National Guard/Army Reserve Aviation

[AndrewT]

Chad,

 

 

 

This is getting fairly annoying but I have not given up, I spoke to Maryland and Deleware, but I think my best option is to go with Virginia or look at the Army reserves since there's a ch-47 reserve unit that fly's out of Ft. Eustis -- it seems like a never ending cycle I swear.

 

I've heard that the the USAR unit at Ft. Eustis is over strengthed. I'd still talk to a Reserve recruiter, but I got the word a couple of days ago from the S1. There are the Flying Tigers in Texas, I think. They fly AH-64's for the Reserve. But yeah, welcome to trying to get an aviation slot in the Guard.

[FredR]

Rook,

I'm currently in the Idaho Guard and my two cents is to think seriously about 15T. Being a flying crewchief is a great way to network yourself in the pilot community. I'm not saying that 15P is not a good route. However, as a 15T you will have to take checkrides, maintain currency etc.. much like the two guys (or gals) up front. Just some food for thought. Bye the way, when I joined my MOS was 67V (OH-58 mechanic) and I really didn't know the front end from the back end of a wrench either. However, you will gain a much broader understanding of the systems of the aircraft which will really help in flight school. Good luck.

Fred

[Helo_Rookie]

I've heard that the the USAR unit at Ft. Eustis is over strengthed. I'd still talk to a Reserve recruiter, but I got the word a couple of days ago from the S1. There are the Flying Tigers in Texas, I think. They fly AH-64's for the Reserve. But yeah, welcome to trying to get an aviation slot in the Guard.

 

 

Yeah its starting to make sense now, the VA Guard is understrength and the AR is overstrength... Hummm. I think I may just go the 15T route and pray I don't get screwed, at least I have the Afast out of the way and had a chance to meet the Bn Commander. I'm going to check with the AR recruiter and see what he says.. I do know the AR isnt actively recruiting for reserve aviation like they are for active duty. Either way I hope it works out in my favor.

[Helo_Rookie]

Rook,

I'm currently in the Idaho Guard and my two cents is to think seriously about 15T. Being a flying crewchief is a great way to network yourself in the pilot community. I'm not saying that 15P is not a good route. However, as a 15T you will have to take checkrides, maintain currency etc.. much like the two guys (or gals) up front. Just some food for thought. Bye the way, when I joined my MOS was 67V (OH-58 mechanic) and I really didn't know the front end from the back end of a wrench either. However, you will gain a much broader understanding of the systems of the aircraft which will really help in flight school. Good luck.

Fred

 

 

Fred,

 

Thanks man! I'm giving it serious consideration as that seems to be my only option at this point, at first I was told I could go 09W, now all of a sudden I can't... the CW4 down at the Bn suggested going 15T, much like you said that'll at least get me familiar with the airframe its functions etc. not to mention it'll get me airborne as flight crew- They know I want to fly and gave me a thumbs up as a suitable candidate , just hope I don't get the shaft after swearing in.

[Helo_Rookie]

  Well, just let me know what else happens. Good luck         CHAD

 

 

Hook,

 

Here's the latest update with my ongoing cycle... I still havent signed any papers or raised the right hand yet. I finally got in touch with the WOSM for Maryland NG -He's a civilian and he gave me some good info on how MD operates, in a nutshell I'll be going down the Edgewood area on APG the first week of May to get my flight physical (as a civilian) they'll send that down to Rucker and as long as there are no issues when that comes back, then I'll be expected to enlist. The WOSM suggested I enlist for 2 years and take no bonuses (he said I'd have to pay them back if I got selected to go to WOCS prior to serving the minimum time, and I'll get the Officer bonus anyway upon completetion of WOCS/IERW) and after gettting boarded and selected then worry about re-enlisting to have the 6 year service obligation. He advised I enlist only after getting the thumbs up from Rucker on the physical, but he advised I start getting lor's from past employers since I've been off active duty for so long and to start working on my packet now.

 

Based off what I just explained to you, does that sound legit? By far he's given me the most straight forward information yet, VA told me I needed to enlist prior in order to get a physical, but it seems this WOSM is more concerned with the applicant since he's a civilian. Let me know what you think-

 

Rook

 

 

P.S. Whats the Class 1 physical like? I don't have any major issues so it shouldnt be a problem... whats your take?

Edited April 17, 2008 by Helo_Rookie

[FLHooker]

Rook,

 

Good deal, hopefully he is shooting you right because he probably wants things to be correct than just checking the block. I don't know about the bonus stuff, cause i know that 2 guys that i went to WOCS with just reenlisted overseas, got all the money and kept it. So, I'm not sure that is accurate.

 

As for the Class 1, they will pretty much check everything. Expect it to be all day. If you have any specific questions about it, you can just PM me. Sorry for the general statement.

 

 

CHAD

[Ryan S]

The Air Force Reserves have helicopters too. You will have better conditions, more money and they will be getting brand new aircraft in the next few years. Maybe even Chinooks. Locations are FL and AZ.

 

Food for thought.

 

Ryan

[AndrewT]

The Air Force Reserves have helicopters too. You will have better conditions, more money and they will be getting brand new aircraft in the next few years. Maybe even Chinooks. Locations are FL and AZ.

 

Food for thought.

 

Ryan

 

 

And CA and NY if you include the ANG. Is flight school longer in the AF? You also get contracted for 10 years once you get winged with the AF.

 

Rook,

 

Looks like you're going to get a really good deal out of MD. Does the Guard have to signoff on you getting physicaled with them and at rucker?

[Helo_Rookie]

And CA and NY if you include the ANG. Is flight school longer in the AF? You also get contracted for 10 years once you get winged with the AF.

 

Rook,

 

Looks like you're going to get a really good deal out of MD. Does the Guard have to signoff on you getting physicaled with them and at rucker?

 

The physical I take with them will be sent down to Rucker for approval by the flight surgeon down there, if it comes back with no issues then I would be expected to enlist. As I was told today, the three biggest hurdles are the GT score, the AFAST, and the Flight physical- they lose a lot of people at the flight physical portion so I'm told. I'm not worried about the committment 6/10yrs, no big difference to me... NY has a good set up as far as ARNG/ANG they have a lot of assets...I'm impressed

[Helo_Rookie]

The Air Force Reserves have helicopters too. You will have better conditions, more money and they will be getting brand new aircraft in the next few years. Maybe even Chinooks. Locations are FL and AZ.

 

Food for thought.

 

Ryan

 

 

Thanks, I'll check it out- although, going to Florida from DC once a month is one hell of a journey! Whats the airforce aviation test like anyway?

Edited April 18, 2008 by Helo_Rookie

[Helo_Rookie]

Sorry for the general statement.

 

 

CHAD

 

No worries, I expect it to be pretty thorough- I don't have any major issues so it should be a thumbs up...(wishfully thinking)

[AndrewT]

Thanks, I'll check it out- although, going to Florida from DC once a month is one hell of a journey! Whats the airforce aviation test like anyway?

 

I wonder if they'd even let you do that. I flipped through the study guide for the AFOQT, which I think they also use to select pilots. It reminded me a lot of the SATs. 10 years is a long time in my opinion, and what happens if you move to different state that doesn't have helicopters? Do they put you in as a FW pilot or what? The Army National Guard has a lot more helicopters, so even if you move, chances are better that you'll find a way to keep flying. Hope I didn't rag too much on the AF, though for any members in blue!

 

 

As far as NY goes, we're a pretty big state and, in my humble opinion, the best in the union! Heh!

Edited April 18, 2008 by AndrewT

[Ryan S]

The Army commitment is 6 years but that is after the completion of training (more like 7 or 7.5).

 

As far as the test, I don't know what it is like. But you have a college degree so I am sure you could pass it.

 

As far as travel, they have full time AF Reserve positions available just like the Army Guard does so you may even be able to snag one of those.

 

I don't know much about the process coming from the civilian side. but you can get on the web site and chat live with a recruiter. They are usually pretty cool.

 

I am just bringing it up as another option. Not trying to change your mind but just to give you ideas in your search for what you want. In my travels across the globe, the airmen have always lived a lot better than the soldiers. shorter deployments, more bonuses, better housing.

 

Like I said before, just food for thought.

 

ryan

[Helo_Rookie]

I am just bringing it up as another option. Not trying to change your mind but just to give you ideas in your search for what you want. In my travels across the globe, the airmen have always lived a lot better than the soldiers. shorter deployments, more bonuses, better housing.

 

Like I said before, just food for thought.

 

ryan

 

 

Ryan,

 

No worries, I appreciate your comments- thats is definitely something to consider as an alternate or as a future option. Only downside is with so few AFR/ANG units that have rotary wing a/c, I'm sure the competition is fierce, too many applicants applying for too few positions. I'll definitely keep it in mind once I get my wings

[FLHooker]

Rook,

 

In 2 weeks, I'll be ferry flyin' a Chinook (4 total going) from Oklahoma to NY. I'm not sure if they already have them, or are a new unit, but apparently NY has Hooks!

 

 

 

CHAD

[AndrewT]

Rook,

 

In 2 weeks, I'll be ferry flyin' a Chinook (4 total going) from Oklahoma to NY. I'm not sure if they already have them, or are a new unit, but apparently NY has Hooks!

 

 

 

CHAD

 

 

NY has 60's in Albany, Long Island, and Rochester. I wonder if they are going to stand up a new unit...hmmmm. Without giving too much away for Op Sec, where about's in NY are you dropping these babies off?

[Helo_Rookie]

Rook,

 

In 2 weeks, I'll be ferry flyin' a Chinook (4 total going) from Oklahoma to NY. I'm not sure if they already have them, or are a new unit, but apparently NY has Hooks!

 

 

 

CHAD

 

 

I think NY has more than they are telling, I do remember the CT recruiters telling me NY and RI have SF Groups-of course they only roll 160th (which is apparently the reason CT may get Apaches), not sure how true that is but geez, NY 's building a nice toy chest in their playground...

[FLHooker]

Andrew, Rochester

 

Rook, Not true... We work with the SF also. We did a Paradrop with them last weekend, Helocast 6 months ago...

 

 

CHAD

[Helo_Rookie]

Andrew, Rochester

 

Rook, Not true... We work with the SF also. We did a Paradrop with them last weekend, Helocast 6 months ago...

 

 

CHAD

 

Good deal, I wonder where NY is strength-wise, let me know if you hear anything while you're up there...

[FLHooker]

Will do

[rjlopez]

Will do

 

Good morning Chad,

 

I recently contacted a Guard recruiter to inquire into becoming a hawk pilot in Florida. He said that the field was very tight for new slots and that I should enlist first and then apply to pilot school. I served active duty in the Navy as an aircrewman for 5 years so I know all about recruiter promises. The problem is that I just turned 34 and I know that I am very closed to the age limit for aviation. I am interested in going to OCS and then to flight school. Question is, is there anyone that I could contact in Florida to see how achievable my goal would be, other than a recruiter. I would not want to join and then find out that I am too old or past my time to become a pilot. Does the guard have anything like meeting someone at the unit before joining to ask questions?

 

Thanks in advanced,

 

Ray

[ErOk_OnE]

Good morning Chad,

 

I recently contacted a Guard recruiter to inquire into becoming a hawk pilot in Florida. He said that the field was very tight for new slots and that I should enlist first and then apply to pilot school. I served active duty in the Navy as an aircrewman for 5 years so I know all about recruiter promises. The problem is that I just turned 34 and I know that I am very closed to the age limit for aviation. I am interested in going to OCS and then to flight school. Question is, is there anyone that I could contact in Florida to see how achievable my goal would be, other than a recruiter. I would not want to join and then find out that I am too old or past my time to become a pilot. Does the guard have anything like meeting someone at the unit before joining to ask questions?

 

Thanks in advanced,

 

Ray

 

 

Have you been to this site yet?

 

http://www.floridaguard.army.mil/dl/read.asp?did=492

 

towards the bottom it also has the warrant officer recruiting website and there you'll find the answers your looking for if your interested in becoming a warrant officer. 46 is the age limit here for the florida national guard..not sure if this aviation

 

 

OCS is a different ball game and I'm not too familiar with it but here is some info i found..

 

http://www.floridaguard.army.mil/careers/army.aspx?id=660

 

For OCS it says you must be commissioned before your 40th birthday.

 

also there is a Direct Commissioning option as well.

 

Regardless if you have a degree, and want to fly then don't come in enlisted. You've done that already...so why would you do it again. I had that fed to me as well and I ignored it and pushed through it become WO. I leave for school this August.

 

so if you want info on WO then go to the WO website, OCS then check the websites I posted.

 

hope this helps...if you've done this already...then i suggest finding a different recruiter in FL.

 

take care.

 

p.s. I almost forgot. From what i've heard....Officers fly then as they are promoted...they usually get promoted into broader, more general taskings...i.e..no longer flying as much, but performing administrative tasks. Warrant Officers are technical specialists in whatever field they are trained in. Promotion within that duty is to be expected, i.e. you'll be flying for the better part of your career. So you have to ask yourself if you want to become an officer or a Warrant. Do you want to fly the length of your career, or do you want to move up the ladder generally. Both have their + and -. This is what I've heard. Maybe some guys on the forum can either negate or agree with it.

 

see ya

Edited May 17, 2008 by ErOk_OnE

[FLHooker]

Rook, Rochester unit has Hooks (currently deployed to Afghanistan), Hueys (transitioning to Hawks), and 58's. They are going to be looking for Hookers and Hawk pilots here soon due to the transition and the deployment. From everyone I met up there, cool ass people, and they are building a SWEEEEEET facility.

 

 

 

CHAD

[Helo_Rookie]

Rook, Rochester unit has Hooks (currently deployed to Afghanistan), Hueys (transitioning to Hawks), and 58's. They are going to be looking for Hookers and Hawk pilots here soon due to the transition and the deployment. From everyone I met up there, cool ass people, and they are building a SWEEEEEET facility.

 

 

 

CHAD

 

Chad,

 

Glad you sent me a message... If you recall where I'm at with the MD guard based on the physical I took a few weeks ago, well... Guess who I get a call from on Thursday... The Army Reserve recuruiter, apparently the reserve is still recruiting for aviators- he wants to meet up sometime Tuesday morning- he claims he'll accept most of the NG paperwork aside from the physical, and he'll send me through another Class 1 for the Army reserve and work with me to get a packet completed, from then he said It'll go in front of a boarsd who will review my qualification and pending approval of that board, I'll have about a week to get sworn in at MEPS... so in a nutshell he's telling me I can go through the entire process with out swearing in... I'm a bit hesitant about whole ordeal- he's telling me I'd be flying out of Ft. Eustis and I have a choice of 60's, and 47's but as I recall Eustis only has 47's... maybe he knows something I don't... I still think the Guard is better gig than traditional reserve but right now I'm concerned with getting to WOCS,... what's your take? MD Guard is ready to move forward asap, they want to use a shortfill instead of their alloted slots for FY09, maybe I'm just a bit skeptical but I don't trust recruiters as far as I can see them...

[FLHooker]

I'd say whoever is willing to put you in first. GET THE WINGS. I'm bias to the situation, but I would suggest 47's, for a couple of reasons. 1. I love them 2. There are alot fewer 47 slots than 60's, transition to a 60 would be a lot easier if you wanted to eventually going that way, and you'd be rated in 2 airframes 3. I love them.

 

Let me get something straight... MD is saying that they are going to put you on a shortfall list?? Um, I'd be careful with that, it could be a LONG time (big time COULD) before a shortfall comes along. They are pretty unpredictable. If they have a shortfall already on the books, go for it, but if they don't, be careful. As for the Class 1, that doesn't make sense at all, it ALL goes through Rucker, no matter where you are. Also, who in MD is telling you about the shortfall list?? is it the UNIT S1?????? or is it a recruiter??

 

As for the Guard vs Reserve. It's really a personal preference. I'm currently on Standby for all the fires here in FL, whereas a Reservist wouldn't be. GET THE WINGS.

 

 

 

CHAD