Army is right, as a former Marine helo pilot, I can attest to his post. Those guys fly their asses off compared to a Marine Officer. As a Marine Officer, your responsibilities are many and flying usually comes in last. As for me, checking into my first squadron, I had 13 squadron jobs, and pilot was at the bottom. Not in war time, mind you, but 200 flt. hours a year was a big year.

Now, that being said. When I was flying, my missions were second to none. Some of the best flying out there is in the Marines. Period.

I'm now flying for a Major Airline and travel across the globe, making a good wage, but often my mind drifts back to the smell of the 50 Cals, and the **** and vinigar of a Marine's voice as he yells "go", "go", "go!" while the young Marines charge from the Helo.

Remember though, the Marines life is a hard one. You will often be without comfort, aid, or cash. But you will always have strength, esprit de corps, and pride.

Good luck with your decision,
Aloha

 

Vertical replenishment (VertRep) is great for fun flying. No starboard D at all unless you're taking 3rd class mail to the carrier.

Better living conditions than the Army. Go Navy!

 

Hey... I took a serious look into Army WOFT and I feel that's where I want to be. Thank you for your suggestion. Are you currently a WO? If so, any advice? I've already purchased The Principles of Helicopter Flight by Wagtendok and some AFAST practice tests. I'm really excited to learn more. Thanks!

 

Press each service for an opening if you truly want to fly military helicopters.

Then take the one that presents itself first.

Do some searches here and other places for information.

What ever question you have, it's most likely already been answered.

Some places to start pushing the SEARCH button:

APTAP.org
kiowapilots.com
verticalreference.com
flyingsquadron.com/forums
airwarriors.com/forum/forum.php
Warrant Officers The CavHooah Blog – Cavalry and Military Articles and Info
(watch the first thunderstruck video, then watch the second)
If you aren't pumped up after those then you need to fly widebodies.

Advice I was give was to pick the coolest mission you can out of flight school because that is most likely NOT the last thing you will do in your career. Have fun early in your career, while you are young.


I followed the above and got to fly the AH-64A out of flight school. It was a blast. In fact all the missions are great in their own right. However, after the Army you won't be able to shoot bad people unless you have a really good lawyer or a good job.

In all seriousness, I highly encourage you to follow your dreams.

Once you are in, this will become your job, your hobby, and the folks around you will be your family.

Don't forget the Coast Guard. Those guys/girls have a good mission too!
You are embarking on a LONG road.
Good luck.

PS USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Federal Aviation Administration - FAASTeam - FAASafety.gov
(scroll down and look for Helicopter Classes)

 

Might want to look at the Coast Guard....some of the best flying out there, especially for helo drivers.

 

Its a great program. I am a WO1 right now at Ft. Rucker. Study the book by Wagtendok cover to cover for the AFAST. I used that and my civilian flight experience to get a score of 150. You need an excellent GT score on your ASVAB, max your APFT, score well on the ASVAB, and get six awesome LORs.

Good Luck.

 

I know it isn't having a gun onboard *most* of the time; but I love the thought of t he USCG for all types of flying. If I'd done my *job*earlier in my career, I think I might have triedfor an interservice transfer.

USMCFLYR

 

What about being an ANG C-130 driver wanting to convert to Helo's (ANG or AF Reserve)? Any input or recommendations?

 

Marine helos rock. I flew 46s for 6 years and loved it. We are flying officers who fly 300hrs a year, paid better and get to lead marines. The whole well rounded officer concept is extremely rewarding to me. I flew grunts in, and flew them out. Seems simple but it was taking these heroes into battle and out. Got shot at going in and out and brought out wounded/dead. Nothing will ever change the images of when I looked back. I saw scared guys going to battle, hurt, dying and dead and happy to see us getting them out of there.

As a leader I had over 55 marines under my leadership and care. Challenging and rewarding at the same time.

I guess I trying to say is that I had a great experience that made me better as a person. My Army friends enjoyed their time but not as well as I did. Our
missions, leadership opportunities and grunt support is above most experiences .

My two cents and biased opinion.