Guard WOFT procedure

[chickflix]

Yet another poor noob here. I've been trolling this forum for awhile now, but i'm a little unclear as to how to get this started. I understand getting a packet together, but what should I do first? A little background: I'm 28, married with child, no college, working as fedex drone, just purchased house. Living in PA. Looked at civilian pilot school, and realized one mortgage is enough.

 

1. Would it be appropriate for me to call the aviation battalion in Ft. Indiantown Gap to set up a time to interview some pilots, and get to know them?

2. I'm currently studying for the AFAST, etc. Should I contact a recruiter to schedule my ASVAB/AFAST?

3. I have read on here about getting a WO recruiter. How would I go about getting one?

4. Can the interview/packet process be done without enlisting? I don't want to enlist and then somehow get swept under a rug, stuck doing something I don't want to do.

 

That's all I have for now. I"m sure I'll have more questions. Any help I can get would be awesome. Thanks!

[NC AV8R]

1. Just like in the civilian world, networking is key. Do what you can to get to know some people in the right places.

 

 

2. Definitely contact a recruiter about the ASVAB and AFAST.

 

 

3. Go to nationalguard.com. Go to the warrant officer page. Submit a request for information. You will be contacted.

 

 

4. It is my understanding that to submit a warrant officer packet for a guard slot you must be enlisted in the guard or transitioning from active duty(regular army or any other branch).

 

I was enlisted - regular army and after a couple deployments and watching some good friends die I decided to get out. My goal when I enlisted was to put in a woft packet. I started my packet when I got to my first unit. My company commander didn't give a rats a** about me and could care less until it was time to re-enlist. I've been kicking myself ever since for not extending and putting in a packet. I just recently started checking in to the national guard WOFT program.

 

My advice is don't enlist and then put in a packet. What if you can't pass a flight physical or get a security clearance? Then you are stuck in an enlisted position until your enlistment is up. Then while completing your 8 year obligation in the IRR, you run the risk of being recalled and deployed again like I was.

 

I'm not expert by any means. You should talk to a warrant officer recruiter. Go to nationalguard.com and go to the warrant officer page. Submit a request and a chief will call you.

 

If you really want to do the WOFT program consider doing it in the regular army or reserves. You can put in a packet as a civilian. But keep in mind you will be up against a lot of good competition.

Edited September 29, 2011 by NC AV8R

[chickflix]

Thanks for the advice. I suppose I should add my goals to this. Obviously I want to be a pilot for a career. My ultimate flying career would be either Penn State's Life Lion, or MD State Police. I realize these are years down the road. Both require at least 2000 hrs. What do you think? The Guard route would be all turbine with NVG/night, etc. How many hours (average) would I expect for my 8 years on the Guard? As far as training and ability to secure a decent pilot job when I'm done, I'm guessing the Guard would be my best bet? Civilian training just seems a little too unpredictable, not to mention expensive as hell. I'm not sure I'd want to go active duty. My wife would kill me if I did that, and we had to permanently move somewhere for active duty. we just bought our house. Thanks again.