Hobbitn64 Thanks for the info and the link to the forums I have investigated the varying units here in Texas and talked to the OSM (Officer Strength Manger) I believe that is his title and he pointed me to the warrant officer program. I am well aware of what this entails but I was wondering if one could attend OCS and in turn use that as a qualifier to become a warrant officer? Thanks again for your time.

 

Number 1.

The Officer Strength Manager has slots he/she needs to fill. You may or may not benefit from their needs. Your desired career path is Your priority, not necessarily theirs. Again, I can't speak for the political realities of TX, but in my experience the Aviation folks were not too happy to be told that they would be spending an IERW slot on an unknown entity. Can you get to the SAAO's office and introduce yourself and start to make your face a known quantity? Here's another forum to seek advice: Guard Forums


Number 2 (RLO vs CWO)
Remember, if you go the OCS route you will pop out the other end as a 2LT. If you convince the aviation folks to pick you up for flight school, after that you will go to IERW for your wings.

When you are done with training, the TXARNG will have spent money/training slots to train you as a RLO aviator and expect to utilize you in that capacity.

Yes, people do convert from RLO to CWO all the time but you need to be aware that the SAAO plans and programs his personnel decisions years in advance. Were you already slotted against an opening on a MTOE? At the SAAO level, they are thinking 5-10+ years out. The repercussions of changing can be from severe to non-existent depending on the units manning situation and the personalities of the leadership. I've seen it go to both extremes. You'll have to make that call, I can't speak to TX. Think of it from their perspective; they have a limited amount of training slots to fill upcoming vacancies for both RLO's and Warrants. If they spend a training slot on you, they expect you to honor your commitment.

I can tell you that both routes have their own benefits and detractors.

Hope this helps.

BTW, research what it actually is to be a Warrant. Other threads on this board are written by those who have little if any knowledge of Army Aviation and the Warrant Officer's place in it. They are completely wrong in their ignorance of the career field. You will definitely do more than just fly as a Warrant.