ENLISTED VS. OFFICER - 3 MAIN REASONS I CHOSE TO ENLIST | EbonyJasmin

Hey loves! In this video I answer the most asked question I get since I’ve joined the military and explain how and why I came to the decision I did. Feel free to reach out to me directly or through a comment below if you have any questions, comments, or concerns - enjoy!
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*DISCLAIMER - These opinions are my own personal views and do not represent those of the United States Air Force.
Music: Sweet Tides
Musician: LATASHÁ

[@TheHellhound4460]

I'm in this situation right now. Have my Bachelor's degree in Biology, and everyone is telling me to commission as an officer because of the benefits. However, I am much more of a doer. I have worked in a managerial role before, but not sure how I feel jumping into a military career as an officer right of off the bat or wait too long for OTS application.

[@dma67111]

I have the same degree. Went e4 as a 17C bc the asvab was easy AF lol

[@mjj3298]

I know that this comment was posted a long time ago, but I'll reply anyway so other people can take a look at the content. This whole "I'm a doer so maybe enlisted would be better" mentality is just flat out incorrect. Yes, officers are leaders and will do plenty of managing throughout their career. BUT, they "do" plenty. Take pilots for example. You wouldn't be leading anybody for the first few years since you are DOING so much training. There's so much more to being an officer than just pushing papers or telling people what to do. Do not let this idea of wanting to "do" more dissuade you from pursuing the officer route which is far more lucrative and will teach you much more valuable skills - skills which will translate well into the civilian world once you're out. Having experience with "doing" whatever your core officer job is coupled with being able to manage people, accomplish bigger picture tasks, and lead a team is invaluable as you look to other jobs later on in life. I'm not knocking on the enlisted side of things, but quite frankly, it would be silly to not even try to become an officer if you have the qualifications. Lots of people sell themselves short and try to convince themselves that going enlisted is better simply because they are afraid of rejection. You will never know if you don't try.

[@calebhenderson6766]

​@mjj3298 do you know if officers would be able to work as a physical therapist? If they have the doctoral degree and licenses to do physical therapy of course.

[@k_carey2295]

Currently making a decision on this. I have a 4 year degree, but I completely line up with your reasoning. Your video has really helped me. Thank you for posting

[@sharifp9706]

Let me make it easier for you….TAKE YO ASS TO OCS AND BECOME AN OFFICER. If you enlist with a 4year college degree you’re and IDIOT. 😂

[@Larryamsterdam]

I’ve heard the same thing when it comes to being a prior enlisted officer. Your advice was solid, and I think it’ll help someone who’s considering between enlisted & officer.

[@emonsterReptar]

If you do make the decision to commission officer, you defiantly will have more respect upfront if they know you served enlisted first 💪🏾

[@EbonyJasmin]

Yes definitely, I’ve heard that a lotttt.

[@subicstationditosailor4053]

I always looked at Naval officers racks to see if they had a good conduct ribbon. If they did they got my respect.

[@larrykehl5300]

Retired USAF prior-enlisted Capt (11 years enlisted Tsgt, 10 commissioned - Regular) and Vietnam Vet here. I guess my reply would be "it depends." It's been a while so right now it may be different than when I was a "butter bar" up through Captain. But a mustang's respect quotient seemed to be up with lower to middle enlisted ranks but started to go down with Top 3 folks, and again seemed to go back up with young 01's through maybe junior 04'ish (i.e., your peers in rank, at least , if not time in service) but usually started to fall off and the "respect mat" tended to be subtly pulled back in by more senior officer ranks.

[@mjj3298]

Eh not really. Perhaps some career fields this may be true, but not for many of them. Take pilots for example. The sorts of leadership positions they'll be in relate to flying, and no enlisted person flies for the AF. And either way, leadership and good management skills often are entirely unrelated to doing the "grunt work". CEOs rarely started as a dishwasher, for example - doesn't affect their ability to lead those below them. Good leaders are just that - good leaders. Having coincidentally done the same job as the people you are in charge of at some point in the past will have little bearing on the overall function of the team.

[@Noobaa9658]

@@subicstationditosailor4053 they should hv respect regardless

[@shamia8980]

are u of Ghanian descent. My homegirl fam is from Ghana and y'all resemble and the skin is always flawlesss

[@vb8575]

Skin care routine please! 😍

[@EbonyJasmin]

Aw, I gotchu girl! lol thank youuu :)

[@blank1505]

tbh girl... I think she’s just BLESSED. 💥💞 I feel like darker tones of skin have smoother, rejuvenated complexions. My brown face wasn’t fortunate enough. 😭

[@DoubleGMegg]

At 33, it has always been a dream of mine. I have a Master's Degree and you helped me understand that the Officer route is what I would do. Thanks for this informative video!!!

[@EbonyJasmin]

LOVE IT! So excited for you to be going after your dream. Wishing you the best of luck!

[@handsome567]

How was your journey? I’m 32 and I been thinking about it lately. I am in grad school and working full time making a great income.

[@dma67111]

@@handsome567 I just ran into a lawyer commissioning as an O1 and he loves it

[@done5060]

Same for my wife, she joined as a Masters Degree holder, even though I’m paying some sacrifices, I’m happy the officer route is a good choice for us.

[@evchesser]

It can be a pain in the ass to apply for a commission because of the time lines you mentioned. Sometimes, the extra pay for the responsibility is not really worth being an officer. There are some enlisted career fields that are even more fulfilling. One really has to want to be an officer. I do not regret having been one myself and encourage anybody who wants the responsibility to go for it, but you really have to want it.

[@ninanewbold161]

Even without kids do you think the pay is pretty decent? I’m in the same boat. No kids, not married, bachelors degree. But I have debt , mostly from student loans. I don’t want to be broke if I join lol

[@asidxo1605]

you just confirmed literally all my thoughts! thank you so much for posting this vid!!

[@EbonyJasmin]

Of course, so glad I could help!

[@MyViewsss]

She’s gorgeous

[@drewrobbins65]

I just enlisted with my B.B.A. as an E-4 with Army Reserves for the same exact reason! If I love it after getting my feet wet, I can always commission and/go active duty, but it’d be harder to do that the other way around if I commissioned and didn’t like it.

[@EbonyJasmin]

Exactly. Good luck to you!

[@Dreana876]

Drr Robbins.. i'm actually considering this same route

[@hangarby10]

Just because you have a four year degree, it doesn’t mean you will get a commission. Applying for a commission is very competitive. You have to have.a stellar Enlisted performance record. Plus, more emphasis is on STEM related degrees.

[@jorgedeleon8006]

Do yourself a favor and go officer. Respect right off the bat speaks levels of how you will be treated instead like a turd when enlisted. Pay is almos twice or three times as much right off you go from like 1,500 to around 3,000-3,400 . And being enlisted putting in time and going officer is a lot harder than going officer as a civilian. You also get to live off base instead of living on the barracks.

[@Rameses3113]

It’s your life, no one can live it but you. Do what makes you happy. Thanks for following me back on IG 🙃

[@EbonyJasmin]

You're absolutely right! and lol you're welcome :)

[@kimchiwarriorprincess]

I always wondered this about my airmen who were already college graduates, seems everyone’s path is different, thank you for sharing yours! ✨

[@ParrisM1992]

Your skin is BEAUTIFUL 🥰😍🥰😍🥰😍😘👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿

[@EbonyJasmin]

Aww, thank you love! ❤️😘

[@Tithe-kh3fj]

im literally dancing to the background music while youre talking...

[@titanniki412]

OUTSTANDING! TY for your Service! You have a Great Attitude!! You will be a Great Officer. You will have the respect of both Officer/ Enlisted personnel. You been there, done that. I use to tell Butter Bar 2nd Lt's. Sir, I don't know whether to Salute you or Burp you, you're so young. You have all the book knowledge on how things should go, listen to your troops they'll tell you how it really is! You're going to be Great. SSgt, Marine Retired! OOHRAH SEMPER FI!!

[@MikeMiasuki-vy3xx]

When I finally got accepted into OTS, I was elated. I worked for over 5 years to get a degree so I could move up. Enlisted ranks have their place and worth but it is the money and the retirement that makes a big difference. One can talk all they want about the leadership opportunities but in the end, one should pursue a career that pays. Only one per cent of the entire enlisted force can be in the rank of E-9 and not more than 2% in the grade of E-8. At one point in my career, there were more full Colonels on active duty than the total number of E-9s and E-8s. However, A good E-9 is worth his or her weight in gold. A bad one can destroy a unit. You decide.

[@Adventure_Food_Fun_US]

For all the reasons you mentioned, I am enlisting too. I was surprised with this video actually because almost every body is so shocked by why I enlisted with a college degree and few certifications I got. Time is my biggest factor. Space force’s board process will take minimum of a year and half.

[@madhuvalli9936]

I'm really glad you shared this! I've been going back and forth about what to do now that I'm graduating college in a few months. Also it's so cool you graduated from James Madison. I'm at George Mason! Small world :) I fully agree that people should go, as you said, "Through the trenches" before being able to make big decisions in a specific territory.

[@mommafitbit3701]

What was the civilian plan with a health science degree- meaning if you didn't join the military?

[@simplydomi1844]

Could you please do a video on hair for bmt? Do you have relaxed hair? Also, did you get your hair done after bmt?

[@EbonyJasmin]

Yes ma’am that’s actually my next video! I’ll be talking about everything from hair care, skin care, etc for my ladies while in BMT!

[@simplydomi1844]

EbonyJasmin thanks sis!! Looking forward to it!

[@EbonyJasmin]

Hair video is up love!

[@simplydomi1844]

EbonyJasmin thanks sis!!

[@ambermarie333]

So crazy I came across your video. I currently go to James Madison university and am studying health sciences ! Your video helped so much thank you!

[@EbonyJasmin]

Omg what a small world! GO DUKES! I hope my video was able to help girl, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions I could maybe help with.

[@shaneconcepcion]

9:00 yup, that's it right there. Couldn't have said it any better. Thanks for elaborating on this topic!

[@EbonyJasmin]

Absolutely! Thank you for watching and understanding where I was coming from :)

[@bigsissenpai]

Will they accept people who have a non-STEM degree?? I have a BA and MFA in writing, but I really want to join the AF over the Army or Navy.

[@itsjeremih]

They honestly do not care in the enlisted side, but “prefer” STEM degrees for some jobs as officers.. There are 200+ in enlisted and less in officer route (rated, non-rated). I have a B.B.A in Management planning on enlisting, and officer route in the future.

[@dma67111]

I can see the army gaining many brilliant people throughout the next few years. Not just a bunch of 18yo anymore

[@ordinaryopinion-1]

Yeah! I’m 24 with a college degree and would much rather serve my country rather than a company. Im applying to become an officer but if I don’t get in I might just enlist.

[@WizardOfCheese]

i feel the same way. going airman with a degree and see how i feel after 4 years.

[@alexinfinitybeats]

You think enlistment is a better route for inspiring entrepreneurs?

[@taiylorwaysome757]

I just graduated from JMU too! Your video was so helpful 🤗

[@EbonyJasmin]

Aw I’m glad it was helpful! and Go Dukes! 💜💛

[@ashleyfarias6338]

Hi. I am senior in college and tbh this video is really helpful. I was struggling to decide which path to take and I can really relate to everything you’re saying. I think timing is the biggest factor, some say the process could be from 12-18 months before you get shipped out if you’re even accepted. Thanks for this video. Gonna check out more of your content 🤍

[@EbonyJasmin]

Thank you so much for watching, I’m glad I could help! Timing is definitely one of the BIGGEST factors in my opinion. And yeah sometimes it varies, it can be really short sometimes though like you could get called up to leave the next day even though you’re expecting to have a few months. Things always come up and change so it’s good to be ready for anything. Thanks again for your support!

[@alexusw]

Wow just now thinking about going and the fact that your from VA👏🏾👏🏾same here!! Can you do updates on your journey!!??

[@fnln544]

You're a very accomplished, well spoken person. You're more than logically, realistically considering your life's path. Many more enlisted personnel have college degrees or at least many different units. The Air Force (as do other services) supports education with having the CCAF for Associate degrees. I, personally, believe some of the most able, effective and talented officers I have served with have been 'mustangs' (prior enlisted). I entered the military with a degree and served until SSG when I was selected for OCS. While in the military, I have earned another 2 degrees. I'm now a LTC. The proudest decoration, to me, is my good conduct medal. I'm grateful for learning and my military service. If you enjoy leadership, being a leading or senior NCO as a supervisor (and in some positions a junior manager) can be very rewarding; in my opinion, as the AF doesn't have warrant officers, CMSgts can function in very important positions of great responsibility. On the other hand, being a junior or senior officer can be challenging as a differing level manager whether in command or staff positions. You have a bright future. Continue your learning. Consider your options. Best wishes, A1C, and thank you for your service to our country.

[@EbonyJasmin]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch my video and leave your input! I appreciate the kind words and you sharing a little bit of your experience. I’ve heard a lot of positive things about prior-enlisted officers and how they’re generally better leaders because they’re more relatable to the people they’re leading. It’s definitely something I’m thinking about pursing more and more. We’ll see what the future holds, but I’ll definitely keep my options open and continue learning. Thanks so much :)

[@EbonyJasmin]

Congrats on all of your accolades and accomplishments!

[@jaslyn5501]

Firstly, you are absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for making this video. I am 29 and currently in the process of enlisting in the Air Force. Your reasoning behind enlisting instead of commissioning are the exact same for me. I’m ready to start this new chapter asap and don’t care to deal with the additional time lines. The additional pay isn’t enticing enough jump into a major role completely blind. I have zero dependents and I also do not come from a huge military back ground.

[@shadow77ish]

Sitting on a Bachelor's degree but trying to enlist into ANG - I can't lead if I don't serve! I appreciate the video! 💪🏿

[@markohashira777]

Im working on my bachelors right now, and I’m gonna enlist in the reserves first then go officer route

[@christopherpoole3066]

Nice video clip, despite that we’re serving in different branches, your viewpoints are on point.

[@EbonyJasmin]

Thank you so much, what branch are you in?

[@jamesdforsythe73]

Thank you for posting this video. I'm in the middle of making the same decision right now and this was really helpful

[@bradbel]

Great stuff. One tech comment, either lower the music level or lose it while you are speaking.

[@emmanueloben4513]

You've got a great personality & mindset. You are a genuine leader. Please don't stop being who you are. You are beautiful too😍

[@jamilezzayas9076]

i need to know your zodiac sign lol

[@EbonyJasmin]

Lol I’m an Aquarius, wbu? 👀

[@blessedbygod8299]

EbonyJasmin yessss

[@emmanueloben4513]

Aquarius are born leaders.

[@jes4792]

@@EbonyJasmin love all my Aquarius! You guys are leaders and always level minded with everything you guys want in life. I’m a Virgo ♍️

[@jamilezzayas9076]

thank you for being so detailed about the military

[@EbonyJasmin]

Of course, I want to give as much info as I can and I know the details matter!

[@tyler7549]

does it look bad if we didn't do JROTC in highschool? i decided not to look up on that, so...

[@alexiahilario2439]

Now that’s it’s been a year since you made this video, do you still feel the same?

[@brandeebaker3716]

So after you enlist and you finish your training can you go back to become an officer?

[@FujiharaP]

Love this vid. I’m a senior in college right now and I actually did Army ROTC a year ago just to see what it was like to be in the military as an officer and yeah did not like a single bit of it. Thankfully I wasnt contracted yet so I was easily able to drop out of it. I have zero regrets doing that. I’m graduating this fall in December with a degree in business: marketing/management. Tbh I didn’t think twice about coming back until some old dude I met at my job stopped me and told me that I should to join the Navy or Air Force because he thought I was smart and very helpful after going out of my way to help him find the item he was looking for. Obviously that wasn’t the only reason why I thought twice about it. He gave very solid points and reasons why I should join it and I was like you know let me give it another shot but this time air force enlisted. I was still debating whether to go or not but I think this will help me immensely to grow as a person and find my career in the future. Thank you for this video! It has helped me a lot in making my decision to enlist in the Air Force!

[@davidlealmusic]

Thanks for the info, Ebony! Very informative.

[@JohnnyC10071959]

I mean not for nothing but she has "movie star" looks. What a traffic-stopping gorgeous young woman. I am not surprised she has been in leadership roles.

[@lokifairy888]

hi I want the college experience but I don’t want to be an officer with all the old people and stuff. I saw videos where people say That the enlisted have more fun and do more cool stuff but officers do boring things. I want to be a combat medic and graduate with a BSN and the college I want has ROTC but thennn I want to live a life with people my age so I’m in a dilemma can you please help me choose.

[@lyndonlonzanida]

that entirely depends on you. How old are you if you do not mind me asking?

[@lokifairy888]

Lyndon Domingo Lonzanida 15

[@lyndonlonzanida]

@@lokifairy888 oh man, your so young. Have you ever looked into the National Guard or Reserves? The National Guard can help you pay for college (depending on what state you live in) and you can commission by doing the National Guard and go to OCS or still go to National Guard and do ROTC (S.M.P. program) and get paid even more money than an average high school student that just went to straight into ROTC. If you decide to do ROTC, your not going to live the college life because you have to wake up and go to P.T. every morning. My cousin was in Army ROTC for two years and he had a full-ride scholarship of becoming an officer but he ended up not liking it because he wanted to party and be more involved with his fraternity. You still have three years until you turn 18 years old so just research on all branches and see what benefits you the most and in the FUTURE when you GET OUT or RETIRE of the military. Also, if they have a J.R.O.T.C. program at your high school, do that for the rest of your high school and you will enter into the military with a HIGHER RANK than a E1. I am 24 and I am ENLISTING with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice only because of personal reasons right now. Just keep in mind that entering into the military should NOT be RUSHED but serving in the military whether officer or enlisted, will DEFINITELY will make you more MARKETABLE in the civilian world. I wish I was your age of being 15 and I would have reconsider my options of going to college vs. the military and etc. Do not hesitate to contact me on here if you any questions. I will do my best to reply back to you asap.

[@lokifairy888]

Lyndon Domingo Lonzanida wow thank you soooo much. This was very helpful and sadly my high school doesn’t have JROTC. But all of the colleges that I’m looking for has AF OR AROTC but I’ll use your advice and look deeper but I also learned that I can just go to college and do officer training school when I graduate instead and I’ll do the reserves throughout college to help fund everything. And I will contact you if I need help because I do have lots of questions. Thank you

[@lyndonlonzanida]

@@lokifairy888 I forgot to mention too: getting into O.C.S./O.T.S. (officer command/training school) is HIGHLY COMPETITIVE. So if your absolutely wanting to go into the military as an OFFICER, do the Army or Air Force ROTC at college, it makes it easier because O.C.S./O.T.S. is like four years of ROTC crammed into 13 weeks of training at O.C.S./O.T.S. Getting a scholarship through Army/ Air Force ROTC depends on your ACT/SAT score too so do your best on those exams as well. My MOST IMPORTANT tip to you: START RUNNING now! I wish I would have taken running seriously back in middle and high school. Running is so important and they have running in all military branches. Again, do not HESITATE to contact me on here and I will do my best to reply back to you A.S.A.P.

[@beverlyzen7052]

Great 👍🏻 opinion, love this video

[@kawtartoubbali5811]

Love your videos

[@EbonyJasmin]

Thank you so much!

[@ryant1899]

GO DUKES

[@hremix5537]

Great video! This video has been helpful! Thanks

[@EbonyJasmin]

Thank you, glad I could help!

[@adtkxo9570]

How old are you if you don’t mind me asking?

[@EbonyJasmin]

No, I don't mind at all I'm 24!

[@gamecode6365]

Are you ground or airborne

[@EbonyJasmin]

I’m ground!

[@shawnhall755]

Great video!

[@EbonyJasmin]

Thank you!

[@estefaniaperez8474]

What are the requirements to enlist as an E-4 if that’s even possible? I have a 4 year degree in criminal justice so that’s about 120 college credits.

[@brandoncortezemmanuel357]

I believe you should be able to go in as an E-4 for the Army, and E-3 in the Air Force . I’m on the same boat though, I have a 4 yr CJ degree, I currently work in federal law enforcement but I’m really looking at both the Army reserves and Air Force reserves, either as enlisted or commissioned officer, but I personally feel like i should do enlisted.

[@estefaniaperez8474]

@@brandoncortezemmanuel357 if you’re already in a federal job you should stay there or try to get into something better. I mean that’s my opinion. The only reason I was considering the Air Force is because I applied for a federal job and the hiring process was taking too long, but I finally got the call to schedule my polygraph exam.

[@brandoncortezemmanuel357]

@@estefaniaperez8474 I appreciate your response. I’ve been trying to apply for other federal jobs because my job has completely lost its way in our work, our mission, etc, but I’ve had no success. I’ve always regretted not enlisting in the military out of high school as well. And good luck with the polygraph! If it’s with CBP, it’s not impossible to pass, just be completely open with the proctor, I told him everything that was on my mind and it carried a big weight off my shoulders.

[@estefaniaperez8474]

@@brandoncortezemmanuel357 yes! It’s with CBP. I’m super nervous because I don’t know what to expect

[@brandoncortezemmanuel357]

@@estefaniaperez8474 Are you in the process with OFO or BP? I was with BP for a few years and transferred to ERO. For the polygraph, it’s a mental game. They might try to evoke a certain reaction out of you, you’ve probably heard it a lot but the key is to stay calm, and just tell the proctor the truth, exactly. Good luck! If you got any questions feel free to ask!

[@captainmanic1959]

Her assessment on leading is absolutely on point. Before you can supervise effectively, you need to know what your subordinates need to know…In short, working experience!