What They Don't Tell You About Becoming An Army Officer...

[@brandgz]

The one major thing that they did not tell us when I entered Infantry OCS at Ft Benning in Nov 1969 was that the life expectancy of a 2nd LT in Vietnam was measured in minutes during combat. Fortunately for me it did not work out that way..

[@KevinGDividend]

omg dude, this is 2019 video... I can assure you that your 1969 stories are irrelevant now. It's been over 40 years, nothing is the same.

[@brandgz]

@@KevinGDividend I wouldn't carry that "nothing is the same" line to far. In combat, targeting and killing leaders (Officers) as quickly as possible is a past, present, and future strategy.

[@Grandmaster_Dragonborn]

@@KevinGDividend You, are a kid with no respect. Show some respect to the man who was fighting for you’re freedom before you’re parents even conceived you.

[@KevinGDividend]

@@Grandmaster_Dragonborn I'm happy to let you know I am serving as well, 5 years active duty with a tour on my sleeve already.

[@Grandmaster_Dragonborn]

@@KevinGDividend Given how childish you’re comment was toward the veteran above, I’m going to call a lie on that one. If you really are serving, you’d be the first one to comfort the seasoned veteran, not act like a kid and say his story is outdated. Stories like that are timeless, as important today as they were five decades ago.

[@playstation5533]

Graduated basic today

[@arnoldzapata5702]

How was it

[@Dndragon55]

How was it

[@bruh1077]

Got a long way to go bud

[@paulocohenA_]

nice brotha !!

[@Cheekeau]

Oh did you what is your current unit and MOS?

[@garrettglauser8824]

I didn’t enlist at 18 because my family was so against being enlisted in the military. I was foolish enough to listen to their advice. With the way I was then, and especially for young people today, I can think of no better place for an 18 year old to be than an E1 in basic training. They will fix your entitlement, attitude, etc. If you’re going to make a career in the army/military, then I would agree officer route is the way to go. However being enlisted for a few years is very valuable, especially when you’re young. You will see good leadership, and bad leadership. You will see what kind of officer you should and should not be.

[@TWE_2000]

19 year old in the army reserves here. What you said is pretty much true, but once you're out of training you are stuck in the awkward position of being government property while still having to manage your daily civilian life, which has been especially difficult for now that I've started college. I joined the reserves because I wasn't going to sign a contract to be government property for 6 years without even knowing what its like to be in the army. Knowing what I know now, I probably would have been better off going active before college, and then having plenty of work experience, life skills, and the GI Bill when I start college; or just enlisting after college. The only reason I would do this is because I want to work in the intelligence community one day and having experience as a 37F (military intelligence analyst) raises my chances of getting an analyst job for an agency like CIA. Most of army life consist of the bullshit bureaucracy (at least for reserves) and being ordered around, there's just not enough resources or time to usually do anything productive . And unless you got a bonus in your contract the benefits are pretty limited and it feels mostly like a waste of time when you have to sacrifice a weekend or more each month just to fill out a bunch of random military forms or take test that do absolutely nothing in helping you train or being prepared for possible deployment. I'd suggest going active if you want discipline and meaningful experience and skills. Get the work experience and GI Bill and then work your ass off in college or your next job.

[@garrettglauser8824]

@@TWE_2000 interesting perspective and I agree. I’m older now, but if I could go back I would have enlisted active duty at 18, back then they had 3 year contracts. Not sure now. Used the GI Bill for college and figured out what I wanted to do with life. Honestly things like infantry are a young mans game, and frankly 18-20 is the only time you can do that without damaging your body for life. Not to mention the BS, you will literally wait in line for 8 hours to throw one hand grenade, totally young mans game.

[@obriantomlinson2776]

How old are you now? Did you ever end up joining?

[@marlonmoncrieffe0728]

Yeah, I would highly recommend the military to unsure youth.

[@vallesterfaith]

I really hope to become an officer enlisted or college

[@williamwisejr9712]

Just graduated BCT today and this is the first video I've watched since leaving ft Jackson. Love your videos keep it up

[@TerraOblivion27]

I graduated from Jackson back in June! 2-60th Scouts Out Bravo CO March or die!

[@TerraOblivion27]

Also nice deathwing icon!

[@hiker2742]

When will you be headed to combat?

[@daryllndemmayah4874]

Going to fort Jackson March 3rd 2020, how was it ?

[@TerraOblivion27]

@@daryllndemmayah4874 not that bad. Your battle buddies will cause you the most problems. Do what's right, don't over volunteer, and do what your drill sergeants say. And keep quiet in your CTA. Which is your area you line up at everyday. And you will be fine.

[@snowrider9018]

To all the fresh new officers out there: Without your rank or without your uniform, you’re just another civilian in the real world. So you might as well throw your entitlement and pride away, because it’s ultimately going to come down to working with your soldiers together as a team… as equals. Don’t be cocky

[@MARIUS-CONSTANTIN]

And not to forget that , tha you won’t take the rank and the pride with you in the grave 🪦.

[@pandakitty1606]

And it also depends how well you train your cadets and train them as a team

[@tombob671]

And all you butter bars out there. Let your senior NCO's mentor you. Show them respect and you will reap the benefits of their experience. Heck you company commander might then think you're the reincarnation of George Patton.😊

[@watcherofthingsandotherstu9623]

The old bait and switch I guess. Go warrant if you care more about staying focused on one career field for the long term. As a commissioned officer, you will go where you’re needed first regardless of branch you’re assigned to.

[@watcherofthingsandotherstu9623]

Rich 91 what am I missing? 😆

[@OneTalaw]

As an officer, so long as you meet criteria you are 100% certain to make 03 and 75% chance of making 04 (which virtually guarantees retirement $$) and a much higher pay check from all enlisted ranks. If you are smart and highly motivated no need to sweat anything Matt is telling you. If you are on the line....you’ll need up up your game if you want to make rank, of the officers that come into the Army 49% will stay in and of those 25% will make Colonel (06). Motivated/dedicated soldiers need not worry for the rest it’s years of sweating being released i.e. cut from the herd.

[@300Spartans]

Gotta disagree with this. Although what you state is the standard, it can go out the door in a flash if there's going to be a downsizing or realignment and one can expect at least two such purges in a career. Here are some I saw: 1. About 2/3 of my OBC (now called BOLC) class in 1991 was in IRR and effectively ended their military careers upon graduation because all reserve units were filled to the brim. 2. Saw a Captain Board in the early 90s with a 50% promotion rate and the rules had been tweaked such that non-selectees were not given the standard second chance. 3. There was a USAR Captain's board around 1996 with about a 25% selection rate. 4. Most O3, O4 and O5 boards in the 90s promoted at significantly lower rates than normal. If you make Major, you're generally in and can expect to reach retirement, But don't think it's always cake getting to that rank!

[@OneTalaw]

Honk Honkler. The military works everyone to death, the key is to be at a point where your routine is everyone else’s peak (be in top 10% in everything you do and are rated against), then you’ll find military life is much easier.

[@OneTalaw]

300Spartans. The percentages during periods can fluctuate of course, however it’s a statical fact that of 100 newly commissioned 01’s 49% will remain to receive retirement AND within this group 75% will make 04, that’s 36.75% and 25% making 06 (occupational specialties slightly varying), for most everyone in any career path military or civilian that’s pretty good especially if you now compare the numbers against the enlisted side where of the same 100 enlisted now only 17% will ever see a penny in the form of retirement pay.

[@300Spartans]

@@OneTalaw what you state doesn't compute to me. I commissioned in 1990 with 14 classmates, By 2015 only 2 made it to retirement (one a Guard LTC and the other an AD COL). That's about 13%. FWIW, our commissioning classes for 87, 88, 91 and 92 were comparable and friends from other colleges saw similar results. But let's assume your 49% is accurate. That's actually horrible. After the Army, I went to law school and of those of us who passed the bar exam, 95% of us are still practicing almost 20 years later. And there are comparable and often better stats for my friends who became doctors, engineers, mailmen, chefs, etc.

[@OneTalaw]

300Spartans. The statistics are from the Army Times, based on all branches of service both enlisted and officers - 17% enlisted and 49% officer, receive a form of retirement for their service. Of course percentages will vary depending on military job specialty as some have a higher attrition rate than others, but the numbers are not in dispute (it all boils down to money and the services have to account for where their budget spending goes). I’m sure you’ll often find there was a good reason why service personnel serve in the guard and reserves rather than try and stay active duty and to continue their service.... that’s why when you try to use the the Army’s statistics, your guard and reserve numbers just don’t seem to add up. I recall an Army officer commissioned in 1986 who rose to 03 and he was certain not to make the cut for 04 instead of risking being passed over he changed to AGR, and from that point on it was just a matter of meeting criteria and he guaranteed himself 05 for his 20 years service .....had he stayed he’d most likely was looking at 06 around 25 years.

[@mrpotatohead1227]

I've been talking to my recruiter about doing ROTC, but this is a big game changer. A massive thank you from a civilian peasant

[@mustang8206]

Yeah recruiters can help but there job is to recruit. Better to talk to someone who has actually served

[@dylandrake5352]

Branch detailing makes total sense, they have a major need for combat platoon leaders, and not enough people who actually want to do it. Seems like a good compromise to me.

[@lexybeck7]

I commission 7 May 2020 w my #1 choice: active duty signal! Great video hooah

[@angelanazirah5536]

Did you have to go to basic before ocs?

[@lexybeck7]

Muhammad Furqan there are multiple routes to commission in the Army: OCS, ROTC, green to gold, etc. Some require basic training. Some do not. It’s important to research!

[@DonDon70493]

@@lexybeck7 how tough was it to become commission? I'm currently trying to now

[@samanthathefuturesoldier3407]

@@DonDon70493 I’m going back into the army

[@DonDon70493]

@@samanthathefuturesoldier3407 what did you do when you were first in? What made you leave of you don't mind me asking

[@thisisahardworldtofigureout]

Tech, Chemical, Biologics, and Medical are vital A veteran did my c-spine surgery. God bless him as he rests with his beliefs, he passed. I cried. So much Respect, Sir!

[@ashleymite5118]

Nice to know. I’m going through the OCS process now.

[@snappleaj4649]

You are? My class is scheduled for 02/2020. I’m very curious on your experience so far...

[@ld3207]

Snapple AJ When did your board convene? My board convenes this month and I would like to have an idea of when my class would be. Thanks!

[@TheBatugan77]

Obsessive Compulsive Syndrome?

[@IM12111]

I also want to add that if you are going through the HPSP scholarship for med students or dental students, you will obtain the MOS of doctor or dentist, I mean you studied your way to that point, the military is not going to take that away from you.

[@tadeuszbanku2329]

Were you in the HPSP?

[@IM12111]

@@tadeuszbanku2329 I am a current medical student in the Army HPSP scholarship, yes.

[@dma67111]

Hi I had a quick question

[@earlgeorge7573]

The needs of the Army come first. I received my commission through Army ROTC in 1971. When we made our branch selections, one had to be combat arms, One had to combat support and Number three could be anything. The army in turn sent us X number of branch selections for the number we had getting a commission. We had an OML(I was never told were I stood on it). I asked for IN and was offered a RA commission. (Got both) We had something like 9 guys get IN. Also in 1971, Because of Vietnam cuts, not all new 2LT's got 2 years active duty. Some only got 3 months(which basically covered your basic course back then). WE were not told of the changes to active duty until we made branch selection choices. In getting a RA commission, I knew I was going to get at least 3 years active duty.

[@luvslogistics1725]

Didn’t get my top three but made most of it and absolutely love my branch, and being an officer. It’s really the best career, to lead Soldiers. The variety is unmatched, the adventure, camaraderie, everything about it.

[@albikasemi2322]

What branch did you end up getting?

[@marlonmoncrieffe0728]

What sorts of adventures?

[@luvslogistics1725]

@@albikasemi2322 Transportation Corps, and you matriculate to Logistics Corps at Captain. Besides doing logistics positions where you are moving forces and supplies across the world, you also do many other types of jobs.

[@luvslogistics1725]

@@marlonmoncrieffe0728 traveled all over the world, and did unique things. You don’t just do your job or your branch…you often find yourselves in situations with teams where you just need to lead, and solve problems, and it is fun. The variety means you are never bored. I’ve been to S. Africa, Japan, middle of Indian Ocean, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, all over Europe, pacific…no two jobs or units have been alike for me.

[@albikasemi2322]

@@luvslogistics1725 Thanks for the reply! I ended up making Navy OCS, I leave January 6th!

[@chloehennessey6813]

I’m watching this because my brother graduated from West Point last summer. Hoping this will give me an idea of what he does.

[@josephdoe2586]

I knew pretty early on that my branch would be picked for me, and I didn't get my first choice, I got my third choice. One thing you didn't mention, and it may have changed since I was commissioned 20 years ago, when you rank all the branches in your order of preference, if you're a male, you're required to put at least one combat arm in your top three.

[@bradw8272]

Do a video on how to get into schools like airborne, ranger, air assault, Sniper etc strait out of basic or Ait 😁 btw love your videos ive seen them all! Keep it up! 🇺🇸

[@seanwalsh7264]

I’ll say it now straight out of basic and AIT if it’s not written in your contract you won’t get it I learned that when my brother joined

[@jusslookin9826]

My battery posted a list of schools that you can participate in. Air assault was one of them, I'm not sure about the others. Anyways listen to the first commenter and have it in your original contract

[@JonReremy]

@@seanwalsh7264 had a guy in ait who went to ranger school directly after ait and he didn't have it in his contract, he volunteered for it in the beginning of ait

[@aprilcummings3785]

Ranger here🤠

[@thegreatdogzilla5855]

@@aprilcummings3785 a real one or just tabbed

[@roygoggins5073]

The military is a great career. I do however think the Army provides you with the best opportunities to excellence. You just got to look for the opportunities and apply yourself and stay focused. I started out as an air borne infantry private in the 82nd Air Borne Division. I worked ay way to the position of platoon sergeant. A friend of mine applied for flight school. It took him 2 1/2 years to get accepted. I told him that he was as dumb as I was and asked him what did he do get accepted into flight school? Six months later I was accepted. I graduated flight school and I was lucky to get the chance to take the commercial FAA helicopter pilot exam and I passed it. Time went by I became an instructor pilot, made CW2. By coincidence, that same guy that I said was as dumb as I was somehow got a commission. I asked him what he did to get a commission? He got a direct commission. They were not giving out direct commissions so I had to apply to go to OCS. A little over a year I was selected and six months later I graduated from OCS as a 2nd lieutenant. I was just short of ten years in service by then. By the way I had another friend that applied for the Air Force F16 program. He was a CW2 also and he got accepted for that program. One reason I tell you that is if you want to be successful, hang around successful people. If you want to be dumb, poor, etc....then hang around....you got the idea. I retired as a major with 22 years in. I had an opportunity to go in business with my dad and brother. I now own the business and I’m setting up my son to take over. He too was in the Army. He only stayed four years. I now have been retired 22 years and I’m doing well.

[@basedperson9331]

Does the 101st airborne division still exist?

[@nekiyamonea]

NEEDS OF THE ARMY! just branched MI with no branch detail because of ARMY NEEDS! yay! Reason for Branch detail: Some branches need lieutenants more than others. Infantry ALWAYS need lieutenants . AG is more captain heavy. So they may branch detail you infantry until you make captain where you can actually have a job.

[@robertosanchez6803]

Yep

[@kylecunningham1377]

Funny story: I had a PL that recieved a commission as Military Intel, but was branch detail infantry. Showed up at the unit with no infantry PL open spots, then was a tank PL instead.

[@EzraDP]

Hey Matt! I'm shipping off to Fort leonard wood today! Thank you for all the videos that you've made, they have helped tremendously.

[@AppleHelperITouch]

Good luck mate! I’ll be shipping out in 2 weeks FLW as well, see ya there.

[@kodingkrusader2765]

F that place

[@TheBatugan77]

@@kodingkrusader2765 F u.

[@johnhubbard5394]

I’m in AIT for CBRN , I’m doing enlisted first before commissioning, these videos have really helped me make my choices on my army career so I wanted to say thank you !

[@rvillan3378]

Ay, charlie or bravo?

[@johnhubbard5394]

RVillan Bravo

[@erindanelleavilaavilaguerr7251]

Its the Liguria mechanics I needed support on the ground about. The kids are operating at too much liberty, known as purple haze or purple hooter activity when the arbiata is at lake albino, which is a reset but they are at way to much liberty improper activity.

[@nicholassteiner8340]

Thanks for the video, Sir. As an Actual Duty member attempting to earn his ROTC spot, I always appreciate officership information.

[@ballislife2121]

You doing earn rotc you just join lol

[@Realaaronwoebbeking]

Just passed meps yesterday. First time going. No waiver. AND I ship out in 3 weeks 1 day from now to Fort Benning for 11x MOS. Will be trying to get into either Airborn or Army Ranger sniper. I even got a 25000 bonus on my contract!

[@kodingkrusader2765]

Did you make it

[@dickburt69]

Koding Krusader Nope.

[@garry9993]

Lmao

[@donatellodiego5657]

@Aaron W how did that go

[@vincedevita5625]

Air Force has AFSC's (Air Force Specialty Code) for both enlisted and officers. So we do have a specified duty, job, or MOS.

[@joeylee8098]

As the OCS commandant says: "You're here to lead and serve America's Soldiers." and that rings true to this day. There's also VTIP options if allowing. I got my frist choice via a packet.

[@dmj9667]

Main reason why I changed my mind about going the OCS route after college.

[@br22915]

You’re not stuck there forever. Can always VTIP as a promotable 1LT

[@dmj9667]

Yea I heard about that, my main concern was being stuck in the reserves which happened to a few of my friends that commissioned and now they’re having trouble going active because there’s not enough “room” or an open spot for them.

[@br22915]

OCS doesn’t work like that though. That’s ROTC. You decide if you’re applying for Active/Reserves before you apply. If you chose active you’ll only be considered for active. I had my board interview and then signed the active contract the next day.

[@dmj9667]

You’re right! And I mistakenly said OCS, I meant rotc. But yes you are right unless you are on top of your class and ace everything and have a STEM degree. Best of luck to you man, make the most of it!

[@garry9993]

Honestly if you have a pulse and are a decent cadet, you can easily get active duty. It’s very hard to get reserves unless you have bottom of the barrel OML. Branching is a different beast... ended up getting my ninth choice of CBRN...

[@luigipsn4203]

Thank you for all your videos it really has help me a lot, I have watch all the basic training videos and I find all of them really help full, thank you for all your help, I will be leaving for BCT on Monday to Jackson going to follow all your advises and do my best. Wish me luck. Thank you for your service and all your help 🙌🙏

[@emansol9588]

Good luck bro

[@luigipsn4203]

Thank you Eman Sol I am on my way to the airport now, ✌️

[@luigipsn4203]

Eman Sol thank you

[@emansol9588]

@@luigipsn4203 No problem. Wishing you the best future in the army. 🇺🇸🇺🇸💪🏼

[@luigipsn4203]

Eman Sol made it through in AIT right now 😭💪 army strong

[@MrRdvs87]

I didn’t know that. That said, a guy I shot competitions with was an artillery officer and one day made a status talking about how excited to be an artillery officer again. I was very lost and he gave me a cliff note version about branch detailing and how they made him be an intel officer for a while. What the Marine Corps does for officers that aren’t pilots or lawyers is make them rank their MOS’ and then you compete for that within your TBS class. Once you get that and pass your MOS school, that’s what you have, however, you will be assigned a b billet like recruiting, drill field, school house of some sort or something else at some point in time, but you don’t just go and be an infantry officer.

[@comcastjohn]

I think the detailing is like Spec Ops. You have a primary and secondary. Basically cross training. So you have experience and knowledge to say, if your medic gets taken out, you have at least an extra medic because your primary commo guys secondary is medic. I think they do it that way in case they need more of a specialty in a pinch.

[@redcell9636]

Oh jeez, I saw the title and then saw the name of the channel and for a second I though "Matt Ward" was "Matt Ward from GW (Games Workshop)" and he was about to tell us "what they don't tell you about when you become an Ultramarine" *Glad I was wrong*

[@GhoztEdits-]

When you tell your teacher you want to be a solider they say it only takes 4 years in high school to join but they never mention about being a officer

[@bruh1077]

The not being able to secure your MOS is a kick in the teeth. Already having done a contract with a certain MOS why the hell would I want to do 4 years ROTC and be given some random ass MOS such as infantry and totally hate my life. Hell no.

[@gsdogs3417]

Infantry is the only job you should want. At least until you can apply to go Special Forces.

[@themaing4451]

@@gsdogs3417 and then death

[@adamc6371]

@@gsdogs3417 infantry sucks, if it was so great, the army wouldn't have to force perfectly good officers from other branches to do it for 2 years to fill the gaps left by infantry 1LT's that bailed back to wherever they came from.

[@apollyon2927]

Excuse me but is what your saying true infantry offices can go SF ?​@@gsdogs3417

[@seanlucas6761]

Logic behind branch detailing is needs of the army. Combat arms branches need a lot more 2LT and 1LT than CPT etc. But other branches need more higher ranking officers.

[@chrisrobbins6801]

The Army is not hiding this process. Combat arms is by far more popular than the other branches. For the majority of cadets they want to stay in their detailed branch and would rather not go to their donor branch. Most Professors of Military Science let cadets know this process early so they take the OML process more seriously.

[@hawlikd]

Well, if you get a USAR Commission and you have a GRFD contract then you can pick your respected branch! Except for the avation branch. You have to qualified for that.

[@jacobncindyvitela5983]

Awesome explanation brother. Thank you for making this video. Clearly and thoroughly explained.

[@judyf37]

Hello..ive been watching your videos lately....youve changed a lot..i think you look more matured now...more power to you and bless you

[@jusslookin9826]

I highly recommend everyone who plans on retiring in the Army to become an officer. Army life will be alot better

[@Underliner07]

Explain.

[@cameronhensley8354]

It also depends on the person and what they want to do. If you get stuck with your job for years and you hate it, life is going to be rough lol. Some people want to be stuck behind a desk doing paper all day and some people like myself want to go out, see other countries, and be on the frontlines. It all depends, but you have much more opportunities as enlisted.

[@MrRdvs87]

Zechidvjchi it’s more freedom and higher pay earlier on. That said, don’t let that be your determining factor because it’s a lot more responsibility earlier on and when a 19 year old kid gets a DUI or doesn’t secure a panel on an aircraft before flight, you’re going to get all of the WTF’s from your higher ups. So, yea, the perks are nice, but that’s icing on the cake, not the actual cake.

[@Underliner07]

MrRdvs87 only like 10% of people ever make it through Officer training though.

[@MrRdvs87]

Zechidvjchi interesting. I wasn’t privy to the numbers, but if it’s something a person wants to take the shot, I wouldn’t be deterred by that 10% number. I have to ask though, is this figure one for every services various paths to a commission or what?

[@quentinjohnson4472]

Super helpful thanks for making this video!

[@charlesc8477]

This was helpful. I speak with my recruiter about the JAG program in an hour.

[@goldenw]

This was the channel I was looking for. God bless

[@javi3717]

I’m going in as a second lieutenant in the army. Combined both of my parents served about 30 years in the military, 20 years from my dad in the Marines and 10 years in the army from my mother both as enlisted. They both say that going in as enlisted is not worth it. I’m their first child going in as an officer, so I will see first hand. But truthfully I am scared, I hear the whole stigmatism about not understanding your job correctly as an officer and enlisted knowing how to do your job better than you. Truthfully, I just want to be a good leader to those that I’m leading and any advice is greatly appreciated. My parents say to always talk to the NCO but not every NCO is as friendly as the next. My parents talk about how important they are because they are the listening ear from the enlisted side. It’s just hard to grasp what enlisted go through, I just want to understand them more, I’m not trying to be a rude or disrespectful to them. I’m sure I’ll learn it in OCS, but how can I be a better leader, one that people will listen to? I normally take on those roles but I hate going in blindsided.

[@BayonetRed]

Be ready for dress codes and mandatory reading lists, yes i said that correctly. In Ft Benning our battalion commander required the officers (mostly directed at the Lts) to read certain books. He even made them tuck in their shirts and wear a belt, no jeans and tshirts in public. He wanted them set an example for the lower enlisted. Better not fall out of a battalion run either.

[@P170101]

So would it be smart to make you first pick your second or third pick? 😂

[@veryGoodTV3]

This guy’s playing 5D chess right now^

[@robertosanchez6803]

I tought the sames

[@user-rl8ji]

Is it Though? Probably not I think it might be too risky. You might not get any of your top three.

[@Mr12ob]

You're not really guaranteed to get promoted past Captain, and if your a senior captain who can't get promoted they usually boot you out of the corps. Same with Enlisted E-4 if you're not promoted to E-5 by year 6 you're out.

[@GHOST-zy3ji]

there is another important thing that needs to be mention if you are a reservist and want to volunteer for deployments or when there are orders if you are a higher rank there less chances for you to get a position or orders, because there ins't that many position for you rank

[@Gnussbaum]

Even though I’m going as a reserve officer I didn’t really get my number one because the only slot within a 100 mile radius for me was a quartermaster position. Don’t put your number one to be your true number one I’m guessing if you’re going active, a lot of branches are similar so at least that’s a good thing

[@ryanfrizzell736]

Thanks for the video. Now I know more about the unsaid of becoming a US Army officer.

[@canadian_goose2404]

Me and my brother are thinking to join the army when were older and this really helped now I have to take a army docters course

[@erindanelleavilaavilaguerr7251]

Idf Liguria mechanics are correct ... but concept where we retool gets affected on my lines. Yes so like normal is like reporting for duty. Or we go back to space for whatever ... but when they follow my mechanics they leave the building at concept of my transition to right guard training on different matters, known as my paramilitary transition

[@anonymous12861]

Heading to OCS this fall.

[@thevet2009]

I was Infantry, branch detailed Ordnance and finally selected for Aquisition corps. Very happy for all the experience, but the Acquisition corps open many more doors of opportunity after retirement.

[@kabbyhearts]

31 and I can pass every event...the only thing I will have a hard time with is running 😅 but I'm still going to try to go

[@jeffk6941]

An enlistment garuantee is for the opportunity to attend the desired school for your mos. The assumption is that you will then be placed in that job category, but not always.

[@Noland-tv8yg]

In the Marines you do get to pick your MOS but dependent on needs sometimes all the slots for a particular job can be full. It sometimes gets guys to pick a new MOS or they can roll the dice and go open contract.

[@caydenhospodka9791]

Thanks for your service!! God bless!

[@baseupp12]

Do a video on Warrant officers because after my first contract i want to become one

[@BlackDudeHoods]

I’ve been on both sides of the equation and being an officer even a junior officer was much easier than junior enlisted. Being junior enlisted flat out sucks. OCS was much easier than basic but I also had combat deployments when I went to OCS.

[@erindanelleavilaavilaguerr7251]

Thanks, I know i need a tick tack. But i have so much matter

[@Optim40]

You get branch detailed because those jobs are the critical ones to really winning a war. And of course there are less people willing to do a combat job but those are the jobs that really win wars and the Army knows that and needs that.

[@marlonmoncrieffe0728]

Then why have we been losing so many wars lately? We kick ass in logistics and are good at tactics but suck at strategy.

[@Optim40]

@@marlonmoncrieffe0728 If that's true then that shows when those areas aren't capable then you can't win.

[@remingtonplastic]

Good information! Great video as always!

[@alexanderdiedrich1040]

Hey Matt in your next Q&A can you give us some info about how it goes when you accept a commission for an officer at one school then you decide to change your major to and need to attend another school that has the program for your new major? Do you look your officer commission? Do you loose your scholarship money? How does that process work? And the step if you need to transfer?

[@raffaelebennett7944]

I love your videos they definitely helped. I go to meps this week coming up and if everything goes well I ship out on 9/16/19

[@kickbaseskateboards]

Thanks for this!

[@Tithe-kh3fj]

The grass is always greener on the other side. Enjoy the moment

[@marlonmoncrieffe0728]

🎖 I want to be a MILITARY INTELLIGENCE officer or QUARTERMASTER officer-and NO others. 💯 I guess I have to make sure I end up in that top ten percent.

[@notanurse2373]

You completely omitted that special skills can direct commission into those branches. Medical, legal, etc. You would not commission as a field artillery butter bar if you graduated nursing school. 😂

[@notanurse2373]

Why didn’t you bring up direct commissioning? For combat arms MOS sure but for all the rest- given you have to have a degree to commission, why would you completely neglect how a huge chuck of officers come in: as direct commissions.

[@animahmed1190]

Hey, dude can you tell me if direct officers can become flag officers?

[@thomasfx3190]

I was commissioned in 1990. My first choice was AV, 2nd was FA. I got FA which was fine but didn’t make whatever magic number I needed to get on active duty while the army was shrinking after the Gulf War. I went to Artillery Officer Basic Course, reported into my guard unit and it was crawling with lieutenants and really old captains and very few NCO’s. It was like bizzaro world. It was at that moment that I thought grad school would be a way better idea than the CF I was presented with. I requested IRR posting, got a vengeful ass chewing from the major and hung up my spurs.

[@jchuck1737]

I thought this video was more about what makes a good officer and what people need to know before making that change.

[@nickh8200]

the purpose of branch-detailing is that some branches (ex. Military Intelligence) are more top-heavy in regards to rank than others (ex. infantry), and therefore don't need the numbers until later on in one's career. Also, one's branch is determined by the needs-of-the-army, not someone's list. Army cares about that as much as they care about your duty station wish-list XD

[@marlonmoncrieffe0728]

😩 ...But MI is my first choice! 😫 That really sucks...

[@elmocotton3078]

I was BC'd (battlefield commissioned). Got out 6 months later after I turned 19 years old . Should of stayed in for the retirement.

[@wilco501soto9]

Liking that Sf group patch in the back ground..

[@erindanelleavilaavilaguerr7251]

Like im having pulling on my body light and the other younger digni keep having to protect my womb in the light

[@lissetcota5568]

Hey, do you mind doing some fitness videos, on what we can do to prepare to be able to do your first pull-up leg tuck

[@dirtydan5146]

Ive also heard that if you are for example an engineer, Nurse, Doctor, And so on that you could automatically become an officer or high rank in the army simply because you know something that the army needs. is this true ?

[@dinoquijote]

Dirty Dan kind of. They’re called direct commissioned. They start off as Captain.

[@falleng2392]

Yeah if you’re an officer in the infantry and can’t get your tab...don’t plan on going past captain

[@dinoquijote]

Fallen G true

[@ethicalcheeze1407]

Is that necessarily a bad thing?

[@reidparker1848]

@@ethicalcheeze1407 Nah, that's a great thing. Anyone past Captain is more politician than soldier...and you have a desk job

[@ethicalcheeze1407]

@@reidparker1848 that's about what I figured. Thanks man.

[@rahvij]

..unless you're an Officer coming in as Direct Commissioned...they know what they are going into beforehand

[@timothygibbs7351]

A word to the wise future officers and NCOs, please become familiar with the total army early on in uniform if you want to survive a career in the army. Back in the black boot army, commanding officers and top sergeants would do saber rattling morning, noon, and night when issuing orders to subordinates. Back in yesterday army, if an officer got promoted to light colonel or higher, he or she had been tested under all requirements to obtain senior commissioned officer level of command. As a senior CBRN NCO assigned to several different combat, and support commands, I witnessed junior and officers wearing rail tracks and the like get kicked out of the army. I too had to rattle my saber a many of times to young officers and junior NCOs in the heat of war games in South Korea. However, I had my shyt together y'all! I ENJOYED that side of the army, turning half stepping soldiers into razor sharp team players. I'm hoping commanders and top sergeants are still saber rattling when establishing combat readiness of their soldiers. Hooah, tough soldier made of steel!!!

[@lloydaurion-gaming46]

Something I am wondering about with this: what do you do if you know literally nothing about the branch you are assigned? Like say you do such and such mos on enlisted, commission, then get a branch you know literally nothing about

[@lloydaurion-gaming46]

@@dinoquijote almost forgot about this combat but I appreciate it. I just wasn’t sure if I would get in trouble or not for not knowing how to do like anything with a job/task

[@pupplylove3003]

Do you have a video on the different branches in OCS?

[@shavscott3412]

I’m considering on going to ROTC this enlisted life ain’t it. Even as an NCO the bs details continues.

[@andrewhardin3900]

You can get a guaranteed mos if you direct commission but I think it’s for only 4 jobs. Medical, JAG, Chaplain, Cyber that i know

[@deltasierra1774]

Say I’m already enlisted in the reserve and I love my MOS but I still want to commission but want to keep my MOS. Does already being enlisted as a certain MOS help my chances of getting that mos?

[@marvinmatos9009]

Keep your channel up.. China sure loves you.

[@Blakepurcell14]

Leaving for basic in March and then ocs after.

[@mistermistah3380]

Officer's don't have MOS (you're thinking Enlisted) - officers have Areas of Concentration (AOC) and Functional Areas (FA)

[@alanocarlossur9440]

Is this still the way it is? I was commissioned in 1990 through ROTC. It was cutthroat for the active duty guys. I was going Guard, and a cadet in a unit I liked (Infantry), so I didn't even have to pick. I just told them I needed to go to IOBC, and that was that. But I had a friend that desperately wanted active duty Infantry, poor guy got Signal Corps.

[@The_Phill_A_Blunt]

I think they do that to fill temporary gaps

[@Chu3505]

Recon are the best because it challenging yourself everyday.

[@JacobsGolfField]

I selected Infantry as my first choice of branch, do you know the likelihood of me getting it? Is infantry a highly desirable branch for officers?

[@zacsalazar6178]

Jacob Robinett yes. It’s pretty much guaranteed

[@nickh8200]

@@zacsalazar6178 Needs of the army. I know people in the top 20% who ADSO-ed for their top 2 (IN/AR) and got their #10 or worse

[@carsonneal6]

Do you see combat as an officer because I want to be a officer in the marine corp but also see combat so does anyone know

[@MylesKillis]

@@carsonneal6 yes but you'll never shoot your rifle. I've only seen my two Plt commanders fire twice

[@visualdiablo7714]

I’m shipping out to Fort Benning Sep 4th, cant fucking wait 😂

[@meganwallace5556]

I took a practice test it said I should consider being an officer

[@evne6517]

I hear that the training system for soldiers and marines is extremely harsh, is it the same way with officer training. As well as with Artillery duty since there isn’t that much physical activity in that position.

[@NoMemes4You]

wow this is now the earliest ive been lol this notification stuff works for me to try and be the first 😂

[@brianhagen1111]

Great videos, quick question are you able to get an age waiver for ocs ?

[@ronpearson1912]

I wanted to fly and did AFROTC for 2 years but you dont contract into flight school. So I decided it was easier to make money in the civilian world and buy an aerobatic plane. I later wanted to get a govt job and applied for several years, I realized it was easier to build a buisness and become a millionare.

[@justinc1482]

How do you know what percentile you're in? Also when would you know what percentile you're in? These are important questions I need answered before I decide whether or not I want to commission. I hope to hear from you soon @Matt.