DON'T ENLIST | Why You Should Be An Officer

[@jacksonpaul7279]

This became insanely obvious as soon as I boarded the plane after MEPS

[@Puggy42069]

What was obvious? The training for the officer was just vastly better?

[@falleng2392]

Yeah the recruiter lied to me...told me my double major with a 3.5 GPA wasn’t competitive, I had to have at least a 3.9 and max a PT test before basic...fast forward a yeAr I walk into an office after 8 hours in the motor pool with a butter bar with his feet up on a desk watching Netflix and eating pizza and I gotta face the fact that he gets paid twice as much. FeelsBadMan

[@jacksoutofthebox]

Fallen G why wouldn’t you do a little more research? I guess a degree doesn’t really equate to intelligence and wisdom.

[@zoy13]

@@jacksoutofthebox F.. mate F...

[@bradleydixon9147]

@Fallen G Get your make sure you have a 110, get your degree (if you dont already have one) and begin putting your OCS or Green to Gold packet together with the help of leadership.

[@MG21778]

Could’ve been prevented with a google search...

[@Tastybathwater1]

Dude...

[@espi_777]

Too late goddangit! 😂 I’m shipping off as enlisted tomorrow

[@MattWard89]

hahaha Good luck!

[@etgohomeplease]

It’s a lot of fun, don’t worry.

[@jordansell10]

Me too mate. I’m 19D

[@andrewtreat7371]

There’s still OCS ;)

[@PNCards21]

Me too! E-4 mafia 😈

[@thomasbynum2324]

I was gonna enlist but I just got into a great college with an amazing rotc program so I’m gonna try that!

[@jstoner1928]

Army rotc?

[@jeffersongarcia8257]

jstoner Reserve Officer Training Corps

[@KeysAndDoorss]

Probably army rotc

[@holydutchlord3477]

Jefferson Garcia he knows what ROTC is he just asked what branch

[@555125kevin]

Good Enlisted isn't generally all the way horrible there's just a lot of politics (buddy buddy club) your career progression can be in the hands of bad leaders, also u can be under ppl who aren't smart at all. On the officer side the ppl over u aren't dumb because a 110 gt is required.

[@NickRaeff]

As an enlisted vet ... it's important to know what it's like on "the bottom of the barrel." I met too many officers that screwed over enlisted, simply because they (1) were too inexperienced (2) were too arrogant (3) had absolutely no idea what they were doing. Before you get that power/title/authority/rank (as an officer), you need to know your enlisted life.

[@heystevo82]

This. One thousand times this. I was full-time enlisted and saw this far too often in my commissioned brethren. This was in the Australian army though, where kids straight out of high school with no life experience, who have never had any responsibilities or a job and never lived away from mum and dad before, can go straight into the Royal Military College and become an officer before they're 20 and take command of troops who have been in the job for years. Hence the egos and arrogance. I think everyone should earn their stripes as an enlisted soldier/sailor/airman first, before they can be considered for commissioning. I am applying to go back to the army but as an officer this time in the reserves. I'm hoping my experience as a soldier will hold me in good stead and will make me a good officer.

[@Cerviel]

Wow, this really hasn’t been my experience. I’m an O-1 and to be honest, It doesn’t really feel like I have power. Sure, Enlisted guys give me a salute and call me sir, but as an O-1 you don’t really know much and a lot of the time, its those senior enlisted that are helping us find our way. I have no need nor desire to heckle or “screw over” enlisted guys. DISCLAIMER: I’m in the navy, and I’m a student pilot so my experience with Enlisted sailors is...minimal. I don’t know how things work in the army, or how their officers like to act.

[@iamwhoimnotimnotwhoiam4431]

I've been out of the marines for a decade now, and I STILL have ptsd from watching how officers behave. They're stupid ass college kids. Officer life is frat life, except you get to decide who lives and who dies. It's sickening.

[@JasMcKenzie]

@Iron59 possibly, but it is true. The caste system is archaic and is in desperate need of an overhaul.

[@saucyahh6707]

I was thinking about that, I noticed that not every officer is a leader or also experienced in sociocultural norms in the military.

[@flatbedtrucker5473]

Try and give an order to a E7-9 that doesn't make sense....I'm a 20yr veteran and in my opinion is that the Army of today is full of backstabbing to get promoted or to look good. I'm glad to see you was enlisted prior to going to OCS. Most officers have no idea about the enlisted.

[@The_Black_Knight]

Pretty rough perspective to all those retired combat veteran officers out there in the world...the division between NCOs and officers is not sort a gaping chasm. "Mustangs" after reaching O-3 are equal in experience to any non-prior enlisted, and so is the respect earned between NCOs that execute orders in the US military, as the officers that operate/plan for military forces.

[@flatbedtrucker5473]

@@The_Black_Knight well it's obviously you wasnt at Fort Stewart. I spent 10 yrs in Germany and loved it. I then got pcs to Stewart and saw all sorts of the things I stated. Now Fort Hood was a good post. I guess we will agree to disagree

[@NoFaceINoCase]

An 03 is not equal to an nco which is why they pair with a 1rst sgt to TEACH THEM..stop fooling yourself.

[@스티라코-n3d]

Just like most of enlisted soldiers have no idea about officer's life.

[@voosum]

your time coincides with how long we been in middle east makes sense

[@kharn4046]

Great video as always! 💯 I plan on becoming an officer towards the end of my career. For now, I need to feel what it’s like to start from the bottom up. If I am ever going to lead soldiers, I first must understand them. Know what they have been through and earn that respect. I got to meet two amazing officers already who truly know leadership skills and how to motivate. Of course though, not all officers are wise. I go in for my second swear in on March 12th and then I leave for Georgia. 11x Airborne! Again, your videos have helped me tremendously. Keep it up brother!

[@eatforyourbrain1531]

Just graduated BCT (your 68W cousin was a friend in my platoon at fort Leonard Wood!!) and off to OCS! Thanks for the awesome video(s)!!

[@MattWard89]

That’s awesome well congrats on graduation! Good luck at OCS 👌🏻

[@tabachoy5066]

Hey you should do more videos on how ROTC cadets or guys in OCS should improve themselves when they become officers officially. Like some kind of wisdom, or better ways to communicate better with lower ranks. Thanks :D

[@victorgracia3442]

I want to have this improvement so I will be joininh army reserves and rotc program at the university I will attended to. I really hope I get to become a cadete.

[@russiantroubleyakutsk1612]

Kept applying for OCS, but kept getting rejected. They expect the brain of Einstein, the strength of superman, the leadership skills of a sensei, and certain SAT/ACT scores even after you have a bachelor's degree.

[@Waltham1892]

Having been an NCO and an Officer, its been my experience that when an NCO is off, he's off. IE: "Don't bother me I'm off, find an NCO who cares." An Officer is like an actor who is always playing his role as long as someone is there, so they are never off. When a subordinate is there you are playing the role of leader, when a peer is there you are playing the role of colleague and when a superior is there you are playing the role of subordinate officer. It takes a lot of getting used to and if you don't have the commitment, you don't.

[@fofo6004]

You have been a huge help to most of us making our decision to join the army. Thanks so much man!

[@Karla-ys9qz]

Hey Matt! I’m actually going to do AFROTC after high school and I found this super helpful, keep it up 💪🏼🔥

[@forzared101]

Hey Matt, I am a big fan of your channel, your videos helped me out during the application process to the Virginia Army National Guard. I swore in yesterday, and I'm looking forward to the road ahead! Keep doing what you're doing!

[@richfrazier8756]

I was both. Officer has more responsibility but definitely better!

[@lord.d1_]

At 22 years old with a 4-year college degree, I’ll enlist in the USAF as a 2nd Lieutenant. Admire my great uncle, a Vietnam War veteran and a Brigadier in the Vietnam Air Force.

[@josephdodds6786]

You dont enlist as officer.. you receive a comission

[@plasmahandoku1073]

As enlisted , Officers will never really understand what it's like. I'm about to commission soon also as an enlisted for 8 years. This is why my unit now has Cadets do everything Enlisted soldiers do because they want them to know what it feels like in their perspective.

[@PeterChromeGaming]

Im 17 going to boot camp this summer to join the guard. I am going to go to Marion Military Institute for 2 years with their ECP then I'm getting my degree after i earn my commission

[@andwai1980]

MOS 67E. I never thought I'd be signing a military contract, even though I've had several family members serve, but after graduate school it made sense to do so for a multituide of reasons. Couple of which being able to direct commission as a CPT and having greater job security/stability along with career advancement. However, I don't start training until this Jun '19 so will see how it all goes with my new career.

[@sethcarter3154]

I ship June 18th where are u going

[@andwai1980]

@@sethcarter3154 June 9th to Ft. Sill for DCC then BOLC in Ft. Sam Houston in July.

[@sethcarter3154]

@Andrew Waite I’m going to fort Benning for 19kilo m1 abram what job is 67e

[@andwai1980]

@@sethcarter3154 it's the MOS for a pharmacist.

[@ztvfm858]

I'm gonna finish up my masters next May and looking to make the jump too. Any advice for someone who is looking into taking the same route as you?

[@KJWalker30]

Can’t wait to see the other video on why you would want to be enlisted, I’m enlisted myself but i have plans on going warrant

[@kennyworth007]

Smart man..

[@xtne.e1100]

This goes hand in hand with the last video I made. I’m glad I decided to go OCS and not enlist like initially planned.

[@MattWard89]

Glad to see another person making some videos about their experience! Keep it up, your perspective will help more people than you think.

[@egyakesseyankson5696]

Christine Sayago What’s OCS

[@tjmario64]

@@egyakesseyankson5696 Officer Candidate School

[@Col92019]

@@MattWard89not everyone can be an officer

[@4567playstation]

Could you do a video explaining more in detail the difference between active or reserve officer and what process a civilian goes when joining the military as an officer for the first time?

[@Pallium_Industries]

Watched your basic prep videos, got motivated and elisted HELL YEAH!... I instantly deployed and finally got cell service here, got on KZbin and saw this video... Oof

[@thatsjonjon4926]

Robert Peruzzini how is it?

[@jonah_hosea]

How was it?

[@Paysoncougarfan.7885]

Having been an enlisted man for 8 years and then an officer for 16 years, it was the best of both worlds. Many of my fellow officers were sandbagged and had their careers ruined without being able to retire. As an enlisted man, your ability to even make retirement is much higher.

[@veronica112234]

Happy for you! What do you mean by Sandbagged? I am an 09S - Officer Candidate. No prior military experience.

[@Paysoncougarfan.7885]

@@veronica112234 A much larger percentage of personnel will reach retirement in the enlisted ranks. In the officer ranks a grater percentage of people will not be able to reach 20 years before being forced separated. Many will have 12 to 18 years in and will be forced out with nothing. By being enlisted first with at least 8 years, preferably 10, you will just about guarantee, like 98%, the ability to retire with 20 years service.

[@ks7575]

Unable to retire? Ruined? How so?

[@Paysoncougarfan.7885]

@@ks7575 98% promotion to 03 at 4-5 years, 72% of 98% or 70% to 04 at 9-11 years, 60% of 70% to O5 or 42% at 14-16 years. Need 20 to retire, 58% will be forced separated without retirement. If you have 10 years enlisted time then you have a 98% chance of retirement. Remember even O5’s will be retired between the ages of 39-43. Everyone will need to prepare for a second career.

[@wilsonle61]

I enjoyed Enlisting first and then going to OCS. When I got my first 0-1 leadership position my Enlisted had more respect for me than the average 90-day wonder.

[@MDAinformation]

As a lower enlisted soldier, I've never been afraid to talk to higher up NCO or officers. I actually like talking to some of them. I'm interested in making switch from enlisted to officer.

[@rqmennn]

Was denied enlistment because I needed to be off my medication for 2 years. They told me to come back in 2 years and try again. So I decided since I have to wait 2 years anyway, I might as well go to college and get my bachelor’s degree. The college I’m going to has an amazing rotc program so I know that is the best path for me.

[@kommandantduncan1693]

If my packet is approved I'll technically be an officer but the technical is the key point. Go Warrant Officers! 09W for the win!

[@lepracybabe]

Kommandant Duncan 153A!! Getting ready for my board! Good luck man! 🤙🏻

[@kylegarcia4141]

I want to try and go to the Air Force OCS route after I get done with college. Have almost 1000 flight hours already. 4.0 GPA majoring in computer science. Figure that’s a great start.

[@Huezy]

if youre in college now, why not do Air Force ROTC?

[@kylegarcia4141]

Super Grizz my university doesn’t have it plus I’m almost a senior already because I finished 2 years during hs. Credits wouldn’t have transferred right if I had gone to a different university since I was already taking upper level classes.

[@Huezy]

Kyle Garcia damn man , have you already talked to a recruiter ?

[@Iamstevenyang]

I think it easy to talk about someone should come into the military as an officer without prior experience, but you have to realize that it’s not as simple as walking into an recruiter office and ask to be an officer, the process is long and difficult and it may take 12-18 months before you come an officer.

[@MIKUIEL]

9 classes from my bachelors and want to make the switch been in for four years in the air force e5 select hopefully i follow through and make selection your videos put me at ease and inspire me to try and take the leap.

[@Cash4Fruit]

Did you do it?

[@2WheelsTrav]

Been watching for awhile man. Awesome to see your unit patch board full now!👌🏻

[@aah4587]

Officer in the Air Force the best way to go.

[@sana-if7rb]

No, coast guard is best.

[@aah4587]

@Archer with all limbs in place and PTSD free

[@justinhough3169]

Interesting thing I noticed, that little tank made of fake bullet casing behind you on your shelf, I have the same one that my little sister got for me😂

[@alexanderthegreat7258]

I really appreciate this channel and you sharing your experience. I've been trying to workout/diet so I can join the Army and watching your videos a couple times a week really helps my motivation even if it's simple stuff like this. Keep up the great work! Love the videos!

[@kevinphillips150]

2d Lieutenant to Captain. Gives mission statement. Issues any orders after mission statement. Platoon Sergeant/Squad leaders. Follows directives from mission statement to lead and guide elements to complete mission.

[@collinwoodard5116]

I heard from everybody I talked to including officers that it is a lot cooler to be an enlisted ranger

[@russelpaul7522]

I joined as Reservist E-4 and once i finished my MBA in 2 years, i will jump to Officers route. That’s the plan 🙅🏽‍♂️

[@jasondavisjr769]

@russel paul Hey can we chat In a group me or something I’m interested in that route as well

[@itzgodlikexsexe6067]

You talked about that an officer always have things to do. Can you give examples of these tasks and responsibilities?

[@kennyworth007]

Things and stuff.

[@thesocialistsarecoming8565]

From what little i know, replace all the normal enlisted busywork with anywhere from a bit more to a lot more paperwork.

[@neerajnongmaithem392]

Tons of paperwork upwards of LtCol if you are not in a war zone, which we currently are not.

[@AminaJ]

7:25 ''your gonna kinda be stuck out in the rain on that. and that could sometimes be literal'' 😭 lol sheesh

[@thechillmaster5836]

Too late. Im enlisting anyway lol

[@FULLtiltSENDER]

So how’d it go lol? I need an update

[@thechillmaster5836]

​@@FULLtiltSENDER its alright. Got my BS and want that money so gonna try to become an officer

[@FULLtiltSENDER]

@@thechillmaster5836 good luck with that 👊 green to gold baby

[@ervinphillips1959]

Currently enlisted but, I am submitting an OCS packet whenever I finish my degree. I am hoping that I can stay Signal though.

[@ordinaryopinion-1]

I have a college degree and have been looking into becoming an officer in the Air Force. However online while filling out the application it kept mentioning how hard it was to get selected and how competitive it is which worries me.

[@sharifp9706]

it is competitive however you have unlimited opportunities to apply. Some of the keys are Have a technical degree, try & have a decent gpa, do some volunteer work in your school/community. Have a letter of recommendation & be in good physical shape. And last but not least BE CONFIDENT, believe in yourself i promise you have what it takes.

[@OnlyOneHunnids]

Is it that competitive in America? It seems in canada there's a lack of applicants

[@ordinaryopinion-1]

@@OnlyOneHunnids I’m not sure, I ended up landing an engineering job so I didn’t join

[@markmetzgarii9998]

I’m going to become an officer through ROTC at my college. I graduate AIT next month!

[@bgiizy]

update?

[@priscillamariiinn]

Update??

[@pwhales264]

When I was in the 82nd Airborne Division, when all company was supposed to be doing a field exercise. I used to see officers leave for hours and go to McDonald's and Burger King and then go to the barracks and take showers when we all were supposed to be in the field eating MREs and sleeping in foxholes.

[@angelmarin3404]

Love ur videos they give great information and knowledge about the military

[@Need_better_handle]

In World War Two they gave IQ test to screen who becomes an officer vs enlisted. The cut of was something like 110 or 115. We did pretty well in that war. Now smart but jaded enlisted guys just go Warrant. When I was a platoon leader one of my fellow LTs was clearly less intelligent than his platoon sergeant by a lot. That was embarrassing as a fellow officer to see. And I am not talking about being arrogant or full of himself as a butter bar. No, I mean legit stupid. An IQ test would have fixed that. The NCO was really good and only had to join enlisted because he was broke and and had to drop out of school when he knocked up his girlfriend in college. He later finished his degree and went Warrant to fly helicopters. But he would have made a great officer if we used IQ test instead of degrees when he first signed up. The LT would have maybe scored 90 on an IQ test and would have actually been a good E3 or something. He could run fast and would show up on time. And would do what ever the platoon sergeant would tell him to.

[@PalaciosD98]

Goodmorning sir, i graduated OSUT for 19D at Fort Benning 2 days ago and i am in processing at my new unit. I watched your videos for a long time and i just want to say thank you for all the information and motivation. The basic training videos did help me know what to expect. Have a good day sir. RECON!

[@elgatosamurai9517]

Bus picked us up at St.Louis Missouri airport. Currently on our way to Ft. Leonard Wood 👊 * Thanks for all your advice.

[@snappedthem]

How did it go, I’m thinking about enlisting, and how did your skills turns over to civilian life

[@kissabazar]

Officer is a career, it’s higher up the food chain.. plain and simple

[@terryreed3087]

I'm having troubles passing the asvab anyways. I might transfer and enroll in army rotc

[@MG21778]

My guy a sixth grader could pass the asvab with his eyes closed. What exactly are you having trouble with?

[@mr16325]

Yeah the Asvab is the easiest test dude, if you can’t pass that then good luck in life

[@AroundSun]

This is like saying I suck at learning how to be a cashier so I'll just go to med school

[@DisIsOsk]

Hey Matt, I recently spoke to a recruiter who told me if I join as an Officer I get a job assigned to me depending on the needs of the Army, whereas if I join as enlisted I get to choose my MOS. I'd be joining with a Bachelors degree and was wondering if you could clarify that for me, not that I think the recruiter was lying but he was a bit nebulous about it. Thanks in advance! If anyone else has first-hand experience I'd appreciate your input!

[@JasMcKenzie]

I wouldn't take career advice from a recruiter.

[@Ncloud]

Recruiters can be weird I visited a Navy one and he recommended I go enlisted. I wanted to go officer and have a degree in computer science. He annoyed me so I just told him I'd come back later and never did. I felt he didn't want me to succeed lmao.

[@tristancastner3002]

@@NcloudI’m about to get a degree in business management and healthcare admin, I feel like these degrees are no looked at as good degrees in the military but idk

[@vincentalakija5515]

​@tristancastner3002 Wow, similar to me, I graduate in August with a degree in health care admin. Have you reached out to a recruiter? How has it been so far for you?

[@tmcgrenere]

Just weird, I was thinking of this just yesterday, whether ROTC or the Green to Gold Program would be better for my military experience. LoL

[@tmcgrenere]

Hi Sir, could you splil how you personally came to the decision to enlist? Then why personaly to become an officer?

[@thechillmaster5836]

Could you do a video vice versa on why you should enlist instead

[@MattWard89]

Yepp about 2 minutes in I said I was going to do a why you should enlist and NOT be an officer. Coming soon.. lol

[@jayjochey1396]

I’m enlisting in the reserves then doing Rotc, just being known as a mustang is worth it

[@joefranco4371]

Jayjo Chey years of service when u commission is gonna be way better I’m doing the same thing I’m An E-3 going to E-4 and I just enrolled into the ROTC

[@Atom-Fire]

Exact same plan as you man. Just enlisted, i ship out in July. I'll be back January 2021 and i'll start ROTC then.

[@jayjochey1396]

Atom - Fire rotc literally the most boring thing you’ll do after basic n ait , ms1 and MS2 aren’t required but I took ms1 anyway most boring thing ever

[@Atom-Fire]

@@jayjochey1396 Haha, i know i've heard it from several people, even for non enlisted ROTC cadets people find it boring. But i've heard specifically that after going to basic training ROTC is basically ruined for the first 1-3 years because you've already done it at basic.

[@jayjochey1396]

Atom - Fire yeah it’s a drag good luck tho bro, basic gets real fun after the first three weeks

[@Metachief_X]

im 27, have a solid software engineering job, getting my bachelors next semester... want to serve in the air force /space force because ive been interested in cyber warfare and I want to join as an officer before i get older. Caveats are that im the only child and my mom is my dependent, plus I have a girlfriend (currently a long distance relationship). i think joining the air force would be a great way to boost my career in engineering and my resume, and I think i could take advantage of the great VA benefits the military offers utilizing my civilian engineering salary while being a reservist. Never had a mommy or daddy to hand me anything in life, and I feel like I could truly build an empire for myself after serving in the military given that I'd be learning discipline, networking with other engineers in the air force, gain experience in leading vets, gain experience in cyber/engineering, and earn the right to use VA benefits afterwards. Do you think I should join the military this late in life given this information? Thank you!

[@ashleyh5578]

I actually planned on going 25A Officer instead of 25b enlisted. Thanks!

[@CameronDCooperOfficial]

Heck yeah, 25 is a great series, I'm a 25Q right now, love bieng in the Signal Corps!

[@dusitthehto1946]

I planned to go 70b to lead 68w combat medic sadly I’m not currently in college but I will attend university to enroll in two years Rotc program.

[@suppork2458]

In 1 year I will be done with my bachelor's and plan on getting into the Air Force or Army, ideally Air Force, Army would be my second option. From what I was told I can go directly into Officer after passing their testing and so forth ( I'm still not sure much of how all of this works), any tips or something I can know of? I try to look up videos and stuff, but mostly end up with Officer Training School videos, and just Gov websites that mention applying with a bachelor gives the opportunity to start as Officer rather than Enlisted. Point in all, I'm trying to do this for my family and be able to give all I can.

[@adrianbitsinnie1537]

If you see this, how did it go? I'm about to finish a bachelor's degree and am still super undecided on going enlisted or officer. I was told though, it is super hard to be directly commissioned in the Air Force and its best to go Enlisted first. Then again, I'm still new to how everything works.

[@VenomFangs136]

@@suppork2458 if u don’t mind me asking, how’s it going for you now a few months later

[@The_Black_Knight]

You may have a different perspective in 10-18 years after you reach MAJ/LTC, already completed your KD-Q billets, and are relegated to BDE, DIV, or Corps Staff. As a company grade officer don't expect significant freedom of action, it is a time to learn and prepare for potential command.

[@MattWard89]

Definitely things and perspectives will change. That’s actually one of the good reasons for me documenting my thoughts and having that to see my experiences change my expectations.

[@The_Black_Knight]

I must add one final note, as I keep seeing the term "mustang" being thrown around here as some sort of "epic" military advantage. Although "mustangs" have an advantage in the beginning as platoon leaders and CO XOs (2LT, 1LT), by the time an officer reaches the rank of CPT, the advantages are completely gone and not relevant. No good NCO is going to give a care whether an officer was ROTC, "green to gold", OCS, academy, or direct accession, if they do their job and listen. If an officer wishes to rise above the rank of LTC prior to retirement, the odds become poor of success only due to age, service years, and potential injuries while enlisted especially if very senior. Just surviving 20+ years to retirement is an accomplishment. Just take a guess why I might know...

[@zach6497]

I’m gonna enlist. The college debt isn’t worth it. Also I want the military mindset before I go to college.

[@Huezy]

Green to Gold

[@AroundSun]

the military will pay for the college

[@anthonyvigil7567]

Hey Matt Ward I’m not bragging or anything or trying to say I’m better than anyone but I was really thinking about being part of the 75th Ranger Regiment I have been training an enormous amount in MMA and eating extremely healthy and I heard that it was much better to do enlisted while in a combat MOS because you don’t want to be in a position of power without any experience do you recommend that? And how long is the process of becoming an officer?

[@devildogus2187]

Anthony Vigil if you want to be a ranger go for it just be aware that it is one of the toughest schools in the military. Becoming an officer isn’t much different from becoming enlisted it just takes more screening and more attention to detail

[@williamwalters8626]

You have to be an 0-2 promotable, to put a packed in for the regiment while enlisted can go straight in. This is because they need confirmed leaders, people who they know already understand what to do, they just need to be taught how rangers do it. ROTC is a great choice just know that it's super competitive to get into battalion or any other special operations groups because you have a ton of 0-2 and 0-3s who want to leave the conventional side of the army. I'm in ROTC and this is stuff I was told by a PSY-OPS officer. Good luck hooah

[@anthonyvigil7567]

William Walters thank you I will do my best... how can increase my chances on the ASVAB? Is there like a practice test?

[@williamwalters8626]

@@anthonyvigil7567 there are tons of practice test online, but this totally depends on which route you take, if you do ROTC you dont need to take the asvab, but if your going enlisted you have to take it. But then again all juniors in highschool must take it. Tbh its alot of commonsense questions, very easy stuff. If you struggle with highschool math I would go and study especially arithmetic reasoning.

[@anthonyvigil7567]

William Walters Awesome thank you I just bought a practice test app and a Ranger app one thing I can’t find any information on other than one of mats videos is the rash which is the one that gets you in ranger Richmond do you have any recomme awesome thank you I just bought a practice test app and a Ranger app one thing I can’t find any information on other than one of mats videos is the rasp which is the one that gets you in Ranger Regiment.

[@silversnakeproductions3241]

Good thing I thought ahead and am already going to college

[@NinjaTrollzTV]

Please listen to Matt. I’ve been in for not even a year, but I do wish I commissioned. Just get a degree and commission. Don’t enlist.

[@Dndragon55]

You are in for now 2 years opinions now?

[@NinjaTrollzTV]

Go Army I still think being officer is the better route in the long run, especially if you want to lead. However, I do think you should enlist first and get some experience at the bottom of the food chain before you commission.

[@fjo9492]

@@NinjaTrollzTV I have my bachelors degree already. But I hear that going for commission officer isn’t guaranteed. A board has to approve you. It could take up to a year apparently. What are your thoughts?

[@NinjaTrollzTV]

@@fjo9492 I would wait man. Trust me, it’s worth it. It’s a lot less painful as an officer. Enlisted are the bottom of the barrel, and get treated as such. You have to grind for years to earn rank and get treated with more respect. But as an officer, you commission ranking higher then any enlisted. Better quality of life. This is coming from an enlisted person with just under 3 years in.

[@fjo9492]

@@NinjaTrollzTV thanks for responding, though I might go enlisted first and go in as an E-4 in the army. I know there is a way to try to go officer while enlisted with recommendations. You know if that process is harder or different?

[@tewksburydriver8624]

Most officers talk about it... enlisted does it. Few exceptions to that, but that was my overall experience. If you want to actually do the work of a soldier, enlist.

[@Born2Losenot2win]

What do you think about enlisting with a bachelor’s degree and then commissioning vs doing the commissioning process for a year or two and then becoming an officer? Thanks in advance for responding, to whoever that responds.

[@Neutronism7]

Just go officer first, just make sure you listen I guess and care about people.

[@dikun4362]

Damn l have more pay than my elder sister she is a staff sergeant and lm 2nd lieutenant haha and you know what is crazy about it she was in my unit and l take orders from her because lm a junior and its my first day and she is my big sis lm scared of her you know but my 1st lieutenant told me that l should give orders not take orders

[@kevinphillips150]

The MOS and unit has a lot to do with the differences between officers, enlisted, and (s)ncos. But officers will always direct. (S)NCOs will always lead and guide. The enlisted will always follow.

[@omarsein8169]

My and my wife are going to enlist, and we don’t know how much time is going to take to us live together. And how much our paycheck is going to be?

[@joemartinez9010]

It varies by what you have accomplished. If you have a degree you will start as an E-4 and depending if you have mortages to pay they give an allowance. Also if you are married you go to basic and in ait ask your sergeant about it they can provide paperwork to start with and it can take a few weeks after you grduate Ait and also depending if their is space on base a home can be provided if not you can live outside of the base and they will provide rent money and extra allowances above your base pay.

[@tylerhines5430]

I love how he explains these topics so thorough. You should do a video explaining customs and courtesies, a 1SG walked in a room with a 2LT and got upset because we didnt call at ease. Do you agree with this or does the officer have the upper hand.

[@sce2aux464]

Odd, seeing as there was a higher ranking officer already in the room. Was this at BCT?

[@tylerhines5430]

SCE2AUX AIT

[@tayvonwolfe2499]

I’m enlisted and honestly I’m planning on putting in a warrant officer packet

[@Poop78910]

@Matt Ward could you make a video explaining ROTC's?

[@jayandrews2803]

I want to be an officer, but I really want to learn how to fight, do they teach officers how to fight really well?

[@kelignz]

I was dead set on enlisting for 68C as E3, but my active duty MP husband told me to finish my B.S. since I only have 1 year to complete it. Him and his NCO friends advised him to push me for OCS. Two months ago I scored 130 GT, 125 ST, 93% overall. My degree is almost done, I'm 85 credits but the bad part is my GPA is 2.7 due to getting in a car accident and then stepdad kicking me out the house (I have at least three WF on transcript). Do you think my bad GPA will put me at the bottom of the barrel in OCS? Or will the board determine my smartness off of everything altogether? I'm smart and I'm scared they won't be able to see that.

[@joshuaespinoza8325]

well id rather be an officer than enlisted, but I don't see the military as a career, I see it more as an extension of college with added benefits. so I want 12B training. is it possible to have enlisted mos training as an officer. id go through officer via rotc if it matters.

[@mcb2606]

Be Enlisted and then an Officer.

[@anthonylarso4796]

How does this process work

[@AroundSun]

If you live in the New York area just skip college, ROTC, OCS, and the military altogether and become a cop. Long Island cops make 130k-220k+ and take half of that with them when they retire after only 20 years. No college needed, just take a test similar to ASVAB. Cops don't clean the motorpool, they have actual time off, and dont get deployed.

[@bushwookiee3182]

Congrats on 105k!!! And does anything the Army do similar to the Marines?

[@devildogus2187]

Bush Wookiee many jobs offered by Army are also in the Marines. They do many things similarly but the Marines is a culture on it own. Just depends what you’re trying to do

[@Andrew-mz3rw]

does it matter what college degree you get to become an officer? I am currently a management and leadership major and getting a communications minor. Is that a solid option?

[@OnlyOneHunnids]

Depends on job but for infantry officer any degree is fine appearantly

[@zstreet3]

What do you think of enlisting and then pushing to become an officer through the green and gold program? I’ll be dropping out of college with around 33-36 credited hours already.

[@jimmymartin]

Already signed on the dotted line just waiting for my ship day...wish it would come sooner because all of this waiting is gonna be worse then basic training

[@danielleberryhill8978]

What do you think about college students in the ROTC programs?

[@thomasstevens9322]

My son is an MS1 on a 4yr scholarship. It's a challenging and demanding compliment to a regular college schedule. He absolutely loves it. Jacob Melia is right, as you progress through, your junior and senior years are more demanding and take up more time in your weekly schedule.

[@danielleberryhill8978]

Thank you guys!! I’m a nursing major but I really want to join the Army and they won’t let me enlist bc nurses have to be officers so my recruiter told me to go talk to the ROTC program

[@The_Black_Knight]

IMPORTANT points for those young potential cadets and college students. The actual breakdown of commissioning sources are roughly 60% ROTC, 20% OCS, 10% military academy, and 10% direct accession (AMEDD, legal, chaplain). Anyone that thinks a specific system is "better" needs to weigh the pros and cons of each, and do research as this is beyond the scope of this video and responses. One thing that is important is the means which branches are assigned for cadets after their 3rd year of training. There is definitive competitive edge for the academy. The order is as follows: Academy--->ROTC--->OCS. Direct accession is not relevant here. No NCO should care what an officers source of commission, as they should be guiding and teaching the young 2LT.

[@The_Black_Knight]

@@danielleberryhill8978 Nurses are a SPECIFIC subset program of the ROTC training in terms of how it is managed, not necessarily direct to the training itself. You have TWO options. ROTC traditional and AMEDD (after graduation, no ROTC). Research both these terms to understand the differences, pros, and cons, and choose what best works for you.

[@thetreoman]

You also risk getting kicked out, if they don’t promote you as an office.

[@supholmes.2280]

I like how Matt made another video why you shouldn’t want to be an officer

[@Thebustos303]

You see my friend im not the brightest as much as i would love the idea of me being an officer but ill just make 4 in 3 (really shitty i know), maybe re-up and be a e5 for a couple years and complain the whole time but its mostly to save money and try to get my life together. We'll see how this goes

[@meinhartvallar6608]

Don't sell yourself short man. You can achieve most things you want with a growth mindset. Give it a shot first!

[@cringemaster4360]

Be an officer if you want a bigger role. Took a beak in service 3 years ago as a SSG with 7 years under my belt. Came back and commissioned. Used my enlisted background and helped out how to cope and relate to my soldiers.

[@DavidAKetchmark]

Thank you for the info. I'm currently enlisted as an 88M and don't care much for the job. I have a Master's in Health Science and I'm debating on either switching to 68F or going the officer route. If I'm going to stay in I want a job that I actually like and am a subject matter expert in. Thanks for the info. It really helps.

[@voltrondoji7439]

Did you come in as an E7;E8 level because of your masters.

[@poorlittlebiker6476]

Now could you switch from officer to enlisted and start out with a higher rank if you could? Just curious if that’s possible

[@paul4utica]

Curious, how do you get away with being an officer with the facial hair? I recall not being allowed such liberties.

[@sailalehtonen1412]

Nice video and thanks for the info

[@Eljefe5948]

Idk I see so many average people going into the military. It can’t be that hard 😂

[@lukebrown3390]

How much authority does a 2Lt have compared to a Sergeant or a Staff Sergeant?

[@cryora]

Depends on their role. If they are in the same platoon and the 2LT is the PLT LDR then he has more authority than the SGT or SSG who are team or squad leaders. If the sergeant is an NCOIC for something niche like supply or communications, while the 2LT has his own niche, like finance, then it depends on whose lane the authority is over.

[@chriszablocki2460]

Can I gracefully decline both?

[@malcolmmitchell7207]

I want to be commissioned in the United States Army as a officer: 2nd Lieutenant.

[@1987michelle]

What's your opinion going in as an officer with no experience like ROTC? I have a college degree which will allow OCS if I score high enough on the ASVAB.

[@devildogus2187]

Michelle LiBrandi to me it doesn’t matter. Former Secdef James Mattis was ROTC. Focus on what kind of officer you’re going to be rather than how you will get in

[@The_Black_Knight]

You already stated you were trained in nursing. Not really relevant in your field, if you wish to be an medical officer, RN. You will learn VERY quickly and your circumstances would be a bit different that other traditional 2LTs. A minimum score of 110 on the general technical (GT) segment of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) tests is required, but you should ace that easily if you had no problems in college.

[@1987michelle]

@@The_Black_Knight I am not trained in nursing. I have no medical background

[@The_Black_Knight]

@@1987michelle My error, I misread comments above that looked like your name. It is not uncommon for civilians to opt into OCS as career path as officers. Much of what you will need for basic understanding will be acquired during your BOLC (Basic Officer Leader Course) after selection of branch and completing your equivalent "basic" training. Once you reach your first unit, figure out which NCOs would be most beneficial to guide you. ROTC is not some sort of "absolute advantage" for military service, and nor is the academy route either. They are all just different doorways to the same end.

[@1987michelle]

@@The_Black_Knight I guess what I'm wondering since I have no background in military would it better for me to go in as an E4 and work my way up or go in as an officer right away.

[@gunsmoke3301]

Matt, as a reservist going to college next semester, do I have the ability to commission as an active duty officer through ROTC? Would this void out my reserve enlistment, and would this risk me losing my bonus?

[@phantomwriter2629]

Doesn't the Army require officer candidates to attend BCT before they are shipped to OCS? If so, why does the Army do this unlike the other four branches?

[@xyula8594]

Could you do a video on warrant officers

[@mattcampbell5148]

I have two associates and working on my first bachelors (I'm a junior). Could that qualify me to be an officer?

[@hamos4744]

So here's a question. If you're not looking to make a career out of the military, and only do it for 4-8 years, should you still go for being an officer?

[@The_Black_Knight]

Here is an interesting fact regarding officers: Approximately 60-80% (Year Group "average" dependent) of all junior officers (1LT, CPT) leave the military before their 10th year of service, for better opportunities afforded by their military experience...so, the answer is YES, if the military is a job you may enjoy. Try to pick a branch that matches the skills you want to use AFTER the military...

[@murphy423]

I have a degree and I enlisted because I went to an enlistment recruiting office and didn’t know there was a separate recruiting process for officers. They told me the MoS of officer wasn’t ‘available’. What would be the best route for me to become an officer? Should I get another degree with G2G, or drop a packet for OCS? I dropped out of pharmacy school, so would I be able to apply for the HSPS scholarship and finish my pharmacy degree, and could I be able to apply for this degree while I’m enlisted?