yes, which means it’s super rare.

[@HitmanAvery]

Now idk if this is really a rumor but is there 2 year contracts? I hear overall that the military recruitment is low so possibly offering 2 years could get people to sign up faster for recruiters to fill slots.

[@richardsacman8502]

I thought the 4-6 years depends on your mos and mos training?

[@kanyongale705]

The only jobs that require 6 year contracts are special warfare jobs. Other than that your job has 0 correlation.

[@valkyraehypeperson]

@@kanyongale705 not completely true some MOS’s/Rates do requires 5-6 year contracts

[@thejmc4074]

@@kanyongale705 My job demanded a six year and I wasn’t battlefield.

[@giannalopez2487]

I’m going in as an E-3 already, so which one should I go for 4years contract or 6 years contract?

[@JeremiahEdwards]

Im in a similar situation. I would like to know as well

[@JeremiahEdwards]

He answers at 7:00

[@Am1sco]

Is too more years of your like really worth that messily amount of bread? And do you want less flexibility with your life? Sign the six years it’s for you

[@zachburrell3068]

So...you recommended getting out after 4 to make more $ by $10k-$20k/yr. So let's say $15k...so $1250/mo...$975 est after taxes. So tell me...where are you going to find a place to live, eat, and pay utilities for $975/mo? Nowhere...take all factors of BAH....BAS into account before telling people to get out. Rent on avg will be $850/mo for a 1 bedroom apartment, $300/mo for food/groceries, and $80 for utilities being generous. So that's $1230 after tax dollars you need to spend for housing/food...which is about $255 more than the "better pay". Give the full picture...yes you'd get paid more...no you may not be further ahead than if you'd stayed in. There now you have the facts...do with what you'd like.

[@fatboypurp]

you get money for housing and food separate from your pay if i’m not mistaken

[@zachburrell3068]

@@fatboypurp I know...which is what I'm saying....these things are taken care of for you while in...not when out...so you make more money...but you have to pay your own way 100%

[@sparingpickle4918]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 bro in the real world uour probably going to make ALOT more money for the same job. Maybe he gave a bad example math wise but for the majority of jobs, you can easily make up the housing/food difference in the real world.

[@Luffy459]

This is why you pick a job that can translate into civilian world for when you get out. You will make a lot more money outside of military with military experience after you come out. So pick wisely for what you’re going in for

[@AceGP280]

That 6 year be soundin real good not gonna lie