Army Officer to Army Reserve pilot prospects
 

Hello,

I am currently an active duty O3 in the Army Veterinary Corps. My obligation ends when I am 30, and I am interested in aviation as a second career. My idea entails becoming a pilot in the reserve or guard while continuing my career as a civilian vet. Because the Army gets the majority of its pilots from the enlisted side, would being an officer with only 4 years of active duty at time of application be a disadvantage? I would have my private pilot license at time of application. I appreciate any input.

Thanks,

Barrett

I would say pick a state and apply for a flight position as a Warrant officer, or get in touch with the states aviation S1 and see if they have any openings for RLOs. I know in Idaho we have brought a lot of people into aviation from active duty. The fact that you will have a steady job outside of the guard is a bonus. If you can pass the flight physical and get a packet together I don't see why you would have any problems

The navy never allows professional medical personnel to serve in any non medical capacity. They will go so far as to bar such a person from serving at all if they don't want to join the medical corps. You should probably find out if that policy exists in the army/guard and if it applies to vets.

Barrett,

One trap you will face is the age at graduation from flight school. There are waivers for such a thing, but there are no guarantees when it comes to waivers. If you can manage a successful veterinary practice, you will have all the money you need to get your ratings on your own (through ATP). Call and speak to personnel types/recruiters at the USARC (located at Fort Bragg), and/or the ARNG at whichever states will be viable for you. I fly with a lot of guys who were suckered in to enlisting in the Army (Active/Guard/Reserve) with promises of a flight slot that never materialized. Unless you've got a real hankering to fly a helicopter, I'd advise you to do this on the civilian side (probably faster, and fewer traps). Good luck.

Spike

What are your long term goals? Airlines? Air Ambulance? Corporate? Military?
I ask because Army Aviation is mainly rotorwing. The Warrant Officers flew a lot and the Officers, which were few, still flew but their main job was running the show. Perhaps it is different today but most of the rotorwing guys never got hired by the major airlines!

Thanks for the feedback.

Vets are different from doctors in that we are not considered noncombatants like they are, so that might explain that issue. That is a factor I haven't considered though.

I am not aiming to join an airline, I just really enjoy flying and would like to remain in the military if at all possible. My dad and brother are pilots and both served in aviation units in the military, so I've heard about the benefits and drawbacks, and I think its something I'd enjoy. I don't mind flying RW but have looked at Air Guard possibilities too.

With that I would determine what state you want to move to and contact the guard unit there. Talk to the S1 or the SAO's office, and see if they have any openings, you will double your chances if you are willing to revert to a WO.

Easy answer is get out of the Army all together and go join an AF GRD/RSV unit.

I agree with both!
IMHO, Push on EVERY single door you can find and take the best one that opens.

Read Julio's post again, and then, again. Lather, Rinse, Repeat.

If you're deadset on Army Aviation:
aptap.org

General Military Helicopter Discussions - Vertical Reference Helicopter Forums

For the other's here, what are some good websites for the OP to search/seek guidance on flight school accessions for the Blue side of the house?
Good Luck!

Thanks for the feedback. My impression was that with Air Guard it would be tougher to get a pilot slot. Agree with the notion of trying all doors though.