Jump to content

National Guard Ascension Process


Recommended Posts

Hello,

 

I have been browsing these forums for the last couple of days, and I must say there is most certainly a ton of helpful information on here. Unfortunately I still have not found the answers to the questions I am looking for, as I am pretty new to this process. Currently I am building my packet and getting ready to take the SIFT in a few weeks. I transferred to the Army National Guard about a year ago from the Air Force (I was a F-35 crew chief), and now I work at Lockheed Martin. I am applying for a slot in the AZ NG unit right near my house to be a 153A.

 

 

How are the guard slots billeted and distributed? I assume I am not competing with Active since its at the unit level, but after I submit my package and hopefully get passed the first board, what does the rest of the process look like after the first board? In the selection packet it states after selection in the AZARNG Flt Board you have to board again for Federal Recognition, can anyone elaborate more on this? Are the guard slots more competitive? What was the turn around time to getting to WOCS and Flight School?

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I will keep updating this as more questions come up.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A lot will depend on your state. You need to get in touch with AZ's warrant officer strength manager. The WOSM will be able to reach out to the aviation board and/or state aviation officer to find out exactly what is needed for a WOFT packet if they don't already know. State requirements prior to allowing you to board may vary a little bit, so it important you hear directly from the AZ WOSM what you need.

 

After your packet is all set, you will go before an aviation selection board. If selected, the next step is the FEDREC board. The FEDREC board is pretty much a rubber stamp... They are basically making sure AZ hasn't gone off the reservation in their selection process and is in fact picking people competent to be army officers. It will include a representative from the federal side of the Army as well as some Guard members.

As far as how competitive it is, it entirely varies state by state. You are competing for a slot in the AZNG against whoever else is seeking the spot, whatever their qualifications may be. In some cases, there are more slots than applicants, in others it may be very competitive.

As far as turn around times for flight school... it depends. If they have slots and school seats they are immediately trying to fill, it could be quick. In my case, I've had a bit of a wait. I was selected last March, want to WOCS this April, and will be going to flight school sometime this fall or beyond. If there is a long wait between flight school and WOCS, your state may opt to send you to the National Guard WOCS.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you for the reply Mike. I appreciate the feedback. It seems that everyone's experience in the guard accession process is very different. The WOSM was able to send me a packet with all the information that I needed, as well as the requirements for the board. Currently I am preparing for the SIFT in August, and I will have my flight physical right after. If anyone else would like comment their experience in the Guard it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

When I went, selection and FEDREC board were done at the same time. It lasted me about 15 min sitting there.

 

As for the slots/school dates, they are hit or miss. They can put you 12 months out but call you right away to show up in 2 weeks because of a shortfall, seen it happen in my guard unit.

 

Passed my board on June, got told im going to WOCS at April 2020.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Some states run their own WOCS course. It is 5 drill weekends at a regional training institute (RTI) and then an AT (2 weeks) with a bunch of other RTI WOCS classes at a central location. I'm not sure it's an option in all states. In my state it is only an option for aviation candidates in circumstances where the state is confident flight school seats won't be available until after said candidate would graduate (The course runs annually April - September, so depending on selection date, for example June, it would be almost 18 months until the next state WOCS class graduates, but if you were selected in March you could be done by that September).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I know Mike has already said plenty, but I was just selected by my state's aviation selection board and have a FEDREC board scheduled for September. While working with my WOSM everything was done very professionally and the board asked me plenty of tough questions. My state is very Apache heavy so they made sure to let me know that is what I will be flying if selected. Also since I was a Street to Seat candidate that scheduling everything from Basic to Flight School will take a long time. I was told there would be a 6-8 month wait time. But since you are prior service i'm sure your process will be much faster than mine. Best of luck to you!

 

Charlie N.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was looking into the CA NG, and it looked like they do street to seat. Ultimately I wanted to serve closer to home though, so I reached out to the MT WOSM after moving back up north. The MT NG requires you to be a drilling member of the Guard before submitting a flight packet. Some food for thought.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Indom, Im AZNG and Mikes response is pretty accurate as usual. Some years the RTI will run multiple WOCS though.

 

Whether you go state or federal (Rucker) WOCS may depend on your age (do they need to rush you), your security clearance (interim is good for state, but fed requires secret), or other candidates (is the state trying to fast track a couple guys or are there more applicants than seats).

 

Time between WOCS and IERW will vary depending on the need of the state and soldier. It can be as little as a couple weeks up to a year. Send me a message if you want to talk specifics.

 

Zack

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...