Hope you guys enjoyed the different style I took with this one! Definitely wanted to find a fun way to share what I've learned during my past three years in the Air Force. As always, if you have any questions or future video recommendations that you want to see, drop em below! ☺️

@paytonzerkle65

3 жыл бұрын

Congratulations do you plan to do this the rest of your life

@MegaMijit

3 жыл бұрын

do you plan to do the full 20yrs??

@kristianbendiksen2071

3 жыл бұрын

Great video Sam

@iliketomakearguments1434

3 жыл бұрын

Sam can you please tell me can an foreigner join the US Air force?

@SamEckholm

3 жыл бұрын

@@paytonzerkle65 I discuss it in the vid :)

Being a USAF veteran myself (1971-1975), I really enjoy your channel and love your attitude. I often reflect upon my time in the USAF as a result of your videos. You can have the best of both worlds if you decide to separate....that is to remain in the USAF Reserves. I wish I would have done that looking back now. However, it was a different time then and I did have a rewarding career as a CPA after my service. Keep up the your good work Sam!

@thomashelm6931

2 жыл бұрын

I was in from 1969 through 1973, active duty. Vietnam was going on then, so that made things rather interesting. Served in the reserves from 1976 through 1978. I wish I would have stayed in but flying as a loadmaster wasn't good for a family life. My experience was a cornerstone on my life and I enjoyed it!

@Glove08

2 жыл бұрын

🧢

I’m 22 an live in st.Louis, I’ve been thinking about joining the Air Force. Thanks for sharing the insight it really is helping me pick the right choices.

HI Sam, just want to thank you for this video. I will share it with my son who is a Doolie and things are tough right now. You sure are inspirational and i am sure your family is so joyful to see you in your journey, moving forward in your destiny. Thank you!

As silly as this may sound, your video was really uplifting. I came across your CH-47 video which brought back really good memories of jumping out of them in the 70s, as a young member of the 82nd Airborne. But to see the enthusiasm of a young officer just kicking off his career gives me a lot of hope for the future of our military to strike a balance between being professional and being human.

I talked to my Air Force recruiter yesterday I’m only 17 rn but he’s helping me get everything ready rn so when I do graduate high school next school year everything will be Out off the way and ready to go

@SamEckholm

3 жыл бұрын

Best of luck!

@michaelesq.atpcfii.9862

3 жыл бұрын

Make sure you go to college on the AF, get commissioned.

@joelgomez6727

2 жыл бұрын

I’m 16 I got 2 years

@rintarouokabe4415

2 жыл бұрын

@@michaelesq.atpcfii.9862 any tips on time management???

@gabrielwilliams5387

2 жыл бұрын

@Kevin I’m a junior in high school and I want to be a Combat rescue Officer. Do you have any advice on the Air Force as a officer?

Great video as always! Wish I could've served, but due to an eye injury, I was DQ'd, so I love your videos. Your advice is spot on for any job. Hard work and dedication will you get you a far way in life. BTW, your shots of STL are amazing, I really miss it.

Great video and great advice. Consider a video about service in the Reserves. I was a direct commission after my medical training and really enjoyed my time in the Reserves for many of the reasons you discuss. I will never forget the people I served with and the sense of mission we all had.

That ad not promoted was the best ad Ive ever seen lmao

Thanks Thanks, Sam. Very well articulated video and point of view.

Thank You! That was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time to make video like this.

Nice video and congratulations for your 3 years in the Air Force!😊

Thanks Sam they were really good tips not just for the military but for life in general.

You’re so thorough, love it. Be awesome if you could do one on the commission process once someone is already in.

@refaethuddin2139

2 жыл бұрын

Hi 👋

Thanks for your videos. I am a USAF Veteran and also enjoyed the experience .

Hi mate, Just stumbled on your channel I think you put out great stuff. I am a brit, in the application process to join the Royal Air Force (RAF). I would assume allot of the lifestyle changes s similar whatever country your from. From what I've learned from my own recruiters and what people like you say, it's a career like no other not to be missed Keep up the good work I look forward to learning more about how you do things over the pond

Just stumbled on to your page and really diggin it!! Thanks so much for sharing!

@SamEckholm

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, brotha!

Nice vlog. Informative, well edited and with nice scenes! 10/10

You are crushing it for PA! Keep up the positive work.

AMEN. You said it, having the initiative and being positive about everything can get you places others will never get to, in the army I applied the same principle and did 25 years of active duty service and I would do it all over if given the chance.

Congratulations Sam! For your KZread 3 years anniversary, maybe you can sing to us just like your first video.

You Should Continue To Upload!! This is awesome!!

As an enlisted member your videos have been really enjoyable to me and helped me learn a lot… also we need an a-10 video

In the Civil Air Patrol, one of our core values is excellence in all we do. I am extremely glad you described that! I hope to fly with you someday!

@emillev-twombly2234

3 жыл бұрын

Ayo Civil Air Patrol gang

@hankertanger5175

3 жыл бұрын

Isn’t excellence in all we do also an Air Force core value? I’m only a C/AB, forgive me.

@emillev-twombly2234

3 жыл бұрын

@@hankertanger5175 You’re right, technically speaking the CAP value is just excellence but the Air Force value is excellence in all we do

@josephwibbeler

3 жыл бұрын

CAP gang, lets go.

@jackal_loaf7232

3 жыл бұрын

@@hankertanger5175 Yes, we follow a lot of the Air Force core values. Always nice to hear a fellow cadet ask questions. Fly safe.

Something else that happened historically with the arch is I've had a buddy pee on its base during a bachelor party and get chased away by a guard.

@caydenchohrach9644

2 жыл бұрын

This is gold😂😂

@SamEckholm

2 жыл бұрын

Lolllll

@refaethuddin2139

2 жыл бұрын

@@SamEckholm Please pray for me that I can join in the air force 🙏

@startupset1527

Ай бұрын

​@@SamEckholm ⚽🌳

How comfy are the chairs in the Air Force? Asking for a friend.

@biaIetti

4 ай бұрын

Poor guy. Never got his answer. 😔 Hey if I ever join the Air Force, I’ll tell you ok?

@dlyroadrunner

Ай бұрын

Not like a gaming chair @NICKYMGTV

@jameslyons6655

23 күн бұрын

It’s not always plush in the AF. Halfway through basic our soft serve ice cream machine broke. But we still pushed on and made it (there was hard ice cream in the freezer after all).

Thank You for the Video

Congratulations on 3 years. 👏🎉🎈💯👍😎

Hey Sam, I love your videos! They are extremely helpful and interesting. I'm very excited to be joining AFROTC as a freshman in college this coming fall!

@SamEckholm

3 жыл бұрын

Best of luck to you!

A video of the 3rd year SrA stuck in Minot since Tech school would be a nice perspective to add.

@SamEckholm

2 жыл бұрын

I’ll add that to the list

@skitard9345

2 жыл бұрын

hell im 3rd year SrA at Barksdale. not much better down here

This video really encouraged me. A high school student.

New subscriber here and this is one of my favorite channel already

My new fave channel. Cool vids my guy.

Proud of you sam working as a fighter jet pilot.. 🥰😁😁😁👨‍✈️ A big salute....

Sam, you are definitely an asset to the USAF!!!! Great video!!!

@SamEckholm

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Kathy!

I like how I got an ad for the Air Force before this...

Great advice!

Great insight on the Commissioned side of the Air Force Lt and just the Air Force in general. Love your content! Are you up for Captain yet? Keep doing what you’re doing!

@danielmassey3157

16 күн бұрын

Too early for Captain? LTC

I am joining the AF at the end of the summer, I’m pretty excited for the opportunities it has to offer!

@elimayberry1493

2 жыл бұрын

@@lifesabeach5405 okay?

@heathenamerican8149

2 жыл бұрын

Jay K isn't lying

So it’s like your third anniversary in the Air Force congratulations 🎉

Congrats!!

Love ur vids

Sam, Integrity First. Service Before Self. Excellence in All We Do. Thank you for your service.

I’m starting my Navy career at the end of the month when my OCS class starts. I hope to produce content like you to showcase what the military is like!! Keep up the great work.

@SamEckholm

3 жыл бұрын

That’s awesome! Best of luck.

@darshansolanki7936

3 жыл бұрын

Are we in the same OCS class??

@hogepoge4098

3 жыл бұрын

@@darshansolanki7936 I ship out June 19, my class day starts July 4

@darshansolanki7936

3 жыл бұрын

@@hogepoge4098 Ah, my class starts May 30. Currently in ROM.

@hogepoge4098

3 жыл бұрын

@@lifesabeach5405 Who gives a shit about your semantics? It's my time in the Navy, that's a career to me.

Great advice guy....as with anything in life...have to make the most of it...Even retirment

Thank you Sam for uploading quality content, it's definitely motivate us. Can you recommend beginner level camera,lens and which video/photo editing software is best for beginners level?

@SamEckholm

3 жыл бұрын

Depends on your budget, but I’d recommend a Sony mirrorless (a6400 is a good starter). Should come with a kit lens. I use Lightroom and photoshop to edit photos and premiere pro for video

@dasa113

3 жыл бұрын

@@SamEckholm thanks for great advice, today I searched this camera from market and got great reviews about this camera. This weekend i shall purchase it. I started watching beginners level tutorial to your mentioned softwares

The quality & editing is amazing!

@dicksonisrael5195

2 жыл бұрын

Yeaah

I continued to work as a Civilian for the Air Force, through various positions. In 1989 I met with the recruiters about joining the Air National Guard. I was turned down several times due to a history of Asthma, but fought to join anyway. I began a regiment of exercise, running, ect, and eventually was able to surpass all the physical requirements and was permitted to join with a waiver. I took a year leave of Absence from my Civilian job, and left for Basic Training and Avionics Technician Training in January. I was "Lucky" enough to be assigned to "Hells Corner" at Lackland AFB, where the Training Instructors were notorious for being extra tough. We had one who was a former British Marine and was very intimidating. Our flights had many extra requirements for our uniforms and appearance. You could definitely see the difference while interacting with other flights in Training. I graduated Basic Training, and went directly to Avionics Technician Training at Keesler AFB. It was a tough course for most, and we had about a 70% "washout rate" not able to maintain the required test scores. I graduated with a 97.8% overall average. I returned to Fairchild to complete 90 days active duty with my unit for training. Within a short period I watch the news as the Gulf War began, the F117s knocking out command and control targets. Our Guard Unit was soon deployed for almost 24hrs/day Refueling Operations. I was placed on extended active duty, but not allowed to deploy with my unit as a 3-Level technician straight out of tech school. I was tasked with getting qualified on all the systems. After the initial training was completed I went back to my Civilian position. Soon after I was promoted to a new Job as the Squadrons "Data Automation Manager", in charge of computer and network systems in 32 facilities, including 4 dining facilities, and operations on the Base and USAF Survival School. I was sent to Headquarters AFMWSA, a couple times for computer and network training, and for design of a new MIS system and implementation. Between the Civilian and Military requirements I sometimes worked weeks on end without a break. During my time in the ANG I deployed to Volk Field Wisconsin for Chem Warfare Training, Mather AFB California, Eielson AFB Alaska, Yokata Japan for Joint Military Operation "Red Flag" After 6 years of Enlistment I reached the rank of Ssgt. I also was awarded "Airman of the Quarter" for the entire Air Refueling Wing. I was honorably discharged. I left my Civilian position after 10 years of service.

I’d love to see Sam do vlogs!

Congratulations!

Hey, You are so cool man 😎 Near future I will be also pilot in Indian Air Force

I'm sure the new experience is much different as a young guy coming out of the academy going straight into the Air Force as an officer vs a young or old people enlisting and being in for three years

The quality is amazing

I've made my decision to go into the airforce just recently, and I haven't even started the first step I've literay only put in my application, a couple of things that I know when I get into the airforce that I want to do, first and foremost I am a musician, I love music and I love making music I know there are opportunities in the airforce for me to continue that path, but I also have a dream of traveling the world making a name for myself, seeing things and growing my passion and see where it takes me, I also really enjoy drones

Nice vid keep it up

@SamEckholm

3 жыл бұрын

Of course!

Yup. As soon as I saw this, straight here. Nothing else.

Hi everyone great video Sam Eckholm

I’m enlisting in the US Air Force Reserve soon as an “old dog” at 34 and as an NPS (non prior service) just passed MEPS last week. Unfortunately, i won’t be doing close to what you have as I will be going in as an E-3. However, it will be a life changer for me😊 oh and Sam, if you know ANY MEANS of flight training that is offered to enlisted personnel, please feel to share them with me. My new career goal is to be a first officer for SW Airlines.

I drive a Grand Cherokee too! Love my Grand!

New subs from Philippines🇵🇭stay safe and Godbless

Congratulations Sam. 👍🏻 Sound advice. Can one go inside the arch?

Great bits of advic.! The only thing I would add is to keep a work journal. This sort of dovetails with your advice leave work at work at the end of the day. It may not be for everyone but I found it to be invaluable over the years of keeping track of work related stuff and keeping separate my personal life and my job. When you have to write those annual self-evaluations it really comes in handy! Also, sometimes, a similar item that you dealt with before might arise much later and this can help jog your memory (mine is awful for the record). Just take 5 to 10 minutes before you call it quits for the day to jot down what you did, what might need to be done and why. NEVER EVER add anything personal, just keep it work related.

Have you ever heard of these laser deflecting eyeglasses made for pilots called MetaAir by Metamaterials, Inc? I'd like to see a pilot review them on a video to see if they really work as shown. Edit, what does the military do to protect pilots in case of an enemy crowd shining lasers at them?

Sam, thanks just found your channel today and really enjoy it. It retired Air Force myself. I spent my entire career working on Minuteman missiles. What career field are you in? Oops! Never mind, I just watched you’re video on what your job is. You should try to make it to Wright Patterson some year for the Air Force Marathon weekend.

I love your attitude

How do you have so much free time? Like when I think of the air Force i vision a life just on base you know? Are you on active duty or reserve?

I was born in a Military hospital, father Was Air Force. He initially worked on the Atlas Missle Silos, he was deployed to Thailand during Vietnam. He had cross trained into Photo Reconnaissance, we spent time in Kansas, and three years in England, where he developed film from the Reconnaissance Aircraft. He wanted to retire in Washington State. So he cross trained into Avionics Technician for the B-52 Bomber. We spent time in Denver Colorado and Omaha Nebraska while he was in training. He then spent the remainder of his 20 years Service at Fairchild AFB in Washington. I had a big interest in Aviation, Electronics and later Computers. During those years I had attended many different Base Open Houses and Airshows, seeing a vast array of Military Arcraft, and Demonstrations by the Blue Angels, Thunderbirds, and others. During my last year of elementary, I was involved in an after-school Aeronautical Club, which was lead by Dan Schmar a former U2 Pilot. Who was the local news channel "eye in the sky" helicopter pilot. I wanted to be an Airforce Pilot in High School, but was disqualified due to poor eyesight, and a history of Asthma. My Senior year I started working for the Military as a Civilian. During that time I witnessed a KC-135 crash at Fairchild. There was a demonstration team practicing for the upcoming Open House, consisting of a B52 Bomber taking off with a KC-135 taking off closely behind. I'd seem them practice several time and conduct their low altitude flight maneuvers. I was helping load furniture from a vacated Security Police Dorm, onto a flatbed truck right near the Control Tower. I watched as the B52 took to the air, followed by the KC-135 Tanker. It was only a few hundred feet off the ground when it went "wings vertical" with little airspeed. I set down the desk we were carrying and told the others that it was about to crash. The pilots last action was to redirect the aircraft between the Control Tower and a huge warehouse building housing the BX, Commissary, and other facilities. I few seconds later the Tanker hit the ground exploding into a massive fireball. Mostly what was left was the tail section of the plane. A deadly silence followed by the sound of emergency vehicles approaching. It was on a Friday the 13th, around 13:13. All were killed onboard.. the following day it was found that a crew member who was supposed to be on board was grounded by the flight surgeon. He was in his private vehicle near the Control Tower observing where the Tanker crashed killing him also.

I am an air guard member stationed at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis. Going to school for my commercial license, hope to fly for the Air Force someday!

@SamEckholm

2 жыл бұрын

Best of luck!

I was watching this and got an ad for the Air Force

Haayyyyyy I'm in STL too in the process of joining

Hey bro, I’ve been binge watching your videos and I was curious on your thoughts about Security Forces and on family life in the military

@SamEckholm

3 жыл бұрын

Family life isn’t all too bad. The Air Force does a good job of making sure they recognize its importance. Lots of programs available for families and some food recreational activities as well. Security forces seems like an exciting career field to me! You get out and about and aren’t sitting at a desk. Can take you all over the world to if that’s something you’re interested in!

@startupset1527

Ай бұрын

​@@SamEckholm 🌳⚽

Hey could you maybe start listing out what songs you use in your vids? I really like the music you choose, especially the lofi.

I kinda recently found your channel but I would like to be a mobility pilot and I'm gonna be a junior in highschool this year I don't really have family that's served so I don't exactly know where to start but what are some things I should start preparing while still in highschool? I hope what I typed makes sense😅I also really like your videos thank you for making them😁

Congratulation!

Loveeee your video❤🥰🌏❤

Hey, @Sam Eckholm Would you recommend applying to the air force academy or applying to a specific reserve base with specific jets. I would honestly rather flying some sort of jet, cargo plane, or even a refueling plane. I don't really wanna risk being a drone pilot because that's not really what I wanna do. Also, I would love the experience of the academy but once again don't wanna risk being a drone pilot. I live down in Florida btw. Thanks. (btw I love ur vids)

@SamEckholm

2 жыл бұрын

That depends. The Academy has the most amount of pilot slots, and right now if you are ranked decently in your class (top 500) you will get one. I still think that’s your best bet.

@atom8308

2 жыл бұрын

@@SamEckholm Thanks for replying so quick man, I appreciate it. I am probably 100 percent gonna apply to the academy, now knowing this. Also, one more question, the academy is basically just college but for the airforce? Thanks.

@SamEckholm

2 жыл бұрын

@@atom8308 yep. Check out my video on it!

@atom8308

2 жыл бұрын

@@SamEckholm Will do!

If you're watching this and thinking about joining, understand that the majority of jobs (especially operations related jobs) will have very demanding work schedules that will not allow you to just get up in the middle of the day and go to another squadron to show face. Other than that this video has some pretty good advice.

@sir4947

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I don't know what his AFSC is, but I did HVAC as enlisted and you're constantly working lol. Not really any down time to do the same things he does and I am sure it would be frowned upon and looks like you're avoiding work.

I recently heard a story about a cadet leaving USAFA right before promotion to 2nd class because he didn't think he could get the AFSC he wanted. What do you think about this and what advice would you give to maximize my chances of getting the AFSC I want (engineering)?

@heathenamerican8149

2 жыл бұрын

Don't be weak minded like the cadet you mentioned. Not everyone can get the AFSC they want, so always expect that. The recruiter will give you a list of AFSCs you are qualified for and if you're going for an engineer you need to make sure you're scores are high which I think for engineer would be mostly Math and Admin.

@higgme1ster

Жыл бұрын

@@heathenamerican8149 I'm glad I was enlisted. I had a six year delayed enlistment, guaranteed job, Tech Controller. I separated out and hired on with ITT, then Sprint, then MCI which, after the purchase by WorldCom and inevitable bankruptcy, was bought out by Verizon but I stayed employed through it all. I retired from Verizon after 31 years, 40 years in telecommunications. It was magical.

AF Veteran 24yrs, thank you.

Can you cover security forces?(putting my idea in a hat) I am honestly really interested in becoming a security forces officer

"If you do good work, you'll get MORE work." - Truer words have never been said, my friend. lol (fellow AF vet)

I do have a few questions 1. Is it ok if you study AFOQT during middle school? 2. What grade is recommended to study AFOQT?

@avestuart

3 жыл бұрын

Sure you can, but the test can change over time so it might not be worth your while to do so at the middle school level. The AFOQT is really meant for college graduates or impending college graduates as you'll need a bachelor's degree to become an officer. The best thing you can do right now is continue to do well in school, stay out of trouble and remain healthy.

Hey Sam, I'm thinking about the Air Force after high school . I want to security forced then apply to OSI. Can you get more in-depth in these career fields ?

@211Gus

Жыл бұрын

You're gonna do time working flight. Make a name for yourself and try to get into S2 as a Senior Airman. Thar gets you a taste of the OSI life

Sam, do the four yours you spent at the USAFA count toward your retirement if you elect to remain in the USAF? Also, while in the Air Force, will you be able to attend college to obtain a Master's Degree or Ph.D. in your field or another field? Thank you, Sir.

@SamEckholm

3 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately they don’t. And yes lots of opportunities to get advanced degrees!

@montemiller3447

3 жыл бұрын

@@SamEckholm /Thank you, Sam.

@startupset1527

Ай бұрын

​@@SamEckholm 💝🌳

So in terms of taking chances that you get, is there any chance I could just ride in the back of a jet? Like I'm sure I'm going into security forces (if I decide to join but I'm leaning towards doing it) so in picking that field, would I be able to convince leadership to let me ride in one? I think I'm going to enlist for 4 years and then if I enjoy it, I'll come back in as an officer since I just got my bachelor's degree and maybe become a pilot.

Seen a few of your videos just curious if you don’t mind me asking what’s your job title and rank?

Thank you for this. Just commissioned a few weeks ago, trying to absorb everything I can

How long does it usually take to get into OTS as a civilian with a college degree? Is it always 2-3 years??😱

I don't like military, in fact I hate it but I just love your videos

@SamEckholm

3 жыл бұрын

Haha thanks for the support!

I recently have been thinking about the USAF but I’m 24 years old, and I just have an A.S. I’d be 26 if I got bachelors. Would it be to late to be a pilot? Or pursue the officer route and be in the security forces?

I'm pretty new here. Just wanted to ask how did you become an officer? ROTC? USAF Academy?

When going into the Air Force Academy did you get to choose you wanted to be a PIO?

It’s an old axiom, but when you want things done find the busiest person in your unit. He will get it done.

For high school kids, don't be confused with his military life and your future enlisted life. Go for an officer.

@slimp9944

2 жыл бұрын

Why?

@heathenamerican8149

2 жыл бұрын

Don't listen to this person, I was enlisted for 10 years and loved every minute of. It's what you make it, join into a career you think you'd enjoy and 3 years this officer has little to no experience career wise, not trying to put him down, just being real.

@ghostreconfan812

2 жыл бұрын

Officers still need to earn their respect and typically can take over the position of an NCO who has 10 plus years of experience. Officers are important but to be fair the NCOs are the back bone of the military but then imagine a second lieutenant fresh from OTS taking over that position? Officer is not for everybody but if your willing to earn your respect you will get respected.

@ghostreconfan812

2 жыл бұрын

Officers get high pay for higher education does not mean I am saying their not important but becoming an NCO is also a fair job do your research, find what is best for you, then chose to commission or enlist.

What did you study at USAFA?

Great job LT LTC E1-05 30 years

I tried joining the army but unfortunatley failed the medical, shame i will never get that opportunity.

Some questions... How did you start? And what is your rank, and like all the things you do? LIke some are pilots, some are ground crew. so what is yours?

@RushinTruckin

3 жыл бұрын

He's a 1st Lieutenant. Career is Media Relations. He started by getting into the Air Force Academy

Does the Air Force give you anything to celebrate that you’ve been in the Air Force for 3 years?🤔 like a prize of some sort?

@avexnew_jr115

3 жыл бұрын

@Jag Nagarajan For the enlisted side, if you have no disciplinary actions against you during those 3 years, you get a good conduct medal.

You raise the USAir Force to a higher level that is advantageous to our country. Thank you for your talent.

@SamEckholm

2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that!