Battalion Board Interview

[Kernkamp150]

I was recommended by the board last month and have done part 1 of the flight physical. Now waiting to see a flight surgeon for part 2. My recruiter told me that If I didn't complete the flight physical by the time the Rucker board convenes I'll have to go back and do the battalion board again. Is this really true?

[ee15]

That doesn't sound right to me. I was told you only do the battalion board once, unless you don't get a good score.

[Kernkamp150]

That doesn't sound right to me. I was told you only do the battalion board once, unless you don't get a good score.

Yeah, I thought it was that once you are recommended, you are good to go. I don't wanna go through that whole thing again. It's kind of stressful.

[Yamer]

May be a battalion specific sop...

[TachedOutOffRoad]

The COL on our board asked if I thought I could kick his ass

 

I said "yes sir, if that's what it takes"

 

 

Also, If you have a degree, they will probably ask why you want to go Warrant and not OCS.

[Tesla]

My board is tomorrow. Got my haircut, getting a nice fresh shave. Any quick advice?

[shainbourassa]

Be yourself, be calm.

[Eaglegrad07]

Be honest with responses and remember that in aviation we exist to support our fellow soldiers in the fight.

[Yamer]

Be yourself, be calm, but be confident and choose your words appropriately

[Tesla]

Thanks everybody!

[Won2Be]

Is there a good answer to "Why WOFT over OCS?" Sounds like a trap. I mean seriously, WO because you want to fly rather than command. That's obvious. But since the board is commissioned officers, are they like "What? Don't you LIKE commissioned officer status? You think you're better than me boy? Under achiever are ya?" or something like that? Is one answer better than another or are these questions just there to rattle your cage and make you nervous? Any opinions out there?

 

Honestly for me, I just don't really care. WOCS vs OCS; its all the same to me. But go OCS and they could stick you anywhere. I want to fly. Is this a problem? Why does it matter "why" you pick WO over OCS? You picked it and that's it. Does it really matter "why?"

[shainbourassa]

For boards there are no correct answers. However, there are wrong answers. In my opinion as long as you don't say "because I don't want to be a leader like a commisioned officer" you should be good. You'll be an expert AND a leader.

[Lindsey]

Because you thrive on being a technical expert. Officers are hugely important; they manage platoons, companies, etc and have a big effect on how smoothly the operation runs. But personally, I always strive to achieve the highest certification/training in my field, whether that be a masters degree or CFI rating, etc etc. If you have any certs, even non flight related, you can use that as an example. You want to be the person that people come to for answers. You lead best by being the "go to" person. That was my answer, at least. Basically.

[Tesla]

For me, my response would have been something like this.

 

Why WOFT over OCS? Because I want to be that subject matter expert. It is important to note that WOFT is a direct shot at flying, and that is one of the reasons I'm doing this. Over the past year and a half I have become entrenched in learning about WO culture and guidelines, and I now understand how great of a fit this is to me over becoming an RLO. From my experiences in two sports, (add this later to avoid details ) I have managed to enjoy a taste of what a Warrant Officer is. A total package. Today's Warrant Officer has technical and tactical foundation coupled with leadership skills to effectively lead soldiers, while maintaining and employing any associated equipment. I want to be that person who someone approaches for guideline, training, and expertise. I am not afraid to lead, and I hope you three see that in me.

 

Mobile, so sorry for typos.

[Tesla]

Board went well! 69/75 with all three officers recommending me.

 

Very, very short interview. Lasted maybe 10-15 minutes.

 

Some questions asked were things like

 

Tell us about yourself

why army?

What is your five year and ten year plan?

Other questions that pertained to my packet.

 

Now the waiting game begins!

 

They were also very interested and confused at how young I was.

[Won2Be]

Board went well! 69/75 with all three officers recommending me.

 

Very, very short interview. Lasted maybe 10-15 minutes.

 

Some questions asked were things like

 

Tell us about yourself

why army?

What is your five year and ten year plan?

Other questions that pertained to my packet.

 

Now the waiting game begins!

 

They were also very interested and confused at how young I was.

Outstanding! Congratulations.

[HeloChris]

Board went well! 69/75 with all three officers recommending me.

 

Very, very short interview. Lasted maybe 10-15 minutes.

 

Some questions asked were things like

 

Tell us about yourself

why army?

What is your five year and ten year plan?

Other questions that pertained to my packet.

 

Now the waiting game begins!

 

They were also very interested and confused at how young I was.

How young are you? I'm 19 (turning 20 in 3 weeks) and am looking to go to the board next month.

 

I am worried that my youth will bring tough questions about why I deserve this at so young and without college (I have a PPL-H and some credit hours at a community college).

 

Have any advice about being young going into the interview and about the interview in general?

[Tesla]

How young are you? I'm 19 (turning 20 in 3 weeks) and am looking to go to the board next month.

 

I am worried that my youth will bring tough questions about why I deserve this at so young and without college (I have a PPL-H and some credit hours at a community college).

 

Have any advice about being young going into the interview and about the interview in general?

 

I'm 18, just graduated high school in May. Took the SIFT a week before my birthday.

 

You can worry about, or you can have fun with the questions. I don't have a PPL, and I've only been in helicopters a few times. I also have some college credit from courses in high school, but I would assume you would have more then me.

 

My advice would be not to worry about your age. Follow the instructions, stand at attention, introduce yourself when you come into the interview. Be calm, considerate, and courteous.

 

The one disadvantage being young has is a lack of experience, to combat this you need to offset it with things you did in school. whether it be sports, clubs, good grades, community work, ect.

 

For example, I had a general disinterest in high school, so my GPA was never the best it could be, but thanks to four years of debate. I was able to develop a superb public speaking ability. If you, like me had a somewhat of a poor GPA in school. Point out the positive aspects. Show them that, when you found a class you enjoyed, you got good grades, and excelled at it. Point out how a GPA should not be the entire representation of character, and follow that up with your army test scores and positions held in sports/events/ect.

 

Now here is the advantage of being so young and inexperienced. It's just that. You are able to be molded into a perfect Warrant Officer first, and Aviator second. Compared to somebody who joined when they are 26. By the time I reach their starting age, and they reach the cutoff for selection, (Don't do the math, just go with it.) I would have eight years of experience on them compared to six. By the time I reach the cutoff, I would have 14 years of experience in the Army flying helicopters and being a Warrant Officer. This directly translates to the level of competence, patience, and maturity you will acquire.

 

In summation. Don't worry about your age. Just don't be stupid.

 

Depending on whether the officers are aviation or not will structure the entire interview. I had none, so they did not ask me any aviation specific questions. But always expect to answer these, and prepare for it. The interview is not difficult, but the build up to it is. You will get nervous, you will sweat, you will have to poop. Don't wear your suit to MEPS. Take it with you and change 15 minutes prior. Also, you will do a run through of the meeting room, and what you will specifically have to do. Knock loud, and DO NOT walk behind the officers when you enter the room. My Room had a two door entrance, go through the door that's opposite of the officers.

 

For the "Why you deserve this job" question. This is your moment to shine. My interview was short, and I was actually disappointed I was not able to answer more questions like this. (Debate)

 

Here's how you answer it. Spend time looking back at yourself before the interview. Compile a list of everything positive about yourself.

 

Sports team member, leadership positions, grades, community events, flight time, a desire to serve, a desire to lead.

 

That question is your time to show your positive aspects and spin them in a direction that will make the officers interested. At any possible time, give them a true story about your life. Keep them interested by not answering with general statements. "I have always been good at leading" does not compare well when answering it like "I developed a knack and love for leading through years of sports and becoming my school's debate and tennis captain."

 

Oh, please, please, please reiterate how college is definitely going to happen in your life. not only will you need it for CW3, in today's environment, you would be useless without getting one. This was a strong point in my interview, I told them, "If the Army works out, I'm doing college while I'm in. If it doesn't, I'm doing college. No college is not an option.

 

Good luck! if you have anymore questions or concerns, do not hesitate to bring them to my attention.

 

Also, I apologize for not seeing this sooner. It did not come up for me.

[HeloChris]

 

I'm 18, just graduated high school in May. Took the SIFT a week before my birthday.

 

You can worry about, or you can have fun with the questions. I don't have a PPL, and I've only been in helicopters a few times. I also have some college credit from courses in high school, but I would assume you would have more then me.

 

My advice would be not to worry about your age. Follow the instructions, stand at attention, introduce yourself when you come into the interview. Be calm, considerate, and courteous.

 

The one disadvantage being young has is a lack of experience, to combat this you need to offset it with things you did in school. whether it be sports, clubs, good grades, community work, ect.

 

For example, I had a general disinterest in high school, so my GPA was never the best it could be, but thanks to four years of debate. I was able to develop a superb public speaking ability. If you, like me had a somewhat of a poor GPA in school. Point out the positive aspects. Show them that, when you found a class you enjoyed, you got good grades, and excelled at it. Point out how a GPA should not be the entire representation of character, and follow that up with your army test scores and positions held in sports/events/ect.

 

Now here is the advantage of being so young and inexperienced. It's just that. You are able to be molded into a perfect Warrant Officer first, and Aviator second. Compared to somebody who joined when they are 26. By the time I reach their starting age, and they reach the cutoff for selection, (Don't do the math, just go with it.) I would have eight years of experience on them compared to six. By the time I reach the cutoff, I would have 14 years of experience in the Army flying helicopters and being a Warrant Officer. This directly translates to the level of competence, patience, and maturity you will acquire.

 

In summation. Don't worry about your age. Just don't be stupid.

 

Depending on whether the officers are aviation or not will structure the entire interview. I had none, so they did not ask me any aviation specific questions. But always expect to answer these, and prepare for it. The interview is not difficult, but the build up to it is. You will get nervous, you will sweat, you will have to poop. Don't wear your suit to MEPS. Take it with you and change 15 minutes prior. Also, you will do a run through of the meeting room, and what you will specifically have to do. Knock loud, and DO NOT walk behind the officers when you enter the room. My Room had a two door entrance, go through the door that's opposite of the officers.

 

For the "Why you deserve this job" question. This is your moment to shine. My interview was short, and I was actually disappointed I was not able to answer more questions. (Debate)

 

Here's how you answer it. Spend time looking back at yourself before the interview. Compile a list of everything positive about yourself.

 

Sports team member, leadership positions, grades, community events, flight time, a desire to serve, a desire to lead.

 

That question is your time to show your positive aspects and spin them in a direction that will make the officers interested. At any possible time, give them a true story about your life. Keep them interested by not answering with general statements. "I have always been good at leading" does not compare well when answering it like "I developed a knack and love for leading through years of sports and becoming my school's debate and tennis captain."

 

Oh, please, please, please reiterate how college is definitely going to happen in your life. not only will you need it for CW3, in today's environment, you would be useless without getting one. This was a strong point in my interview, I told them, "If the Army works out, I'm doing college while I'm in. If it doesn't, I'm doing college. No college is not an option.

 

Good luck! if you have anymore questions or concerns, do not hesitate to bring them to my attention.

 

Also, I apologize for not seeing this sooner. It did not come up for me.

 

Thank you very much for the reply.

 

You are correct in that my GPA is not as high as it could have been, but I did ok with it and I will mention my high military test scores on the ASVAB and SIFT. I did however do a lot of extra curricular activities like you mentioned. I did 4 years of JROTC where I was an officer and leader, that would be great in the interview as you were saying. I also did lacrosse which i suppose I could use to spin off as I developed teamwork from it.

 

Anything you could recommend to add to my packet as someone without college? Is there anything they said that would separate us from everyone else applying with college experience?

 

Also that was my first post so it took a few days to be approved so that is why you didn't see it

[Tesla]

 

Thank you very much for the reply.

 

You are correct in that my GPA is not as high as it could have been, but I did ok with it and I will mention my high military test scores on the ASVAB and SIFT. I did however do a lot of extra curricular activities like you mentioned. I did 4 years of JROTC where I was an officer and leader, that would be great in the interview as you were saying. I also did lacrosse which i suppose I could use to spin off as I developed teamwork from it.

 

Anything you could recommend to add to my packet as someone without college? Is there anything they said that would separate us from everyone else applying with college experience?

 

Also that was my first post so it took a few days to be approved so that is why you didn't see it

 

JROTC would be good.

 

Any community work will put you above someone who does not have it, that is if you have enough time before the board. I did BBBS for roughly eight months, It's a good choice, but if you only have a month I would not recommend it. Find any community or volunteer work in your area and do it. Try and max your APFT, a 280-300 would look very good.

 

They didn't really say anything else. They told me I had my head screwed on straight (Like somebody told me in this forum .) There's nothing that they say that will stand us apart. It's what you say. Those three officers are not trying to fail you. They want you to succeed. They are looking for reasons to have you join their family. Something they put decades into. You are responsible for showing them those reasons.

 

Oh, and if you know another language, that would be good to put down as well.

[HeloChris]

 

JROTC would be good.

 

Any community work will put you above someone who does not have it, that is if you have enough time before the board. I did BBBS for roughly eight months, It's a good choice, but if you only have a month I would not recommend it. Find any community or volunteer work in your area and do it. Try and max your APFT, a 280-300 would look very good.

 

They didn't really say anything else. They told me I had my head screwed on straight (Like somebody told me in this forum .) There's nothing that they say that will stand us apart. It's what you say. Those three officers are not trying to fail you. They want you to succeed. They are looking for reasons to have you join their family. Something they put decades into. You are responsible for showing them those reasons.

 

Oh, and if you know another language, that would be good to put down as well.

 

 

In JROTC i did a lot of volunteer work, had to have a certain amount of hours to be eligible for promotion. In fact i organized and led a few of those events. I'm not sure exactly how many hours i did so i wont write it down in my packet( unless you think i should use an estimate of how many hours i served), but I think it would be worth mentioning at the board right?

 

Thanks for giving a little bit of their perspective, that helps to think of responses.

 

Sadly I don't know any other languages

[deegs41]

There is some great info there for you, but I also suggest taking a long look at your weaknesses and failures. At least in my interview it seemed that those were the areas that I truly got the board on my side rather than just telling them about all the different accolades and accomplishments I had. I learned more from those failures than anything else and a person who can identify and admit weaknesses (especially at a young age) is much more useful than an individual who believes they are invincible. Just my .02 and hope it does not lead you astray.

[Tesla]

There is some great info there for you, but I also suggest taking a long look at your weaknesses and failures. At least in my interview it seemed that those were the areas that I truly got the board on my side rather than just telling them about all the different accolades and accomplishments I had. I learned more from those failures than anything else and a person who can identify and admit weaknesses (especially at a young age) is much more useful than an individual who believes they are invincible. Just my .02 and hope it does not lead you astray.

 

This as well. Be completely honest with your answer if they ask what your weaknesses are. This was the first question they asked me. Instead of trying to reroute the answer to make it sound positive, I was just honest with them.

[HeloChris]

There is some great info there for you, but I also suggest taking a long look at your weaknesses and failures. At least in my interview it seemed that those were the areas that I truly got the board on my side rather than just telling them about all the different accolades and accomplishments I had. I learned more from those failures than anything else and a person who can identify and admit weaknesses (especially at a young age) is much more useful than an individual who believes they are invincible. Just my .02 and hope it does not lead you astray.

 

 

This as well. Be completely honest with your answer if they ask what your weaknesses are. This was the first question they asked me. Instead of trying to reroute the answer to make it sound positive, I was just honest with them.

 

Yes, that is the thing i have been pondering long and hard about. I know to be honest and not blow off the question but so far i have been finding it difficult to put my weakness into words. I know i have many weaknesses, i am far from perfect but its difficult to create a decent answer. Something for me to contemplate.

[deegs41]

Again I am no public speaking expert or psychologist, but I would not rehearse a specific line over and over again. At least my board members said they were bringing in questions from all different angles in order to produce more spontaneous answers rather than just having me recite prepared answers. Know your weaknesses and failures so that you are not completely unprepared, but I suggest that you don't have a memorized response. At least for me, what I believed was my biggest weakness and what I was going to say was not what actually came out in the board and looking back now I'm glad that I did not recite what I had prepared. The answer that came to me under those circumstances was more powerful and more truthful than my prepared answer. Again take this information with a VERY large grain of salt as I am just telling you what worked for me, every individual and every board will be different. I thought I had bombed my board bad but I received 73/75 (had a female board member who pointed out that I used the word "brotherhood" in my paper, I did not mean it to be sex exclusive; I had just only experienced a connection with males throughout my sports career. Also, my grades were pointed out only by the Aviation officer on the board who I could not convince that my sports accolades showed that those were my focus, not school). Just be yourself and produce truthful and organic (I hate that word) answers. Best of luck my friend