Society really needs to break away from the “okay I finished high school so college is next” mentality.

Whatsup ya'll! I decided to leave out the details about College IN the Military. You are definitely able to go to school during Active Duty. So I will be releasing another video going into detail on how you can do so. Thanks for watching! Those thumbs ups really help the channel!

I joined the military right out of high school. 11 days after graduation, I was at Parris Island, SC. I spent 6 years on Active Duty as an Infantry Marine. My time in the military taught me WHY education was important. So, after my enlistment, I went to NC State and studied Electrical Engineering. I was READY for classroom training after 6 years in the military so I attacked it with a passion. The cool thing about college was it trained my brain to be an engineer. I also made a lot of friends in college as we helped each other make it through to graduation. I’m thankful for BOTH experiences in my life. Good times. Thanks for the video!

You can be a good recruiter. Btw, you forgot to add the word 'NO'' next to FREEDOM on Military list. lol

Could mention about the amount of debt you take on in civilian college and no job guarantee when you get your degree. And how the military will pay for you college while your in or pay for it after. I have buddies that have a 4 year degree and they have almost 100k in debt and cant get a job with their degree.

As a kid who is almost out of high school and really split about doing post secondary and the armed forces this video helps out a lot. Thanks for making great videos keep it up man!

You should make a video about career options in the military, going in with a bachelors degree and so on...

Best Navy youtuber hands down 💯 I’m In the process of joining the Navy now 🇺🇸⚓️

Love this dude! By the way, you missed one important aspect between college vs. military. College(have to pay) vs. military(get paid for)! ;)

I went to college, but wish I did the military. Not cuz I'm in debt cuz I got rid of mine in like a year; just because it's more experience and on the job training.

I’ll be going to school while I’m in the Air Guard. They give huge incentives like free school and a monthly allowance, and I can do ROTC at the same time

I honestly cannot see myself doing anything other than the military in my future. The thought of studying, taking tests, cramming, hours of homework, and finals AFTER high school pains me. I love the Navy and I have many interests in many rates. However, I have no remote idea of a path in College/University. Classrooms are extremely boring to me and I could not imagine sitting down listening to a lecture and taking notes on a topic I hate, not to mention dropping tens of thousands of dollars on loans that take a lifetime to pay back, and a degree worth less than the paper it's printed on. P.S. Austen always replies on instagram, whether it be a comment, message, or anything.

I'm glad you pointed out the teamwork aspect. The ability to work as a team is usually overlooked.

I, for the longest time wanted to go to college since I was a freshman, but I just recently graduated high school and ive wanted to join the military ever since so I decided to join the Navy as an MR. I ship in January and I have to say I'm happy about my decision.

The first point you brought up really got me Actually doing something you learn something while in class at least I can’t learn anything

I joined the military 10 years after graduating college. Might go back for a second degree for fun

I'm in the National Guard, and going to college right now, and I'm headed to Active Army after I graduate. Plus my college is completely paid for. If you're not sure which one to do this is a pretty good route so you can experience both and see what's best for you.

Alexander your military informative videos are awesome! I’m an old Veteran as you know, but I wish you’d have been doing videos in 1986 🤣🇺🇸👍🏻

The first 2 minutes of this video are literally me. I moved from Houston to go to school in Mississippi for college and I’m in my first year, doing yardwork as my full time job and trying to figure out every day wtf I’m going to do with my life

I'm currently a senior in High School. I have been very stressed recently because I don't know whether to go to COLLEGE OR JOIN THE NAVY. I've written down the pros and cons and I'm still not sure as to which I should choose. I already KNOW WHAT IM PASSIONATE ABOUT. I want to study psychology as well as cinematography~ which is VIDEO MAKING/EDITING. I like traveling, learning new things, but I mostly want life experiences. I talked to a Navy recruiter...but I haven't found any jobs related to what I want to do. I like that they pay for your college, which is good because I DON'T WANT TO BE IN DEBT, but at the same time.....I rather be in debt if it means I get to have more life experiences. I've talked to several people and I've been told by them to go to college because I can get started with my career and If I were to join the navy by the time i began college would be 22 yrs of age. I WANT TO SEE THE MILITARY AS AN INVESTMENT but at the same time a gain on life experiences. It would be helpful if anyone can comment their input and help me make a decision :)

If you have a game plan, best way to attack the military is to go in with at least a two year college degree then the officer route. Do 20 to 25 years then retire into the civilian world with your field from the military. life will be good.

Thanks for making an objective, informative video. It's clear that you have a lot of insight on this subject and it's really helpful to people who aren't sure about their options! Thanks for your service and this very helpful video

My Son Rather Go To College For 4 Year Then He Went Again To 6 Year In A Master In A Private University Then He Going To US NAVY SEALS His Life His Choice 🇺🇸💪🏻🤘🏻

I do want to go to college, but I just don't want to stay in New York City anymore. Most people will say "why you don't want to stay in New York City? NYC is the best city in the entire world". But for someone who's been living in NYC for almost 20 year's is ridiculous. That is why I made the decision to join the military so, I won't deal with student debt loan besides I want to explore, see what the world has to offer.

Went to college 4 yrs. Got a piece of paper that I should been able to get in 2 1/2 yrs. Hated the experience because I felt like every other day was an argument with professors. Not trying to be too political but when your political views contrast that of your professor's its almost a living hell trying to get a decent grade. Military would have been soooo much better, go do what your told when your told and all is good. No arguing just a nice world of absolutes. The big bonus would be the comradery. Finally.....chicks dig a uniform! Hahaha

I never thought of college vs military as an either/or proposition. I joined the Army after high school for several reasons: 1) patriotism, 2) still somewhat immature, 3) it was a path to what I wanted to do as a career (didn't actually manage that career, but close). Patriotism - I was raised in Alabama like you and it was just part my culture to want to help defend my country. Immature - I wanted to be a physicist after high school but didn't know how I was going to manage that (8 years of college after HS with no income seemed daunting). Path to my goal - the Army taught me discipline and the importance of taking responsibility for my actions. The more responsibility I showed in the Army, the more I was given. While I was still in the Army, they paid for all my tuition and even gave me time off (when Stateside, anyway) when I needed it to work on my degree. After the Army (7 years in), I had the GI Bill to help pay for college. While I never did complete my degree in physics, I did get a degree in Math and Computer Engineering and had a satisfying career. Anyway, all of this was to say that, in my opinion, you don't have to make a decision between college or the military - you can do both. As you can probably deduce from this comment, I've been out of the Army a long time, but the lessons learned lasted me a lifetime. I've enjoyed your content and hope you keep producing more.

Great vid! I’ll drop this from experience. Everyone goes to college and think it’s the only way to be successful because that’s the norm and that’s what they were told/taught and expected to do. The military really puts you so much ahead of a standard college route if you take advantage of all that is available. 1st of all people think everyone in the military runs around with guns all day, thats 1 job. There are pilots, legal men, Dr’s, nurses, those who build bombs, disarm bombs, run engineering plants, IT’s, Electricians and numerous jobs just like the civilian world. Imagine trade school but for all jobs cut out all the electives and paper writing of college and just learning a profession in a few months. 3-4yrs of service in the military pays for whatever college you want! Totally free! You can get multiple degrees if you’d like. The experience you get from traveling the world, leading other people and dealing with working relationships, and conflict straight from go is incomparable. While college kids are going to class, gaining debt for 4-6 yrs, military individuals are working and making a paycheck twice a month and getting OTJ experience. So after 4yrs, college student has a degree, owes $100,000+, no job experience and looking for a job. After 4 yrs military vet is out of the military, has a security clearance, saved $100,000, has 4 yrs of work experience /certifications, and has been around the world. May probably already have a degree from one of numerous DOD college tuition assistance programs and CLEP programs and if not is set up now to step into a free college experience that the DOD is going to pay for…while still paying them $4-5000 a month (maybe more depending on living location) for their food and rent/mortgage. Or they can pass the college to one of their kids to use later because like mention before they may have already finished a free degree while in service so because of their security clearance, military experience, certifications and on the job training they just land a contractor job making 80-130k..I’ve seen it go each way dozens of times. Not even talking about all the benefits for free medical and housing loans that’s another story. Young people reading this know there is more than one way to skin a cat! The 3-4 yrs in the military can REALLY set you up for a great life as well with zero debt. I’m no recruiter but Ive been there just passing on nuggets. Now know the military isn’t all rainbows all the time just like nothing is but trust me it can set you up!!

Thanks again Austin, yeah never failed a PRT in my 5 years of Aussie Navy service. Hopefully I can continue that. Fitness standards and distances are the same or stricter. Just have to make sure I don't over do it on the running. Got a lot of miles on these legs lol

In college there are cases of group projects but you’re mostly alone so I understand your point.

In 1960 I graduated H.S. My aunt who worked at Miami U. in Oxford Ohio advised me that my best course of action was to go into the Military for a couple of years and I would do much better in college. I Joined the USN, spent 20 years, working full time and went to college 3/4 or 1/2 time. Graduated from college 10 years after I left the military with a 3.48 GPA on a semester system. How right she was. I use the Vietnam era GI bill and graduate college debt free.

My brother graduated from a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering + went NROTC. He then serve 10 years as a Submarine Officer. He now live in Houston and work at NASA. Go to college guys !

Thank you for the last part about making a decision. It seems so simple but I needed to hear it.

Could you please make a vid on the asvab

I was the typical college-bound high school grad, and planned to pursue a degree in a field I was extremely passionate about. But, I had a hard time committing 4 years & $100k to it. I also really wanted to serve in the military, so I got an MOS that mirrored my chosen profession. Good lord, I dodged a big mistake! Turns out I HATED the job! I finished my commitment and then went to college for something I actually liked DOING. Bonus - I was able to take a lot of college courses at no cost while in the military!

The fact you said you did two years of college before you joined im on my first year of college and was thinking I would be looked at as joining late

There's always ROTC or the Military/Service Academies. And going in as an OFFICER!

Oh snap this is a new vid, wassup

I worked in teamwork in school to pass my classes to work on projects

What ever you choose have to do it with all your heart . Yes going to college is on you . You do have to work as team . In medical. Or anything less .

Had too watch this video again it was so good but today bad I fucked my life and can’t get in lol but I showed it to my 18yo brother who just graduated

Hi Austen. There is teamwork in college. We worked together in Bio, Organic Chem labs as a Pharmocolgy major and Engineering students work together on Coding and Robotic components on the Robot.

decision i’m debating about now. deferring my college acceptance for a year while i make this decision. i would say i’m pretty smart, got accepted for pre-med but i don’t want to sit in a classroom for another 4+ years. this video definitely helps. same boat as you though i’m not really sure what i want to do in life career/education wise.

Or...you can do both! I went to college first and then to pharmacy school. Raked up some major school loans. Then I was figuring...how do I deal with this?! Was looking at all different avenues but then it clicked, why don't I check into the military? So I did...being direct commissioned as an officer, put what I learned in college to use as an officer. Still waiting to head to training but I am looking forward to the experience.

US military Schools are actually better than most of universities in the U.S. ; If you really can't go to the top 10 universities I believe you could join the military and went through the schools over there, such as cyber security courses are much better than lots of colleges

Hey man love your videos you really inspired me to go and join the navy,it’s been something I’ve always wanted to do but didn’t know if I should,but just outta curiosity what did you end up scoring on your asvab?

Unless you know what your going to college for and what you want out of it, going is a complete waste of time and money. If your in a very very shit life situation and need something to stabilize your life I recommend the military. I recommend checking out Nicky Mgtv he had a very good reason for joining the Navy. Just make sure your clear on your intentions before making a major life decision.

absolutely love your videos man keep up the great work! I did both. in hs i wanted to jump right in but then i wanted to become an officer so I went to school first, finished up my 4 year degree and now im leaving for OCS pretty soon! Love your content even though its mostly enlisted things (still great info)

College for a degree that matters. Better yield in the long term. Join up do a three year enlistment get out use post 9-11. If you want to serve that’s fine just know somewhere down the line you have to be disciplined and understand and believe your goals will be accomplished.

Hey if you do a Christmas vlog can I suggest using winter wonderland by soft eyez

best milla channel on the youtubes imo. thanks for the videos

Go for it and join! It’ll be the best decision you’ve ever made in your life.

Unless you go to college for something like engineering, architecture, medical.... it’s the biggest waist of time and money. It’s not the 50’s anymore.... college is a business and puts a lot of kids in hardship and jobless for years to come.

i’m stuck at a cross road right now where if i go to the military i don’t think i’ll be as happy as i’ll be in college but i think that the military will set up my future im stuck between what i feel like would be an obligation and debt so idk if i want to be happy but possibly in debt for the rest of my life or set up but not enjoy it

In college there's internships outside of the classroom. There is teamwork in college; group study and group projects. In college you can do exercise science as a major and work out everyday. You forgot to put there's no freedom in the military. Freedom in college. You can travel when you're in college, it called study abroad. In college life is real life. Austin should be a recruiter for the Navy.

I’m so dead😂 he b rolled the pluming sign

Austin Alexander, the navy, milatary or armed forces, do you know if thier "retirement"package when finished serving still needs to b better or if it's improved in the last few yrs......that's what I'm concerned about now that I know thanks to you that the education you get while serving can serve u n me if we ever parted ways with serving

Great video, my oldest daughter is in the process of joining the navy after 2 years of college, BUT, some careers require a college degree regardless of experience. You are still required to have it. Military is not for everyone but its a great choice. Again good video.

I like how you didn't bash those who choose the military. Im in college graduating next year with 8k debt and my degree has a 100% graduation rate with starting salaries between 60-75k I have friends in the military who got a job they hated for 4 years. Have got married and divorced paying alimony and child supoort and find their job doesn't transfer. Not bashing the military btw

I say go to college. Joining the service is not for everybody. I joined back in 1996 and it sucked. I hated it. God Bless everybody that serves and protects our country. But if you don't like being yelled at and told what to do and put down like shit...military life is not for you.

Great video! I went the college route but I have many friends that went military. I agree with you that the military enforces more of a teamwork environment however, there are a TON of group projects in college classes depending on what you study.

United States Navy Austin. You have a good body and a good voice. You are also very proud of yourself as a U.S. Navy. That's cool.

good job sir austen..love you sir..keep it up

Going to the military collegue.

I am 31, and I have been really thinking about the Army in recent weeks however, I am getting my AA in one year and from there I will make the call. I believe at least getting AA out of the way is much better than coming back from the Military and then start school. By then, I will only have to work on BA.

I did both, keep all options open

there is a 3rd option. trade schools. most will pay you while you learn the job.

Maybe I'm not from the USA, but this video gave me a lot, I thought about joining the army for quite a long time, but now I'm sure what I want to do. PS Your videos are great keep it up!, brother.

But I like your professor glasses. They make you look smart. They also hide the "sleepy" eyes. Now Austen, don't scare anybody. Generally speaking, you're spot on. Nevertheless, in some instance, college and the military can be indistinguishable. Except maybe for all the weapons and the war machines. 🤔 Anyway, teamwork in college can many times be just a valid and as necessary as it is in the military. Many science experiments, projects and reports REQUIRE teamwork. More or less depending on the degree. FYI, the military offers a post-service test to help you decide what you're good at for those that don't know what they want to do. Although it may only be available through special needs? It tests your personality and interests, then offers career suggestion that fit those results.

Hey Austen, I've never thought that you've visited Bahrain. I always want to join the military, but thing didn't go so well 😕 how ever I joined nursing and now I'm working on accreditation and hospital international recognitions.

I am joining the Canadian navy. I did a year of college, it wasnt for me. I was in a relationship for almost 5 years, and I told my girlfriend if you can stick with me through this we will be set to start our life. But I guess she didnt want that, and she broke up with me (over text). Now I really dont have anything worth staying for. I feel like I will waste my life if I stay and try to do something i dont have interest in. I could go back when I'm done, I would have a career under my feet already to freely pursue any education without monetary restraint, but as of right now I have no idea what i would go back to be. With the navy, i will be all over the world and canada over the next 4 years. I will come out in the best shape of my life, and be financially stable and ready to start life on my own, with all kinds of life experience under me. I really believe this is my best choice.

Why not both

I would have pushed him to Navy EOD. And I’d say teamwork there’s plenty of it maybe he had bad luck but I talk to class mates and we help each other I take what I got out of the navy and try to apply it to the classroom everyday. No travel? I travel every time I’m on break best part is I have more days off them I ever did in the military. And I’d add to the list college you answer to yourself vs military your chief, lpo, co etc..

Im same you rigth now man and I graguated in high school and I'm trying to join us military

I want to be an entrepreneur I have my own business. I’m stuck on if I should just go to & take marketing classes or use military as a stepping stone.

I always wanted to join the military, but unfortunately my country went through some crisis in the past few years and the military school stopped accepting new military officers from citizens, which forced me to pick a plan B which was to go to college. This year I got accepted in the greatest university for engineering in my country, but the opportunity to join the military appeared once again very recently, and it is more likely than before to appear again the following years I am quite lost right now whether I drop out of college and join the army this year, or to finish this first year in college and join later the military which will give me the opportunity to complete my studies later on in university even if I dropped out because I completed the first year, but on the other hand, there isn't really a guarantee that the military school will be open next year I would like to hear some wisdom, please help

But what’s the best route I want to also peruse my professional career in soccer ….

I'm late to the video but I need advice man. I'm stuck in between two life lessons. At the moment im stuck in between sucking up all the negative shit that's going on in my life and doing four years of nursing then joining. But like im in a toxic environment and want out immediately before bad shit happens. I need help

Perfect video!!!!!!!!

Ayyy I’m from Alabama too

Does anyone know if I can still submit my college transcripts after signing my contract.? I think I fucked up there, although my recruiter says I’m good.

Hey great video, I wanted to ask your opinion. I’ve been all around across the US 4 times. Probably more than 1/3 of the people joining the Navy. Seen maybe 40/50 states. I’ve already taken the PicCat. Without too much details , im living abroad but can get a visa to stay in Canada. Is that a better life experience than the military? A working holiday seems like a good idea for experience but not a career.

Austen, did/do you ever feel that Chief Thornton 'Mr. Miyagi-ed' you into joining the Navy? Like, you're back in boot camp, lying in your rack at night and just went like, "Damn; I got 'Mr. Miyagi-ed' into joining the Navy!"

For me it's spend money and go to college or join the military and make money. I think I know which one I'll choose.

I want to be an animator and want to go to community college for it for 2 years and finish the last 2 at a university to get my bachelors. From what I heard the animation industry has been booming ever since animation was invented and there is always work constantly no matter as a big and small company. So even with my degree I still get a good chance to get a job in animation but even with that is it still better off to go into the military?

I have made the decision go to be able to support myself live alone and start a career after the navy My friends say they don’t want me to go and be in the same situation when I get out that it’s not all promised bc you go. which I fully understand but are they wrong? How much better off are you when you get out is this something I should be doing or should I just go to school

But, what about the United States Naval Academy isn't that a college? Or is that for people who want to be officers.

Should I do ROTC first or go in as enlisted and then use the gi bill?

If you don’t like being told what to do,when to do, and where to be at don’t join.

For me the military because I really need the PT and need to be pushed.

Can you do a part-time civilian job while in the Guard-Reserve Military?

Is there a height requirement in joining the Navy? I'm 21 years old 5'3-5'4 male that is considering a career in the Navy after getting my green card or US Citizenship. I've heard that Pilots in the Air Force have a height requirement so I'm thinking of if there is a height requirement in other branches to have a chance.

Very interesting. 👍👍

Austin, I like what your saying but here's the catch, when you get trained or educated in the milatary, armed forces or the navy......you can't use that "certification" in the civilian world,it doesnt apply for some weird reason.......I've asked

I know I want to join the air Force And become a SERE specialist but theirs not much info on them like if they travel and do physical work also after training ( which I would love to do ) . The only thing there is that I could find is that they learn to survive in extreme conditions, "boots, boots, boots",and that they teach it afterwards. Do you have any KZfaqrs in mind that are SERE?

oh yeah, this is good

I wanted more than anything to join and help defend my country and be a patriot and yet my dad told me to go to college. I will never forgive myself for listening to him when I could have been useful to the the defense of the United States and I chose a degree instead

Can someone with a disability like (ADHD Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) join the military and be a military police in the military?

Austin Alexander, I would like to get into the military or armed forces......sniper, but with the research I 'very done, I see neither of our gov. Take care of "vets" too well.......help on this if I'm incorrect, eg. Benefits, med sent optical should be completely covered I mean come on......your serving your country!You should b housed as well even after you have served correct? Help me out on this one

I wish I would have enlisted instead of my parents sending me to college.... the last three years of my life have been so dreadful and boring to me... I am enlisting into the USAF as soon as I graduate from college.

i really want to be a comic book writer but i wanna serve a good 8 years with the coast guard and then pusure my dream as a writer what should i do