JayDee

I seem to be at a cross roads in my life. I want to be a pilot, that I know. I already have a few of my certs, and I really do not think 121 life is for me. As I have said before, I think Alaska flying is more my thing. However, after recently speaking with a friend of mines brother, I really think that being a Warrant Officer, and flying helicopters could really be a career that I would truly enjoy.

Now the hard part. I am already enlisted and about to serve a tour over seas... I know that it is pretty much impossible for me to swap MOS's before I get back. But all that aside, how hard would it be for me to change from 31B (Military Police) to get accepted in WOS and later into WOFT? What kind of things would I need to study. Also, will I need to retake the ASVAB... My score last time around was a 99% comp. score. I know to get into the WO school, you need a GT score of 110, I do not remember if i met that or not.

Anyhow I am just looking for general info, I know none of you guys can give me 100% set advice.

Sputnik

If you want to do it all I can say is: Do it do it do it!

Damn near 20 years ago when I was enlisted it was a pretty straightforward process, I think the post education office is where I went? I changed my mind early in the process and ended up in AF but there were some tests I had to take and a not terrible amount of paperwork to complete then submit and wait. It would have gotten me out of my original MOS before my enlistment was up, can't imagine it's changed much since then.

My last (AF) squadron sent two enlisted guys over to WOFT so I'm sure you have a good shot starting out in the Army. There's plenty of Army guys lurking here who can give far better advice, maybe you should change the title of your thread?

I know I offered no worthwhile advice, I just wanted to encourage you. Talk to your commander, get his/her support. You should be able to complete all the paperwork while you're deployed and in a year or so could be hanging at Rucker.

JayDee

Hmm... Sounds like an idea... I really havent looked into it on base at all. I wanted to gather some intel before i went to the *boss* and made af ool of myself.

what title would you suggest?

rickair7777

The good news is that the military almost never excludes enlisted from applying for warrant/commission programs due to their MOS, regardless of how critical it is.

If I were you, I'd try to hook up with an army helo guy who has recently done the warrant process. Find a mentor, either in person or online.

If your command has (or works with) an aviation det, start there.

Sputnik

Something like "Questions about Army Aviation?" I know there are Army aviation centric websites, I just don't know what they are. Hopefully someone else can point you in the right direction.

I'll tell you, I was an 11B. When I told my leadership I wanted to go the Air Force Academy I was expecting a certain amount of grief. My PL, XO, CO, Batt CO and Bde CO all went out of their way, immediately, to help me. Good leaders (and often mediocre ones too) always like helping their people improve themselves.

I agree that you shouldn't talk to your CO until you fully decide it's what you want to do. But if you make that decision, let him or her know what you're doing and ask for help (knowing what help you need is also good). I think you'll get it.

C212135

I think someone mentioned Army dudes post in here which might be a way to network also:

APTAP - Army Pilot to Airline Pilot

APTAP just opened up a new, more secure Forum. If you go to APTAP - Army Pilot to Airline Pilot you will see the link to the new forum on the left side of the page. You can register and start posting.

JayDee

ah yea, i have been thinking about going over there.

Maybe I could, pose as a civvy and go chat with a recruiter see what spiel he gives me...

I dunno, its really a big consideration for me, and I plan on using my deployment as the time for me to sit and think about it...

Keep the good replies coming! You guys are a ton of help.

eyefly

Try to get in touch with people that have already taken a similar path. I think you'll be surprised how many people have done the same thing as you. If your deployment has you around helo's make lots of friends and network. Good luck and just keep pressing and you will be in a helo in no time.

trafly

CWO is one of the best secrets in the military. All you do is fly. No side duties. Just fly. Choice of aircraft is somewhat limited in the Army, but you'll still get great training and have a hoot. Best of luck to you.