It won’t let me watch the full video every time I get to the part where he telling a story about the first dude who made a mistake it says something went wrong try again. Anyone else ??
If you choose to go active duty, CHOOSE SOMETHING YOU WANT TO DO. They told me 68W wasn’t available at MEPS. I said “thanks, but I did my research and the only MOS that interests me right now is 68W, let me know when it’s open” and went home. I got a call 2 days later and signed.
When I first went to MEPS and wanted a specific job I showed up and it wasn't available and they threatened me with "you will be labeled unable to enlist" "you won't be able to use government stuff for 6 months (including drivers license and FAFSA)" "you can get fined for going MEPS and not enlisting that day" and other BS! Just ignore that it's all false and it is your life make sure you pick what you want to do! Also if they know you will not enlist with any other job they will go out of their way to get you that job! Whether it's looking for a different ship date or making phone calls to other people they can get you that job if you communicate with them what you want! Most recruiters are good people and don't want to entirely screw you over
I've had a worse experience with the meps staff than I have recruiters, the worst a recruiter has done is just be misinformed. Meps staff try to pressure you into doing or saying stuff.
Thats one of the reasons they dont like us prior service people. I cant speak for all but I caught some BS from the Army at MEPS. And the crazy part was i was there for the US Navy. I was like "Sarge, I may have been born at night, but it wasnt last night."
Tristan Thomson, I just went through this and can confirm you’re 100% right. I was “reserved” for 68w, which I didn’t wanna do(lack of alternatives) and didn’t think it was locked in or anything. The way my recruiter described it wasn’t the way it went. At MEPS I went and talked to our branch’s “counselors” before the medical stuff, so he told me I was locked in and he told me just to go do everything and afterwards we can talk about it. Anyways, I come back hours later and he confronts me and I told him the same thing I did in the morning. Especially since the night before and the entire time at MEPS everyone told me not to do what I didn’t wanna do, so I basically had the longest fight with the counselors. The whole sending you to the waiting room for no reason for a good amount of time(hoping I’d get impatient and just do it?), getting yelled at by all of them, the whole “you’re gonna miss the swear in today”, etc... it was a whole mess. I got a 92 on my ASVAB, so I was able to do anything and they had me watching videos forever on the jobs that I told them I wasn’t going to do...just more yelling for wasting their time(even after telling them honestly that I wasn’t going to choose any of them). I didn’t get what I wanted, but I got something better than what I wanted. Which did cause me to have to go wait another hour and a half to do more stuff on the physical...plus then had to run around forever and do all the paperwork, then swear in. All in all, glad I don’t have to do that again. It’s a one time and done thing though, so don’t stress out about it too much if you’re thinking of enlisting.
Airborne! This happened to me when I was in MEPS. It was an emotional experience when the man, with the computer, told me to pick another MOS because my choice wasn't available. I felt betrayed and lied to by my recruiter. I remember sitting down and scrolling through the list of available MOS's with my heart broken. I was about to cry like a little kid because I was so angry and pressured to choice "now". Long story short, he gave me a 12B Combat Engineer/Airborne MOS with no bonus, but to this day, I am grateful for my MOS. Even though it was a last minute "pressured" pick, I am in love with my job. On our last FTX, I jumped with live DET cord and M81 blasting caps. (LMAO, Army crazy like that) A I R B O R N E !
When I went to meps they said the job I wanted wasn’t available. Then tried to sell me on several other “similar” mos jobs, stood my ground like my prior service parents told me to do and they “made some calls” as they said and I got the job I wanted! with a bonus! Ship out March 24th! Thanks for all the advice Matt!
I was in this very same position at MEPS and everybody got pissed at me because I didn't choose what they were forcing me to choose. I waited and got something that i wanted
@@rithe07 nope only had to swear in and sign the contract. Please read your contract and make sure that whatever you were told or promise is in it. Make sure name, date of birth and everything is correct before you sign
@@TheAviator121296 How hard is the contract to read and spot the BS? I've never seen a formal contract like that before. Most of the people my age 18-19 haven't seen one either.
@@92powerdiesel61 it's not hard they'll have it on a computer screen and will probably be rushing through it saying put your finger on the thing, say hold on I'm still reading they'll be mad and start getting angry telling you that people in the line are waiting to get shipped off or try to tell you some garbage to scare you into just signing and not reading but don't be scared by that just read through it and make sure it's what you want
Hey Matt I'm going to MEPS tmrw to enlist with a reserved spot for 13F mos! I just want to say thank you so much for all the videos you've made over the years. They have made this 3 month process of becoming a soldier virtually painless, and I feel tremendously more informed than I was the day I first went to speak to my recruiter. Between your videos, a few google searches here and there, and the visits with my recruiter, I've managed to transform any and all nervousness or anxiety into pure excitment to begin this new phase of my life. I'm a firm believer in if someone is doing something right, to tell them and encourage them to keep doing what they are doing. You have hit the nail on the head regarding any concerns I've had whether it be BCT, AIT, MEPS, PT and so much more! With your help I managed to get a 91 ASVAB score and am already capable of passing the APFT before my ship date of March 24 (Ft. Jackson). I know you might not think you've helped as much as I say you did, but trust me, your assistance thus far has been unquantifiable! I truly believe you have built the perfect platform for any future soldier, and I want you to know that you've personally helped me change my life! Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏
When I was going to join the Army I went to MEPS and wanted to to air born or MP wasn't available they said we can give you combat engineer me I said no that's not something I want to do called my recruiter he said it's like infantry just do it. I did but I discharged also the SSGT was saying I could be arrested and fined $25,000 but told him that's not true and want nothing to do with the army. A year later a marine recruiter called me worked with me on an MOS and something that will help me for my career in law enforcement and now my ship date is June 1st
When I went to 11b basic about 60% of the guy's didn't get the job they wanted, and said they would get a new one. When I tried to explain to them that they signed a government contract for X amount of years, they were like "but muh recruiter said... " 😂
That many people got tricked into 11B? Wow, a few months back that's what I wanted to do but as I get closer to the day I pick my job I'm drifting further away from that option and more towards something that'll help me outside of the Army.
@@92powerdiesel61 I love the infantry. It's terrible at times and sucks, but there's no other MOS that I would want. You've gotta be about that life. Ask yourself this: are you up for a deployment? How about a combat deployment? If you answered no, then you'd probably want to find a better MOS for you. If yes, then it very well could be what you want. I will say this -- don't settle for Cav Scout or Combat Engineer because they think they're "basically infantry" you either are or aren't. This effects your training and deployment.
Carter Johnson I’m all for the deployment lifestyle, it’s simpler than everything else. Although I have a passion for medical so I want to enlist 68w I’d take any chance to go out on a combat deployment with everyone else. Hope I can be up there with the best of the best pecker checkers!
@@carterjohnson7117 Thanks for the advice, I don't have issues being in the line of fire or other crappy situations as long as I can trust those around me to do their job.
@@92powerdiesel61 personally I think its better to do college while youre in for a career you could use outside the military and when you out you should still have 4 yrs of college benefits to use. Infantry should give you the discipline and leadership skills you need to do anything you want anyway
I graduated BCT 14 days ago from Fort Sill. I want to say thank you for your help! Your advise helped me get through basic training. Now, I'm in Fort Huachuca for my AIT as a 35T. Thank you for your help!!
@@Blakebyrd003 It honestly was terrible. No one really likes being at the place where they did basic. Besides that, it was good as well. I had fun and meet new people, and I did new things I've never done before. Like, you get an overwhelmingly sense of accomplishment when once you get to the end. It can be really fun. Fort sill it's cold if you go in the winter. That's when I did my training. It was cold and super windy. Like, that's the biggest thing I hate about my basic. I was in before they took out three shark attack, so I don't know you're first few days will go exactly. Just be at the right place at the right time in the right uniform. It's honestly that easy to stay out of trouble most of the time. The other time is because you're battle buddies will get you all in trouble. I went to B battery 1-31 and the Drill Sergeants in the company as well as the commander and the first sergeant will play a big role in how you think basic will go.
Here's a tip no recruiter will tell you, unless you are joining the National Guard that first swearing in at MEPS is mostly meaningless. Even if you swear in at MEPS you are not obligated until you swear in the 2nd time at basic training or boot camp.
Thank you. This helped me because my recruiter has pressured me into choosing a rate I don't want. Luckily I haven't gone to meps just yet I go today. I appreciate you for letting me know I can decide to wait after meps.
Although I did not have that problem when I enlisted back in the 80s, I thank you for putting out this video to let others know that recruits do have options if things aren't quite going their way the day of shipping out.
Thanks for the update. Multiple recruiters told me I could switch after my first term if I wanted to but I had to go thru a long process to do so. My current recruiter told me the same that u stated in this vid. So thank you for this
This happened to me when i went to meps. I wanted to be a helicopter mechanic and they told me last second it wasn’t available and id have to pick a new job right then and there. I told them no thank you and i waited a few months for it to open up. Do let them pressure you just to enlist faster. Wait for what you want to open up and chose something you will be happy with. Its a long commitment
I went down to meps to join the navy I failed depth perception and needed an eyesight waiver. They offered me cook on a submarine and undesignated and they told me this was it and I can't come back another day
Thank you. Okay! So I’m going to make a video about this. I’m in SC and this just happened to me and it sucked! I was going for 15r and it had a bonus. Then 15y was all that was left, because I found out e4~ in that unit transferred into 15r from there 15y. Yet I didn’t get 15y anyway ether, because all aviation’s mos are moderate weight 26%-24% body fat based on asvab score🤘🏼. I got a waver because my score. Only one to get said waver all day. Because I had a darn high GT score. But like I said it didn’t matter because I didn’t end up choosing any MOS and I decided to go home and wait. Luckily my recruiter told the civilian contractor sales rep to back off I’m waiting. A week to drop my weight. Here I go! Thanks Ward! You saved my bacon 🥓
My recruiter and pretty the whole recruiting station warned me not to get pressured into signing anything and really thinking about what job I want. Great people, they aren't just about the numbers. Also, don't make it sound like you can't go the route of pissing off your recruiter and say no to something you really don't want to do. We may be 18 be we are far from being adults. Maybe you've forgotten what it's like to be a kid and just not know a whole lot. Mind you I agree you need to make sure you're getting what you want but don't feel stuck until you truly are.
At meps my dude was really cool about mine end up not being available and we talked through all the jobs available and we found 1 that I like and even had a nice bonus
My recruiters had me pick five MOS' in case a few of them were not available. All of mine were medical and I would've been fine landing any of those MOS'. I settled with my 5th chosen MOS which is 68W. Looking back now, 68W should've been my number one pick. I ship out to Missouri in July.
Listen to Matt, Happened to me, was supposed to go 35P, recruiters complained about the high failure rate DLAB(test required for MOS) when I stood my ground and refused to listen to them they then proceeded to use my personal situations as leverage to say I wont pass my security clearance due to minor debt which led to them stating if I were not pass the Security clearance, It'll be on my military record and I wont be able to get another clearance opportunity in the military again. Know that I know these statements made by meps staff were all lies, under pressure I chose 12C Bridge Crewmember, not a crappy MOS just because I already work in the the building industry as a civilian. Moral of the story dont crack under pressure, watch and listen closely to this video , YOU make the choice not them (as long as you are a civilian), go for your job(MOS) no matter what they say, just make sure you stand firm on your decision and are content with you're game plan and MOS.
I got pressured into a different MOS. Then again, I had no choice. I failed the colorblind test, and that eliminated almost everything I could do. I ended up choosing 88M, and I hope that it goes well.
Hey Matt, great videos! advice: get yourself a lavalier lapel microphone It will make you (audibly) front an center instead of sounding like an audible part of the background.
At meps they will lie to you and tell you so much bs to try to scare/pressure you to sign whatever job they hand you. It's a lie, just leave and come back another time with the job you want
I went to go take a ASVAB practice test today with my recruiter and I had a 16 score I felt bad but she told me that I had time and gave me some studies guys 🔥
Similar situation happened to me recently, I swore in with the Army as a 15G but I had a 15T reserved, only problem was the Army was not offering training for the position for an entire year and the only training available was in April (dont graduate college until end of April). Took a while of negotiating and researching but 15G ended up being a good choice for me as well. GO IN WITH A COUPLE IDEAS OF WHAT YOU WANT TO DO JUST IN CASE, but like Matt said you can come back another time if you do not get the MOS you desire. Fort Jackson, May 4th!
The music in the background stood out more than usual wasn't super appealing. Aside from that your videos and channel in general are pretty damn awesome!! You cover such a wide range of things in a way civilians can understand. Great job man, super helpful and informative.
Stand your ground for sure... I was in the guard and went active. I asked for Airborne. They refused and told me I was prior service and had no choices. I told the recruiter Airborne or I will leave. Again I was told I had a waver to get out of the guard and I had no choices. Finally some full bird showed up and was really cool with me. He authorized me getting Airborne but unassigned. Unassigned was in huge caps lol.
Can you do me a favor... You should explain how they discriminate against people with G.E.D. I got what I wanted as an infantry but I feel they should treat anyone with a GED, as long as you meet the requirements, the same way as someone with a high school diploma. I don't know how shameful it made me knowing I worked so hard to get a 50 on my ASVAB just for them to tell sorry you don't get a bonus. Even before that for the government to tell me how less of a person I was than someone with a diploma really hurt. I was making 58000 (23hr) down to barley making ends meet to be called by the government as lesser then someone with one. It just hurts.
Im a 92G culinary specialist AKA “cook.” I made the biggest mistake by choosing this MOS because I rushed the process and did not want to retake my ASVAB. It really is not easy. 0200 wakeup in the field, working ADA “All Day Action.” So my advice is do not make that SAME mistake. Choose an MOS especially if your going on ACTIVE DUTY. ACTIVE DUTY is no joke lol. But pick something you want to do for the next 3,4, or 6 years and WORKOUT BEFORE YOU LEAVE, PUSH YOURSELF SERIOUSLY ! Also just be aware of some recruiters they can lie to you. AND HAVE A GOOD DAY. if yall got questions LMK too.
Can you make a video on how to choose an MOS (if you haven't already)? I know what I'd like to have as my MOS but like you said, it's a very important choice and I dont want to choose something I'll regret.
This last week I went to Meps for the navy, and wanted an aircrewman rate, but they didn’t have it available, I was going to wait for it to be available, but my family was there so I got pressured into signing for an Ame job, at least I’ll have the mechanical experience now lol.
Hey Matt, I had a question on snap, I know your busy but if you were able to answer it’d be grateful 🙏🏼 Thanks for such good content, keep up the good work bro
Love the videos brother, been watching for a long time now and all the knowledge you hand out is great for those joining the army, I’ll be marrying my brother off in September and then it’s my time to join up, been using your code for bpn every order I make, thank you for your service sir.
as someone that had to settle I agree with you. but the reason I had to settle was because I tried for 37F which requires a test outside of the normal asvab course that I couldn't pass for the speech courses. I picked 14J, but I don't regret it cause I met some pretty good soldiers because of that. Always have to wonder what could of been though.
Matt it keeps telling me something went wrong about two minutes through. when he went in with the wrong MOS then it just cuts off and says something went wrong
Idgaf if I do infantry. Most people in their MOSs barely do what they trained to do anyway. If everybody in the military gets paid the same what difference does it really make? Especially if you have 4 yrs of free college
That's not true. If you did not do ROTC then that leaves OCS or OTS. Depending on the branch it ranges from 9.5 weeks to 17 weeks of officer training. Air force is 9.5 weeks on Montgomery, Alabama, Army is 12 weeks in Fort Benning, Georgia, Marines is 10 weeks in Quantico, Virginia, Navy is 10 weeks in Rhode Island and coast guard is 17 weeks in Rhode island as well. Does that help?
I made the same mistake. I got pressured into choosing a mos that I barely knew of. I’ve tried to change it but my recruiter and DS at my rsp told me that I can’t, I’ll have to wait until my contract is over, or my unit may not approve it:(
My recruiter is so pushy. Telling me I need to stop BS around and that I’m taking my time, when I first meet with him I told him I have a child and before I enlist I wanna be in a place to live and he don’t understand that. I already took my practice asvab. Can I switch recruiters? I don’t wanna be pushed into it yet. It’s something I wanna do so bad but my wife hates it obviously and I’m struggling home wise and can’t make the commitment yet
If you're not ready, you are not ready. Dont let him force you tell him to suck it. All else fails you yourself can go to a different recruiter. Or just block his ass until you are ready.
It's a choice for between 2 to 6 years or more. If you hate your MOS, chances are you will ETS after first enlistment. And be bitter about the whole experience. And some will make more bad choices. And end up in a Detention Cell at the PMO or Brig (Jail), waiting on a Senior NCO to pick you up. Trust me, I have seen Soldiers get picked up by First Sergeant.....it's not a pleasant scene.
Question: I’m trying to enlist, took practice test, was in the process, then a waiver got denied for my dwi (was a misdemeanor) and just for context I have 1 other misdemeanor that was from 2 years ago, no felonies. My recruiter said it could reopen in 2-3 months and to call back around then. My question is, can it actually reopen? Or was he Bullshitting me.
Ship date 3/9 Ft Jackson, question about Top Secret security clearance and MOS, what if you don’t get the clearance granted, what happens with original swear in contract and your MOS status, schedules for DLI Monterrey after Basic 35 P, keep doing the great work Mr Ward 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
@@nickserna8320 hmmm. Doesn't say that on my contract.mines just secret clearance tho. My recruiter told me 42a doesn't have a clearance but when I looked it up he was wrong
chris hernandez yeah I just looked at the contract after MEPS and it states it in the breakdown, if I don’t qualify for clearance or conditional clearance I end up being I guess reclassified based on need, had I known that denial could’ve been an issue I would have gone with a less secret MOS and been down the safer route
Hey may this is off topic, but could you use older patches on your uniform instead of buying new ones, I know a guy and he has a bunch of old patches from ww2 to modern day, just wondering?
Wish I saw this video four weeks ago =/ my recruiter told me I had 46S saved for me but had to settle with 42A with the hopes that I can do 46S AIT after I do 42A... any tips?
There are other people with the same issue at different parts of the video. Personally I havn't experienced it. But they say if you skip ahead past that it will work. The video must be corrupted after the upload and Idk what to do aside from re-upload the video
im thinking about joining the Army or the Marines. i have a friend in the army who says dont join the marines because they might just switch your job. while my dad says he knows many marines and i should join them. i guess my question is,if i join the marines, once i sign for that contract and swear in under an MOS, is it possible to be changed against my will? i really would prefer the marines.
@mattward I’m shipping out in 6 days (March 10th) to fort leonardwood Missouri to be a 12B combat engineer, another note the pateron link is messed up and I can’t find you, any word on that
What up Matt! I recently enlisted in the Army Reserves at 34 yrs old. I ship out to Basics on 3-17. Ya vids been helpful but any specific info you can share to prep me at the older age I am to be around all the younger folks and all the BS that's bout to happen. I'm a professional, have a bachelor's degree and I've pledged with a fraternity in college.
It may be challenging as the maturity level and different age culture will set you apart. I went in at 27 and was considered old as most of of them were around 18. Realise that many of them have never been away from home and never lived on their own. Many of them have never been to college, had jobs, paid bills, or traveled and experienced much outside of their childhood area and people they grew up with, so they may not be as accepting of differences. Being prepared and in good shape helped a lot, because they can't look down on you for that. Other than that, being current on youth culture and not coming across as parental lecturing or old school nostalgia may help. If you look young don't let them know how old you are, lol.
@@benlucas3625 this is good. I appreciate that insight! Im def gone b joked on for being old since my hairline receding and I keep it cut low but I got jokes too lol
It won’t let me watch the full video every time I get to the part where he telling a story about the first dude who made a mistake it says something went wrong try again. Anyone else ??
Stephen Nolan same
Stephen Nolan just skip that part it works
Same
I’m having the same problem
Same
If you choose to go active duty, CHOOSE SOMETHING YOU WANT TO DO. They told me 68W wasn’t available at MEPS. I said “thanks, but I did my research and the only MOS that interests me right now is 68W, let me know when it’s open” and went home. I got a call 2 days later and signed.
When I first went to MEPS and wanted a specific job I showed up and it wasn't available and they threatened me with "you will be labeled unable to enlist" "you won't be able to use government stuff for 6 months (including drivers license and FAFSA)" "you can get fined for going MEPS and not enlisting that day" and other BS! Just ignore that it's all false and it is your life make sure you pick what you want to do! Also if they know you will not enlist with any other job they will go out of their way to get you that job! Whether it's looking for a different ship date or making phone calls to other people they can get you that job if you communicate with them what you want! Most recruiters are good people and don't want to entirely screw you over
Tristan Thomson the worst that can happen if you say no to them pressuring you is they will just get mad and might yell at you
@@Base-q1g yeah he tried to tell me it's because I "didn't love America enough to just sign any contract" 😂
I've had a worse experience with the meps staff than I have recruiters, the worst a recruiter has done is just be misinformed. Meps staff try to pressure you into doing or saying stuff.
Thats one of the reasons they dont like us prior service people. I cant speak for all but I caught some BS from the Army at MEPS. And the crazy part was i was there for the US Navy. I was like "Sarge, I may have been born at night, but it wasnt last night."
Tristan Thomson, I just went through this and can confirm you’re 100% right. I was “reserved” for 68w, which I didn’t wanna do(lack of alternatives) and didn’t think it was locked in or anything. The way my recruiter described it wasn’t the way it went. At MEPS I went and talked to our branch’s “counselors” before the medical stuff, so he told me I was locked in and he told me just to go do everything and afterwards we can talk about it. Anyways, I come back hours later and he confronts me and I told him the same thing I did in the morning. Especially since the night before and the entire time at MEPS everyone told me not to do what I didn’t wanna do, so I basically had the longest fight with the counselors. The whole sending you to the waiting room for no reason for a good amount of time(hoping I’d get impatient and just do it?), getting yelled at by all of them, the whole “you’re gonna miss the swear in today”, etc... it was a whole mess. I got a 92 on my ASVAB, so I was able to do anything and they had me watching videos forever on the jobs that I told them I wasn’t going to do...just more yelling for wasting their time(even after telling them honestly that I wasn’t going to choose any of them). I didn’t get what I wanted, but I got something better than what I wanted. Which did cause me to have to go wait another hour and a half to do more stuff on the physical...plus then had to run around forever and do all the paperwork, then swear in. All in all, glad I don’t have to do that again. It’s a one time and done thing though, so don’t stress out about it too much if you’re thinking of enlisting.
Airborne! This happened to me when I was in MEPS. It was an emotional experience when the man, with the computer, told me to pick another MOS because my choice wasn't available. I felt betrayed and lied to by my recruiter. I remember sitting down and scrolling through the list of available MOS's with my heart broken. I was about to cry like a little kid because I was so angry and pressured to choice "now". Long story short, he gave me a 12B Combat Engineer/Airborne MOS with no bonus, but to this day, I am grateful for my MOS. Even though it was a last minute "pressured" pick, I am in love with my job.
On our last FTX, I jumped with live DET cord and M81 blasting caps. (LMAO, Army crazy like that)
A I R B O R N E !
When I went to meps they said the job I wanted wasn’t available. Then tried to sell me on several other “similar” mos jobs, stood my ground like my prior service parents told me to do and they “made some calls” as they said and I got the job I wanted! with a bonus! Ship out March 24th! Thanks for all the advice Matt!
Good luck man!
I was in this very same position at MEPS and everybody got pissed at me because I didn't choose what they were forcing me to choose. I waited and got something that i wanted
Smart! Thank you! haha
When you went back to MEPs, did you have to redo the physical and everything?
@@rithe07 nope only had to swear in and sign the contract. Please read your contract and make sure that whatever you were told or promise is in it. Make sure name, date of birth and everything is correct before you sign
@@TheAviator121296 How hard is the contract to read and spot the BS? I've never seen a formal contract like that before. Most of the people my age 18-19 haven't seen one either.
@@92powerdiesel61 it's not hard they'll have it on a computer screen and will probably be rushing through it saying put your finger on the thing, say hold on I'm still reading they'll be mad and start getting angry telling you that people in the line are waiting to get shipped off or try to tell you some garbage to scare you into just signing and not reading but don't be scared by that just read through it and make sure it's what you want
I am seeing a Marine recruiter for the first time this week. You have helped me out a ton, Matt!
Nathan Russell oohrah
He's in the army so??
@@stt577 You can be helpful without being in the same branch. His videos widely relate to the military as a whole.
Matt I just want to tell you that I’m joining the army in about a year and a half and you’re videos have helped me sooo much keep it up thankyou :)
For those who don’t know:
MEPS means Military Entrance Processing Station.
MOS means Military Occupational Specialties.
Yoooo Matt, just made Sgt, found your videos 2.5 years ago, thanks for the help at the start of my career.
Hey Matt I'm going to MEPS tmrw to enlist with a reserved spot for 13F mos! I just want to say thank you so much for all the videos you've made over the years. They have made this 3 month process of becoming a soldier virtually painless, and I feel tremendously more informed than I was the day I first went to speak to my recruiter. Between your videos, a few google searches here and there, and the visits with my recruiter, I've managed to transform any and all nervousness or anxiety into pure excitment to begin this new phase of my life.
I'm a firm believer in if someone is doing something right, to tell them and encourage them to keep doing what they are doing. You have hit the nail on the head regarding any concerns I've had whether it be BCT, AIT, MEPS, PT and so much more! With your help I managed to get a 91 ASVAB score and am already capable of passing the APFT before my ship date of March 24 (Ft. Jackson). I know you might not think you've helped as much as I say you did, but trust me, your assistance thus far has been unquantifiable! I truly believe you have built the perfect platform for any future soldier, and I want you to know that you've personally helped me change my life! Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏
When I was going to join the Army I went to MEPS and wanted to to air born or MP wasn't available they said we can give you combat engineer me I said no that's not something I want to do called my recruiter he said it's like infantry just do it. I did but I discharged also the SSGT was saying I could be arrested and fined $25,000 but told him that's not true and want nothing to do with the army. A year later a marine recruiter called me worked with me on an MOS and something that will help me for my career in law enforcement and now my ship date is June 1st
When I went to 11b basic about 60% of the guy's didn't get the job they wanted, and said they would get a new one. When I tried to explain to them that they signed a government contract for X amount of years, they were like "but muh recruiter said... " 😂
That many people got tricked into 11B? Wow, a few months back that's what I wanted to do but as I get closer to the day I pick my job I'm drifting further away from that option and more towards something that'll help me outside of the Army.
@@92powerdiesel61 I love the infantry. It's terrible at times and sucks, but there's no other MOS that I would want. You've gotta be about that life. Ask yourself this: are you up for a deployment? How about a combat deployment? If you answered no, then you'd probably want to find a better MOS for you. If yes, then it very well could be what you want. I will say this -- don't settle for Cav Scout or Combat Engineer because they think they're "basically infantry" you either are or aren't. This effects your training and deployment.
Carter Johnson I’m all for the deployment lifestyle, it’s simpler than everything else. Although I have a passion for medical so I want to enlist 68w I’d take any chance to go out on a combat deployment with everyone else. Hope I can be up there with the best of the best pecker checkers!
@@carterjohnson7117 Thanks for the advice, I don't have issues being in the line of fire or other crappy situations as long as I can trust those around me to do their job.
@@92powerdiesel61 personally I think its better to do college while youre in for a career you could use outside the military and when you out you should still have 4 yrs of college benefits to use. Infantry should give you the discipline and leadership skills you need to do anything you want anyway
I graduated BCT 14 days ago from Fort Sill. I want to say thank you for your help! Your advise helped me get through basic training. Now, I'm in Fort Huachuca for my AIT as a 35T. Thank you for your help!!
How was it? I'll probably go to fort sill as well
@@Blakebyrd003 It honestly was terrible. No one really likes being at the place where they did basic. Besides that, it was good as well. I had fun and meet new people, and I did new things I've never done before. Like, you get an overwhelmingly sense of accomplishment when once you get to the end. It can be really fun. Fort sill it's cold if you go in the winter. That's when I did my training. It was cold and super windy. Like, that's the biggest thing I hate about my basic. I was in before they took out three shark attack, so I don't know you're first few days will go exactly. Just be at the right place at the right time in the right uniform. It's honestly that easy to stay out of trouble most of the time. The other time is because you're battle buddies will get you all in trouble. I went to B battery 1-31 and the Drill Sergeants in the company as well as the commander and the first sergeant will play a big role in how you think basic will go.
@@DiamondDragonCraft thank you for the feedback, hope all goes well for me
@@Blakebyrd003 You're welcome, my guy.
Good on you. I went to Ft Sill in 1979 after Marine Corps boot camp for field artillery school. It was a rough place back then.
March 31st ship date wish me luck!
Good luck!
Where you heading? I'm getting shipped March 24th to Ft Jackson
TheAviator osut Fort Benning 11x contract
@@spencershook807 nice, I'm 88M
@TheAviator good luck!
Here's a tip no recruiter will tell you, unless you are joining the National Guard that first swearing in at MEPS is mostly meaningless. Even if you swear in at MEPS you are not obligated until you swear in the 2nd time at basic training or boot camp.
Thank you. This helped me because my recruiter has pressured me into choosing a rate I don't want. Luckily I haven't gone to meps just yet I go today. I appreciate you for letting me know I can decide to wait after meps.
Although I did not have that problem when I enlisted back in the 80s, I thank you for putting out this video to let others know that recruits do have options if things aren't quite going their way the day of shipping out.
Thanks for the update. Multiple recruiters told me I could switch after my first term if I wanted to but I had to go thru a long process to do so. My current recruiter told me the same that u stated in this vid. So thank you for this
This happened to me when i went to meps. I wanted to be a helicopter mechanic and they told me last second it wasn’t available and id have to pick a new job right then and there. I told them no thank you and i waited a few months for it to open up. Do let them pressure you just to enlist faster. Wait for what you want to open up and chose something you will be happy with. Its a long commitment
Ship date March 10th ft Jackson appreciate u Matt on all the info🇺🇸
I’m going March 9th see you there
I ship March 17th at 28 years old three girls and a wife going to take time getting use to not seeing them 91E
I went down to meps to join the navy I failed depth perception and needed an eyesight waiver. They offered me cook on a submarine and undesignated and they told me this was it and I can't come back another day
I’m at the MEPS hotel now lol
Thank you. Okay! So I’m going to make a video about this.
I’m in SC and this just happened to me and it sucked! I was going for 15r and it had a bonus. Then 15y was all that was left, because I found out e4~ in that unit transferred into 15r from there 15y. Yet I didn’t get 15y anyway ether, because all aviation’s mos are moderate weight 26%-24% body fat based on asvab score🤘🏼. I got a waver because my score. Only one to get said waver all day. Because I had a darn high GT score. But like I said it didn’t matter because I didn’t end up choosing any MOS and I decided to go home and wait. Luckily my recruiter told the civilian contractor sales rep to back off I’m waiting. A week to drop my weight. Here I go!
Thanks Ward! You saved my bacon 🥓
My recruiter and pretty the whole recruiting station warned me not to get pressured into signing anything and really thinking about what job I want. Great people, they aren't just about the numbers. Also, don't make it sound like you can't go the route of pissing off your recruiter and say no to something you really don't want to do. We may be 18 be we are far from being adults. Maybe you've forgotten what it's like to be a kid and just not know a whole lot. Mind you I agree you need to make sure you're getting what you want but don't feel stuck until you truly are.
At meps my dude was really cool about mine end up not being available and we talked through all the jobs available and we found 1 that I like and even had a nice bonus
Thank you blessing to your family. They and you make service worth it.
My recruiters had me pick five MOS' in case a few of them were not available. All of mine were medical and I would've been fine landing any of those MOS'. I settled with my 5th chosen MOS which is 68W. Looking back now, 68W should've been my number one pick. I ship out to Missouri in July.
What were your other options?
@@rithe07 physical therapy, occupational therapy, radiology specialist, and cardiovascular specialist.
Listen to Matt, Happened to me, was supposed to go 35P, recruiters complained about the high failure rate DLAB(test required for MOS) when I stood my ground and refused to listen to them they then proceeded to use my personal situations as leverage to say I wont pass my security clearance due to minor debt which led to them stating if I were not pass the Security clearance, It'll be on my military record and I wont be able to get another clearance opportunity in the military again. Know that I know these statements made by meps staff were all lies, under pressure I chose 12C Bridge Crewmember, not a crappy MOS just because I already work in the the building industry as a civilian. Moral of the story dont crack under pressure, watch and listen closely to this video , YOU make the choice not them (as long as you are a civilian), go for your job(MOS) no matter what they say, just make sure you stand firm on your decision and are content with you're game plan and MOS.
I got pressured into a different MOS. Then again, I had no choice. I failed the colorblind test, and that eliminated almost everything I could do. I ended up choosing 88M, and I hope that it goes well.
Got the same situation and chose 13J
Hey Matt, great videos!
advice: get yourself a lavalier lapel microphone
It will make you (audibly) front an center instead of sounding like an audible part of the background.
I'm not attempting to rejoin the Army, sir.
Thank you for your service. Sincerely.
I’m shipping out this upcoming Monday to Fort Jackson
Fernando Amaya same bro 👍🏼
I’m going to MEPS in 2 days, this video couldn’t be more clutch 👍🏽
That actually almost happened to me. But I got the one I wanted now and I leave March 30 😬wish me luck!!
Could you imagine signing up as a cook but switching to like imfantry on the spot
Then your recruiter will know after that that your a smart cookie and won't mess you around anymore. Hopefully...
The dad in you really comes out in this video. Thank you man
At meps they will lie to you and tell you so much bs to try to scare/pressure you to sign whatever job they hand you. It's a lie, just leave and come back another time with the job you want
I went to go take a ASVAB practice test today with my recruiter and I had a 16 score I felt bad but she told me that I had time and gave me some studies guys 🔥
how tf do you score 16
Similar situation happened to me recently, I swore in with the Army as a 15G but I had a 15T reserved, only problem was the Army was not offering training for the position for an entire year and the only training available was in April (dont graduate college until end of April). Took a while of negotiating and researching but 15G ended up being a good choice for me as well. GO IN WITH A COUPLE IDEAS OF WHAT YOU WANT TO DO JUST IN CASE, but like Matt said you can come back another time if you do not get the MOS you desire. Fort Jackson, May 4th!
Thanks for this video! It is perfect timing for me seeing that I am about to pick a MOS
Love the vids Matt ! You've helped me a ton
Just saw the notification fir the video as I got on the bus leaving Atlanta airport to Benning.
The music in the background stood out more than usual wasn't super appealing. Aside from that your videos and channel in general are pretty damn awesome!! You cover such a wide range of things in a way civilians can understand. Great job man, super helpful and informative.
I leave for BCT 20200209 25U with a airborne package.
Stand your ground for sure... I was in the guard and went active. I asked for Airborne. They refused and told me I was prior service and had no choices. I told the recruiter Airborne or I will leave. Again I was told I had a waver to get out of the guard and I had no choices. Finally some full bird showed up and was really cool with me. He authorized me getting Airborne but unassigned. Unassigned was in huge caps lol.
Can you do me a favor... You should explain how they discriminate against people with G.E.D. I got what I wanted as an infantry but I feel they should treat anyone with a GED, as long as you meet the requirements, the same way as someone with a high school diploma. I don't know how shameful it made me knowing I worked so hard to get a 50 on my ASVAB just for them to tell sorry you don't get a bonus. Even before that for the government to tell me how less of a person I was than someone with a diploma really hurt. I was making 58000 (23hr) down to barley making ends meet to be called by the government as lesser then someone with one. It just hurts.
Im a 92G culinary specialist AKA “cook.” I made the biggest mistake by choosing this MOS because I rushed the process and did not want to retake my ASVAB. It really is not easy. 0200 wakeup in the field, working ADA “All Day Action.” So my advice is do not make that SAME mistake. Choose an MOS especially if your going on ACTIVE DUTY. ACTIVE DUTY is no joke lol. But pick something you want to do for the next 3,4, or 6 years and WORKOUT BEFORE YOU LEAVE, PUSH YOURSELF SERIOUSLY ! Also just be aware of some recruiters they can lie to you. AND HAVE A GOOD DAY. if yall got questions LMK too.
Can you make a video on how to choose an MOS (if you haven't already)? I know what I'd like to have as my MOS but like you said, it's a very important choice and I dont want to choose something I'll regret.
Hey Matt.. Hope your tuesday is awesome.. I ordered two of you shirts.. Cant wait to get them..
This last week I went to Meps for the navy, and wanted an aircrewman rate, but they didn’t have it available, I was going to wait for it to be available, but my family was there so I got pressured into signing for an Ame job, at least I’ll have the mechanical experience now lol.
Hey Matt, I had a question on snap, I know your busy but if you were able to answer it’d be grateful 🙏🏼 Thanks for such good content, keep up the good work bro
Is anyone else having trouble watching this video
Yes skip ahead it will work. The government is messing with his video, he is keeping it too real for them. #StaySafeMatt
My meps experience was extremely amazing it was the Jacksonville meps
Well the Charlotte MEPS is not. hahaha
New Orleans MEPS isnt that bad. The Army Captain who is or was in charge was very helpful to the enlistees.
Matt for president
I'm going Infantry so I'm sure this wont happen to me but if so I'll have m1 Armor Crewman (19k) as an alternative
@Wes Takahashi My dad was a M1 Armor Crewman back during Operation Iraqi Freedom so I thought I would pick up where he left off in 2006
@Wes Takahashi For sure man
Love the videos brother, been watching for a long time now and all the knowledge you hand out is great for those joining the army, I’ll be marrying my brother off in September and then it’s my time to join up, been using your code for bpn every order I make, thank you for your service sir.
as someone that had to settle I agree with you. but the reason I had to settle was because I tried for 37F which requires a test outside of the normal asvab course that I couldn't pass for the speech courses. I picked 14J, but I don't regret it cause I met some pretty good soldiers because of that. Always have to wonder what could of been though.
Matt it keeps telling me something went wrong about two minutes through. when he went in with the wrong MOS then it just cuts off and says something went wrong
@Matt Ward
nvm all i have to do is skip that part
68W ship date is October 6th. your videos are very interesting for me!
If anything engineer or mechanic is available I would like that .
Heading to fort Benning March 30th for 11x, excited to leave!
Love your videos matt🤙
Thanks, I appreciate it!
Prepare for waiting as well cause you do a lot of that at MEPS
Happy Tuesday Matt!
Thanks you too!
Lots of people leaving March 30th. Enlisted as 11X
Idgaf if I do infantry. Most people in their MOSs barely do what they trained to do anyway. If everybody in the military gets paid the same what difference does it really make? Especially if you have 4 yrs of free college
Good vid! Great reminder!
My recruiter said that I had to do 20 weeks of basic to become an officer after college
That's not true. If you did not do ROTC then that leaves OCS or OTS. Depending on the branch it ranges from 9.5 weeks to 17 weeks of officer training. Air force is 9.5 weeks on Montgomery, Alabama, Army is 12 weeks in Fort Benning, Georgia, Marines is 10 weeks in Quantico, Virginia, Navy is 10 weeks in Rhode Island and coast guard is 17 weeks in Rhode island as well. Does that help?
I made the same mistake. I got pressured into choosing a mos that I barely knew of. I’ve tried to change it but my recruiter and DS at my rsp told me that I can’t, I’ll have to wait until my contract is over, or my unit may not approve it:(
What Mos did you get stuck with?
Combat engineer
Anybody else shipping March 31st to Ft. lwood ? I’m so exciteddddd
The worst way, being voluntold by a judge.
MARCH 16TH!!! IM GOING TO BASIC AT BENNING
BrainyPix Inc. same
@@joshcrooks8845 Look for me - Brandon Taylor.
BrainyPix Inc. battle buddy’s? 😂 👍🏻
@@joshcrooks8845 Yeah man sure fine me on insta @beemackjgr
Leaving on March 23rd to Fort Leonard Wood!
March 31st ship to fort Benning 19D wish me luck
You goin to harmony church?
Going to MEPS tomorrow 12T I hope is available 😬
March 24th shipment date! 13F baby!
I’m getting shipped March 16th! Going in as an 35S!
35S is a fun MOS, a couple of my buddies are in that MOS, 35 series are the best MOS to join! Best of luck!
Where do you ship to? I also ship on the 16th!
Rachel Martinez I ship the same day as well
Me too! Fort Leonardwood
My recruiter is so pushy. Telling me I need to stop BS around and that I’m taking my time, when I first meet with him I told him I have a child and before I enlist I wanna be in a place to live and he don’t understand that. I already took my practice asvab. Can I switch recruiters? I don’t wanna be pushed into it yet. It’s something I wanna do so bad but my wife hates it obviously and I’m struggling home wise and can’t make the commitment yet
If you're not ready, you are not ready. Dont let him force you tell him to suck it. All else fails you yourself can go to a different recruiter. Or just block his ass until you are ready.
It's a choice for between 2 to 6 years or more. If you hate your MOS, chances are you will ETS after first enlistment. And be bitter about the whole experience.
And some will make more bad choices. And end up in a Detention Cell at the PMO or Brig (Jail), waiting on a Senior NCO to pick you up. Trust me, I have seen Soldiers get picked up by First Sergeant.....it's not a pleasant scene.
hey Matt your 30th ADA patch by the 1st Cav is upside down lol
On my way to Fort Jackson right now!
WardM....thanks so much for all the educational infor. Can u brief me or link me a video on Enlistment bonus and chosing a first base..
Thks
Ship date March,31st Fort,Jackson
Humbled Quise Tv same here, what MOS?
Arlistor MC 13b
Question: I’m trying to enlist, took practice test, was in the process, then a waiver got denied for my dwi (was a misdemeanor) and just for context I have 1 other misdemeanor that was from 2 years ago, no felonies. My recruiter said it could reopen in 2-3 months and to call back around then.
My question is, can it actually reopen? Or was he Bullshitting me.
I ship out June 30th to Fort Jackson as a 35T, ngl I’m kinda nervous.
Lol have fun at ft huachuca for 10 months!
isaac williams yeah not really looking forward to that
Off to basic on March 17
The video isn’t working
Ship date 3/9 Ft Jackson, question about Top Secret security clearance and MOS, what if you don’t get the clearance granted, what happens with original swear in contract and your MOS status, schedules for DLI Monterrey after Basic 35 P, keep doing the great work Mr Ward 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
You'll know at ait.if denied you get a new mos where the army needs people
I heard you can pick what mos but I'm pretty sure they put you where they need people based off your pt score
Thanks for the replies, they are finalizing the clearance and submitting, I think contract said 120 days for approval or conditional
@@nickserna8320 hmmm. Doesn't say that on my contract.mines just secret clearance tho. My recruiter told me 42a doesn't have a clearance but when I looked it up he was wrong
chris hernandez yeah I just looked at the contract after MEPS and it states it in the breakdown, if I don’t qualify for clearance or conditional clearance I end up being I guess reclassified based on need, had I known that denial could’ve been an issue I would have gone with a less secret MOS and been down the safer route
Leaving march 23 to Jackson.if I don't bring extra underwear or shampoo soap can I just buy that at the px
@@user-he4nk7th8u 42a
@@user-he4nk7th8u Florida
Hey may this is off topic, but could you use older patches on your uniform instead of buying new ones, I know a guy and he has a bunch of old patches from ww2 to modern day, just wondering?
Wish I saw this video four weeks ago =/ my recruiter told me I had 46S saved for me but had to settle with 42A with the hopes that I can do 46S AIT after I do 42A... any tips?
This video will not play my internet is fine but this video will not play past the 35 second mark
There are other people with the same issue at different parts of the video. Personally I havn't experienced it. But they say if you skip ahead past that it will work. The video must be corrupted after the upload and Idk what to do aside from re-upload the video
Matt Ward yeah I skipped over the time stamp and it worked
im thinking about joining the Army or the Marines. i have a friend in the army who says dont join the marines because they might just switch your job. while my dad says he knows many marines and i should join them. i guess my question is,if i join the marines, once i sign for that contract and swear in under an MOS, is it possible to be changed against my will? i really would prefer the marines.
I'm in the same boat lol
Ship date July 13 after I graduate high school !
@mattward I’m shipping out in 6 days (March 10th) to fort leonardwood Missouri to be a 12B combat engineer, another note the pateron link is messed up and I can’t find you, any word on that
Matt, Hello. Tell me, have you been to Syria?
What up Matt! I recently enlisted in the Army Reserves at 34 yrs old. I ship out to Basics on 3-17. Ya vids been helpful but any specific info you can share to prep me at the older age I am to be around all the younger folks and all the BS that's bout to happen. I'm a professional, have a bachelor's degree and I've pledged with a fraternity in college.
Jefe Winley Congratulations on enlisting he has a video about that just look in the playlists.
It may be challenging as the maturity level and different age culture will set you apart. I went in at 27 and was considered old as most of of them were around 18. Realise that many of them have never been away from home and never lived on their own. Many of them have never been to college, had jobs, paid bills, or traveled and experienced much outside of their childhood area and people they grew up with, so they may not be as accepting of differences. Being prepared and in good shape helped a lot, because they can't look down on you for that. Other than that, being current on youth culture and not coming across as parental lecturing or old school nostalgia may help. If you look young don't let them know how old you are, lol.
Ben Lucas Nice! I’ll be enlisting at 29.
@@benlucas3625 this is good. I appreciate that insight! Im def gone b joked on for being old since my hairline receding and I keep it cut low but I got jokes too lol