Guide to Getting a College Education: Air Force (Part 1)

[@1992ilikepie]

When it comes to the 9/11 GI bill, a lot of colleges offer in state tuition for veterans. Some will also offer financial aide that covers the difference. So make sure you look into the policies of different schools on prior service members, don't just limit yourself to your home state. Also, don't be afraid to apply to more prestigious colleges. Because of your service, you have a unique perspective. To the school, you're a safer bet because you're more mature, older than most freshmen, more disciplined, and have proof you can commit to something. Plus because tech school usually gives college credit, you can apply as a transfer student rather than a freshman, which often means that if you were a shitty HS student it doesn't count. A lot of vets don't think they could ever get in, but the chance is bigger than they realize.

[@austinrio4043]

Thank you for the information it has been very helpful in mt decision making. Could you possibly do a video on the Air force Reserves? The benefits they receive, pay, days they serve,etc. Thank you!

[@mckenrick9680]

Helped out a lot bro thanks for making the video. I'm in the process of enlisting and plan on finishing school through the AF to become an Officer. A video about that would be cool too.

[@WildBlueYonder]

Mckenrick 9 That'll be coming up soon!

[@JesseAllenJr]

Favorited and sharing. Best video on youtube for USAF Education so far. Ill have to watch a few times and take notes. Thank you

[@itzfrenchi1662]

Just read an article that said don't use your bill when active duty, you don't get all the benefits like if you picked 9/11 you won't get full housing which is like around 1,400$ a month that you can find a cheap apartment and pocket the rest!! So I'd suggest just using TA and pay out of pocket for online classes while active duty and use your bill after your honorably discharged.

[@WildBlueYonder]

+Future Airman Fontanez Haven't heard of anything like that.. where'd you read this article?

[@itzfrenchi1662]

+WildBlueYonder taskandpurpose.com/4-big-mistakes-vets-make-with-their-gi-bill/ It's a good read!

[@WildBlueYonder]

Interesting! Haven't heard of that before

[@bbblader911]

If you used all 36 months of benefits under MGIB and you are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you may receive up to 12 months of benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. However, you cannot receive more than a maximum of 48 months of benefits under any combination of Department of Veterans Affairs education programs.

[@alexandrahenderson4368]

I signed my 6 year contract and haven't gone to bmt.(I plan on signing active duty again for at least 20years) I want to get an education degree, Mandarin language degree, ojibwe language degree and a Spanish language degree.

[@tommyoo9605]

So if I go active duty for 4 years. and at the end of my contract i go reserves and I decide to go back to my home state and attend a top university of my state(Indiana University), will they pay my tuition as well as cover room and board or ATLEAST have a stipend to find an apartment in the area??

[@carolynpinder8222]

Very informative as usual! Good job.

[@Roan.bot.]

If you take classes year round instead of just fall and spring it’s possible

[@polmarc]

Keep it up! I love watching your videos!

[@WildBlueYonder]

polmarc Thank you!

[@amethyst4042]

Can the army help cover med school?

[@arsravens5278]

Maryland pride!!

[@yomannyboi]

Great Videos. Theyve really helped me out, especially since I leave in 2 days. Keep it up man :)

[@MrCallofdutyfanatic1]

His videos remind me of swoozie

[@mackmzle]

Does this bill cover masters degrees? Someone please answer.

[@mackmzle]

If so. Which one would be better?

[@WildBlueYonder]

+TM Sneakers Yup. And most people go with the 911 Bill

[@Nappsody]

So if you want to do school while you are AD could you use TA and still get your post 911 when you get out ?

[@TheLeospak]

Do you really have to have 26 on act and 1150 in sat what if you don't does that mean you can't become an officer?

[@jonathanbarrow8205]

I was reading online that you could use the MGI and 9/11 together if you time it correctly, exhausting the MGI first. Doing so would give you up to 48 total months vs 36. Are you aware of this?

[@geometrydashenrixxe4737]

This was very helpful. Thank you

[@foreveryoung4593]

Hi! : ) Thanks for featuring my comment in your video! Are you allowed to use TA (tuition assistance) alongside either the MGI bill or post 9/11 bill to pay for college?

[@WildBlueYonder]

Foreveryoung Hey :) and np! Yes, you can use TA with either Bill

[@autumnhayes1673]

WildBlueYonder Do you pay for your home on a military base. Wait do you have a roomate

[@WildBlueYonder]

1. Nope. In the Air Force we get what's called BAH, or Basic Allowance for Housing in our paychecks. BAH varies with the local cost of living and your current rank. If you live ON base, either in the dorm rooms or in base housing, then 100% of your BAH is deducted from your paycheck. So essentially, it's free housing. Here's the benefit of living off base- If you live OFF base, either when you make the rank of Senior Airman or if you get married, then you get 100% of your BAH allotted to you. So say your BAH is $1,500, and you find an apartment/house with rent that's $1,000 a month, you get to keep that extra $500 every month. 2. Yes, I have 3 roomates, we each have our own bathroom but we share a common room and kitchen. It's like a 4 bedroom 4 bath apartment

[@meenafleaure2550]

Great video! Very informative :D Can you please briefly explain the difference between CLEP, DSST, and ECE testings? Which one is better and why.

[@WildBlueYonder]

Meena Fleaure CLEPs are definitely the options I hear about the most. They're quick and free. DSST and ECE are also great options as well, and can help accelerate your progress to earning a degree.

[@jacobwilliams1319]

@@WildBlueYonder OK this is good can I do all

[@leesa0147]

Hello WildBlueYonder, I know this video was made 4yrs ago but I heard you now 2019 you get both the Montgomery and the 9/11 GI Bill. Could you or anyone here clarify this?

[@southernreptile9661]

which bill would be good to use if I wanna get a degree in criminology

[@WildBlueYonder]

+Tim Munson Either one

[@chriscorona2968]

Is there a limit on how many cleps you can take and can you retake any if you fail?

[@josephpullium913]

great question. I think Google can answer that.

[@Thebigboy641]

Chris Corona you can only take a Clep once. If you fail you can't retake it. You have to take the course.

[@beanerflowers09]

I was told by my recruiter and a lot of people that you can now have both any truth to this?

[@WildBlueYonder]

+Terranitup Both bills? I have heard that you can only have one or the other

[@beanerflowers09]

+WildBlueYonder yes both bills I was told you can dual enroll in both MGIB use it all up (MGIB) then you can tap into the 9/11 bill as well as use TA any truth to this?

[@WildBlueYonder]

I haven't heard that, the only thing I know is you can switch, but you can't have both

[@brandicowan4509]

Do they do student loan forgiveness? I k know the army does. This is a factor in deciding what branch I want to join between the Army and AF

[@Bank_Da_Bread]

can you receieve tuition assistance while doing Air National Guard or does it vary from state to state?

[@WildBlueYonder]

Chibby Alilonu I believe you can still get TA when you're in the Guard

[@brooklynbabyyn9119]

Im looking to do the airforce + university at the same time. I want to earn a bachelors degree and graduate both college & airforce in 4 years. from what I was told airforce covers college 100% . please tell me are these goals realistic??

[@danielgraham2790]

Add extra 2years to that and it will be possible...You have to do basic and tech training and also upgrade training and all can be within 2yrs.....So before you even start schooling as well but its possible to have a degree while active and the key is to sacrifice your time i.e NO SOCIAL LIFE

[@divineartez7194]

Hello I’m going into the airforce next month I’m going active duty and I want them to pay for my classes to become a surgical technician asscosiates degree. Can I use my MGI bill???

[@jacobwilliams1319]

Yes I think u would enroll in their college then training gives u credit

[@kenyattsmalls8198]

Please respond .. When they actually let us go to college will we be able to stay on a college campus or no ?

[@thedrunkmonk8386]

I think that would apply to living off-base. If you're an E4, married, etc. you can live off base. Then you stay in a dorm at the college. Dorm life is likely to be the same in either, so just live off base.

[@kaitlynwilliams3102]

Does the job that you get in the air force have to coordinate with the major that you want to pursue in college?

[@cocof9757]

Hey..Questtion....i have a bachelors degree already and want to pursue the Physician Assistant program when i join the Air force. I notice you said under this program you can only have 1 degree....does that mean I won't be able to get my Master's in Physician Assistant Science?

[@WildBlueYonder]

+CoCo F Well I believe you can use your GI bill to get a Masters, so long as you already had your bachelors. Basically you can only get one degree from your bill

[@Thebigboy641]

WildBlueYonder so if I'm starting from scratch I can only get an associates degree?

[@allfouradrenaline]

This really helped me a lot, I appreciate it! I'm wanting to get my bachelors as quick as I can (I have no college credits) to become an officer. I've been stressing out lately because I've heard stories of it taking people 10 years to get a bachelors while in the Air Force. Quick question, wouldn't it be pretty difficult to get the SOAR scholarship if they only hand out 50+ a year? Thanks!

[@TRAVIESO_NA]

My advice get your AA degree now, than join the Airforce. Than work hard to complete your bachelor's within 4 years of service.

[@kiaharmour5890]

Hi, I am from Alabama & I would like to go to TSU (Texas State University), but I will be signing the contract in the 11th grade soon. I was wondering do any of the bills cover out of state tuition ? ☺️ thanks for your time.

[@purpleguy9617]

Hey, how did it end up working out for you with education benefits and your air force experience as a whole? Just curious

[@TAnimations]

@@purpleguy9617 Did everything work out in your favor? How did everything go?

[@NicoleLASMR]

Yay thank you!

[@mistersadaimusic]

Hey man, what would be the best choice for someone who wants to be a high school English teacher after service?

[@maritsavelasco205]

So you said the expiration for the mgi and the gi expire 10-15 years after you retire, do you mean when you're out say after a four year contract or do you mean when you actually retire after 20 years?

[@TheJoeLevesque]

for example, if i live in ct and then the most expensive school is 50 grand a year, when i get out can i go to any public school as long as its under 50 grand ? or does it have to be in your home state?

[@edwinjones1576]

Thank you for the insight!!! if I may ask, what opportunities does the military have for someone with a Bachelor's In biology? Also, would the military allow soldiers to attend grad school or a masters program while on active duty?

[@MJ-bl4ze]

Thank you so much

[@jimmyblake2306]

Very informative video thanks. But I still have one question. If you got stationed over seas, could you still do online classes to acquire your college degree?

[@WildBlueYonder]

Jimmy Blake I don't see why not. As long as you get an internet connection

[@Killing_Chaos]

Jimmy Blake I have heard most overseas bases have a college on it. Its a branch of the university of Maryland. That is what i have heard you can always ask your recruiter or research it. if all else fails, call the university of Maryland they may also know the answer.

[@khaliyahkelly7900]

Where did you get this information from? airforce.com?

[@jeremyadams3187]

Watched this twice & still confused 😐😕, how can I attend the college of my choice while on active duty?

[@WildBlueYonder]

Jeremy Adams It's okay it was a lot of info lol. Basically, once you arrive at your first duty base, you'll have to finish what's called CDCs (career development courses). They are a series of tests that revolve around your job training, anyways, typically once you're finished with those, then you can simply speak with your education office and they'll give you all the info you need to enroll in a college of your choice. You won't really be able to go to college physically, because you'll be at work too often, so online courses is pretty much what you'll be doing.

[@jeremyadams3187]

+WildBlueYonder appreciate that ,I honestly want to join. It's been a dream of mine since my sophomore year in hs. I'm about to be a senior now. I also want to enjoy "college life" tho, while also furthering my education. Is there anyway I can do this? Reserves or something?

[@WildBlueYonder]

In some situations, you might be able to work it out so that you can do both reserves/guard and real college at the same time. You should contact a recruiter, because I don't know much about guard or reserves :/ sorry

[@iMvAwesome]

Wait so on top of having free education...I can also receive BAH from the GI bill while serving?!

[@jacobwilliams1319]

Wait bro would I have to use my GI bill though to get that AF the best for people

[@DavidJohnson-uc9lw]

I know this question is off the topic but if I do something wrong on my job I can be fired what happens in the Air Force if you constantly messed up can you be fired

[@thedrunkmonk8386]

Other than honorable discharge, after other options, I'm sure.

[@PCIntrovert]

If anyone can help me, I'm a US citizen but was born and raised in England. What would be my home state? My mother's from Alabama, would Alabama be my home state?

[@scrilicon9095]

it will probaly be the state you first moved to.

[@johnperez405]

So for either one, they still take 100$ of your paycheck? or its just the MGI bill?

[@itzfrenchi1662]

Mgi only

[@thedrunkmonk8386]

And only for the first year, irc. $1200 is nothing, just $50 a paycheck you won't miss, and you can use it for any dependents you might pick up in the next decade.

[@thesinlife12]

For the post 9/11 bill do u get paid for as an e-5 for 36 months? Also do u know if it covers room n board( if u live in dorms)

[@WildBlueYonder]

+Guillermo Caycho I don't understand your question about being paid as an E-5. I've never heard that before.. And I don't believe they pay for room and board, but you can use your veteran's assistance and tuition assistance to help pay for that

[@thesinlife12]

+WildBlueYonder sorry i was in a rush when i wrote the question. But at 3:52 you mention living expenses for BAH as an e-5. Question was, do you get that e-5 BAH every month for the whole 36 months that you use the post 9/11 gi bill? Sorry if it seems confusing

[@WildBlueYonder]

Ohh, yeah you get paid the E-5 BAH rate for that area. And I believe you get it for the 36 months

[@thesinlife12]

+WildBlueYonder awesome thanks a lot. -current Depper

[@tylikwilliams3439]

can I use the Montgomery gi bill for online college courses or the post 911 bill??

[@WildBlueYonder]

+Tylik Williams Yes! You can use both

[@newlife20]

So basically the post-911 bill is 100x better than MGI.

[@TeamOverTheEdge]

TThats what I was thinking lol

[@dark3d441]

.....did he say "wassup my soldiers"....

[@forrestramirez5335]

@WildBlueYonder Does it matter what color my duffle bag is that I take to tech school?? I heard it can only be black and that they'll make you buy another one at Basic if it's any other color but black.

[@WildBlueYonder]

+Forrest Ramirez It doesn't matter what color

[@forrestramirez5335]

+WildBlueYonder Alright, thanks! I also want to thank you for just making all these videos! They've given me so much information and have actually pushed me to want to try to be an Element Leader instead of just taking the easy way out and lay low. 😂 Thank you for everything 👍

[@allybaker9996]

Will they only help pay for college when you go to a college in the state you are from? :(

[@kotaroprince]

+Ally Baker no you can go to a different school it does not mean just your home state.

[@whitemonkey21]

What will be the best job to choose if you have a background in nursing? Thank you..

[@whitemonkey21]

+WildBlueYonder lol.. Sorry.. I mean according to the asvab?

[@WildBlueYonder]

+whitemonkey21 Lol I'm saying. Be a nurse in the Air Force

[@justjusticejustice2857]

very helpful

[@tomnguyen7100]

If I were to come into the Air Force with two years worth of college credits, would I be able to get my bachelors within four years that I'll be enlisted?

[@WildBlueYonder]

+Tom Nguyen Yes if you stick with it and finish your classes in a timely manner

[@tomnguyen7100]

+WildBlueYonder Thank you so much!

[@anniehenderson6310]

Should I go reserve first then switch over to active after I get my degree ?

[@Nnmnnncchnb]

im wondering the same thing :/

[@20FootBurmessePython]

YESS! So much smarter, it’s so hard to juggle school and work. Go get your benefit then commission

[@MyMannyToughts]

Can you use the MGI bill out of state?

[@WildBlueYonder]

MyMannyToughts Yes

[@ricardo-sr7xn]

Thank you for the great videos! is it difficult to get into a commissioning program that allows me to separate from active duty and join ROTC ?

[@WildBlueYonder]

ri cardo It's competitive to get into the SOAR program, but there are also other programs that are more easily obtainable

[@daven1bm]

Really great video man. Answer pretty much all my questions on the subject except one. Why would someone pick the MGI bill over 911? From my research (and yours I guess) the 911 is way better.

[@dylanlloyd3952]

brandon davenport Yeah, same here.

[@WildBlueYonder]

brandon davenport Well, you're right. the MGI bill kinda sucks in comparison to the 911 bill

[@WildBlueYonder]

I guess you can use the MGI bill in full sooner than the 911

[@dylanlloyd3952]

So if you're planning on making the Air Force a career, then the 911 bill is probably the better option?

[@WildBlueYonder]

Well, if you plan on getting your education sooner, then MGI is the better option. If you don't mind waiting a while, then the 911 is.

[@edsondiniz8081]

Hey sir, Ive noticed that Maryland flag on all your videos. Are you In Maryland right now? and By the way, your videos are really helpful. Thank you sir.

[@WildBlueYonder]

Edson Diniz No sir, I used to live in Maryland. But thanks, glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@foreveryoung4593]

WildBlueYonder I noticed that too! Meant to ask you about that but kept forgetting. I actually live in Maryland!

[@WildBlueYonder]

Awesome, go Terps :p

[@foreveryoung4593]

WildBlueYonder lol smiles ; )

[@shawnmezo4385]

Hey ummm I've been thinking about joining the Air force, now when it comes too college tuition could I serve four years but go into the medical field? with their tuition they offer

[@WildBlueYonder]

+Shawn Mezo I'm sorry, I'm not quite sure what you're asking me here

[@shawnmezo4385]

+WildBlueYonder Like I'll be honest with you im still looking into the air force but Is there a program like medical assistanting in the air force you do as a job? if so could I get college tuition to go into the medical field? because I've been hearing you can do Engineering working on planes while your there then further your education

[@WildBlueYonder]

Yes there is a physical therapy job/ sports medicine type deal. And you can just use your MGI bill and tuition assistance to pay for your college tuition. It doesn't matter what job you have in the Air Force, you can always use your MGI bill for whatever major you want.

[@shawnmezo4385]

+WildBlueYonder Okay well thank you sir I appreciate it! have a nice one ☺

[@huntermartin2897]

Okay so can someone please explain to me what I have to do to sign up for the post 9/11 GI Bill. Do I need to sign up for MGI to get it? also can I do CLEPS and Post 9/11 GI BIll at the same time

[@WildBlueYonder]

+Hunter Martin During BMT, you will be sat down in a classroom and a representative will explain both bills to you and the benefits. Then they'll pass out papers to those who want it. You sign the paper, give it back, and you'll now be signed up for the GI bill. Secondly, yes, you can take CLEPS and use your Bill at the same time, I would suggest taking CLEPs first though before pursuing a degree

[@SourStrawberrys]

I remember one of my classmates complaining that the military was only going to pay for 3 yrs of his school and he had to pay the last year. Maybe he miscalculated or maybe it costed him more than normal to go to that school. Maybe he was out of state or maybe be had to retake a couple of classes, who knows? I just know his complaining annoyed me. Because I would be $42,000 worth of debt once I graduated (this is after me working and paying quite a few thousand out of pocket for a couple of the semesters, as finacial aid don't cover it all. And I got tired of taking out more loans) and he was whinning about having to pay a couple of semesters worth.

[@pamelawright4739]

What week of bmt do they go over the school info & can u change your decision before basic is finish?

[@WildBlueYonder]

Pamela Wright For us it was in week 5 I believe. And unfortunately it's a once and final decision as far as I know

[@foreveryoung4593]

WildBlueYonder so does that mean the one you choose (MGI bill or post 9/11 bill) at bmt is the one you have to use throughout your air force career? No changing it anywhere down the line in your career???

[@WildBlueYonder]

Unfortunately not. Servicemembers and veterans are allowed to only use one education benefit program at a time. However, in some cases you may be able to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill when you have exhausted your Montgomery GI Bill.

[@foreveryoung4593]

WildBlueYonder Oh ok thank you for the insight! : )

[@TheGamingFreak21]

I never took the ACT will that hurt me? Or will i be fine?

[@WildBlueYonder]

Zack Moore You don't need to take it for anything

[@ogmeme9007]

Hey man love ur vids but ay I gotta question so if i signed up for the 911 gi bill served 36 months as active duty could I retire and do in person schooling get my bachelors fr practically free then rejoin as an officer? And would there be any cons to this plan

[@SourStrawberrys]

What do you mean "retire" 36 months is only 3 years you would have to serve your full contract first. Whether you signed for 4 yrs or 6 yrs. Sure you can come back later as an officer according to my understanding. But why don't you just take courses while you're doing your first enlistment then youll be about done with you degree before it is over and then see if you can apply as an officer right when it is time to reinlist.

[@bradleyf2914]

So which one is better in your opinion ?

[@bradleyf2914]

You said for the 9/11 you have to serve 6 plus another 4 to be transferred, but what happens if you picked 4 year contract, can you still pick it at BMT

[@WildBlueYonder]

Bradley Fong That's an interesting question.. You could still pick the 9/11 bill at BMT, you just wouldn't be able to transfer the benefits until you signed for 6 at the end of your 4. Also, the 9/11 seems to be better IMO

[@taleiacurry3067]

Does the same go for medical school?

[@WildBlueYonder]

Taleia Curry I believe so.

[@oliviamcdonald3494]

I plan on going to the air force right after high school. can I still be on active duty while going to college for 4 years?

[@thedrunkmonk8386]

You only go to college part-time while you work full-time, unless you get into SOAR or another program that sends you to the academy. Usually, you'll take a class or two nights after work, so a 4 year degree can take 8 years or more if you don't CLEP out of most of the prerequisite classes like College Math and Reading & Comp. The Air Force always comes first.

[@jackboii9989]

when i graduate bmt and go on reserve just to go to college can i be in the marching band?

[@allfouradrenaline]

This really helped me a lot, I appreciate it! I'm wanting to get my bachelors as quick as I can (I have no college credits) to become an officer. I've been stressing out lately because I've heard stories of it taking people 10 years to get a bachelors while in the Air Force. Quick question, wouldn't it be pretty difficult to get the SOAR scholarship if they only hand out 50+ a year? Thanks!

[@IvanOfficial01]

Are any of the bills valid even if you move from base to base? Say if you start school in California, then you're transferred to Hawaii. Can you still use the bill?

[@WildBlueYonder]

+JellyBeanDean Yes

[@-grizzly-4224]

Can I choose any major when in the air Force... Or am I limited

[@troybonner91]

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