I strongly second going to APTAP.org and reading for a while.

I am a Warrant Officer and I have really enjoyed the ride. In the Army, I have had the opportunity to fly Scout, Attack, Light Utility, and Light FW Turbo Props. I left Active duty because I was severely burnt out, wanted to start a family, and I wanted to use my airline pilot degree. I got my multi-turbine 'fix' in the regionals but I missed the camaraderie,sense of purpose, and RW NOE flying, so I joined the Army Guard. I was part time in the Guard flying scouts and flying CRJ's in the regionals for a while. I got MOB'd for a deployment and fell into a full time Guard gig and haven't looked back. The only thing I miss from the regional life is not having to take work home. RW is just way more fun, for me - KingAirs are fun too, dynamic environment -Every day is different, and the VIPs are genuinely appreciative of what we do for them. I also don't live 4-Day pairing to 4-Day pairing.

Army life also REALLY sucked some times too. Living in a tent for 9 months straight got old. It was bearable because I was in the middle of indian country ready to hunt bad guys and I had amazing people around me. The 'Team Work' aspect and accomplishments will stick with you for a life time. I have a bunch of great bar stories and am very proud that time. Nothing's free.

If you have any, any chance at becoming a military aviator in any service, I highly recommend it. It's a long road, but worth it. I believe that the other services treat their aviators better and respect them more. If there is any chance at other services, push on those doors and see what happens. I am not sorry in the least for my path, it's been a great ride and I've had the honor of serving with amazing people.

I highly recommend you research the role of the Warrant Officer Aviator within Army Aviation. A way to describe it: In the Army, an RLO (Regular Line Officer-2LT and above) is 12 inches wide and 1 inch deep, the Warrant is 1 inch wide and 12 deep. While the RLO will focus on the Leadership stuff (OER's,NCOER's, meetings, management stuff) You will specialize and 'Track' as an IP, Maintenance Test Pilot/Maint. Manager, TAC Ops (Mission Planner), or Aviation Safety Officer (everything from aviation risk mitigation to making sure PVT Snuffy doesn't drink and drive). As a junior Warrant (WOJG-Warrant Officer Junior Grade i.e. new guy that knows nothing) you will manage the fridge fund, CBRNE program, HAZMAT stuff, NVG's, Pubs etc. After you make PIC and then gain experience, you'll 'Track' and specialize.

As a Guard or Reserve Warrant, (In my experience) you'll probably not have any serious Additional Duties. Most come in, Fly, and go home. The full timers in the Guard do most of the stuff so the part timers (with other jobs) can focus on their primary job-flying.

I am rambling, so I'll stop here.

Bottom Line: If you really know what you're getting into, and still want it; Push on every door possible and take the Best/First door that opens.

Good Luck

 

Thanks for all the great information, gents. I honestly appreciate it. I've read some great threads over at aptap.org that have shed some light on this, thanks for the tip.

Sounds like most feel the guard is the best bet. At my age of 32 however, I don't have time to enlist, find a guard with a spot, do the requisite networking, yada yada yada... before I hit the magic 33. Hopefully I'll be able to go guard down the road if it's available after my service commitment.

Just to shed light on my situation, I interviewed for a position a month ago that I am waiting to hear back on. It's a fantastic opportunity (the kind you'd like to get after the military), and I will gladly accept the position if chosen. If not, I am submitting the packet the day after I get the news. I'll let y'all know if it goes that direction. At this juncture though, I feel either way may present itself as a great opportunity.

 

I'm an active duty Army warrant officer and want to throw in my few cents.

Given your age, try to go active duty. Guard can and will send guys to flight school that are over age 33, but you're gambling since it's not a surefire way to flight school. Your best move would be to put in a packet ASAP for active duty, do your flight school + active duty requirement (ends up being around 8 years AD) and then transfer into the Guard.

The Army is great and you'll have some really cool experiences, but there's also a lot more b.s. associated with it than many other jobs out there. The Guard is ideal because you do the same amount of flying as active duty but with hardly any of the day-to-day b.s.

 

Thanks Voski,

That sounds like what I am planning on doing. I'm getting my packet together now, so if the other job I am waiting on doesn't go through, I'll immediately be ready. Right now I am trying to secure the best possible LORs I can get, as well as preparing to max out the PT.

 

Is it possible to go straight to the reserves? I ask because I may have a seniority number somewhere. If I went active, would I have to give up that seniority number? Thanks.

 

Yes and no. USERRA will protect your number, but only for five years. Eight years active and you will be finding a new job.

Go guard if possible.

 

Given your situation I'd go active duty, do your time, then get into the ARNG and go back to commercial flying. There were a couple guys flying helicopters in my old Medevac unit that flew for a major airline as well...best of both worlds! Flying helicopters in the ARNG was a blast and I miss it at times.

- 8 years ARNG (4 as a Medevac pilot)
- 12 years active AF
- going on a year in the AF Reserves

 

All,
Wanted to thank everyone for their replies. I've been offered a position at a place I was very much hoping for and am going to move in that direction. Hopefully this thread proves useful for future WOFT applicants. Your knowledge and insight is very valuable, thanks for sharing!

 

Care to share more details.
This is sort of cryptic.

In the end what do you think made the difference?

 

I'm wondering as well. What's the outlook for Warrant Officers right now? I have a younger friend who wants to put a package together, I'd like to assess the climate and his chances.